Top 10 Deadpool Key Issues to Own

New Mutants #98 is THE absolute key issue of the entire Deadpool mythology — and one of the most in-demand key issues of the Marvel Copper/Modern Age. This is where Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza introduce Wade Wilson / Deadpool as a mercenary hired by the mysterious Tolliver to eliminate Cable and the New Mutants. This issue also contains the first appearances of Domino and Gideon, making it a remarkably dense triple key issue. Prices exploded with the Ryan Reynolds films (Deadpool 2016, Deadpool 2, Deadpool & Wolverine 2024) and continue to be supported by the character's official integration into the MCU.

X-Force #2 contains the 2nd appearance of Deadpool, continuing his role as a mercenary antagonist facing Cable's new team. This issue is essential for collectors who want to assemble a complete set of Wade Wilson's early appearances. The book is also notable because X-Force #1, released just before it, is one of the best-selling comics in Marvel history (printed in millions of copies with holographic variants). X-Force #2 is far rarer in high grade, making it a valuable complement to the first appearance in New Mutants #98.

X-Force #15 marks Deadpool's return to the series that introduced him, with a major confrontation that develops his character as an unpredictable and morally ambiguous mercenary. This issue is drawn by a young Greg Capullo, future Batman artist at DC, which adds extra appeal for collectors who follow both publishers. For exhaustive collectors of early Deadpool appearances, X-Force #15 completes the character's early narrative arc in the X-Men universe. An accessible issue that regularly appreciates in value.

Deadpool #1 (1994) is the first solo series ever devoted to Deadpool — a four-issue mini-series written by Fabian Nicieza (the character's co-creator) with art by a young Joe Madureira, whose manga-influenced style would become one of the most recognizable of 1990s Marvel. This mini-series is the first test of the character's popularity as a protagonist — and its success directly led to Joe Kelly's ongoing series in 1997. For any serious Deadpool collector, this #1 is essential as the first chapter of Wade Wilson's solo story.

Deadpool #1 (1997) by Joe Kelly is THE run that defines Deadpool as we know him today. Kelly invented the permanent fourth-wall-breaking mechanic as a signature character trait, developed the psychological pain beneath the constant humor, and laid the groundwork for Deadpool's complex relationship with the superhero world around him. The series features dynamic art by Ed McGuinness, who would later become a star Superman artist at DC. This run directly inspired Ryan Reynolds' film portrayal. A heavily sought-after Modern Age key issue that continues to appreciate steadily.

Deadpool #11 (1997) is one of the most beloved and most cited issues in the character's history. Kelly sends Deadpool back in time to a 1960s comic book, where he interferes with Spider-Man's original story from Amazing Spider-Man #47. The result is an absolutely delightful meta-comic issue where the panels are reproduced in Silver Age style and Deadpool must literally fight to avoid destroying Marvel continuity. This is one of the first fully realized expressions of Deadpool as a meta-aware character — a concept that would define the franchise. A cult issue highly sought by fans.

Deadpool #900 is a giant anniversary special celebrating the character's legacy with multiple short stories by different notable writers and artists. This type of "anthology" issue is typical of major Marvel milestones and offers a range of interpretations of the character. The #900 is particularly interesting as it consolidates Deadpool's popularity just before the mainstream explosion of the 2010s. For collectors building an exhaustive Deadpool run, this issue is a required stop, and its multi-author nature makes it a unique piece in the character's bibliography.

Deadpool #1 (2012) is the Marvel NOW! relaunch of the character by the duo of Brian Posehn (comedian) and Gerry Duggan, with art by Tony Moore. The opening arc — where Deadpool has to eliminate the ghosts of resurrected US presidents — is one of the best modern introductions to the character: hilarious, bloody, and full of heart. This run is unanimously considered the best since Joe Kelly and helped fuel the character's surge in popularity in the years leading up to the 2016 film. An accessible key issue that keeps appreciating.

Deadpool #45 (2015) concludes the Posehn/Duggan run with Deadpool's symbolic death in Secret Wars — an event that is both meta and genuinely moving for fans of the run. This issue is best known for its highly sought variant covers, notably the commemorative "Death of Deadpool" cover that parodies classic Marvel event issues. The variants for this issue are among the most in-demand of the Modern Age for this character. For a collector following the Posehn/Duggan run, this final issue is the essential conclusion to one of the best Deadpool series ever.

Deadpool & Wolverine: WWIII #1 (2024) is the comic tie-in to the 2024 film Deadpool & Wolverine, which officially brings the Merc with a Mouth into the main MCU. These tie-ins generated renewed interest in Deadpool key issues across the market. As the first issue of a series linked to the MCU integration, this #1 is a speculative modern key: if the film's success proves lasting (which it has), this issue's value should continue to rise. A reasonable bet for a Modern Age-oriented collector.