The 3rd print of New Mutants #98 (January 1992) reuses the cover of Deadpool's first appearance, but with a gold logo and a UPC bullet barcode. Many collectors confuse it with the 1st print, yet it's worth ten times less: CGC 9.8 = $80–$150, CGC 9.6 = $40–$70, CGC 9.4 = $25–$45. The 1st print in 9.8 still runs $800–$1,500. The indicia on page 1 explicitly reads "Third Printing."
The secondary market for New Mutants #98 is one of the most booby-trapped of the late Copper Age. The issue containing the first appearance of Deadpool, Domino, and Gideon spiked so hard after the 2016 movie dropped that Marvel had already reprinted it back in 1991, then again in 1992. The result: three distinct editions circulate on the market today, and the confusion between the 1st print and the 3rd print fuels fraudulent sales every single week.
This guide explains exactly how to tell the January 1992 3rd print apart from the original 1st print, why the value ratio between the two hits 10:1, how to read the indicia, the gold logo, and the bullet barcode to identify the right edition, and when it still makes sense to buy a 3rd print despite its modest value. You'll find updated CGC price ranges for 2026, the pitfalls of CGC slabs misread by eBay sellers, and the buying strategy to adopt based on your collector profile.
New Mutants #98: 1991 context, creative team, contents
Published in February 1991 with a cover dated the same month, New Mutants #98 is a pivotal issue in the series created in 1982 by Chris Claremont and Bob McLeod. By then, the title was nearing the end of its run: Marvel was already prepping its transformation into X-Force, the new paramilitary team that would launch two issues later with New Mutants #100, followed by the famous X-Force #1 in August 1991. The book was handed to Rob Liefeld on art and Fabian Nicieza on script, a duo who stamped a radically different aesthetic on the title compared to the previous run.
This issue introduces three characters. Deadpool appears on the cover, red-and-black mask, two katanas strapped to his back, mid-action. Inside, he's introduced as a mercenary hired by Tolliver to take out Cable and his team. Domino also debuts in this issue, presented as Cable's undercover agent, alongside Gideon, the future antagonist of the Externals saga. This density of first appearances — three characters destined for long careers at Marvel — makes it one of the richest key issues of the late Copper Age.
The 1st print run is estimated at roughly 400,000 copies based on Diamond distribution figures from the era. That's a high number for a modern comic, which explains why raw copies still circulate in significant quantities on both the French and American markets. To understand the framework of the ages bracketing this period, see the comic ages: Golden, Silver, Bronze, and beyond.
The initial enthusiasm for the issue at release pushed Marvel to reprint it quickly. A gold-logo 2nd print was put into production as early as spring 1991, followed by the 3rd print in January 1992. These reprints show that Marvel had identified commercial potential in the character well before Deadpool exploded in the 2010s with the Ryan Reynolds films.
The 3 prints of #98: telling 1st, 2nd, and 3rd print apart
Understanding the three editions is the foundation of any correct appraisal of a copy. Below are the distinguishing features of each print, in chronological order.
1st print (February 1991) — The original edition, printed in roughly 400,000 copies. It exists in two variants: Direct Edition (Marvel logo in the upper-left corner, sold exclusively in comic shops) and Newsstand Edition (UPC barcode in the upper-left corner, sold in newsstands and drugstores). The "New Mutants" cover logo is printed in standard blue/white/yellow. The indicia, on the inside page 1, mentions only "Vol. 1, No. 98, February, 1991" with no reprint notice. This is the most sought-after edition and the only one that carries the first-appearance premium.
2nd print (summer 1991) — A gold-logo reprint. The "New Mutants" cover title is printed in metallic gold ink instead of the standard blue. The indicia reads "Second Printing." There's no UPC bullet barcode next to the cover — the barcode structure stays identical to the 1st print Newsstand. The 2nd print is scarce because its print run was limited (estimates of 30,000 to 50,000 copies). Confirmed eBay sales are few, and prices land between the 1st print and the 3rd print.
3rd print (January 1992) — A reprint with a gold logo AND an additional UPC bullet barcode. The "New Mutants" logo is gold like on the 2nd print, but a UPC bullet barcode (spherical, pill-shaped) is added below the title, next to the price. The indicia explicitly reads "Third Printing — January 1992." The print run is larger than the 2nd print but still far below the original 1st print. This is the edition most frequently confused with the 1st print, because the cover shows the same Liefeld artwork.
