Deadpool key issues from the New Mutants era and 90s includeNew Mutants #98 (1991, first appearance, $2,800-4,500 in CGC 9.8),X-Force #1 (1991, Deadpool's first mission in the background),X-Force #2 (1991, second appearance, $100-200 in CGC 9.8)etNomad #4 (1992, rare early appearance).
The 1990-1996 era is the founding period of Deadpool. Between his creation in New Mutants #98 and the launch of his first ongoing series in 1997, the Merc with a Mouth appeared in around twenty different issues — some as an antagonist, others as an emerging anti-hero. For collectors, this period holds major key issues and underappreciated early appearances that gain value as the character dominates popular culture.
This guide comprehensively lists Deadpool's appearances between 1991 and 1996, with current market ratings and an analysis of the relative rarity of each issue.
New Mutants #98 (February 1991) — the genesis
First appearance of Deadpool, created by Rob Liefeld (drawing) and Fabian Nicieza (screenplay). Deadpool appears there as a mercenary hired by the mysterious Mr. Tolliver to eliminate Cable. The issue also contains the first appearances of Domino (actually Copycat in disguise) and Gideon.
The print run of New Mutants #98 is estimated at between 400,000 and 600,000 copies — a high figure for the time which explains why the issue remains relatively available in medium grade. However, the CGC census shows that only 35% of submissions reach 9.8, a rate lower than the average for comics from this period.
Current odds:CGC 9.8: $2,800-4,500. CGC 9.6: $800-1,200. CGC 9.4: $500-700. CGC 9.2: $350-500. CGC 8.0: $200-300. CGC 6.0: $100-150. Raw VF/NM: $200-400 depending on estimated quality.
X-Force #1-2 (August-September 1991) — the first sequels
X-Force #1 (August 1991)does not contain a direct appearance by Deadpool in the main story, but some collectors consider it a direct narrative complement to New Mutants #98. This issue was printed in approximately 5 million copies (a record for the time), making it one of the most common comics of the 90s. In CGC 9.8, its value remains limited to $30-60 except for unopened poly-bagged variants.
X-Force #2 (September 1991)— real second appearance of Deadpool. Wade Wilson directly confronts Cable in a battle that further reveals his abilities and personality. In CGC 9.8: $100-200 for direct edition. The newsstand version in 9.8, much rarer, can reach $300-500.
X-Force #11 (June 1992)— Domino is revealed to be Copycat (Vanessa Carlysle), who would later be an important character in the Deadpool universe and in the films. CGC 9.8: $40-80.
X-Force #15 (October 1992)— appearance of Deadpool linked to the Tolliver arc. A link number that is easily found under $30 in CGC 9.8.
Early appearances outside of X-Force (1992–1993)
Nomad #4 (August 1992)— an early appearance of Deadpool often forgotten in guidebooks. In this issue of the series by Fabian Nicieza (co-creator of Deadpool), Wade Wilson appears briefly as a mercenary. The relative rarity of this issue (low print run, not very popular series) makes it an interesting collectible. CGC 9.8: $80-150, with an upward trend.
Silver Sable #11 (April 1993)— cameo appearance of Deadpool. Low circulation series which makes this issue relatively rare in high grade. CGC 9.8: $50-100.
Wolverine #88 (December 1994)— Deadpool vs. Wolverine, a confrontation that takes on particular resonance since the film Deadpool & Wolverine (2024). This issue saw its rating explode: CGC 9.8: $200-400 (compared to $50 in 2022 before the film was announced). This is one of the numbers that benefited the most from the cinematic effect.
The founding mini-series (1993-1994)
Deadpool: The Circle Chase #1-4 (August-November 1993)— first solo mini-series. Fabian Nicieza on screenplay, Joe Madureira on drawings. #1 is the main key issue (CGC 9.8: $150-300), but #2-4 remains very accessible ($20-50 in CGC 9.8 each). The complete run #1-4 in CGC 9.8 represents a set of approximately $250-450.
Deadpool #1-4 (August-November 1994)— second solo mini-series, written by Mark Waid with Ian Churchill on drawings. This series deepens the relationship between Deadpool and Death, a concept which will be taken up by Joe Kelly. #1 in CGC 9.8 is worth $200-400. The complete run in CGC 9.8: $350-600.
Last appearances pre-continuous series (1995-1996)
X-Force #47 (October 1995)— Deadpool appears in an arc that directly precedes the launch of his series. CGC 9.8: $30-50.
Wolverine #88 (December 1994)etWolverine #154-155 (1996)— significant appearances that exploit the Deadpool/Wolverine rivalry. 90s issues are the most searched for following the 2024 film.
Heroes Reborn: The Return #1-4 (1997)— contains a Deadpool cameo just before the launch of the ongoing series. Secondary interest but completes an exhaustive collection.
For a collector targeting the 1991-1996 period, a budget of $500-1,500 (excluding New Mutants #98) allows you to acquire almost all of the significant appearances in CGC 9.8. It is a coherent and narratively satisfying whole that documents the birth of a character who has become iconic.
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