The internet is officially breaking after a beloved Marvel comic just gave a massive shout-out to one of anime’s biggest legends. The Merc with the Mouth just bowed to the Ninja in the Orange Jumpsuit. Deadpool’s tribute to Naruto has sent fans into a complete meltdown, and for good reason. It is not every day that you see a Western superhero comic book end its run by perfectly recreating one of the most iconic images in manga history. The final chapter of Deadpool: Samurai has landed, and it closes the series with a visual nod that is both hilarious and deeply respectful.
The Cover That Has Everyone Talking
The buzz all started with the release of Chapter 26 of Deadpool: Samurai, the manga-inspired Marvel series that has been running since 2021. The cover art for this final issue is simple, yet it speaks volumes to anyone who has ever watched or read Naruto.
On the cover, we see the side of a rocky mountain. Carved into that stone is the face of Deadpool, marked with a thick streak of red paint across his masked visage. Right next to him, also carved in stone, is a portion of Wolverine’s iconic mask, complete with his blade-like cowl ears .
For those unfamiliar with the source material, this might just look like a cool piece of art. But for the millions of Naruto fans worldwide, it is a direct and loving recreation of the final page of the original Naruto manga. In Naruto Chapter 700, the series concluded with the face of the protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki, carved onto the legendary Hokage Mountain, with a streak of red paint (graffitied by his son, Boruto) running across the stone monument .
By placing Deadpool’s face on a mountain with red paint, the creators of Deadpool: Samurai have essentially declared the chaotic anti-hero as the “Hokage” of his own world. It is a crossover of pop culture iconography that no one saw coming, but everyone instantly loved.
Why This Crossover of Worlds Matters
This moment is bigger than just a single comic book cover. It represents the beautiful blending of two massive entertainment cultures: Western comics and Japanese manga. Deadpool’s tribute to Naruto is a full-circle moment that acknowledges how deeply anime has influenced global storytelling.
Deadpool: Samurai was always a unique project. It was a collaboration between Marvel Comics and Shueisha (the Japanese company behind Shonen Jump), written by Sanshirou Kasama and illustrated by Hikaru Uesugi . The series reimagined Deadpool and other Marvel heroes through the lens of a shonen manga, complete with exaggerated expressions, high-energy action, and even chibi-style artwork. It was a love letter from Japanese creators to American comics, and it became one of the most-read Marvel spin-offs in recent years .
By ending the series with a tribute to Naruto, the creators are acknowledging the debt that modern storytelling owes to the classic ninja series. It is a recognition that characters like Deadpool, who break the rules and never give up, share a spirit with characters like Naruto, the knucklehead ninja who never backed down from a dream.
The Internet Reacts: “GOAT Recognizes GOAT”
As soon as the cover art hit social media, the reaction was immediate and explosive. Fans flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to share their excitement and appreciation for the artistic nod.
One fan perfectly summed up the sentiment by posting, “This is why Deadpool comics are in a league of their own.. Paying tribute to Naruto by recreating the iconic Hokage Rock for the final chapter cover is just a brilliant crossover of pop culture” .
Another user kept it short but powerful, simply stating, “GOAT recognizes GOAT” . The use of “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) here highlights the mutual respect between the fanbases. Both Deadpool and Naruto are characters who started as underdogs and clawed their way to the top of pop culture relevance.
Viz Media, the publisher, also got in on the action, sharing the cover on social media with the caption, “Believe it!”—a direct translation of Naruto’s signature catchphrase . This official acknowledgment from the publisher shows just how significant this moment is for the industry.
The End of an Era for Deadpool: Samurai
While the tribute is happy news, it comes with a bittersweet note. The release of Chapter 26 marks the official end of Deadpool: Samurai. According to reports, the partnership between Marvel and Shueisha is coming to a close.
A statement from Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions confirmed that the publishing agreement with U.S.-based Marvel Comics will officially terminate as of March 31, 2026 . This means that fans won’t see any further collaborations under this specific deal for the foreseeable future.
However, the series is going out on a high note. Ending a six-year run with such a powerful and memorable image ensures that Deadpool: Samurai will be remembered fondly by fans. The cover is not just a goodbye; it is a victory lap. It acknowledges the series’ roots in the manga tradition while winking at the audience, a move that is quintessentially Deadpool.
The Deeper Meaning Behind the Red Paint
To truly appreciate Deadpool’s tribute to Naruto, one must understand the weight of the imagery. In the Naruto universe, the Hokage faces carved into the mountain are a symbol of ultimate respect and achievement. They represent the leaders who gave their lives to protect the village. When Naruto’s face was finally added, it was the culmination of a 15-year journey for readers.
By placing Deadpool’s face on that mountain, the Deadpool: Samurai team is making a statement about his character. Despite his chaotic nature, his breaking of the fourth wall, and his violent tendencies, Deadpool is, at his core, a hero. He fights for the little guy, he loves his friends, and he never truly dies. He is as resilient as any ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village.
The inclusion of Wolverine’s face on the mountain next to Deadpool is also a clever touch. In the Marvel universe, Wolverine is often seen as the grizzled, veteran mentor figure. In the context of the Deadpool & Wolverine movie that broke box office records in 2024, seeing these two carved in stone together feels like a celebration of their enduring cinematic legacy as well.
Also Read:
What This Means for Future Marvel and Anime Crossovers
The success and emotional ending of Deadpool: Samurai opens the door for more genre-blending projects. Fans have always loved “what if” scenarios, and seeing Marvel characters treated with the artistic flair of a weekly shonen manga has proven to be a winning formula.
While the current partnership is ending, the cultural impact remains. It shows that there is a massive audience hungry for content that respects both Western and Eastern storytelling traditions. Whether it is Marvel Comics or the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the influence of anime is undeniable. From fight choreography to character archetypes, the lines are blurring.
For now, fans are just happy to have received such a heartfelt send-off. Deadpool’s tribute to Naruto is a perfect example of how to end a series: with respect, humor, and a visual that will be screenshotted and shared for years to come. It proves that no matter which universe you come from, a little bit of “Believe it!” can make everything better.
Also Read: The Art of Sarah True Story: Is the Netflix Thriller Real or Fiction?
We hope you enjoyed seeing these two massive worlds collide in such a spectacular way. Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more unique crossovers and the latest updates from the worlds of Marvel, anime, and beyond.
