Marvel and DC Unveil Groundbreaking Crossover Comic: ‘DEADPOOL/BATMAN’

In an unprecedented move, Marvel and DC are set to join forces this fall with the release of the highly anticipated crossover comic, DEADPOOL/BATMAN. This one-shot issue follows Wade Wilson, also known as Deadpool, as he embarks on a mercenary mission in Gotham City, leading to an inevitable showdown with none other than the World’s Greatest Detective.

Creative Team Behind the Crossover

The comic will be penned by Zeb Wells, a celebrated writer recognized for his extensive contributions to Spider-Man comics and as a co-writer for Marvel Studios’ upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine film. The artwork will be brought to life by Greg Capullo, an acclaimed illustrator renowned for his significant work on both Batman and X-Men titles.

 

A New Era of Collaborations

This crossover marks the first of two collaborations between Marvel and DC in over twenty years. DEADPOOL/BATMAN #1 is slated for release on September 17, 2025, followed by DC’s BATMAN/DEADPOOL #1 in November 2025. This dual release allows each publisher to delve into character dynamics from their unique perspectives, promising an epic clash that fans have long anticipated.

Insights from the Creators

In an official statement, Wells shared his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “After writing Amazing Spider-Man (2022) for 60 issues, I told Marvel I needed a break. They offered me the chance to write a comic starring Deadpool and Batman with the best Batman artist of our generation. I no longer needed a break.” He humorously noted that pairing Deadpool with Batman introduces a new level of tension, quipping, “We’ve found someone who has even less time for Deadpool’s antics than Wolverine.” However, with a city-wide threat from the Joker looming, the duo will be forced into an uneasy alliance, with Deadpool undoubtedly testing the limits.

Capullo echoed Wells’ excitement, calling this crossover a potential career highlight. “Am I dreaming? This crossover is likely to be the high point of my career… and I’ve had a great career,” Capullo remarked, referencing his long-standing history with both Deadpool (from X-FORCE) and Batman (from over ten years at DC). With Capullo’s main cover already unveiled, anticipation continues to build as fans eagerly await the release of DEADPOOL/BATMAN #1 on September 17.

Berserk Announces New Manga Arc

'Berserk' is gearing up to embark on a fresh manga storyline. The latest announcement, revealed in the 18th issue of Hakusensha’s Young Animal magazine, discloses that the forthcoming chapter, set to debut on September 22, will introduce the newest arc in the narrative. Furthermore, fans can anticipate the release of the 42nd compiled volume of 'Berserk' in Japan on September 29. Following the tragic passing of the creator, Kentarou Miura, on May 6, 2021, the manga experienced a hiatus and later resumed under the supervision of Kouji Mori, with contributions from Studio Gaga.

Studio Gaga comprises Miura's former studio assistants and apprentices, while Mori, a close friend of Miura's, possesses knowledge of the story's ultimate conclusion. Stay tuned for further updates regarding 'Berserk's' upcoming manga arc. 'Berserk' Chapter 374 is scheduled to grace the pages of Young Animal on September 22nd, with Mouri and Gaga at the helm as the Black Swordsman embarks on yet another seafaring adventure. The forthcoming installment will also treat readers to a colorful page, depicting Guts wrestling with his next course of action. As Griffith continues his relentless pursuit of power on a global scale, the future remains bleak for our grim heroes. Following the release of the Berserk: Memorial Edition, there's still no official word on a potential new anime adaptation. However, given the series' enduring popularity, it's only a matter of time before the Black Swordsman slashes his way back into the world of anime.

How Does Shazam Tie Into Black Adam?

Black Adam greatly expands the scope of the DC Extended Universe, bringing in the Justice Society as well as Dwayne Johnson's dark demigod. Even characters from The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker show up, proving that James Gunn's time in the DC Universe is only beginning. And while the majority of the films' Easter eggs are connected to the history of Adam and the Justice Society, there's another DC hero who plays a major part in the story. That hero? None other than Billy Batson/Shazam (Asher Angel/Zachary Levi).

The strongest tie that connects Billy and Adam is the source of their powers. Adam gains his powers from a council of wizards who empower him with abilities from the Egyptian pantheon of gods. Whenever Adam speaks the word "Shazam!" he is granted godlike powers including superhuman strength and durability, flight, and the ability to generate lightning. But there's a twist to how Adam gained his powers. He was not chosen as the champion of Khandaq; rather, that honor went to his son Harut (Jalon Christian). Harut chose to give his power to Adam to save his life, and was killed shortly afterwards. This led Adam to wreak his unholy vengeance against the king who had oppressed his people and took his son from him. However, his rage ended up nearly leveling Khandaq, and the same wizards who gave him his powers imprisoned him within the ruins of the king's castle. In the present day, Adam is freed when Adrianna Tomaz (Sarah Shahi) speaks the word "Shazam" unlocking his prison. And once again, Adam finds himself battling against powerful foes when the Justice Society arrives to ensure his "peaceful surrender". By contrast, Billy accidentally stumbles upon the Rock of Eternity in Shazam! - the mystical fortress where the wizards convened when escaping a pair of bullies. There he meets the last living wizard (Djimon Honsou) who attempts to discover if he's worthy of becoming a new champion. While discussing the origins of the power, the Wizard says that he and his fellow magicians made a mistake in choosing the champion once hence his test of worthiness. It's more than likely he was referring to Adam at the time. Like Adam, Billy also gains incredible powers when he shouts "Shazam!" Said powers are derived from deities in Greek mythology (except for the biblical king Solomon, whose wisdom Billy gains.) Billy also shares his power with his foster family in order to defeat the madman Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong). Much like Adam's bond with his son, Billy shares a close connection with his family - both in terms of magical power and the bonds of love. Johnson also bears a strong connection to Shazam!, having served as an executive producer on the film. He was also attached to star as either Black Adam or Shazam before Black Adam was put into development. Though Johnson has expressed his desire for Superman and Black Adam to collide in future films, all the signs are pointing toward a Black Adam/Shazam showdown. The two have had a long and fierce rivalry in DC Comics canon, and the similarities in origins and powers could make for an interesting conflict.