Deadpool First Appearance: Origin Comic and Key Issue

New Mutants #98 is the issue that launched one of the most popular and lucrative characters in the modern Marvel Universe. Deadpool, the “Merc with a Mouth”, makes a sensational entrance as a mercenary hired to eliminate Cable. Created in the hyper-muscular style of the Image era, it has since transcended its origins to become a global cultural phenomenon.

For the collector, New Mutants #98 is one of the most traded Copper Age comics in the world. Accessible at low grade, explosive at 9.8, it is a title that combines strong liquidity, instant recognition and continued cinematic potential with Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool franchise.

Publication context

In 1991, comics were experiencing an unprecedented speculative boom. Rob Liefeld was Marvel's rising superstar, redesigning New Mutants with an explosive style that would soon lead him to co-found Image Comics. This issue simultaneously introduces Deadpool, Domino and Gideon — three characters who will define the decade. The context of the nascent X-Force series gave these introductions maximum visibility.

The creators

Rob Liefeld designed the visual design of Deadpool, openly inspired by Deathstroke (DC). Fabian Nicieza developed the character's personality, adding the humor and verbiage that will distinguish him from his role model. The duo created a character initially conceived as a generic villain but whose comedic potential was revealed over subsequent appearances.

The inside story

Deadpool is hired by the mysterious Tolliver to eliminate Cable. He infiltrates the New Mutants' lair and confronts the team. Despite his martial skills and his regeneration, he is ultimately repelled by Domino (actually Copycat in disguise). The character impresses with his confidence and his incessant chatter, laying the foundations of his future personality.

Description of coverage

Liefeld's cover has become iconic: Deadpool leaps towards the reader in an exaggerated dynamic pose, swords at his back and guns drawn, while Cable and the New Mutants occupy the background. The red and black suit, white eyes and pocketed belt are instantly recognizable. This is one of the most reproduced covers of the 1990s.

Edition and variants

Circulation is estimated at 500,000–600,000 copies, reflecting the market boom in 1991. Distribution was through newsstand AND direct edition. The newsstand variant (UPC barcode) commands a 30–50% premium over the direct edition in 9.8, because it is less well preserved on average. There is no separate Canadian pricing variant for this period.

CGC census data

The CGC census lists more than 12,000 graded copies — one of the most submitted titles of the Copper/Modern era. CGC 9.8s represent around 35% of the census (more than 4,000 copies), which makes it a relatively accessible title in high condition. The newsstand variant in 9.8 is much rarer (less than 200 copies).

Value by grade

Price history (2015–2025)

New Mutants #98 has had a roller coaster ride. A CGC 9.8 was worth $800 in 2015, hit $5,000 after the first Deadpool movie was announced, then jumped to $7,000 at the peak of 2021 during the post-Covid bubble. The market corrected to $3,500–4,500 in 2024–2025. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) stabilized prices without raising them to peak levels.

Points of vigilance when purchasing

Dry cleaning

Pressing is extremely common on this title. The difference in value between 9.6 and 9.8 (around $2,000) provides massive incentive for pre-submission pressing. Check for residual spine ticks and corner dings that even good pressing cannot completely eliminate.

Newsstand vs Live

The newsstand variant (identifiable by the UPC barcode instead of the Spider-Man logo in the upper left corner) commands an increasing premium. Ensure authenticity: the barcode must be printed, not stuck (a barcode sticker indicates a redistributed unsold return).

Common faults

Spine stress (common on stiff 1991 paper), color-breaking corner dings, manufacturing defects (shifted printing, ink stains). The light gray background cover easily shows fingerprints and scuffs. Check the staples — the thick paper of this era often causes stress lines around the staples.