The competition between Marvel and DC is well-known, but both companies are setting aside their differences long enough to release their first crossover comics since 2003's JLA/Avengers. And what better way to start this new chapter of teamwork than with Batman and Deadpool?

As shared by Entertainment Weekly, Marvel and DC are collaborating on two one-shot specials featuring the Dark Knight and the Merc With a Mouth. Marvel will publish Deadpool/Batman #1, written by Zeb Wells (The Amazing Spider-Man) and illustrated by Greg Capullo (Batman), while DC will release Batman/Deadpool #1, written by Grant Morrison (Batman) and drawn by Dan Mora (Superman/Batman: World's Finest). Both comics will also feature "additional stories" that bring together other characters from the Marvel and DC Universes.

Art by Greg Capullo & Dan Mora. (Image Credit: Marvel/DC)As mentioned, this project represents the first open Marvel/DC crossover in over two decades (unless you count Fortnite's Omniverse). Before that, the two companies had a history of working together on crossovers, beginning with 1976's Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man.

"It happens roughly once per generation of readers. I'll let you decide why," DC's President, Chief Creative Officer, and Publisher Jim Lee tells EW. "The timing needs to be right so that you don't do these too often. You want them to feel unique. It is about finding the perfect moment for both companies to join forces because it’s complicated. There is more coordination, collaboration, and approvals involved. And, obviously, from a business standpoint, revenue will be shared, but it's going to be significant. So you want the story, creatively, to justify the hype."

As to why these two companies chose Batman and Deadpool for this event, Marvel Entertainment President Dan Buckley says it just felt like the right unusual pairing.

"It simply felt like an enjoyable combination. I'll be honest. That was all there was to it," Buckley states. Like, Deadpool hanging out with Batman. There is a lot of humor to be found in that, a lot of fun. And it would also have some intense violence at times.... Our main goal is to create something entertaining, showcase comics, generate excitement, and bring new or returning readers into the industry."

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Deadpool/Batman #1 will be available on September 17, 2025, followed by Batman/Deadpool #1 in November. EW also states that Marvel and DC are already working on another set of crossover one-shots for 2026, though neither company has disclosed which characters will be involved at this time.

Which Marvel/DC crossover would you like to see next? Let us know in the comments below, and don't forget to check out Batman's top 10 crossovers of all time.