Deadpool
Real name (allegedly): Wade Wilson
Occupation: Mercenary
Team affiliations: X-Force, X-Men
Deadpool is one of the most unique Marvel characters ever created, mainly attributable to his frequent breaking of the fourth wall (ie, talking to the audience). His origins are based on an experiment for a sickness he had -- the Weapon X project. This experiment gave him superpowers, including the ability to heal extremely quickly and increased physical strength and speed. Deadpool also has advanced combat abilities and is effective with guns, rifles, and swords.
Besides the comics, Deadpool's only real notable appearance in other media came in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Ryan Reynolds played the part of mercenary Wade Wilson who is apparently a mutant. He eventually becomes Weapon XI when several other mutant powers are "pool-ed" together in his body. This is a very inaccurate representation of Deadpool, but at least we get to see what the character can do on the big screen.
Deathstroke
Real name: Slade Wilson
Occupation: Military, then mercenary
Team affiliations: Checkmate, Injustice League
While Deadpool is almost an anti-hero, Deathstroke is usually just considered a villain within the DC Universe. Deadpool may be more popular, but it was Deathstroke who appeared in the comics first. Deathstroke also has his origins in a military experiment to create a super-soldier. After this, he lost his eye, as well as his family, and became a mercenary by trade. Despite the loss of his right eye, Deathstroke exhibits exceptional physical abilities. He also has immensely quick healing abilities, and being a former military man, he knows many strategic combat tactics.
The two main places we've seen
Deathstroke in non-comic media are the TV shows Teen Titans and Smallville. In Teen Titans, Deathstroke was called Slade, and he was one of the show's most recurring enemies. In Smallville, Slade Wilson is an Army colonel/general who tries to pass a vigilante registration act to get rid of the Justice League and other heroes. Neither incarnation does the character much justice, but we do see Slade face off against Hawkman in combat in Smallville.
The Deadpool-Deathstroke Argument
So who would win in a fight? Well I'm obviously not the first one to ask this question, but I will give you my opinion. Both have healing abilities, similar to Wolverine, but Deadpool's are probably more effective. Deathstroke is probably better in combat because of his time in the military. So I'm going to call Deadpool the winner because his constant healing abilities would allow him to eventually find a hole in Deathstroke's tactical strategy.
Deathstroke may have been first, but Deadpool probably also wins in the popularity contest. No character has ever been made like him, and his nickname "Merc with a mouth" suits him very well. No other superhero (or anti-hero) talks to the audience like Deadpool does in most of his comics. Regardless, both characters have left a superhero legacy with their respective fans.
Winner: Deadpool.
What do you think?
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