This is the "Does Batman Always Win?" I've been itching to write since I first came up with the segment. Yes, it was a dream come true to write about Batman taking on the Ninja Turtles last month, but come on, this is Deadpool we're talking about! I've been a huge fan of Wade for years now, so the thought of him facing off against one of my favorite heroes over at DC is truly exciting and super fun to speculate. While both characters are certainly dangerous, they're essentially polar opposites when it comes to how they operate in combat. Batman's often a man of few words and gets right down to business. Wade Wilson? He's become downright infamous for prolonging fights with skilled characters and driving his opponents insane with a tsunami of banter.
To make sure the segment is neutral, the matches will always be a random encounter (this means neither has knowledge on the other or prep time) and in a generic, unpopulated city setting at night (NOT Gotham). They'll start roughly 50 feet apart, have their standard gear and they will be in character. Naturally, they have the objective to defeat the other character. Just like over in the Battles Forums, the winner will be declared based on who I think takes the most victories in this scenario if it played out 10 times. Additionally, it's worth noting that this segment is treating all pre-New 52 Batman feats as canon (New Earth, of course).
Will Wade's healing factor and physicals let him wear down the Caped Crusader... or will Batman overcome the popular Marvel character?
Fighting Skill
Unfortunately, Deadpool's goofy nature sometimes takes the wheel and this leads to a rather understandable misconception that he's not too skilled and is ultimately a clown with a healing factor. But, as I just said, it's a misconception. While he's often used as the brunt of a joke thanks to his comedic nature and a healing factor which allows him to take anything and then some, I believe these not-so-flattering examples are outweighed by the moderately skilled to impressively formidable ones. Over the years, Wade Wilson's had the opportunity to endure violent encounters with some of Marvel's biggest and most dangerous names (and if you dare cite Squirrel Girl, just remember she's bested Doom, Thanos, Wolverine and more...).
He's had the talent to give Iron Fist a decent (yet short) encounter twice, he's been able to one-up Bullseye, gone toe-to-toe with Killmonger, flawlessly humiliated Shatterstar, has given Cable hell, held his own against Wolverine numerous times, and, as you likely know by now, is basically Taskmaster's kryptonite because of his sporadic methods. Oh, and best of all? He's kicked Steve Rogers in the junk. I mean, he's also legitimately taken an edge over him in unarmed combat, but an unexpected kick the groin is far more praiseworthy, right?
Ultimately though, Batman is indeed more skilled than him and there's just no disputing that one. While Wade has what it takes to hang with some great characters, Batman not only knows a greater variety of technique, but he's frequently displayed it, too. So, what was the point of me babbling about Wade's skill? It was to prove he's not some chump that Batman will effortlessly smack around... and I'm certain more than a handful of people out there came into this feature with that outcome in mind. Deadpool may not be as exceptional as his opponent in this case, but he has the moves required to at least make it amusing when it comes to this factor.
Edge: Batman
Equipment
Deadpool's equipment is simple yet effective. Blades, firearms, and assorted grenades is usually what the character brings to the table. They're all things the Dark Knight has faced before, and the argument "Wade shoots Batman in the face" is beyond silly and vastly underestimating DC's famous hero. I think more often than not, it's reasonable to believe this is a battle that'll come down to close range. That said, Deadpool certainly has the feats to justify the possibility of tagging Batman or utilizing an unexpected attack with a grenade (his fight with the Great Lakes Avengers, for example). Again, it's not something I view as a large factor or could happen for a majority, but the slight possibility does exist and because of that it is worth noting it could play a role in a handful of matches (at most). While Wade's swords can definitely dish out some major damage to Batman if they connect, they can also potentially be disarmed thanks to Wayne's greater degree of skill.
Meanwhile, the sky is the limit when it comes to Batman's arsenal. Naturally, standard batrangs won't be a factor here, nor will sonics (see Suicide Kings), but there's plenty of other things at Wayne's disposal to hinder or even take down the merc. Deadpool's withstood electric attacks (see Suicide Kings again), but he doesn't simply tank the attack like a boss. It's an assault which is noticeably felt by him, and such an attack would grant Bruce a moment to essentially follow-up as he pleases. Additionally, while Wade can withstand a fair degree of tranqs, he's not immune and he's never proved immune to knock out gas, either. Seeing as Batman recently had no gripe using that against Emperor Penguin (after acid and electric attacks), it's totally a potential outcome upon Batman realizing traditional methods just won't cut it. After all, it's by no means the first time Batman has realized he needs to use the wealthy variety of equipment he keeps on him at all times. Upon seeing Wade's not an ordinary human, I see no reason to believe he'd hesitate using any of these options.
