The worst best friends ever? Wolverine and Deadpool have a number of similarities that draw them together, from their colorful spandex and penchant for murder, to their uncanny healing factor. Although their history has had its rocky moments, the uncanny duo have grown to share a begrudging, but mutual respect for one another. With Deadpool & Wolverine hitting theaters this weekend, let's revisit some of their most memorable comic moments over the years.
7. The Beginning of a Long Friendship
When Wolverine and Deadpool first met in Wolverine (1988) #88, naturally they tried to kill each other. It wasn't until Wolverine (1988) Annual '95 where they first worked together, when Deadpool was kidnapped by Doctor Westergaard and Slayback because of his healing factor. Wolverine initially didn't want to help Deadpool, but he was convinced by his friend, Maverick. It was only through him that Wolverine was forced to acknowledge the shared past the two of them have as lab rats turned weapons. This was the true beginning of a very long friendship.
6. Poolverine
In Wolverine (2020) #23, Wolverine had no choice but to call on Deadpool for help dealing with Danger, the sentient embodiment of the X-Men's Danger Room, after she goes rogue. The two allies infiltrate Xavier's old school (abandoned since the X-Men had moved to Krakoa) to apprehend her. It is there that they fall into one of Danger's traps, a magnetized blender, and are pulverized into oblivion... Except, their twinning healing factors allow them to survive, temporarily binding them together to form a nightmare fueled monstrosity.
(Could we see Poolverine make an appearance in Wolverine and Deadpool? Or is that too much to stomach?)
5. In Mutant Business
Deadpool has always wanted to be an X-Man. He's always wanted to be a mutant, period. It's why when the X-Men established their sovereign nation of Krakoa, he takes it upon himself in Deadpool (2019) #6 to invade it in the pursuit of his perceived birthright and the cure for cancer. (The mutants didn't have the cure for cancer.) Regardless, he bumps blades with Wolverine as the mutants try to handle this infestation.
4. Two Sides of the Same F*cked-Up Coin
Despite toeing the line of good following his past as a mercenary, it appeared Deadpool returns to his villainous ways when he is hired to kill Wolverine in Wolverine: Origins #25. The Merc with a Mouth establishes a drawn-out scheme, which ends with him about to drown the Canadian mutant. It's a poignant moment in their history, as the two go back and forth, stabbing at one another's egos and revealing Deadpool's insecurity to contrast with Wolverine's marred past. Wolverine is accepted by the X-Men for trying to be better, while Deadpool doesn't care about trying.
All of this turns hilarious when it is revealed in the following issue that the entire bounty was set-up by Wolverine himself to draw out his own son, Daken. There was never even a cash reward in the first place for Deadpool to claim. Womp womp.
3. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Deadpool (2013) #15 - #19 sees the Merc with a Mouth kidnapped by the Butler, a former member of the Weapon Plus program. This program was responsible for projects which created the likes of Deadpool, along with Wolverine and even Captain America. Luckily, the two latter heroes help to rescue Deadpool and the other subjects imprisoned in the camp with him. It's heartwarming to see these different figures who had chosen different walks of life, united over a shared history of lost autonomy.
2. I am Fire and Life Incarnate! I am... Deadpool?
Once again, Wolverine needs Deadpool's help with a Shi'ar Stalker robot lands on Earth in pursuit of Jean Grey, who at the time, had been long deceased. Deadpool became the prime candidate due to his superb healing factor that could withstand the Stalker's relentless attacks. In order to hold the Stalker's attention, Wolverine dresses Deadpool up in one of Jean's old Phoenix costumes—which works. The two are able to save the day and eviscerate the Stalker.
Why does Logan have one of Jean's old costumes? Did he keep it in the same musty closet he kept a lock of Jean's hair? Does she have knowledge of any of this? So many questions, and all of which are better left to the idle imagination.
Even a Mercenary Has Morals
In Uncanny X-Force (2010) #5, Deadpool joins Wolverine on a black ops team of mutants, carrying out the jobs that need to be done. Their first mission is to kill Apocalypse—well, a version of him that has been reborn as an innocent child. After Fantomex finally pulls the trigger, it is only Logan who has the guts to defend the choice. I mean, it's Apocalypse we're talking about, right? Deadpool on the other hand vocally disagrees with what went down. The bombshell that follows is that despite being employed, Deadpool had never cashed a single check.
Wade Wilson has always been an enigma, but this moment reveals that even this notorious mercenary had lines he wouldn't cross. Maybe that's why Logan keeps the annoying Merc with a Mouth around. For underneath the firearms, the red and black latex, the sardonic attitude, and the carefree spirit—he still has a heart.
The uncanny duo reunite in Deadpool & Wolverine, in theaters on July 26th! Also check out issue #3 of DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE: WWIII (2024), in stores now!
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