Why Fans Are Disappointed in Morrison’s Batman/Deadpool Crossover

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Much like numerous comic book enthusiasts, I found myself intrigued back in April when it was announced that Grant Morrison would be rejoining the major publishers’ main line-up. What piqued my curiosity even more was learning that he would be contributing to a fresh Batman storyline. For those who have been following the Caped Crusader for some time, Morrison’s impact on the franchise has been substantial – he created Damian Wayne, launched Batman Incorporated, and advocated for a continuous Batman narrative that spans across titles. His work played a crucial role in revamping the character for contemporary audiences and laid the foundation for key aspects of today’s Batman lore, such as the extended “Bat Family” and Gotham City’s influence on the legend of the Dark Knight.

hearing about Grant Morrison’s comeback to the Batman universe stirred within me the anticipation of a fresh step into an era that might tackle contemporary concerns such as artificial intelligence, making it no longer exclusive to the realm of billionaires like Bruce Wayne, but also accessible and problematic for ordinary people – and the challenges this presents for the Dark Knight. Frankly, I must admit, I wasn’t expecting the recent revelation that Morrison’s project will be a collaboration between DC Comics and its long-standing rival, Marvel Comics: a crossover event featuring Batman and Deadpool. To tell the truth, this isn’t the Morrison return I had in mind.

The Batman/Deadpool Team-Up Will Anchor Anchor A New DC and Marvel Collaboration

It’s been confirmed by DC that writer Grant Morrison will collaborate with artist Dan Mora on a standalone Batman/Deadpool comic, scheduled for release in November 2025. As per the press statement, this collaboration is part of a larger DC/Marvel crossover event, marking the first significant partnership between the two leading publishers in over twenty years. The cover image shared suggests that the relationship between Batman and Deadpool might involve some friction.

Although it’s hard for me not to admire Morrison’s creative prowess, I find myself questioning their decision to work on a collaboration between Batman and Deadpool. The main concern lies in the stark contrast of their characters. They’re like two liquids that simply don’t blend well: no matter how you mix them, they just won’t harmonize.

Batman and Deadpool: Do Opposites Attract?

In most teams, having diverse personalities is beneficial as it fosters a range of ideas. However, when considering Batman and Deadpool, their contrasting natures might make them an unconventional pair. Batman’s dark, serious, and somber demeanor stands in stark contrast to Deadpool’s joking, impulsive, and lighthearted antics. The chance of the brooding Batman enduring Deadpool’s penchant for entertaining crowds and breaking the fourth wall seems slim. Delving into their intricate relationship may necessitate more than a single comic book issue to fully flesh out their dynamic effectively.

Instead of placing them within a standard conflict, reimagining their relationship through a more humorous lens, like the switch between Joker and Lex Luthor in “The Joker” (1976) #7 by Elliot S. Maggin and Irv Novick, could offer a unique twist to their contrasting personalities. However, this approach may lean heavily on the overused “serious hero-comedic sidekick” trope, making it challenging for Morrison to introduce something new. Regardless of whether the story follows a traditional crossover path or takes a comedic turn, both Batman’s seriousness (a key aspect of his allure) and Deadpool’s irreverence (or a blend of both) might be altered in the process. This leads to an important question: why should I be interested in this comic? Given that Deadpool is known for disregarding rules, can he abide by Batman’s “no-kill” policy, and if so, would Batman accept Deadpool’s lethal tendencies?

Batman Fans Want More From Morrison’s Return to the Franchise

My doubts regarding the Batman/Deadpool collaboration are not just casual remarks. Many fans, who are thrilled about Morrison’s return, share similar reservations about this team-up. One frequent complaint is that the crossover doesn’t meet the high standards fans have come to associate with Morrison’s writing. This is because Morrison’s work on Batman, in particular, often presents a more mature and gritty narrative tone. While Deadpool fits well with Morrison’s unconventional and rebellious creative spirit, his “buddy-cop” behavior seems at odds with Morrison’s preference for complex psychological storytelling.

fundamentally, both Batman (from DC) and Deadpool (from Marvel) are well-known figures within their respective universes. Changing Batman’s brooding characterization could dilute his impact in the storyline. Conversely, keeping Deadpool serious might feel out of place for him. It’s argued that other characters might be more fitting to embody Batman’s weighty presence. While a team-up between Batman and Deadpool could potentially result in amusing scenes, Morrison’s previous collaborations with the “Big Two” do not indicate that he has the necessary knack or skillset to create a successful humorous one-shot comic book.

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2025-06-06 05:10