The very nature of these reprints illustrates a classic Copper Age market dynamic. To dig deeper into how print runs work and what they mean for resale value, read understanding comic print runs.
Visually identifying the 3rd print: logo, indicia, barcode
Identifying a 3rd print rests on three cumulative criteria that must all be checked before a purchase. A partial check can lead you to pay $200 for a copy that should only cost $25.
Criterion 1: the "New Mutants" cover logo. On the 1st print, the logo is printed in standard inks: blue, white, and yellow. On the 3rd print, the entire logo is replaced with a metallic gold print that reflects light differently than classic inks. On a blurry eBay photo, this detail can look ambiguous, but a sharp photo in natural light reveals the difference instantly. Always ask for a zoomed-in photo of the logo before bidding if the seller doesn't specify it.
Criterion 2: the UPC bullet barcode. The 3rd print adds a small UPC barcode shaped like a round pill (the famous "bullet") placed below the subtitle, next to the cover price. This bullet barcode is the most distinctive element and the easiest to spot in a photo. On the 1st print Direct Edition, there's no bullet barcode at all. On the 1st print Newsstand, the UPC barcode is rectangular and placed in the upper-left corner, never as a bullet. On the 2nd print, there's no bullet barcode either. The bullet is therefore the unique fingerprint of the 3rd print.
Criterion 3: the indicia on inside page 1. This is the definitive check, the one that never lies. The indicia is the small block of text at the bottom of the first inside page, where Marvel records the legal information: publication date, copyright, volume number, and reprint notice. On an authentic 3rd print, you'll explicitly read the phrase "Third Printing — January 1992" or "Third Printing, January 1992" depending on the layout. The absence of this notice disqualifies a 3rd print identification, even if the cover sports a gold logo that might suggest a 2nd print.
For CGC-graded copies, the certification label is supposed to mention the print. Older CGC labels (before 2018) are sometimes less explicit — they may simply read "New Mutants #98" without specifying the print, which creates confusion. Recent labels now indicate "3rd Printing" as a special notation. This evolution is explained in detail in grading your comics with CGC: the complete guide.
Understanding the difference between Direct and Newsstand editions is also essential for this issue. The distinction applies only to the 1st print, and it drives a significant premium. For the complete identification method, see Newsstand vs Direct Edition: everything you need to know.
2026 value: 1st print vs 3rd print by CGC grade
The value ratio between 1st print and 3rd print is one of the starkest in the Copper Age market. Below are the ranges observed on eBay and Heritage sales between late 2024 and early 2026.
| CGC Grade | 1st print Direct (USD) | 1st print Newsstand (USD) | 3rd print (USD) | Ratio 1st / 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.8 (NM/MT) | $800 – $1,500 | $1,800 – $3,500 | $80 – $150 | 10x to 15x |
| 9.6 (NM+) | $350 – $550 | $700 – $1,200 | $40 – $70 | 8x to 10x |
| 9.4 (NM) | $200 – $320 | $400 – $650 | $25 – $45 | 7x to 8x |
| 9.2 (NM-) | $130 – $200 | $250 – $400 | $20 – $35 | 6x to 7x |
| 9.0 (VF/NM) | $90 – $150 | $180 – $280 | $15 – $25 | 6x |
| 8.0 (VF) | $60 – $95 | $110 – $170 | $10 – $18 | 5x to 6x |
| 6.0 (Fine) | $35 – $55 | $60 – $90 | $6 – $12 | 5x |
Three takeaways from this table stand out. First, the ratio peaks at the high grades: a 1st print in 9.8 is worth 10 to 15 times the equivalent 3rd print, whereas in 6.0 the ratio drops to 5. This phenomenon is typical of modern key issues — scarcity rises exponentially with grade, and speculative buyers concentrate their demand on top-tier copies. Second, the Newsstand premium on the 1st print is massive (a 1:2 to 1:3 ratio versus the Direct Edition), which makes the 1st print Newsstand 9.8 the true "grail" of the issue. Third, the 3rd print holds a stable but modest value: its five-year appreciation is under 30%, whereas the 1st print has doubled or even tripled over the same period.
For those interested in how these numbers position globally within the current key-issues market, check out the most expensive comics in 2026. The 1st print of New Mutants #98 regularly ranks in the top 50 most liquid modern key issues on the market, which is not the case for the 3rd print.
