Deadpool vs. Deathstroke

I am enjoying the debates around these "Versus" fights, so here's another one for you:

{democracy:199}

To help you in your decision-making process, here's a quick run-down of the two characters (powers not shown):

Deadpool Deathstroke
Uses multiple samurai swords. Uses multiple samurai swords.
Full mask with sinister eye hole cutouts. Full mask with sinister eye hole cutouts.
Modern body armor. Chainmail.
Mercenary. Mercenary.
Many many pouches. Many many pouches.
Slightly baggy hood. Flyaway mask ties.
Breaks the fourth wall to talk directly to the audience. Breaks the fourth wall ... of the building his target is hiding in.
Created second by "legendary" Rob Liefeld. Created first by genuine legends Marv Wolfman and George PΓ©rez.
Played in one of the worst super hero movies of all time by none other than -- wait for it -- Ryan Reynolds. Mercifully free (so far) from exploitation by Hollywood.

For me, the last two points are the difference maker. I don't care how bad-ass either of these guys is, the fact that Deadpool was both created by Rob Liefeld and played by Ryan Reynolds -- a twin bill of titanic suckage -- means I gotta go with Terminator. Plus, come on, how awesome a name is "Deathstroke the Terminator"?! That's like TWO killer monikers rolled into one!

I leave the technical details of who would win in an ACTUAL fight to you better informed folks.

51 Responses to Deadpool vs. Deathstroke

  1. alphaalpharomeo says:

    I liked the movie Wolverine a lot and thought it was one of the better Xmen films

  2. Worf says:

    Really people? Deadpool? Deathstroke wins every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

    @Jeff: Somehow I thought it was “Deathstroke the Terminator”…

  3. John says:

    Worf is correct – it’s “Deathstroke the Terminator.”

    I would pay cash money to purchase a book in which Deathstroke takes out Liefeld – er – Deadpool before page 2. That would be awesome.

  4. Jeff Hebert says:

    Oops, sorry. Post in haste, regret at leisure.

  5. mercwithamouth says:

    Fabian Nicieza really created Deadpool, and Joe Kirby gave him his soul. besides that Deadpool wins 11/10 times. two words “depth perception”.

  6. Skiriki says:

    Deadpool was written by Gail Simone at one point. I would consider this as a winning argument myself…

  7. Gene says:

    I don’t know much about Deathstroke, dose he have any powers? Or is he just a bad a$$ fighter?

    As I remember it, Deadpool has massive regenerative abilities, and access to a teleportation device. Those two things could give him the edge.

    Be nice to the Wolverine movie. It wasn’t bad. Especially for an Origin movie. We’ll see how the next one goes.

  8. Myro says:

    mercwithamuth (5) is essentially correct. Deadpool’s current popularity didn’t take off until after he got away from Liefeld and started his own series. I don’t have much excuse for the Wolverine movie though. I don’t even really believe that was “Deadpool” in it, even if the character was named Wade Wilson. They completely crapped all over it.

    I actually like both characters, although I’ll admit, most of my exposure to Deathstroke is from the Teen Titans cartoon. Still, Deadpool does tend to tickle the funnybone more. But Deadpool wins because at this point, he’s freakin’ immortal. Which I just don’t see Deathstroke beating.

    Also, technically, they have fought before in a Mr. Mxyzptlk-engineered crossover, although I don’t know the end result. I give you this:
    http://images.wikia.com/marveldatabase/images/0/06/Deathstroke_meets_Deadpool.jpg

  9. McKnight57 says:

    Okay, so apparently it’s up to me to argue for Deathstroke the Terminator since nobody else is. Actually I’ll just argue for both sides at once, I mean, why not?

    Deadpool does have massive regenerative abilities, so much so that if you cut his head off and leave it unattached for more than 10-15 minutes, he’ll finally die. Of course this is only in theory. Aside from being the single most annoying comic book character ever written, he’s crazy. Crazy like a drunken fox with ADHD. He’s also got ridiculous military skills and the whole teleportation device to boot. Aside from that, he regularly takes on folks like Wolverine, all of the other X-Men, Sabertooth, Bullseye, Juggernaut and Ghost Rider and lives to tell about it.

