The best budget entries for Deadpool: the Joe Kelly run (1997-1999) in lots under $60, Deadpool #1 (2008, Daniel Way) under $15, and the issues of the Duggan/Posehn run (2012-2015) at $2-4 each in NM.
Deadpool is a unique case: its first appearance (New Mutants #98, 1991) exploded after the Ryan Reynolds films and now exceeds $300 even in modest condition. But beyond this flagship issue, the Mercenaire Disert has a massive bibliography that is widely accessible to tight budgets.
This guide gives you the keys to building a solid Deadpool collection without selling a kidney: irony that Wade Wilson would appreciate. From definitive runs to undervalued key issues, here's how to smartly collect Marvel's most fun character.
Key issues Deadpool under $50
New Mutants #98 is inaccessible, but Deadpool has enough affordable key issues to build a meaningful collection:
- Deadpool: The Circle Chase #1 (1993): first solo mini-series, NM copies around $20-35.
- Deadpool #1 (1994, miniseries): “Sins of the Past”, under $25 in NM.
- Deadpool #1 (1997, Joe Kelly): start of the definitive ongoing series, under $40 in NM.
- Cable & Deadpool #1 (2004): start of the cult buddy-comic, under $15 in NM.
- Deadpool #1 (2008, Daniel Way): under $15 in NM.
- Deadpool #1 (2012, Duggan/Posehn): start of the Marvel NOW! run, under $10.
Underrated Runs to Buy Now
Le run Joe Kelly (1997-1999, Deadpool #1-33) is THE quintessential Deadpool run: the one that defined the tone, meta humor, and emotional depth of the character. Mid-run numbers (#5-33) can be found for $3-8 each. A complete lot sells for between $40 and $80 depending on the condition. It is a sure long-term investment.
Le run Cable & Deadpool (2004-2008, 50 issues) is a hilarious buddy-comic that can be found as a complete set for $40-70. With Cable returning to the MCU, this run has significant upside potential.
Le run Duggan/Posehn (2012-2015, 45+ issues) is massively underrated. Excellent writing quality, perfect dark humor, and the issues can be found for $2-4 each. #27 (Deadpool's wedding) is the only number to have increased in value, but the rest of the run is given.
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Dollar bins and overstocks
Post-2008 Deadpool series are extremely common: Marvel has released an astronomical amount of Deadpool titles (Deadpool Corps, Deadpool MAX, Deadpool Team-Up, etc.). These spin-offs populate the dollar bins and some are great reads. The Daniel Way run (2008-2012, 63 issues) can be found in bundles for $30-50.
eBay lots and conventions
On eBay, search for “Deadpool lot 30+ issues”: sellers regularly liquidate accumulations from the 2008-2018 period at knockdown prices. Conventionally, modern Deadpool bins are overflowing: negotiate aggressive lot prices at the end of the day.
Raw vs slabbed: budget strategy
The Deadpool slabbed market is very active on keys from the 90s. If you find a Deadpool #1 (1997) or a Circle Chase #1 in NM at a good price, slabbing can be justified: CGC 9.8s command a premium of 3-5x on these issues. For everything else, raw is the way to go.
Newsstand and variants
THE newsstand editions from Deadpool vol. 1 (1997-2002) are rare: as the character was considered "niche" at the time, newsstand print runs were limited. A #1 newsstand is worth significantly more than the direct edition. Variants hip-hop (2015) and baby (Skottie Young) are fun picks under $15.
Modern keys under $20
- Deadpool #27 (2014): Deadpool's wedding, under $15.
- Deadpool #1 (2015, Gerry Duggan): relaunches ANAD Marvel, under $8.
- Deadpool vs. Old Man Logan #1 (2017): under $5.
- Deadpool #1 (2018, Skottie Young): under $8.
- Deadpool #1 (2024): fresh start relaunch, under $5.
2nd prints and alternatives
Le New Mutants #98 Facsimile Edition (2019) is a faithful reprint of the original issue available for $10: perfect for representing this first appearance in your collection without spending hundreds of dollars. Deadpool's True Believers are also great $1 alternatives.
Reading copies vs investment copies
For Deadpool, the optimal strategy: the complete Kelly run and Cable & Deadpool in reading copies (budget $80-120), then concentrate the investment on a Circle Chase #1 in NM and a Deadpool #1 (1997) in VF/NM. These two issues are best positioned for revaluation as the MCU develops the character.
Between the dozens of Deadpool series and spin-offs, keep in touch with our collection management application. Number-by-number tracking, estimated value and integrated wish list.
Frequently asked questions
The Joe Kelly run (1997-1999, Deadpool #1 to #33) is the ideal starting point, because it defined the character's meta humor and emotional depth. Mid-run issues are very affordable and easy to find in lots.
No. New Mutants #98 is Deadpool's first appearance (1991), but its price exploded with the movies. You can build a solid collection around the many accessible keys, from Cable & Deadpool #1 to Deadpool #1 (2008).
The New Mutants #98 Facsimile Edition (2019) faithfully reproduces the issue at a fraction of the original's price. The Deadpool True Believers reprints are also excellent stand-ins for a key issue in your collection.
The Duggan/Posehn run (2012-2015, 45+ issues) delivers excellent writing for very little, with #27 (Deadpool's wedding) the only issue to have gained value. The Daniel Way run (2008-2012, 63 issues) is also available in lots at low cost.
Only for the 1990s keys, such as the 1997 #1 or Circle Chase #1, when the copy is in excellent condition and bought at the right price. For everything else, raw copies are the sensible route.