Can Marvel’s Latest Weapon Overcome Deadpool’s Unmatched Healing Factor?

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Ultimates #8! The healing factor of Deadpool is arguably the most formidable in the Marvel Comics universe. Wade Wilson can endure severe injuries like dismemberment and decapitation, making him appear virtually invincible. This remarkable ability stems from the experimentation he underwent with Weapon X, ultimately transforming him into the unkillable character fans know today. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that Deadpool isn’t entirely immune to death, as there are a number of powerful weapons capable of ending his life—and a new addition has just been introduced.

In The Ultimates #8, crafted by the creative talents of Deniz Camp and Juan Frigeri, readers are introduced to the Guardians of the Galaxy from Earth-6160. This extraordinary team hails from the 61st Century and has traveled back to the 21st Century with a mission to rescue America Chavez. In the Ultimate Universe, America was originally a time-displaced Guardian of the Galaxy who found herself stranded in the present day, plagued by amnesia. When the Guardians attempted to reclaim her, her allies in the Ultimates swiftly intervened.

Guardian of the Galaxy's Ultimate Nullifier stopping She-Hulk in her tracks.

While the Ultimates show impressive resolve, their efforts are unfortunately rendered futile against the overwhelming power of the Guardians of the Galaxy—who wield capabilities beyond the comprehension of the Ultimates. A standout among them is the Ultimate Nullifier, a living representation of an entity capable of obliterating entire universes. This formidable force carries a weapon called the N-Gun, which fires Ø-Bullets. This weapon has already showcased its devastating power by not only killing Mephisto but erasing his very essence from the fabric of the universe—effective to the point where he had never existed at all.

The Ultimate Nullifier’s N-Gun Can Eliminate Anyone, Including Deadpool

No Survival from an Ø-Bullet

Deadpool looking shocked with blood exploding from his chest.

One Ø-Bullet from the Ultimate Nullifier’s N-Gun has the capacity to completely annihilate Mephisto, impacting him across time—past, present, and future. This weapon not only eradicated him but also removed all the suffering he inflicted upon the universe. Given Mephisto’s formidable abilities—such as reality manipulation and god-like empowerment over mortals—his vulnerability to the N-Gun exemplifies the weapon’s astounding potency.

With the N-Gun’s capabilities demonstrated by its effect on such powerful entities, it starkly implies that no character, including Deadpool, is beyond its lethal reach. Although Deadpool has survived outlandish events, an encounter with the N-Gun would prove fatal. Unlike conventional weapons, the N-Gun acts like a cosmic eraser, rendering its targets nonexistent in Marvel’s continuity.

The Ultimate Nullifier Is Not the Sole Weapon Effective Against Deadpool

Alternatives to the N-Gun: Anti-Regeneration Ray, Muramasa Blade, and Cosmic Cube

While the N-Gun represents a significant threat to Deadpool, it’s not the only weapon capable of overcoming his resilient healing factor. A variety of technological devices, mystical blades, and lethal viruses exist in the Marvel Comics canon that can exploit his vulnerabilities.

An example of this is found in Cable & Deadpool #1, where Deadpool is compromised by the Facade Virus, which deteriorates his body quicker than his healing factor can remedy, only to be saved through a DNA infusion from Cable. In Ultimate Fantastic Four #21, the Hunger Virus turns those it infects, including Deadpool, into zombies—an affliction that even his healing abilities cannot counter.

Moreover, the anti-regeneration ray introduced in Deadpool Kills Deadpool serves to permanently dispatch one of Deadpool’s evil variants. The Muramasa Blade has also proven fatal, recently illustrated in the newest installment of Deadpool Vol. 10. Additionally, cosmic entities—like the Cosmic Cube, Infinity Gauntlet, and the original Ultimate Nullifier—are definitive threats as they possess the potential to annihilate entire universes. Hence, while the N-Gun is the latest weapon threatening Deadpool, it certainly isn’t an isolated one.

One Possible Escape for Deadpool from the Ultimate Nullifier

Deadpool’s Meta Nature and Survival through ‘Toon Logic’

Deadpool holding the Infinity Gauntlet running away from Thanos.

When comparing Deadpool’s healing factor to the capabilities of the Ultimate Nullifier’s N-Gun, the implications for his survival appear grim. However, Deadpool possesses unique traits beyond mere regenerative abilities, notably a form of meta-awareness that allows him to transcend typical narrative limits. This enables him to partake in fourth-wall-breaking humor and even manipulate aspects of his comic universe.

Deadpool’s outlandish narrative often requires a form of ‘toon logic’ akin to that seen in classic cartoons. Although his healing factor provides a dependable means of survival, it’s this whimsical ‘toon logic’ that facilitates his escapades—like serving as Galactus’ Herald or competing romantically with Thanos. Thus, should Deadpool ever encounter the N-Gun, it is conceivable that his unique perspective might allow him to evade annihilation through some unforeseen twist.

Nonetheless, if we disregard Deadpool’s meta-awareness and focus solely on his healing capabilities, it becomes unmistakably clear that the N-Gun would serve as a lethal adversary—aligned with various other weapons throughout his narrative arc. Ultimately, the revelation of the Ultimate Universe’s Mephisto serves as a compelling testament that Deadpool‘s healing factor, indeed, is not infallible.

The Ultimates #8 by Marvel Comics is currently available.

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