6 Must-Read Marvel and DC Crossovers Before Batman/Deadpool

If you tell someone that you’re a comic book fan, inevitably there is a follow-up question: Marvel or DC? The real ones know you don’t have to pick between the two — both offer unique perspectives on the super hero genre. Well-rounded comics readers will have favorites from all corners of the publishing giants’ Multiverses.

However, there’s always that itch that begs to be scratched for the two to meet. What if … a mutant crossed paths with a metahuman? Or a Justice Leaguer teamed up with an Avenger?

The possibilities are endless and now, after two decades, comic book fans will get Deadpool/Batman #1 in September and Batman/Deadpool #1 in November. Stoic Batman and mouthy Deadpool will surely be an interesting match in these two special one-shot issues, featuring other super hero team-ups as well.

Ahead of this highly anticipated super hero crossover, here’s a list of some of the most noteworthy official DC and Marvel crossovers — then, keep reading for further analysis on their contribution to this elusive, legendary shared universe.

• Superman vs The Amazing Spider-Man (1976)
• The Uncanny X-Men and The New Teen Titans (1982)
• Darkseid vs Galactus: The Hunger (1995)
• Marvel Versus DC (1996)
• Green Lantern / Silver Surfer: Unholy Alliances (1996)
• JLA/Avengers (2003)

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Superman vs The Amazing Spider-Man (1976)

As the first of its kind, the meet-up between Kal-El and Peter Parker was explosive, to say the least. Kryptonian physiology against Spidey-senses! In Superman vs The Amazing Spider-Man, the battle of the century starts off with a bit of a misunderstanding between the two heroes but soon they work together to stop their enemies, Lex Luthor and Doctor Octopus, who have also teamed up. The story itself isn’t canon since it inexplicably shows a world in which the characters co-exist yet have never met. A sequel came out in 1981, the same year that gave readers Batman vs The Incredible Hulk!

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Teen Titans vs Uncanny X-Men (1982)

The next decade gave super hero fans a crossover that made a bit more sense, and perhaps was more evenly matched. The X-Men were still grieving the loss of Jean Grey. The Teen Titans were finding their own path as a team of new heroes. When Darkseid attempts to harness power beyond The Source, he crosses over from his world into the mutants’ world. Soon, he resurrects Dark Phoenix and the two teams must find a way to stop these raging powerhouses. With beautiful art, original character designs, and thoughtful interactions, this story is an exemplary crossover between Marvel and DC.

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Darkseid vs Galactus: The Hunger (1995)

Two villainous titans who thrive creating eternal destruction, one hellish planet as the prize — this is Darkseid vs Galactus: The Hunger. The World Devourer sets his sights on Apokolips, Darkseid’s war-torn home. New Genesis heeded a warning to hide themselves but Darkseid’s pride leads to a colossal confrontation between the two unstoppable forces. However, can Apokolips truly satisfy Galactus’ hunger? Pitting these two horrific figures against each other places both of their power in question.

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Marvel Versus DC (1996)

In the middle of the ’90s, a crossover occurred that shook both Marvel and DC to their cores. This was no ordinary “throw some characters against each other and see who wins.” Instead, the book took inspiration from the Kamen Rider series by putting the characters’ entire dimensions in danger of destruction, should they lose. Both universes are embodied by giant cosmic beings, with earthly avatars like the hero Access.

In desperation, Access forces the beings to combine. As a result, the Amalgam Universe is created. Batman and Wolverine combine to create Dark Claw, while The Joker and Sabretooth become Hyena. Superman and Captain America turned into Super Soldier while Storm and Wonder Woman formed Amazon. Across an entire series of one-shot specials, the Amalgam Comics offered a one-of-a-kind mashup of fan-favorite heroes and villains.

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Green Lantern / Silver Surfer: Unholy Alliances (1996)

Out in the cosmos, you really do have the perfect battleground for interdimensional meetings. Enter Kyle Rayner, the Green Lantern, and Norrin Radd, the Silver Surfer. For the visuals alone, this intergalactic meeting is an epic adventure. Each man is the respective guardian of their universe’s vast reaches of space, with nearly limitless power at their fingertips. And up against Hal Jordan, working as Parallax, these two cosmic heroes find their power is even greater when they work together. The mid-90s were an excellent time for super hero crossovers!

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JLA/Avengers (2003)

Due to its limited runs, this book is a bit hard to get your hands on. Beloved artist George Pérez began envisioning this grand crossover while working on both teams’ books back in the 1970s. Thirty years later, his vision came to fruition with four issues that combined the Justice League and the Avengers. In some ways, the plot is similar to Secret Wars, in that all-powerful forces compel heroes to battle each other. Except this time the stakes are even higher than just a Beyonder’s amusement, harkening back to Marvel Versus DC. Whichever side fails, loses their entire dimension! So like, no pressure. The book features the iconic artwork of Pérez as well as Kurt Busiek’s masterful character work.

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With worlds as vast as those of DC and Marvel, these are only a smattering of the available crossover adventures. Try checking out Batman and Captain America, The Incredible Hulk vs Superman, and Daredevil / Batman. Later, the Man Without Fear and the Dark Knight met up once again in Batman / Daredevil: King of New York. Batman also encountered The Punisher and Spider-Man, while Superman once crossed paths with the Fantastic Four.

What’s your favorite crossover comic? Share your pick with other super hero fans over at Sideshow Social Network or at side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!