    Deathstroke the Terminator, has little regenerative ability. He’s basically just a highly trained mercenary with a few select weapons at his disposal. Don’t forget that he can use 90% of his brain while us mere mortals only use about 10%. Deadpool uses even less than that on a good day. Anywho, This increased brain function makes him the world’s foremost tactician (and this is a world with the Goddamn Batman, folks.) So aside from that, he’s dead set on destroying the people he feels took his son away from him, the Teen Titans. Now, with all of this, you’d think he’d a win a bit more against a bunch of kids from the local food court. Although, to be fair, as mercwithamouth (5) already pointed out, he does have one huge disadvantage. He’s only got one working eye!

    So, there’s my synopsis of the whole deal. Now have at your arguments, people.

  10. Bael says:

    Myro, I can’t source it either, but that isn’t technically Deadpool. It’s the Crime Syndicate universe’s answer to Deathstroke. Really. I mean it. Stop laughing.

  11. Worf says:

    I think the image Myro posted above settles the score. Deathstroke wins.

  12. Patriot_Missile says:

    I voted for Slade Wilson because he doesn’t care if it’s Angry Superman or Bugs Bunny, or if Mr Knockoff can grow his head back… or if blown to smithereens regenerates into multiple bodies… Deathstroke: The Terminator would outwit the Fourth Wall and win. (Now I need my HeroClix figures and an abacus…)

  13. McKnight57 says:

    I have to be fair to my critique of the two of them. While Deathstroke is continuously outmatched by high-schoolers, anyone who read Identity Crisis back in ’04 I believe, knows how badass Slade Wilson truly is. In less than 5 minutes he completely worked over half of the JLA. And this was the half with the Flash, Hawkman, Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner) and Black Canary.

    In response to what I posted earlier, I need to remind you all that while Deathstroke only has one working eye, Deadpool (the other Wilson) doesn’t even have a fully functioning brain.

  14. Zaheelee says:

    @Gene(7): Yes, Deathstroke does have powers. He was manipulated by an experimental serum after serving in the army that allowed him to access 90% of his total brain capacity. This makes him a brilliant strategist, and deadly fighter with enhanced reflexes. If you need any more proof as to his bada**ness, read the issue of Identity Crisis when he brings the entire JLA to it’s knees in a matter of minutes.

  15. Zaheelee says:

    @McKnight57(13): sorry, didn’t read your post until just now, and I didn’t mean to copy you about the Identity Crisis thing. But, hey, I guess that means that we both think Deathstroke is the clear winner here.

    Also, does anyone else think it is odd that Deathstroke’s name is Slade Wilson while Deadpool’s is Wade Wilson? This is either a huge coincidence or Liefeld is copying people again…

  16. Galactic Ketchup says:

    @McKnight57 The whole “We only use 10% of our brains” thing is an urban myth, we have access to 100% of our brainpower. Which technically means that Deathstroke is less mentally capable than the average person. Which means victory for Deadpool. Also, c’mon guys. He’s DEADPOOL. Ignore Hollywood, Marvel’s where it’s at.

  17. McKnight57 says:

    Zaheelee (15): No problem dude, great minds think alike. As far as the name goes, that was deliberate on the part of Deadpool’s creators. Actually, as mercwithamouth (5) said, Fabian Nicieza is the true creator, Liefeld (unfortunately) was merely the artist who created his look.

  18. Gero says:

    I hate Deadpool with a vengence. He’s just a rip-off of Deathstroke, literally. His artist (Liefeld) was a fan of Titans, and basically just drew Deathstroke (he even wanted him to have the same job and powers). When he showed the drawing to Nicieza, he (Nicieza) actually said, “that’s Deathstroke from Teen Titans.” He then gave him the name Wade Wilson (as a play on Slade Wilson, Deathstroke’s real name), and started sticking him in comics. I know Deadpool will win this contest, because he’s the better known of the two characters, but I still hate him…

  19. Myro says:

    McKnight57 (13): In Deadpool’s defense, his effed-up brain has actually helped him cobble together functional plans that no rational person would ever attempt. It would actually be interesting to see if Deathstroke’s enhanced strategic mind would be able to compensate for Deadpool’s seeming randomness.

