In a landmark announcement for comic book fans, Marvel and DC Comics have revealed their first major crossover event in over two decades, uniting two of the industry’s most iconic characters: Marvel’s irreverent Merc with a Mouth, Deadpool, and DC’s stoic Dark Knight, Batman. This historic collaboration, unveiled exclusively by Entertainment Weekly today, will unfold across two one-shot comics—Deadpool/Batman and Batman/Deadpool—set for release in September and November 2025, respectively. The crossover promises a thrilling blend of humor, action, and chaos, with top-tier creative teams and a tease of more crossovers to follow in 2026.
The collaboration between Marvel and DC, often called “the Big Two,” is a significant moment for the comic book industry, which has faced challenges in recent years. The last major crossover was 2003’s JLA/Avengers, following the 1996 DC vs. Marvel event that introduced the fan-favorite Amalgam universe. Jim Lee, DC’s President, Publisher, and Chief Creative Officer, highlighted the rarity of such events, stating, “It happens kind of once every generation of readers. I’ll leave you to draw your own conclusions as to why. The timing has to be right in that you don’t want to do these too often. You want them to feel special. It is sort of finding that right moment for both companies to come together because it is complex. There’s a lot more coordination, collaboration, approvals that have to be done. And, obviously, from the business side, you’re sharing revenue, but it’s going to be a big deal. So you want the story, creatively, to warrant the hype of it all.”
This underscores the careful planning behind the crossover, aimed at reigniting excitement for loyal readers and attracting new fans. The event arrives as the industry navigates a post-speculator boom landscape, seeking to reengage lapsed readers and expand its audience.
Deadpool/Batman: A Marvel-Led Mayhem
The first one-shot, Deadpool/Batman, releases on September 17, 2025, written by Zeb Wells, known for Amazing Spider-Man and the blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine. Veteran artist Greg Capullo, with a storied history on Batman and recent work on Wolverine: Revenge, handles artwork and covers. The story follows Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, as he takes a job in Gotham City, crossing paths with Batman, the World’s Greatest Detective.
Wells expressed his excitement, saying, “After writing Amazing Spider-Man for 60 issues, I told Marvel I needed a break. Marvel told me I could do that or I could write a comic starring Deadpool and Batman with the best Batman artist of our generation. I no longer needed a break. In Batman we’ve found someone who has even less time for Deadpool’s antics than Wolverine, but a city-wide threat from the Joker makes strange bedfellows (literally, if Deadpool had his way). It’s been a blast letting Deadpool loose in Gotham City and watching what happens.”
Capullo called the project a career pinnacle: “Am I dreaming? This crossover is likely to be the high point of my career...and, I’ve had a great career. Some of my earliest work (many years ago) was on X-Force, so Deadpool and I go way back. More recently, I spent 10-plus years drawing Batman at DC.” His dynamic cover art for Deadpool/Batman, depicting a tense standoff between the two, promises a visual spectacle.
DC’s Chief Creative Officer, Jim Buckley, praised the team, noting, “Whenever Buckley hears a Zeb Wells idea, it’s usually something that’s equally funny, clever, and heartfelt. That’s how I feel about what he is putting together now. And I know Mr. Capullo will deliver in spades on the emotional storytelling and all the action, because that’s what he does every time he does his story.”
Batman/Deadpool: DC’s Counterpoint
The second one-shot, Batman/Deadpool, arrives in November 2025, written by legendary Grant Morrison, whose works like All-Star Superman and Batman and Son have shaped DC’s modern era. Artist Dan Mora, known for his vibrant style, provides interior art and a cover featuring Batman looming over a chaotic Deadpool. This DC-led story promises Morrison’s signature mix of philosophical depth and high-stakes action.
Buckley explained the pairing’s appeal: “It just felt like a fun combo. I’ll be quite frank. It was nothing more complicated than that. Like, Deadpool hanging out with Batman. There’s a lot of levity to be had in there, a lot of fun. And it would also be a little bit uber violent at the same time…. Our big thing is we want to do something that is a lot of fun, showcase comics, generate excitement, and bring new readers or lapsed readers back into the industry.”
Batman/Deadpool includes “backup adventures” with additional Marvel and DC character matchups, though details remain undisclosed, promising fresh and unexpected pairings.
A Broader Vision for 2025 and Beyond
The Deadpool/Batman and Batman/Deadpool one-shots are just the start, with Marvel and DC confirming more crossover one-shots for 2026, though specifics are under wraps. Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief, C.B. Cebulski, highlighted the nostalgic appeal, stating, “Anyone that’s working in comics today grew up with a Marvel, DC crossover at some moment in their reading timeline history.” This reflects an effort to tap into nostalgia while introducing younger readers to inter-publisher collaborations.
This 2025 crossover builds on a storied history, from 1976’s Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man to 1990s titles like Uncanny X-Men and the New Teen Titans and Batman & Spider-Man. The 1996 DC vs. Marvel event, with fan-voted matchups and the Amalgam universe’s Dark Claw (a Batman/Wolverine hybrid), remains iconic. The new one-shots aim to recapture that magic while pushing creative boundaries.
The Deadpool-Batman pairing is inspired, with Deadpool’s irreverent humor and fourth-wall-breaking antics clashing with Batman’s grim demeanor, promising a narrative balancing levity and intensity. The Joker’s role as a city-wide threat in Deadpool/Batman adds unpredictable chaos.
The crossover’s timing is strategic, as Marvel and DC aim to revitalize the industry amid economic challenges and shifting demographics. By uniting bankable characters and top talent, the publishers seek a landmark event celebrating their shared history and paving the way for future collaborations. The 2024 success of Deadpool & Wolverine, integrating Deadpool into the MCU, likely boosted interest in seeing Wade Wilson alongside DC’s heroes.
As fans await Deadpool/Batman on September 17, 2025, and Batman/Deadpool in November, anticipation is high. This crossover promises to be a love letter to fans, a showcase of creative excellence, and a bold step toward a new era of Marvel-DC collaboration, with 2026’s teased crossovers setting the stage for a storytelling renaissance.
