Comic Review: “Marvel / DC: Deadpool / Batman #1” – A Grand Crossover That Fizzles Out
Whenever Marvel and DC join forces, it’s supposed to be an event something special that brings together decades of comic book history and fan excitement. For many, it’s a pop culture holiday, a rare chance to see two universes collide. Marvel / DC: Deadpool / Batman #1 was meant to be exactly that bold, chaotic, and unforgettable. Unfortunately, what we got is more of a curiosity than a true milestone
.The comic is structured as an anthology, containing several shorter stories from the headline Deadpool/Batman crossover to smaller pairings like Captain America/Wonder Woman, Daredevil/Green Arrow, Rocket Raccoon/Green Lantern, and even a lighthearted Jeff/Krypto interlude. On paper, that lineup sounds impressive. In practice, the results are uneven a mix of fun ideas, clashing tones, and wildly inconsistent execution.
Deadpool / Batman – Big Title, Middling Result
The main attraction the team-up between the Merc with a Mouth and the Dark Knight should have been the crown jewel of the issue. Sadly, despite a few genuinely funny beats, the story by Greg Capullo and Zeb Wells falls flat.
Deadpool’s manic energy meets Batman’s stoicism, but their chemistry never truly clicks. The banter often feels forced, and the trademark meta-humor rarely lands. Deadpool acts more like a parody of himself than the clever wildcard fans know him as, while Batman is reduced to a humorless foil.
The real issue, however, is the inclusion of the Joker. Instead of letting Batman and Deadpool develop their dynamic, the story quickly pivots toward a predictable Joker-centric conflict. His dialogue is inconsistent, his motives thin, and his presence unnecessary.
There are still a few bright spots the best being a genuinely clever moment where Deadpool jokes about Commissioner Gordon “sneaking a smoke between panels,” leading to panels where Gordon is suddenly exhaling smoke. It’s a sharp, self-aware gag that proves the concept could’ve worked with better writing.
Visually, Capullo’s art retains his signature cinematic flair, but the absence of his usual colorist is noticeable the pages lack the vibrancy and polish of his best work. It’s a decent-looking story, but hardly the visual powerhouse one might expect.
Score: 2.5/5
Captain America / Wonder Woman – A Controversial Take on War and Morality
Written by Chip Zdarsky with art by Terry Dodson, this story aims for gravitas a meditation on heroism, justice, and the moral cost of war. Unfortunately, it stumbles over its own ambition.
The concept of Captain America and Wonder Woman meeting on the WWII battlefield is a fantastic premise. But the execution falters, centering on a moment where Captain America spares Hitler. The intent is clear a philosophical exploration of justice versus vengeance yet in practice it feels tone-deaf and misplaced, especially in today’s sociopolitical climate.
Visually, Dodson’s work is stunning, but the writing feels self-conscious and heavy-handed. The line “You put down the gun, and I put down the sword” tries to land as a profound moral statement but ends up feeling naïve. It’s a story that wants to be profound but collapses under the weight of its own message.
Score: 2/5
Jeff / Krypto – A Cute but Meaningless Interlude
Kelly Thompson’s brief segment featuring Marvel’s mini shark Jeff the Land Shark and Superman’s loyal dog Krypto is undeniably adorable and entirely forgettable.
There’s no dialogue, no conflict, and no real crossover value just the two playing beach volleyball in Antarctica. It’s a nice visual palate cleanser between heavier stories, but it adds nothing of substance. Kids may love it; adult readers will probably skim it.
Score: 3/5
Daredevil / Green Arrow – Street-Level Heroes, Classic Chemistry
Now this one works. Written by Kevin Smith with art by Adam Kubert, this crossover captures the spirit of both characters beautifully.
Daredevil and Green Arrow share a believable, organic dynamic two morally driven vigilantes walking the line between justice and obsession. The dialogue pops with energy, and there’s even some well-placed humor (“I thought you were Hawkeye!”). The action flows naturally, culminating in a crowd-pleasing boxing glove arrow gag.
It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s fun, confident, and faithful to both heroes’ voices.
Score: 4/5
Rocket Raccoon / Green Lantern – Short, Silly, and Surprisingly Fun
This two-page story from Al Ewing and Dike Ruan is perhaps the most purely enjoyable of the bunch. The premise Rocket Raccoon somehow acquiring a Green Lantern ring is absurd, and the story leans into that absurdity with gusto.
It’s a quick, irreverent gag that knows exactly what it is. Some fans may bristle at the lore-breaking logic of Rocket wielding a Lantern ring, but the tongue-in-cheek tone makes it work. A perfect example of how to do a crossover joke right.
Score: 4/5
Old Man Logan / The Dark Knight Returns – Frank Miller vs. Himself
Frank Miller revisits his iconic creations in what should have been a bold, grizzled masterpiece. Instead, it’s a confusing, disjointed mess.
The story lacks clarity, coherence, and emotional weight. The art feels rough and unfinished, far removed from the stylized intensity that once defined Miller’s work. Rather than a grand return, it reads like an echo of past greatness.
Score: 1/5
Logo – The Spirit of Amalgam Lives Again
Finally, Ryan North delivers an unexpected treat: Logo, a fusion of Wolverine and Lobo. It’s wild, ridiculous, and completely self-aware exactly what you’d hope for from an Amalgam Comics throwback.
It’s not deep, but it’s packed with energy and nostalgia. For longtime fans of those ‘90s mash-ups, this might be the highlight of the issue.
Score: 3.5/5
Final Thoughts
Marvel / DC: Deadpool / Batman #1 had all the potential in the world an all-star lineup of characters and creators, a chance to rekindle the spirit of cross-company collaboration. But for every inspired idea, there’s another that feels half-hearted or poorly conceived.
The biggest issue is inconsistency. Some stories shine with creativity and heart, while others read like contractual obligations. The flagship Deadpool/Batman story, in particular, feels undercooked and lacking in both wit and purpose. It’s not terrible just disappointingly ordinary.
This anthology is, at best, an interesting experiment. At worst, it’s a reminder that novelty alone isn’t enough to make a crossover memorable.
Pros
+A few genuinely clever crossover concepts (Daredevil/Green Arrow, Rocket/Green Lantern)+Strong artwork from Adam Kubert and Greg Capullo
+Fun Amalgam throwback with Logo
+Occasional moments of sharp meta-humor
Cons
-Wildly uneven storytelling quality-Main story feels lazy and underdeveloped
-Controversial and tone-deaf Captain America/Wonder Woman segment
-Frank Miller’s weakest outing in years
-Little emotional or narrative weight overall
Final Score: 5/10
A crossover that should have been a landmark ends up as a mixed bag part nostalgia trip, part creative shrug. There are flashes of brilliance here and there, but Marvel / DC: Deadpool / Batman #1 never rises above being “just okay.” Fun in moments, forgettable as a whole.
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