One particular variant to watch: the 1st print with white pages noted on the CGC label commands a slight premium over off-white (cream) pages. In 9.8, that premium can reach 10 to 15%. On the 3rd print, the white-pages notation also exists but generates no meaningful premium — the value stays capped by the very nature of the reprint.
Resale traps: confusing 3rd print and 1st print
The main trap of the New Mutants #98 secondary market is the deliberate or accidental confusion between the 1st print and the 3rd print by eBay sellers. Five recurring scenarios warrant maximum vigilance.
Scenario 1: an eBay title that simply reads "New Mutants #98 1991 1st Deadpool" with no print specified. The seller exploits the ambiguity: with no explicit print notice, the buyer assumes a 1st print and pays a premium, while the photos show (or hide) a 3rd print. Always ask the seller to confirm the exact print in writing before any purchase, with a photo of the indicia as proof. Without that written confirmation, you have no recourse in an eBay dispute: the argument "the title didn't say 1st print" will be held against you.
Scenario 2: blurry cover photos, indicia not photographed. A low-resolution cover photo hides the 3rd print's gold logo and bullet barcode. If the seller refuses to provide a sharp cover photo in natural light AND a photo of inside page 1 with the indicia visible, treat the listing as a red flag. An honest seller provides these photos in under 24 hours. A seller who stalls for more than 48 hours is probably trying to conceal information.
Scenario 3: a raw copy sold as "near mint" with no certification. The raw market for New Mutants #98 is saturated with 3rd print copies sold as 1st prints. On the secondary market, the average price of a raw "1st print" at $250 is often actually a 3rd print, whose real value caps out at $30. The delta is $220 per fraudulent transaction. Before any raw purchase over $100, demand the triple check: logo in natural light, bullet barcode present or absent, and a macro photo of the indicia.
Scenario 4: a CGC slab with an old, non-explicit label. Pre-2018 CGC labels don't systematically mention the print. A slab reading "New Mutants #98 — Universal Label — 9.8" can just as easily certify a 1st print as a 3rd print. The only way to settle the doubt is to look up the cert number on the CGC site, which details the characteristics of the registered copy. This check takes two minutes and prevents $800 mistakes. For the complete method of verifying a CGC cert, see grading your comics with CGC: the complete guide.
Scenario 5: a "New Mutants 90-100 lot" listing with a #98 copy valued as a 1st print. Lot sellers sometimes slip a 3rd print into a bundle while inflating the stated value of the #98 to justify a high lot price. If the lot contains a #98, the seller must explicitly photograph both the cover AND the indicia of that specific issue before you commit to payment. Without that photo, don't pull the trigger. The reflex of estimating first is central: always use our free estimate to frame the real value before finalizing a transaction.
2026 buying strategy: when to buy a 3rd print anyway
Despite its modest value, the 3rd print of New Mutants #98 remains a worthwhile buy in several specific situations. Below are the collector profiles for whom the purchase makes sense, and those for whom it should be avoided.
Profile 1: the Deadpool collector chasing completion. If your goal is to build an exhaustive library of Deadpool's historic appearances — including variants, reprints, and facsimile editions — the 3rd print is a legitimate piece of that collection. Acquisition cost: $25–$45 in CGC 9.4, $80–$150 in CGC 9.8. That's a reasonable spend to check this box without swallowing the budget set aside for the run's major issues. The same logic applies to the 2nd print, rarer and harder to find, but worth the premium for a serious completionist.
Profile 2: the reader who wants access to the content without the investment. The 3rd print contains exactly the same story as the 1st print: same Nicieza script, same Liefeld art, same cover. To read the episode of Deadpool's first appearance in its original packaging without spending $800, the 3rd print in VF 8.0 at $10–$18 is unbeatable. The New Mutants #98 Facsimile Edition released in 2019 (under $10) is an even more affordable and modern alternative, but it lacks the charm of a period copy.
Profile 3: the moderate-budget Bronze/Copper Age collector. If you're building a themed collection of "first appearances of landmark superheroes" with a total budget under $1,000, the 3rd print of New Mutants #98 gives you Deadpool's iconic cover in CGC 9.6 for $40–$70. That's a fraction of the price of an equivalent 1st print, and the gold-logo aesthetic of the 3rd print even gives your copy a distinctive visual edge — many collectors find the 3rd print's gold logo more eye-catching than the standard 1st print print job.