Edge: Batman
Mentality
When it comes to Deadpool's mindset in combat, you might as well flip a coin. As much as I'd love to believe Deadpool's always focused on winning, that simply isn't the case. His methods are erratic, and that's really putting it lightly. He's prone to babbling and, while that does throw some characters off their game a good deal, I simply don't see that working with Bruce. We're talking about a man who has numerous villains who are solely focused on trying to mess with his head and use his failures against him.
Unless someone tells Deadpool Batman's parents are dead, I honestly don't see Wade's banter taking a toll on the Justice Leaguer and his pattern of prolonging fights with formidable foes is sadly something that will hurt his odds here, not help him. Every extra second Batman's in the fight grants him the chance to use more of his toys -- and that spells bad news for Wilson.
Edge: Batman
Physicals
Bruce Wayne continues to train excessively and is classified as being peak human. He's moved before gunmen could react, displayed incredible strength feats, and has consistently proven his endurance is nothing short of phenomenal. That said, Wade Wilson is indeed his superior in this regard. Classified as having low level superhuman strength in CABLE & DEADPOOL and being at least enhanced in every other regard, his speed and agility won't be an easy factor for Wayne to handle. Wade has also consistently been able to attack before gunmen can pull the trigger and has a few solid strength feats of his own.
The biggest obstacle here for Batman has to be Deadpool's famous healing factor. It has granted him excellent tolerance to blunt force trauma and he's even been able to operate while enduring considerable damage, including numerous puncture wounds. Now, keep in mind that being unkillable doesn't make one unbeatable. Just because Batman cannot kill Deadpool doesn't mean he can't incapacitate him or eventually knock him out with his technology. He's by no means unstoppable and many characters have displayed this over the years. As Shen Kuei proved, damaging Wade's throat can offer an immediate opening. Yes, Deadpool was having a fanboy moment at the time and gushing over Cat, but the point still remains. Batman's strikes aren't likely to knock him out any time soon, they will certainly be felt. Wade won't be easy to drop at all, but it can be done in due time. Regardless, he's one tough cookie thanks to his healing factor and his enhanced to superhuman level physicals will absolutely play a role.
Edge: Deadpool
Verdict
Man, this is a really toughie for me. I'll confess I'm partially rooting for Deadpool on the inside, but the likelihood of him taking his time against a skilled opponent significantly hurts his odds in this one. That's unfortunate for him because he begins this match with an advantage: Batman not knowing about his healing factor thanks to it being a random encounter. It's a huge factor Wayne isn't immediately expecting and will have to work hard to overcome as the fight progresses. The longer Batman is in this fight, though, the easier it is for him to realize he needs to fully incorporate his technology to end this one. Wayne's not an idiot and this is something he'll definitely do as the fight continues, especially since he has the skill required to hang with Deadpool for a decent amount of time.
Wade gives him one helluva good fight and surely has what it takes to overcome from time to time, but sooner or later, Batman's more than intelligent enough to realize he needs to unleash to be the one left standing. It isn't easy for me to say it, but I'm giving Batman the slight edge thanks to his skill, tactical mind and effective gadgets.
In the end, I think Batman takes 6/10.
Good news, Viners! We have two very special guests chiming in on this one!
Gerry Duggan, co-writer of DEADPOOL:
"Batman doesn’t ALWAYS win. He’s 0-2 with his parents for instance. And yes, he was young, but that’s not an excuse. Deadpool could beat Batman. Eventually, Batman would want him to. After listening to Deadpool babble for hours his defeat would be a mercy."
Scott Snyder, writer of BATMAN:
"Oh, Gerry... I think it'd be a good fight, but ultimately I think Batman would take him down pretty handily. That said, I think Wade would make an awesome addition to Arkham and I can't imagine he wouldn't actually enjoy his time there and be quite popular."
Who do you think should win? Speak your mind below!
Want more Batman battles?
- vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- vs. Daredevil
- vs. Gambit
- vs. Wolverine
- vs. Captain America
- vs. Black Panther
- Official Discussion Thread for the segment (use this thread for future match suggestions!)
Gregg Katzman is a freelance writer for Comic Vine and IGN Entertainment. This is the part where he shamelessly plugs his Google+ and Twitter page in hopes of getting a new follower or two.
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