  20. McKnight57 says:

    Myro (18): I am fully aware, though from time to time it does end up going South for him. I’m definitely on Deadpool’s side in this one, since it could make for an interesting match-up. There’s no way Deathstroke could prepare for anything Wade thinks up, just as is evident here: http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/111/d/1/Deadpool_vs_Deathstroke_by_Aracubus.jpg

    and also here: http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/3/39210/845414-meatsuit_super.jpg

  21. Gero says:

    If we’re doing it as “who could beat who in a fight” (which, given Jeff’s list of equipment and job, I’d guess we are) I’d say Deathstroke’s got this one beat. He’s beaten Batman one-on-one, and almost beat him with all of his sidekicks (batgirl, nightwing, and the third robin) helping him. He’s also one of the smartest characters in the DC universe, and has enhanced healing, strength, stamina, and slowed aging thanks to DC’s version of super-soldier serum. And his alternate-universe version in Crisis on Two Earths is president (though that might not factor in much…)

  22. Gero says:

    @McKnight57 21: Us Deathstroke voters have pictures too: http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn48/GeroTheKeymaster/untitled-2.jpg

  23. McKnight57 says:

    Gero (23): I barely got on board with Deadpool in this round, merely because his insanity would definitely go in his favor. There’s no strategy for crazy, unless you booby-trap (heehee) the place like whatshisnamethatican’tspell in the first 2 Home Alone movies. I’m fully aware that he’s a baltant rip off of Slade and that it was the abhorred Liefeld who shat him into existence. I also know just how crazy awesome Deathstroke is in every comic ever. I’m not using his weaker Teen Titans cartoon version in this at all. I respect him too much for that.

  24. mercwithamouth says:

    just as another point slade is a rip-off of Taskmaster. anyway chimichangas.

  25. ajw says:

    Love Deathstroke, but he doesn’t have the healing ability, so Deadpool, otherwise Deathstroke all the way.

  26. Myro says:

    Zaheelee (20): Don’t even mess with the “My Little Pony” crossover fanart. I could draw Deathstroke playing with Barbie dolls, but that’s not going to prove anything.

  27. Doornik1142 says:

    As much as I prefer DC over Marvel, I have to ask the Deathstroke defenders one question:

    Assuming this is a duel to the death, what, exactly, could Deathstroke due to Deadpool that would actually kill him?

    I mean, we’re talking about a guy who survived a grenade blast at point blank range, versus a one-eyed dude with no real powers (who also consistently failed to murder a small group of teenagers).

  28. Gero says:

    @ajw 26: Deathstroke does have an increased healing factor, just not to the same ridiculously advanced level as Deadpool. From his wikipedia entry, “Deathstroke also possesses a healing factor in his blood that enables him to heal from physical injury much faster than a normal person; however, it does have limitations, as he could not heal his missing eye and cannot regenerate entire limbs. This enables him to recover from what would otherwise be fatal injuries, though recovering from such injuries renders him insane and animalistic for a short period.”

  29. William A. Peterson says:

    If you’re asking which character I like the best, it’s Slade all the way… He’s the one I only mildly dislike, while my sheer, unmitigated loathing for Deadpool is nigh infinite!

    On the other hand, this is “Who wins the fight?”, not a popularity contest…
    And Deadpool combines the reflexes and arsenal of Deathstroke with the Healing Factor of Wolverine, and the attitude, teleportation, and Scriptwriter-granted immunity of Ambush Bug…
    Deadpool wins the fight, every time, no matter HOW bogus things have to get to make it happen!

  30. Blazing Tornado says:

    Nicieza and Liefeld created Deadpool, but they created him as a blatant Deathstroke ripoff so they could have Cable beat him up to show that their amoral badass was better than DC’s amoral badass.

    HOWEVER, Joe Kelly gave the character life beyond being a mere ripodd.

    And later, Joe Kelly had both characters tussle, although an anti-matter Earth version of Deathstroke had to “fill in” for Deadpool, keeping the same zany personality and healing abilities, though.
    Anti-matter Earth Deathstroke won that fight, one can suppose, so that means Deadpool gets the win.

  31. Worf says:

    @Myro(27): Wait! There’s a fanart variant of deadpool & my little pony? Ouch. How can he even manage the guts to show his face in public after that????? I already hated the character, now I think he’s sad and lonely too.

  32. Gero says:

    @ Tornado 31: That’s what my picture above is from, if I remember correctly…

    @ Worf 32: There is a disturbing amount of it…and it’s not even all fanart. Behold, what is apparently an actual Marvel cartoonist’s (couldn’t find name, maybe someone can tell from the style) crossover sketch: http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn48/GeroTheKeymaster/DeadpoolandPinkiePie.jpg

  33. Gero says:

    Okay, the picture is definately Marvel (did some more research, found out from the 2007 set of Marvel Masterpieces Sketch Cards), but apparently it’s tough to figure out the artists for them, since they’re rarely signed (like how this one isn’t)…

  34. Joel says:

    I say that Deathstroke wins sheer badassadry, but in an actual fight Deadpool probably wins.

