Best Deadpool Covers: Most Iconic and Collectible

In the comics market, the cover is often the first purchasing criterion — even before the narrative content. Deadpool's iconic covers have become pop culture images in their own right, reproduced on t-shirts, posters and wallpapers by the millions. For collectors, these covers represent not only aesthetic value but also a measurable financial premium.

This guide ranks the most famous and collected Deadpool covers, with analysis of their impact on market value and tips for building a collection focused on cover art.

New Mutants #98 — the founding image

Rob Liefeld's cover for New Mutants #98 is probably the most reproduced comic book image of the last 30 years. Deadpool appears for the first time, leaping in a dynamic pose typical of the Liefeld style, with his katanas crossed on his back and his grenade pouches. The bright yellow/orange background and aggressive layout immediately capture attention.

This cover is so iconic that it has been honored dozens of times in the character's history. Liefeld himself recomposed it on several commemorative variants. The original art of this cover, if it still exists (Liefeld claims to still have it), is estimated at more than $500,000 by experts in the original art market.

In terms of collection, this is THE cover to have in CGC 9.8. Its universal recognition makes it a display piece without equivalent in the Deadpool universe.

Deadpool #1 (1997) — Ed McGuinness Defines the Look

The cover of the first issue of the ongoing series shows Deadpool in a dynamic crouching pose, looking menacing-comic, with the bold logo above. McGuinness' round, cartoonish style deliberately contrasts with the angular, hyper-muscular Liefeld of 1991. It was this McGuinness interpretation that became the standard visual template for the character for the next two decades.

The simple but effective composition – centered character, monochrome background, legible pose – makes it a classic of cover design. In CGC 9.8, this is one of the most requested covers of the late 90s ($400-700).

Deadpool #1 (2016) — the Hip-Hop variant

In 2016, Marvel released a series of "Hip-Hop" variants paying homage to classic album covers. Deadpool #1 by Mike Hawthorne pays homage to Notorious B.I.G.'s Ready to Die album. — Deadpool replaces Biggie in the iconic crowned baby pose. This cover has become a cross-cultural collectible, sought after by hip-hop fans and comic book collectors alike.

CGC 9.8: $80-150. It's one of the most consistent modern variations in terms of value — it never loses popularity, unlike other variations that fluctuate with fashions.

Uncanny X-Force #1 (2010) — Opena elegance

Jerome Opena's cover for Uncanny X-Force #1 shows the team (Wolverine, Deadpool, Psylocke, Archangel, Fantomex) emerging from the shadows with dramatic black and white lighting punctuated by red. It's a prestige cover that contrasts radically with the usual imagery of Deadpool - here, no humor, just dark elegance and a murderous Deadpool.

This cover is considered one of the most beautiful in the Marvel catalog of the 2010s. CGC 9.8: $100-180. The sketch version (1:100) can reach $300-500.

Most Collected Modern Variant Covers

Deadpool #1 (2020) — Peach Momoko variant:Momoko's Japanese watercolor style applied to Deadpool creates a fascinating juxtaposition between artistic gentleness and character violence. CGC 9.8: $200-350. It has become a trophy piece for fans of variant covers.

Deadpool #900 (2009) — Jason Pearson cover:A special issue with a stunning cover showing Deadpool surrounded by Marvel characters. The oversized format and artistic quality make it a sought-after collectible. CGC 9.8: $60-100.

Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe #1 (2012) — Kaare Andrews cover:Deadpool sitting on a throne made of corpses of Marvel heroes. Provocative and iconic image which perfectly sums up the concept of the mini-series. CGC 9.8: $60-120.

Spider-Man/Deadpool #1 (2016) — Hastings variant:Deadpool and Spider-Man in a visual bromance. The exclusive variants of this series are particularly sought after. CGC 9.8: $80-150 for the best variants.

Build a Deadpool cover art collection

For collectors who prioritize aesthetics over pure speculation, a cover-focused collection offers several advantages. Iconic covers maintain their value regardless of film-related market fluctuations because their appeal is artistic and timeless.

An effective strategy: select a striking cover per decade (1990s: NM #98, 2000s: Deadpool #900, 2010s: UXF #1 or Hip-Hop variant, 2020s: Momoko variant). Four issues that visually chronicle the evolution of the character and the industry.

Estimated budget for this quartet in CGC 9.8: $3,400-5,700, mainly driven by New Mutants #98. Excluding NM #98 and replacing it with Circle Chase #1, the budget drops to $500-900 for an aesthetically remarkable set.