Best Deadpool Story Arcs: Must-Read Sagas for Collectors

In over thirty years of publication, Deadpool has gone through dozens of story arcs of varying quality. If the character is often reduced to his schoolboy humor and his breaking of the fourth wall, the best screenwriters have been able to exploit the emotional complexity hidden behind the mask - the terminal cancer, the fractured identity, the desperate desire to be accepted as a hero.

This guide ranks and analyzes the essential story arcs in chronological order, specifying for each arc the numbers to collect, their value on the secondary market and their importance in the Deadpool mythology.

The Joe Kelly run: Deadpool #1-33 (1997-1999)

Joe Kelly transformed Deadpool from a one-dimensional character into the complex anti-hero we know today. His run is unanimously recognized as the best in the franchise, for three reasons: it established the character's unique humorous tone, it introduced unexpected emotional depth, and it created the supporting cast that defines Deadpool (Blind Al, Weasel, T-Ray).

“Drowning Man” arc (#1-5)— introduction to the series with Deadpool hired by the mysterious Tolliver for a contract that puts him face to face with Sasquatch. The tone is set from the first issue: action, humor and self-awareness.

"Blind Al" arc (#14-19)— Kelly's masterpiece. #14, where Deadpool inserts himself into an old issue of Spider-Man, is a technical and narrative tour de force. The arc reveals the disturbing relationship between Wade and Blind Al, a mixture of Stockholm and the need for affection. These issues in CGC 9.8 sell for between $80 and $150.

Arc "T-Ray/Identity" (#25-33)— the climax of the Kelly run, with the revelation of Wade Wilson's identity and the confrontation with T-Ray. #25 is a key issue that sells for $60-100 in CGC 9.8.

Uncanny X-Force: #1-35 (2010-2012, Rick Remender)

While not a solo Deadpool series, Rick Remender's Uncanny X-Force is widely considered the best use of the character in a team context. Remender writes a Deadpool who uses humor as a defense mechanism against the horror of what the team must do — including killing a child Apocalypse in the first arc.

Arc "The Apocalypse Solution" (#1-4)— the opening arc that sets up the moral issues of the entire series. The decision to kill Evan (Kid Apocalypse) divides the team and Deadpool finds himself in an unexpected moral position. Uncanny X-Force #1 in CGC 9.8 trades between $100 and $180.

Arc "Dark Angel Saga" (#8-18)— often cited among the 10 best X-Men arcs of all time. Deadpool plays a crucial role, especially in the alternate Age of Apocalypse. It is in these issues that the character shows his depth under the pen of Remender.

Arc "Final Execution" (#25-35)— the masterful conclusion that sees Deadpool make a major heroic decision. #35 (last issue) in CGC 9.8 sells for $40-70.

The Gerry Duggan run: Deadpool #1-250 then #1-36 (2012-2018)

The longest run ever for Deadpool, spanning six years and over 80 issues in total. Duggan (first co-written with Brian Posehn) has constructed a long-running story arc: Deadpool's quest to become a true hero, and the tragic failure of that quest.

“Dead Presidents” arc (#1-6)— resurrected zombified American presidents that Deadpool must eliminate. The perfect opening arc: fun, accessible, with an irresistible high-concept. The drawings of Tony Moore (Walking Dead) add an additional character.

Arc "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" (#15-19)— considered the peak of the Duggan run. Deadpool, Wolverine and Captain America infiltrate a North Korean concentration camp where mutants are being exploited to create biological weapons. The darkest and most emotional arc in the entire franchise, with the revelation that Wade has a daughter. CGC 9.8s of these issues sell for $30-60.

“Secret Empire” arc (Despicable Deadpool #287-300)— the ultimate betrayal. Deadpool, manipulated by a Steve Rogers HYDRA, commits unforgivable acts. The series ends with Deadpool rejected by all his allies, in a remarkably sad finale for a "comic" character. The #300 in CGC 9.8: $50-90.

Underrated arcs worth rediscovering

Cable & Deadpool "If Looks Could Kill" (#1-6, 2004)— Fabian Nicieza (co-creator of Deadpool) returns to his character and creates the best bromance in the Marvel universe. The chemistry between the straight man Cable and the wildcard Deadpool is at the origin of the Cable angle in Deadpool 2.

Deadpool & The Mercs for Money (2016)— underrated arc where Deadpool manages a team of mercenaries. Business management humor applied to the world of superheroes works remarkably well.

Spider-Man/Deadpool “Isn’t it Bromantic?” (#1-5, 2016)— Joe Kelly returns for the first five issues of the Spider-Man/Deadpool series. The dynamic between the two characters is a masterclass in superheroic comedy, with an emotional subtext about Deadpool's need for approval.

For collectors, these secondary arcs offer excellent value for money: key issues are generally found between $20 and $60 in CGC 9.8, a very affordable price for building a complete thematic collection.