  35. Malfar says:

    Jeff, Deathstroke wasn’t in the big huge movies, but he sure was in Smallville episodes, although his role was short.

    As for the fight…well, I like both characters, so I better not vote.

  36. Worf says:

    @Gero(32): Thanks for that! Now I need to undergo brain surgery to erase that image from my mind. I’m scared for life!

  37. Blazing Tornado says:

    Deathstroke is a badass, no doubt about it, but Deadpool is just way more resilient, and may well end up winning simply by tiring Slade out.

    That’s basically how “their” fight in that Superman/Batman annual went down. Deathstroke repeatedly eviscerated anti-matter Deathstroke (at one point impaling him vertically from head to wherever with his katana) and yet anti-matter Deathstroke kept shrugging it off like it was nothing. Eventually, Slade’s stabbed him with everything but the kitchen sink… and next time you see them, they’re on lounge chairs discussing the differences in their lives that drove them to choosing different sides.
    And then Batman knocked Deathstroke out with a kick to the back of the neck, while anti-matter Deathstroke got sucked back to his universe.

    So yeah. It’d be an epic battle. Deadpool would get his ass quite possibly literally handed to him (after Deathstroke slices it off)… but ultimately he’d come out victorious thanks to his resilience.

  38. darkvatican says:

    Deathstroke would win. In addition to the fact that he is more highly skilled, his battle pre-cog gives him a huge advantage that exposes the Deadpool fans’ tired argument of “he’d just regenerate” for being as petty as it really is.

  39. thejay says:

    Isn’t it obvious? Forget the other criteria, the comic relief character always wins. I chose deadpool.

  40. Brad says:

    A battle comes down to tactics, and Deathstroke has that by the buttload. He’s already figured on what he needs to look out for, and how to counter it. And for the argument about Deadpool being nuts, well, according to wiki entry, once old Strokie got a little injury and his healing factor started up, he’s nuts too. Done and done.

    Basically, to give the full scenario, Deathstroke cuts off Pool’s head and sticks it in a box. He then takes time to carefully prepare a cup of celebratory beverage and casually sips, waiting for the body to die. Another day in the life.

    And I now declare Strokie as the best super(villain?) nickname ever.

  41. Joshua says:

    Wow…this week’s “Versus” really stirred up a hornet’s nest. But was it really a far gone conclusion that Deadpool was going to take this? Not that I necessarily agree that the comic-relief Wilson could defeat the a#%hole Wilson he was ripped-off from, regardless of his mutant advantages.

    Besides, as much as I dig Ryan Reynolds, the only actor to “portray” Deathstroke was from the vocal talents of Ron Perlman himself, and his bada#%ness cinches that for me.

    Jeff, maybe next week we could have the fight that God Himself must damn: The God-Damned Batman versus the God-Damned Magneto! πŸ™‚

  42. Gero says:

    @ Joshua 42: There was also Michael Hogan in Smallville, and Bruce Davidson in Crisis on Two Earths, but Pearlman was the best by far. The only thing I didn’t like about the Teen Titan version was that the show wasn’t allowed to use his codename (becasue it had “death” in it, apparently)…

  43. Zaheelee says:

    @Worf(37): look at my comment @20. It is so much worse.

  44. Worf says:

    @Zaheelee(44): Thanks, but no thanks. Once is already too much. What are you trying to do, make me go as crazy as this crappy, sad, lonely ripoff is??? πŸ˜‰

  45. alphaalpharomeo says:

    I know I’m probably the last one to realize this, but they are both “ade” Wilsons. Slade and Wade.

  46. gero says:

    Oh, Deathstroke was also voiced by Patrick Seitz in DC vs Mortal Kombat, and Tracy Bush in DCU Online…

  47. Anon says:

    Deathstroke was featured in the remaining smallville finally episodes.

  48. Anon says:

    *finale

  49. Gero says:

    @Anon 49: Yep. That was the version played by Hogan. I didn’t like that Deathstroke very much. He just didn’t fit the part well. Too plain-looking and a little campy…

  50. P.F. Bruns says:

    @McKnight57:

    The whole “10 percent of our brains” thing is rubbish. #corrections