Did Thanos Lift Deadpool’s Curse? Exploring the Complex Relationship Between the Mad Titan and the Merc with a Mouth
The relationship between Thanos and Deadpool is one of the more bizarre and fascinating in the Marvel universe. Their interactions are often fueled by jealousy, manipulation, and a shared obsession, albeit for different reasons, with Death herself. One of the central points of this complicated dynamic is the question of whether Thanos actually lifted the curse of immortality he placed on Deadpool. The answer is complex but yes, Thanos does indeed lift the curse he once placed on Deadpool. However, the circumstances surrounding this action, its implications, and the bizarre history of their relationship make it far more complicated than a simple yes or no.
The Curse of Life: Thanos’ Initial Act
Thanos’ initial motivation for bestowing immortality upon Deadpool was purely out of spite. Consumed by his love for the personification of Death, Thanos became enraged by the fact that Death seemed to have a genuine romantic interest in Wade Wilson. Death would appear to Wade whenever he experienced a near-death scenario before his healing factor could fully kick in, leading to intimate encounters between the two. To prevent Deadpool from ever truly joining her in the afterlife, Thanos cursed him with life in the storyline, Deadpool- Funeral For A Freak (Deadpool vol. 1 #64). He basically made Deadpool immortal so that he could never come between him and his love, the embodiment of death. This curse wasn’t a gift, but a twisted form of punishment designed to keep Deadpool away from the one entity Thanos desired most.
A Tortured Immortality
This immortality curse isn’t the same as invulnerability. Deadpool retains his powerful regenerative healing factor, but it is now constantly battling against the cancer that originally gave him his disfigured appearance. The curse ensured that Deadpool could never truly escape his suffering and would be forever caught in a cycle of regeneration and pain. He is immortal but not immune to pain and discomfort.
The Reversal: Thanos Takes Back His “Gift”
The curse, however, was not permanent. Later, in the continuity, a situation arises where Thanos, feeling powerful and perhaps vindictive, decides to revoke his curse. In their confrontation, as Death looks on, Thanos explicitly states that he will take back the gift of immortality. Thanos violently beats Deadpool while he speaks of this, proving that even Thanos has limits to what he is willing to tolerate. This action highlights the capricious nature of Thanos and his desire to control and manipulate those around him. With the curse removed, Thanos then proceeds to kill Deadpool.
Temporary Death and Resurrected Copies
However, the death of Deadpool in this interaction is short-lived. T-Ray, now an agent of Thanos, intervenes and resurrects Deadpool using an artifact given to him by Thanos. This artifact is designed to create multiple copies of Deadpool. It’s likely that Thanos still wants to torture Deadpool for his attraction from Death, so he allows for him to be brought back. The act of T-Ray and the copies created further complicate the story but does not negate the fact that Thanos does indeed take back his curse.
The Complexity of Immortality
It’s vital to understand that Deadpool’s immortality isn’t solely tied to Thanos’ curse. His regenerative abilities also contribute significantly to his difficult-to-kill nature. His healing factor, constantly battling against his cancer, keeps him alive. This complex nature to his existence is not a gift, but a cruel form of immortality in the Marvel Universe. This is what makes the curse so powerful, it removes the only way Deadpool could potentially get back to Lady Death.
Therefore, the answer is yes, Thanos did lift the curse he placed on Deadpool. This act further complicates his dynamic with the Merc with a Mouth and highlights the often brutal and petty nature of the Mad Titan. The initial curse was a spiteful act, and the reversal was a demonstration of Thanos’s power and control, even if it led to a very temporary death for Deadpool.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How did Thanos initially make Deadpool immortal?
Thanos cursed Deadpool with life in Deadpool vol. 1 #64 to prevent him from being with Death. He did this because Death was romantically interested in Deadpool, and Thanos, who was also in love with Death, could not stand it. This was more of a curse than a gift.
2. Why was Thanos jealous of Deadpool?
Thanos was jealous because Death, the personification of death, showed romantic interest in Deadpool. This threatened Thanos’ own aspirations of being with Death, leading to his animosity towards Deadpool.
3. Can Deadpool die without the curse?
Yes, Deadpool can die without the curse. He has a powerful healing factor that makes him very difficult to kill, but he isn’t invulnerable. Thanos’ curse was about preventing him from ever fully succumbing to death and joining Lady Death. The removal of the curse means he could die permanently, if the circumstances were right.
4. What happened when Thanos snapped his fingers during the “Infinity Gauntlet” storyline?
The snap had no effect on Deadpool. This is because Deadpool isn’t simply alive with a healing factor, but rather is cursed to never die. So it doesn’t matter if Thanos were to turn him to dust, as he is cursed to come back.
5. How many times has Deadpool killed Thanos?
Deadpool has killed Thanos twice in the Marvel Universe, showcasing his ability to overcome even powerful opponents through his unique and often unorthodox methods.
6. What makes Deadpool’s skin disfigured?
Deadpool’s skin is disfigured because his cancer is constantly battling with his regenerative healing factor. His healing factor keeps the cancer from killing him but fails to cure it, resulting in the constant disfigurement.
7. Why did Lady Death like Deadpool?
Death became infatuated with Deadpool after a number of near-death experiences. She was drawn to his inability to die, preventing her from claiming his soul. She reciprocated feelings for him.
8. Has Deadpool ever used the Infinity Gauntlet?
Yes, in a comical storyline, Deadpool wielded the Infinity Gauntlet, using it to roast his enemies and ultimately acknowledge the ridiculousness of the situation.
9. Can Deadpool lift Mjolnir?
Deadpool has been shown to lift Mjolnir once before, but this was a mirage orchestrated by Loki. Deadpool is not truly worthy to wield Mjolnir.
10. Who are some of the heroes Deadpool has defeated?
Deadpool has defeated many Marvel heroes, including Captain America, The Fantastic Four, and others through his cunning and unconventional combat tactics.
11. Who in Marvel can consistently defeat Deadpool?
Wolverine is one character who has consistently defeated Deadpool in their encounters, showcasing a similar and equally impressive healing factor with sharper claws.
12. What is Deadpool most afraid of?
Deadpool is most afraid of clowns, considering them one of the greatest threats to Earth alongside characters like Galactus.
13. Can Deadpool beat Wolverine in a fight?
Despite past defeats, there is no doubt Deadpool could defeat Wolverine in a one-on-one fight. His healing factor and skills in combat would allow him to eventually over power him.
14. Can Deadpool defeat Ghost Rider?
While Ghost Rider is more powerful, Deadpool has defeated Ghost Rider due to an unexpected reaction to Ghost Rider’s penance stare. However, normally Ghost Rider would be able to defeat Deadpool easily.
15. Why can’t Deadpool be a part of the Avengers?
Deadpool was not part of the Avengers initially because Marvel Studios did not have the film rights. This changed when Disney bought Fox in 2017, opening doors for his potential integration into the MCU.