Deadpool Fakes and Reprints: How to Identify and Avoid Them

With New Mutants #98 regularly topping $1,000 in high condition and other Deadpool key issues fetching prices attractive to counterfeiters, the market is flooded with sophisticated knockoffs. The problem has intensified since 2018 with the cinematic popularity of the character, making fake detection essential for any serious collector.

This guide details verification techniques for each Deadpool key issue targeted by counterfeiters, from simple physical tests to professional detection tools. Whether you buy in a convention, online or in a lot, these methods will protect you from fraudulent acquisitions.

New Mutants #98 — the most common fake on the market Deadpool

New Mutants #98 (February 1991) is the first appearance of Deadpool and the most bootlegged comic in the franchise. Counterfeiters target this number because its high value ($800-1,500 in CGC 9.4-9.6) offers an attractive return on investment for a fraudulent print. Several generations of counterfeits are circulating simultaneously.

Paper test:The original uses standard Marvel newsprint paper from 1991. Hold the page up to the light: the paper should be semi-translucent with a slightly rough texture. Fakes often use modern coated paper, which is too white and too smooth. The original paper has yellowed slightly over time — a perfectly white-looking number is suspect.

Test printing:Under a 10x magnifying glass, the original offset print shows regular, sharp Ben-Day dots. Digitally printed counterfeits have either irregular dots or a solid color with no visible pattern. The gradients on Rob Liefeld's cover are a great checkpoint — they should show a visible progression of dots.

UPC Barcode Test:The original UPC code is 0-24885-01275-7 with a separate Direct Edition code. Verify that the bars are sharp and scannable. Many fakes have a barcode printed but not functional when scanned with a smartphone app.

Deadpool #1 (1997) — knockoffs of the first solo series

The first issue of Joe Kelly's regular series is less often counterfeited than NM #98 but fakes exist, targeting its value of $200-400 in CGC 9.8. The 1997 glossy cover paper is more difficult to reproduce faithfully than the 1991 newsprint.

Checking coverage:The metallic/glossy ink on the Deadpool logo from the original cover has a distinctive reflection under angled light. Digital reproductions do not capture this special treatment. Tilt the comic 45 degrees under a light source: the logo should reflect differently from the rest of the cover.

Weight check:The original with its premium inner coated paper (post-newsprint era) weighs approximately 65-70 grams. A precision balance often reveals fake prints on paper of different weights. It is a rapid, non-destructive test that complements the visual inspection.

Interior pages:In 1997, Marvel used an intermediate quality interior paper (matte coated). Interior colors should be vibrant but with slight diffusion into the paper. A too sharp or plastic appearance of the interior pages betrays modern inkjet printing.

Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe #1 and other moderns — the pitfalls of recent printings

Modern (post-2010) issues pose a different challenge: the paper and printing are high quality from the outset, making the distinction between original and copy more subtle. The fakes focus on DKTMU #1 (2012), Deadpool #1 (2013 Posehn/Duggan), and some sought-after variant covers.

The binding test:Modern Marvel comics use industrial stapling with specific staples. Examine the staples: they should be steel, not rusty, perfectly aligned and driven evenly. Handmade fakes often have staples that are slightly offset or of a different gauge.

The ComiXology/digital code:Since 2012, Marvel has included a digital download code inside. The absence of this insert page (even if the code is expired) is a red flag. Also check internal advertisements: they must correspond to the publication period.

Suspicious variants:Be particularly wary of “rare” variants sold outside the usual channels. The retailer incentive variants (1:25, 1:50, 1:100) sometimes have counterfeits because their rarity makes verification by comparison difficult. Always ask for provenance and favor CGC/CBCS certified examples for high-value variants.

Professional detection tools and methods

UV light (blacklight):Original paper from the 1990s and earlier does not contain optical brighteners. Under UV light, it remains dark or slightly yellow. Modern paper contains brighteners that make it glow bright blue under UV light. This test is almost infallible for pre-2000 comics and costs less than $15 (UV flashlight).

The 30x jeweler's loupe:Invest in a 30x illuminated magnifying glass to examine print micro-details. At this magnification, the difference between offset (original) and digital (fake) is obvious. Offset halftone dots are perfectly round and evenly spaced; digital printing shows square pixels or irregular inkjets.

The direct comparison:There is no substitute for a side-by-side comparison with an authenticated copy. If you have a CGC certified NM #98, keep it as a reference for your raw purchases. Differences in color, texture and weight become obvious in direct comparison.

CGC/CBCS verification:For any purchase over $500, require a copy already slabbed by CGC or CBCS. If the seller refuses certification, that’s a major red flag. You can check any certification number on the official CGC and CBCS sites to confirm that it corresponds to the comic presented.

Official reprints not to be confused with the originals

Beware of official Marvel reprints which are not fakes but which are sometimes sold as first prints by dishonest or ignorant sellers. New Mutants #98 was reprinted as part of True Believers (2016 and 2018) with a cover price of $1.00 and the words "True Believers" at the top. These reprints are worth $3-5 max.

Deadpool #1 (1997) has also been reissued in Facsimile Edition format (2019) with a faithful reproduction of the original cover. The words "Facsimile Edition" appear small but some sellers hide it in the photos. Always check the cover price: a facsimile shows the modern price ($3.99 or $4.99), not the original price.

The Marvel Legends Reprint and True Believers Editions are legitimate but low value reprints. They are distinguished by their cover price ($1.00), different barcode, and often slightly higher paper quality than the original newsprint. Check the indicia page (first inside page) for the actual print date.