Deadpool universeis an organized chaos populated by mercenaries and anti-heroes. Key early appearances include Cable (New Mutants #87, 1990), Domino (New Mutants #98, 1991 — cameo / The seriesDeadpool Corps,Cable & DeadpooletX-Forceform the backbone of this crazy universe.
Deadpool has built around himself a universe of secondary characters as improbable as they are memorable. From Cable to Domino, from Weasel to Bob, each sidekick reflects a facet of the Scattered Mercenary. Collecting the Deadpool universe means navigating between X-Force, the solo series and the multiple incarnations of the Corps — a teeming ecosystem where humor does not exclude market value.
This guide lists the essential first appearances, spin-off series and crossovers to build a complete collection of the Deadpool galaxy. For key numbers of the main title, see ourDeadpool key numbers guide.
Villains and Rivals: First appearances
T-Ray
First appearance inDeadpool #1 vol. 2(January 1997). Wade Wilson's mystical rival claims to be the real Wade Wilson — a recurring antagonist of the series-defining Joe Kelly run.
Ajax (Francis Fanny)
First appearance inDeadpool #14(March 1998). The Weapon
Taskmaster
First appearance inAvengers #195(May 1980). Although shared with other universes, Taskmaster is a recurring adversary of Deadpool. This Bronze Age number is an undervalued key that is gaining visibility.
Supporting Cast: Key Characters
Cable (Nathan Summers)
First appearance inNew Mutants #87(March 1990). Deadpool's unlikely partner inCable & Deadpool(#1-50, 2004-2008) is a pillar of the X universe. His first appearance remains one of the most important keys of the modern era.
Domino (Neena Thurman)
First appearance (impostor) inNew Mutants #98(February 1991 — the same issue as Deadpool!), real Domino inX-Force #8(March 1992). Founding member of X-Force and regular ally of Wade, his solo series (2018, 10 issues) enriches his mythology.
Weasel (Jack Hammer)
First appearance inDeadpool: The Circle Chase #1(August 1993). Wade's weapons supplier and best friend is a cult character whose first mini-series Deadpool is highly sought after.
Bob, Agent of Hydra
First appearance inCable & Deadpool #38(May 2007). Wade's incompetent henchman-turned-sidekick is a fan-favorite whose first appearance steadily gains value.
Derivative series and spin-offs
The essential satellite titles:Cable & Deadpool(#1-50, 2004-2008 — the definitive duo series),Deadpool Corps(2010, 12 issues),Deadpool Team-Up(2009-2011),Uncanny X-Force(Remender, 2010-2012 — Deadpool member) andX-Forceflight. 1 (#1-40, Liefeld/Nicieza — the origins).
Deadpool Corps and variants
Deadpool's multiverse universe includes Lady Deadpool (Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth #7, 2009), Kidpool (Deadpool Corps: Rank and Foul #1, 2010), Dogpool, and Headpool. The seriesDeadpool Kills the Marvel Universe(2012, 4 issues) is a modern must-have, as isDeadpool vs. Old Man Logan(2017).
Collecting Strategy for the Expanded Universe
New Mutants #87 (Cable) and #98 (Deadpool + fake Domino) are the two mainstays — invest here first. Complete with Cable & Deadpool #1 and #38 (Bob). The Joe Kelly run (Deadpool #1-33 vol. 2) remains the definitive and affordable run. X-Force #1-15 provides the foundation for the Cable/Deadpool team-up. For the full story, see ourDeadpool story guide.
Organize the chaos of your Deadpool collection with ourmanagement application— follow every series, crossover and multiversal variant of Mercenary Disert.