DC’s Batman and Deadpool crossover has finally arrived, delivering some truly wild twists, hilarious fourth-wall breaks, and epic character makeovers. One of the standout moments comes when the Dark Knight takes a plunge into the green waters of the Lazarus Pits, resurrecting a fan-favorite ’90s superhero.
Grant Morrison and Dan Mora’s DC / Marvel: Batman / Deadpool #1 (2025), a highly anticipated one-shot, is finally here, marking one of the most mind-bending and hilarious crossovers to date. It also sees the Dark Knight go through several wardrobe changes, including a fusion with Deadpool, resulting in Deadbat, and the return of DARK CLAW from DC and Marvel’s short-lived Amalgam Universe.
As fans will remember, the Amalgam Universe combined characters into single hybrids, with Dark Claw being a fusion of Batman and Wolverine. This ’90s superhero comeback is something fans won’t be forgetting anytime soon thanks to the wild way Morrison reintroduces this character.
After Nearly 30 Years, Dark Claw Returns via Lazarus Pits
Clay Mann Virgin Variant for DC / Marvel: Batman / Deadpool #1 (2025)
DC / Marvel: Batman / Deadpool is a wild ride, start to finish, and includes the Dark Knight being killed by cartoon assassins after he is shot with dozens of arrows. Luckily, in this topsy-turvy crossover where logic is sparse and plot armor reigns supreme, Deadpool carries Batman’s body to one of Ra’s al Ghul’s life-restoring Lazarus Pits in hopes of bringing him back.
While Bruce enters the pit as Batman, he reemerges as Dark Claw, quite literally resurrecting the hero. This is a historic return for the character, given that he was limited to DC and Marvel’s Amalgam Universe and thus hasn’t appeared in either company’s narratives for nearly 30 years due to legal and ownership complications. His revival marks a major moment in crossover history.
Deadpool vs. Dark Claw Is the Fight Fans Didn’t Know They Needed
Cover K Jim Lee Variant for DC / Marvel: Batman / Deadpool #1 (2025)
Created by Jim Balent and Larry Hama, Dark Claw first appeared in a cameo in Marvel Vs. DC #3 (1996), which was shortly followed by his full appearance in JLX #1 in April 1996. Dark Claw’s alter ego is Logan Wayne, a character that combines Bruce Wayne’s trauma and detective brilliance with Logan’s mutant abilities, creating one of the most standout hybrids of the Amalgam era.
Truth be told, the combination of Batman and Wolverine is a deadly and overpowered combination, given that this means Dark Claw has Logan’s Adamantium claws, accelerated healing, and heightened senses, along with Bruce’s genius-level detective skills, tactical preparation, and billionaire resources. As a result, he’s an opponent most wouldn’t want to face off against.
Fans get to see Dark Claw in action as his resurrection leads to the characteristic Lazarus Pit rage and madness, resulting in Dark Claw immediately attacking Deadpool despite the two being on the same side. This sparks a bloody battle that sees Deadpool pump this Wolverine x Batman fusion full of bullets before Dark Claw finally comes to his senses and ultimately returns to normal Batman.
DC / Marvel: Batman / Deadpool #1 is available now from DC Comics!