The three most important artists for the value of Deadpool comics areRob Liefeld(creator, New Mutants #98),Ed McGuinness(definitive designer of the 1997 series) andTony Moore(run Duggan 2012, known for Walking Dead). Their coverages command a 20-50% premium on the secondary market.
In the comic book industry, the artist matters as much — if not more — than the character in determining an issue's value on the secondary market. A Deadpool drawn by Rob Liefeld or with a cover by J. Scott Campbell does not sell for the same price as an issue illustrated by a less recognized artist. Understanding which artists add value is essential for any collector who wants to maximize their investment.
This guide profiles the major artists of the Deadpool franchise, their contribution to the visual mythology of the character, and the measurable impact of their name on secondary market prices.
Rob Liefeld — the creator
Rob Liefeld co-created Deadpool with Fabian Nicieza in New Mutants #98 (1991). His hyper-muscular, dynamic and excessive 90s style is inseparable from the original character. Liefeld is a polarizing artist — adored by fans of the Image Comics era, criticized by purists for his proportions and anatomy — but his status as a creator gives him indisputable commercial importance.
Impact on prices:Any issue Liefeld draws with Deadpool commands a creator's premium. New Mutants #98 in CGC 9.8 Signature Series by Liefeld sells for 30-50% above standard price ($4,000-6,500 vs. $2,800-4,500). His recent Deadpool covers (incentive variants) sell for $50-150 depending on the ratio.
Key numbers:New Mutants #98, X-Force #1-2, Deadpool: Badder Blood #1-5 (2023, Liefeld's return to the character), and the many variant covers he continues to produce.
Signature Series:Liefeld is very active at conventions and signs regularly. An SS CGC Liefeld is relatively accessible to obtain compared to other designers. Average price of the SS premium: +30-50% on the standard grade.
Ed McGuinness — the definitive style
Ed McGuinness is the artist of Deadpool #1-9 (1997), the first issues of the founding ongoing series. His round, exaggerated, cartoonish style — inspired by Japanese animation — defined the "modern" look of Deadpool that most people visualize when they think of the character. McGuinness is often cited as Deadpool's best artist, the one who found the perfect visual language to accompany Joe Kelly's humor.
Impact on prices:McGuinness issues from the 1997 series (#1-9) command a 20-40% premium over subsequent issues drawn by Pete Woods or Walter McDaniel. Deadpool #1 in CGC 9.8 (McGuinness cover and interiors): $400-700.
Key numbers:Deadpool #1-9 (1997), its later variant covers (notably Hulk vs. Deadpool), and its contribution to series like Hulk and Avengers which included appearances by Deadpool.
Tony Moore — indie credibility
Tony Moore, co-creator of The Walking Dead (Walking Dead #1 in CGC 9.8 exceeds $10,000), drew the first issues of the Gerry Duggan run (Deadpool #1-6, 2012). His stint on the title brought artistic credibility to the character's revival and a stylish horror style that paired perfectly with the "Dead Presidents" arc.
Impact on prices:Deadpool #1 (2012, Moore cover) in CGC 9.8 sells for $60-100. Tony Moore enthusiasts collect his work regardless of character, creating a dual demand (Deadpool fans + Moore fans) that supports prices.
Key numbers:Deadpool #1-6 (2012), its exclusive variant covers, and the convention sketches which sell for $200-500 depending on complexity.
Joe Madureira — the 90s prodigy
Joe Madureira drew Deadpool: The Circle Chase #1-4 (1993), the character's first solo miniseries. Its dynamic manga-influenced style and spectacular action designs made this mini a visual success. Madureira is a cult artist whose work is actively collected regardless of the characters.
Impact on prices:Circle Chase #1 benefits directly from the Madureira rating. In CGC 9.8, the "Mad" premium is estimated at 30-40% compared to what a first solo title Deadpool drawn by an anonymous artist would be worth. His original Circle Chase pages sell for $2,000-8,000 at auction.
High Value Variant Cover Artists
J. Scott Campbell:Its Deadpool variant covers (notably the “virgin” covers without logos) are collectibles in their own right. Its 1:50 and 1:100 variants regularly reach $100-300 in CGC 9.8. Campbell is the king of incentive covers and his glamorous pin-up style, even applied to Deadpool, finds its audience.
Peach Momoko:The Japanese watercolor artist has become the star of the variant market since 2020. Her Deadpool covers (notably Deadpool #1 2020) are trophy pieces that trade for $200-350 in CGC 9.8.
Skottie Young:Its “baby variant” covers (chibi/childish versions of Marvel heroes) are a sub-market in themselves. Deadpool baby variants in CGC 9.8 sell for $50-120 depending on the issue.
Clayton Crain:His hyper-realistic digital style has produced some of the most beautiful X-Force/Deadpool covers. Its variants are sought between $50 and $150 in CGC 9.8.
The impact of the Signature Series by artist
The added value of a CGC SS signature varies considerably depending on the signing artist. Here are the average bonuses for major Deadpool artists:
Rob Liefeld:+30-50% (accessible through conventions, signs regularly).Joe Kelly (screenwriter):+25-40% (less present in conventions, rarer signature).Ed McGuinness:+20-35%.Gerry Duggan:+15-25%.Fabian Nicieza:+30-45% (co-creator, prestigious signature).Double signature Liefeld + Nicieza:+60-80% (the SS holy grail for a NM #98).
To maximize the value of a Signature Series, always aim for the artist + first issue combo of their run: Liefeld on NM #98, McGuinness on Deadpool #1 (1997), Moore on Deadpool #1 (2012). These combinations are the most sought after and the most liquid on the secondary market.
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