Earlier this year, Marvel and DC Comics shocked the world by announcing two crossovers starring Batman and Deadpool. The title for the October release was Deadpool/Batman, with the names reversing for the November issue. There are also different creative teams and superhero alliances, too. For example, Deadpool/Batman has Daredevil teaming with Green Arrow, while Batman/Deadpool will have Wolverine (Laura Kinney) and Nightwing.
It had been decades since Marvel and DC Comics collaborated on comic books, and it seemed like the Deadpool and Batman comics were an anomaly. Thankfully, the assumption by this writer was wrong. Both companies released two different team-up titles on their individual reading platforms. DC Infinite features The Flash/Fantastic Four (Barry Allen), while Marvel Unlimited has Thor/Shazam!.
The Flash/Fantastic Four creative team
- Writer: Jeremy Adams
- Artist: Adrián Gutiérrez
- Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
For anyone unaware, combining The Flash and the Fantastic Four seems odd until you read the DC GO! project. However, if you know Barry Allen, you understand that he and Reed Richards coming together is a dream come true. Both are men of science who think at speeds that can’t be conceived. Adding Gorilla Grodd to the mix as the villain was a nice touch. Thanks to the psychic nature of his superpowers, Grodd is one of the few Flash villains who can believably take on the Fantastic Four.
Thor/Shazam! Creative team
- Writer: Al Ewing
- Artist: Jethro Morales
On the flip side of things, you have two gods fighting an enemy of Shazam known as Mister Mind. The difference is that Mister Mind is in a humanoid form with a new trick. He stole Shazam’s gimmick and turned his name into an acronym. Now, as he says, he’s in the power of several gods and demons. There's Mephisto (evil), Ibis (magic), Sl'gur't, Thor (might), Etrigan (cunning), Rao (science), Mxyzptlk (mischief), Ikaris (power), Nightmare (fear), and Darkseid (evil). Yes, evil is on there twice, and Billy points out.
There was more action and fewer jokes than the DC GO! exclusive, but it just as enjoyable. While it would have been cool to see Thor and Shazam battle Loki or Black Adam, Mister Mind was the perfect choice. A fight that big is something you save for later. But you don’t tease it like Superman in Black Adam in case it doesn't happen.
There will be more
Both Thor/Shazam! and The Flash/Fantastic Four became collaborations I never knew I needed. The stories were fast and fun, with fantastic endings (yes, those were Flash and F4 puns). This was a nice surprise to wake up to, and should be the start of something comic book fans will love.
When there’s money to be made, companies will work together. And as I’ve mentioned in previous articles, comic book companies have been teaming up a lot in the past decade. IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have joined forces with the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the kids from Stranger Things, and Batman. The people love a crossover!
During New York Comic-Con, it was reported that a Something is Killing the Children/Swamp Thing crossover is on the way, as well as something special happening in DC KO in 2026. Marvel took some time off from joining forces with others, but they got back into the game in 2025 with Godzilla.
Another thing to remember is that comic book creators love working with each other and promoting their peers’ work. It’s why you’ll see someone like James Tynion IV (who retired from superhero comics) return for a one-off to write John Constantine/Doctor Strange. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and he gets to work with people he likes.
Comic book companies and creators banding together for projects is a good sign. Maybe this means it will happen more often and outside of comics. Who knows? This could lead to a battle royale with Invincible, Omni-Man, the Avengers, and the Justice League taking on the worst villains in all of comics. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow to see if that happens.
Thanks for reading. Keep up with Bam Smack Pow’s social media pages on Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter for more Marvel and DC comic book, TV, and movie news, opinions, and rumors as they come out.