The most highly rated Deadpool variants are the Deadpool #1 (2016) variant 1:100 Jim Lee ($400-600), the Hip-Hop variant #1 by David Nakayama ($200-350) and the Skottie Young baby variant for Deadpool #1 (2013) in 1:100 sketch ($250-400).
Deadpool occupies a unique place in the variant market thanks to his status as a “meta” character who lends himself to all visual diversions. Its alternative covers are often the most creative and humorous in the Marvel catalog (parodies of other covers, improbable crossovers, baby variants by Skottie Young) which gives them an appeal that goes well beyond the circle of regular readers of the title.
The phenomenal success of the Deadpool films (2016, 2018, 2024) has exploded demand for all variants of the character, including the oldest. The 1:100 ratio variants of the first issues of each series have become practically unobtainable, while the Hip-Hop variants and convention exclusives constitute a living collection segment where new pieces appear regularly.
Deadpool Variant Types
Hip-Hop variants
Marvel's Hip-Hop Variants program has produced some of the most sought-after Deadpool covers. The character, by his irreverent nature, adapts perfectly to reinterpretations of classic album covers. These variants combine two communities of passionate collectors, hip-hop and comics, to create an extremely active secondary market.
Skottie Young baby variants
Skottie Young's "baby variants", where Marvel heroes are represented in childish and humorous versions, find their most popular expression with Deadpool. The contrast between the violence associated with the character and the innocence of Young's style creates an irresistible comic effect. The sketch versions (1:100) are modern grails.
Movie tie-in variants and 1:100 ratio
Each Deadpool cinematic release generates a wave of exclusive variants: photo covers, retailer exclusives, convention variants and above all ratio variants 1:25 to 1:200 on contemporary issues. The arrival of Deadpool in the MCU with Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) caused a massive increase across the entire segment.
Top 10 most valued Deadpool variants
- Deadpool #1 (2016) variant 1:100 Jim Lee X-Men homage: $400-600 in NM
- Deadpool #1 (2013) variant 1:100 Skottie Young sketch: $250-400
- Deadpool #1 (2016) Hip-Hop variant Nakayama: $200-350
- Deadpool #1 (2013) variant 1:50 Stegman: $180-280
- Deadpool #1 (2018) variant 1:100 Rob Liefeld virgin: $150-250
- Deadpool vs Old Man Logan #1 variant 1:50: $100-175
- Deadpool #1 (2013) Skottie Young baby variant (standard): $80-140
- Deadpool #1 (2016) variant 1:25 Liefeld: $70-120
- Deadpool & Wolverine #1 (2024) variant 1:50: $60-100
- Deadpool #7 (2016) variant movie photo Ryan Reynolds: $50-80
Variant Authentication
Deadpool variants are particularly prone to confusion because the character appears on many party variant covers of other series. Always check that the copy is indeed a variant of the Deadpool title and not a simple cameo on another series. The Hip-Hop variants carry a specific Diamond code and the program logo on the back. Skottie Young variants are identifiable by their format and artist credit on the back: be wary of unmarked reprints.
Investment potential
Deadpool is the Marvel character with the most consistent growth in value over the past 10 years. Integration into the MCU guarantees recurring media interest, and each new film pushes the price ceilings. The Skottie Young baby variants are a standalone segment with their own dedicated collectors. For an overview, see Deadpool key numbers.
Conservation and grading
Deadpool's predominantly red covers share the same challenges as Daredevil and Spider-Man: the folds appear white and are immediately visible. Variants with special finishes (foil, embossed, lenticular) require special storage: never stacked face to face otherwise they may stick. Pressing is delicate on metallic finishes: consult a professional before any intervention.
Organize your Deadpool variant collection like a pro. Our dedicated tool tracks each coverage and alerts you of odds variations.
Three Deadpool #1s not to be confused
This article's top 10 cites a "Deadpool #1" three times: in 2013, 2016 and 2018. These are three different series, each with its own creative team, covers and market. Mixing them up is the most frequent mistake when comparing listings.
Deadpool #1 (cover date January 2013). Written by Gerry Duggan and drawn by Tony Moore, under the title "In Wade We Trust". It came out in November 2012, two months before the cover date. Among its recorded variants are the Bachalo variant, the Design variant, a blank variant and Skottie Young's baby variant, along with textless versions.
Deadpool #1 (cover date January 2016). Again written by Gerry Duggan, but drawn by Mike Hawthorne, under the title "Sumus Omnes Deadpool". It came out in November 2015. Its variants include the Beefcake variant, the Candy variant, a sketch version and retailer exclusives.
Deadpool #1 (cover date August 2018). Written by Skottie Young and drawn by Nic Klein, under the title "Back in Business". It came out in June 2018. Its variants include covers by Rob Liefeld, Deodato and Opeña, as well as textless versions and retailer exclusives.
The vocabulary of variants in a few lines
- Ratio variant (1:25, 1:50, 1:100): a cover reserved for retailers who order a certain number of copies of the standard cover, hence its scarcity.
- Virgin: the same illustration without logo or text, not to be confused with a different alternate cover.
- Sketch: a black and white pencil version of the illustration, generally printed in smaller quantities.
- Baby variant: a Skottie Young cover where the heroes appear in childlike form, available in standard and sketch versions.
An identification method in three steps
- Note the year and the creators in the indicia box to know which series it is.
- Compare the illustration with the artist named in the listing: the same artist may have signed several variants.
- Check the ratio or cover type mentioned before paying a premium, since a standard version and a rare variant often look alike at first glance.
The cover date comes a few weeks before or after the actual release, as shown by the 2013 #1 that came out in November 2012. Always rely on the printed date to confirm the series, not on the purchase date.
Frequently asked questions
Deadpool #1 (2016) in the 1:100 Jim Lee variant leads, followed by David Nakayama's Hip-Hop variant and the 1:100 Skottie Young sketch variant for Deadpool #1 (2013). The article's top 10 also cites Stegman and Liefeld variants and those of Deadpool & Wolverine.
The success of the 2016, 2018 and 2024 films made demand explode for all the character's variants. His status as a "meta" character lends itself to every visual twist, producing some of the most creative covers in the Marvel catalog.
It is a cover where Marvel heroes are depicted in a childlike, humorous version. With Deadpool, the contrast between the character's violence and the innocence of Young's style creates a comic effect, and the sketch versions are the most sought after.
Check that the copy really is a variant of the Deadpool title and not a mere cameo on another series, since the character appears on many "party variant" covers. The Hip-Hop variants carry a specific code.
Mostly red covers share the same challenges as Daredevil and Spider-Man: creases show up white and are immediately visible. Variants with special finishes (foil, embossed, lenticular) should never be stacked face to face.