Profile 4: the investor targeting MCU speculation. The 3rd print is NOT relevant for this profile. Film-cycle analyses show that Marvel announcements on Deadpool primarily lift the 1st print, which concentrates 90% of speculative volume. The 3rd print follows the trend with a lag and a smaller swing: on the 2022 Deadpool 3 announcement, the 1st print in 9.8 gained 35% in six months, the 3rd print only 15%. For the investment angle, you're better off targeting a 1st print in VF/NM 9.0 at $150 than a 3rd print in 9.8 at $100. To dig deeper into investment strategy, see investing in comics: the strategic guide.
Profile 5: the short-term reseller. The 3rd print has middling liquidity on eBay: 5 to 10 transactions per month in CGC 9.6 and above, generally with a 2-to-4-week time to sell. For a reseller, the gross margin is thin (10 to 25% between buy and resale), and eBay + payment fees eat up most of the gain. Profitability only appears when working with lots of 5 to 10 copies bought at rock-bottom prices at a convention. For an occasional reseller, it's not the right vehicle.
In short: the 3rd print has its place in a themed Deadpool or Copper Age collection, but not in an appreciation-driven investment portfolio. If your profile matches the first three categories, set your budget and search patiently at conventions or on eBay, where CGC 9.4–9.6 copies regularly turn up at reasonable prices.
FAQ — New Mutants #98 3rd print: frequently asked questions
How do I know if my NM #98 is a 3rd print without CGC?
Three cumulative checks. First, look at the "New Mutants" cover logo: if it's metallic gold instead of standard blue, you're on a 2nd or 3rd print. Next, look for a UPC bullet barcode (a small round pill) below the subtitle near the price: present only on the 3rd print. Finally, open to inside page 1 and read the indicia: the notice "Third Printing — January 1992" definitively confirms the 3rd print. Without these three elements together, it's not an authentic 3rd print.
Does the 2nd print really exist?
Yes, the 2nd print of New Mutants #98 exists and was published in spring 1991. It's distinguished by its gold logo identical to the 3rd print, but with no UPC bullet barcode on the cover and a "Second Printing" notice in the indicia instead of "Third Printing." Its print run is estimated at 30,000 to 50,000 copies, making it rarer than the 3rd print. Its 2026 value in CGC 9.8 ranges between $250 and $400, double the 3rd print but well below the 1st print. CGC-authenticated copies remain few, around 600 on the worldwide census.
Why is the 1st print worth 10x the 3rd?
Three cumulative reasons. First, the 1st print is the genuine original edition containing Deadpool's first appearance, a historic status that reprints can never reproduce. Second, the speculative market and collector demand concentrate their attention on the 1st print, which creates a relative-scarcity effect despite an initial run of 400,000 copies. Third, high-grade 1st print copies grow scarcer over time (handling, imperfect storage), whereas 3rd prints, newer and less read, stay available in quantity at high grade. The market heavily rewards the combination of historic status + relative scarcity at high grade.
Can the 3rd print rise with a new Deadpool movie?
Marginally. Historical data on the Deadpool 2016, Deadpool 2 (2018), and Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) announcements show that the 3rd print enjoys a 10 to 20% bump with each media cycle, whereas the 1st print gains 30 to 50%. A future Deadpool 4 could push the 3rd print 9.8 from $100 to $130 over 6–12 months, but without any structural change to its value. To fully capitalize on MCU speculation, the 1st print remains the primary vehicle. The 3rd print isn't a bad buy on this front, simply a less amplified one.
Is it worth grading a 3rd print with CGC?
Rarely profitable. The cost of a standard CGC grading is $30 to $50 depending on the tier, plus $15 to $25 in shipping. Total: $45 to $75. For grading to pay off, the copy has to score at least a 9.8, which values it at $80–$150. The gross margin after fees is therefore $5 to $75, with no guarantee of hitting the 9.8. If it scores lower (9.6 or 9.4), the margin turns negative or zero. Except for a visually flawless copy bought very cheap (under $20 raw), grading a 3rd print is not a profitable investment. For a 1st print, the math is radically different: a 9.8 values the copy at $800–$1,500, which easily justifies grading even on a copy bought raw for $200.
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