The difference between Deathstroke and Deadpool explained

Given the vast amount of superhero and supervillain storytelling in both Marvel and DC Comics, there’s bound to be some overlap between the two franchises. A case in point is DC’s Deathstroke and Marvel’s Deadpool. The two are highly skilled, sinister-looking masked assassins with a penchant for guns and swords, and the average person could easily mistake one for the other if they didn’t know what to look for. What are the main differences between them?

Fair warning, this guide will delve deeper than what’s currently streaming. While Deadpool has two films under his belt and a third is on the way, Deathstroke has only appeared once in the DCEU film series in 2017, in a post-credits scene justice league. Worse, the current state of the DCEU does not guarantee the character’s continued existence.

Instead, this comparison delves into the characters’ comic book stories to find similarities and differences between them.

In the DC corner of the ring we have Deathstroke (born Slade Wilson). He made his first appearance in an issue of The new teen titans in 1960. A skilled assassin and unparalleled tactician, he can take on a variety of weapons and close-ranged combat against several formidable opponents. He is typically portrayed as one of the most dangerous assassins in the DC Universe, often clashing with the likes of Batman, Dick Grayson/Robin, and Green Arrow.

And in the Marvel corner, there’s Deadpool (born Wade Wilson), who debuted in 1991. This mentally unbalanced anti-hero is a deadly mercenary who excels in all types of combat and uses teleportation devices to trip up his enemies. He also has the mutant ability to heal all wounds except his incurable disfigured skin.

Aside from his violent combat skills, Deadpool is best known for his irreverent, fourth-wall-breaking humor and is often quick with an inside joke about being in a comic book or movie.

Despite being from two different franchises, Slade Wilson and Wade Wilson share a shocking number of similarities. For one thing, they’re both expert assassins with similar skills in swordsmanship and shooting. In fact, they both have the power of accelerated healing.

Their costumes also bear a striking resemblance to each other. Both wear skin-tight muscle suits and distinctive masks that cover their entire faces.

However, there are many differences between the two. For one, Deathstroke is blue and orange and Deadpool is red and black, so it’s relatively easy to tell them apart from there. Second, and perhaps most important, is her sense of humor. For Deathstroke, he has none. A deeply traumatized US war veteran, Deathstroke is all about business. He operates under a strict code of ethics that effectively provides him with an excuse to kill as he sees fit.

Deadpool isn’t called the “mercenary with a mouth” for nothing. Virtually everything that comes out of his mouth is some sort of joke, designed as an attempt to sugarcoat most situations. If you’re confused between the two and one of them makes a joke, that’s definitely Deadpool.

Since Deathstroke appeared long before Deadpool debuted, many comic book fans consider Deadpool a parody or rip-off of Deathstroke. Given their similarities, it wouldn’t be difficult to make that assumption.

But according to a report by moviewebDeadpool co-creators Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza designed the character to be the antithesis of the character, not just a copy.

Deadpool’s supposed status as a parody of Deathstroke may carry some weight, but both characters have since established themselves as their own. Not to mention that Deadpool’s status as a parody has essentially become his claim to fame as he continues to break the fourth wall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.