Deadpool invades DC Comics!

Deadpool, the lovable anti-hero of Marvel Comics, has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with, even outside of his original universe. Despite being initially created as a parody of DC’s Deathstroke, he has broken through the walls of copyright limitations to become a beloved character in his own right, capturing the hearts of comic book enthusiasts around the world.

His popularity is such that he has even secretly made appearances within the DC Universe, thanks to not one, not two, but three separate parody characters that pay homage to the Merc with a Mouth. These characters may have been created as one-offs, but they successfully captured the essence of Deadpool’s maniacal chaos without infringing upon any copyright laws.

In fact, one of these Deadpool doppelgangers has even become a major part of Harley Quinn’s supporting cast, proving that the Merc’s impact on the comic book world knows no bounds. It’s a testament to the enduring popularity of this iconic character that he can transcend universes and make his mark in every corner of the comic book world.

Deadpool, Causes a Stir as He Crosses Over to DC Comics as the Mysterious ‘Merc With No Name’

In the realm of comic book crossover events, the Superman/Batman Annual 2006 brought forth an interdimensional mercenary who was a true force to be reckoned with. Sporting a costume reminiscent of the infamous Deathstroke, this mysterious being had an extra dimension of personality that could only be described as a parody of the infamous anti-hero, Deadpool.

As if to drive the point home, the mercenary had a healing factor that could rival the best that Marvel Comics had to offer, and a penchant for the absurd that was perfectly in line with the notorious Merc With a Mouth. However, it wasn’t just his abilities that made this character stand out – it was his constant desire to be recognized as ‘Deadpool’ that truly set him apart.

Alas, fate seemed to have other plans, and our protagonist was constantly interrupted before he could fully introduce himself, due to the risk of copyright infringement. Nevertheless, this didn’t stop the Merc With No Name from trying to make himself known to the likes of Superman and Batman, even as he was being forcibly removed from the New Earth dimension. In a final act of defiance, the mercenary tried to yell out his name, only to manage a drawn-out “I’M DEEAAAAA-“.

Despite his brief appearance, this character left a lasting impression on comic book fans everywhere, providing a tantalizing glimpse at what might happen if the zany chaos of Deadpool was unleashed upon the DC Universe. With a blend of action, humor, and creative nods to the wider world of comic book lore, the Merc With No Name proved to be a true standout in the crowded world of crossover events.

DC’s Latest Antihero Blood Pouch Channels the Spirit of Deadpool

In 2022, the comic book world was shook by the arrival of Blood Pouch – a brand new fourth-wall-breaking anti-hero who is a clear homage to the iconic character, Deadpool. Blood Pouch made his debut in Suicide Squad #11 and #12, where he quickly proved to be a hilarious and irreverent addition to the DC Universe.

Not content with simply mimicking Deadpool’s powers and weaponry, Blood Pouch also shared the same quippy sense of humor and penchant for breaking the fourth wall. In fact, at one point in the comics, Blood Pouch was even compared to “a sexy Canadian” – a nod to Ryan Reynolds, the actor who famously portrays Deadpool in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

To really lean into Blood Pouch’s meta nature, the writers behind Suicide Squad #11 and #12 paired him up with another well-known fourth-wall-breaking character – Ambush Bug. Together, the duo watched on as the Lightning Strikers and Suicide Squad clashed in a brutal fight to the death, all while providing hilarious commentary and witty banter in classic Deadpool fashion.

With Blood Pouch now firmly established as a fan favorite, it’s clear that the comic book world hasn’t seen the last of this hilarious and irreverent anti-hero.

Harley Quinn’s Red Tool Emerges as DC’s Answer to Deadpool’s Popularity

One of the most memorable and successful attempts by DC Comics to parody their rivals at Marvel was through the creation of Red Tool in the Harley Quinn comic book series. This cunning character, designed by the talented team of Amanda Conner, Chad Hardin, Jimmy Palmiotti, Bret Blevins, Alex Sinclair, and John Timms, was crafted as a direct response to the fans who loved the chaotic pairing of Deadpool and Harley Quinn.

Sporting a costume eerily similar to the Crimson Comedian and boasting the same distinctive yellow speech bubbles, Red Tool quickly became known as the Merc With A Toolbox. However, this character had one distinguishing factor that set him apart from Deadpool – his obsession with hardware tools. As his signature weapons, these tools added an exciting and unique edge to his character, making him all the more fascinating to read.

Initially, Red Tool was infatuated with Harley Quinn, but as the series progressed, he became one of her closest allies. His popularity allowed him to make frequent appearances throughout the series, demonstrating his enduring appeal to readers. In fact, Red Tool’s popularity has only continued to grow, with his most recent appearance in the 2023 comic, Multiversity: Harley Screws Up the DCU, by Logan Faerber, Frank Tieri, and Ferran Delgado.