Get Started In DEADPOOL Comic Books

by snowbi-wan, updated Mar 2020

Deadpool is Marvel's 'Merc with a Mouth.' The character was created by Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza in 1991 with influences from some of their favorite existing characters such as Spider-Man, Wolverine, and DC's Deathstroke. Debuting in the pages of THE NEW MUTANTS and continuing on in X-FORCE, Deadpool was initially a straight-forward villain, but evolved under successive writers into the current and much more recognizable wise-cracking antihero that he is. As far as characters created in the modern-era, Deadpool was one of the extremely popular ones--even before his breakout 2016 movie starring Ryan Reynolds. (The reference to 'RYAN RENOLDS' [sic] in CABLE/DEADPOOL [2004] #2 that inspired Ryan Reynolds to pursue the movie role is most likely an urban legend.)

Wade Wilson was a mercenary before he was diagnosed with cancer and accepted an experimental treatment at the then hardly-known Weapon X Project. Their attempts to replicate Wolverine's healing factor arrested Wilson's cancer, but did not produce the desired mutation. He was transferred to the Workshop, a dubious hospice for failed super-soldier candidates, where Dr. Killebrew pretty much tortured him into manifesting his superhuman abilities of accelerated healing, increased physical prowess and horrible disfigurement (think avocados, but, you know, disfigurement is not really a superhuman ability). Wilson went a little bit insane there, killed a bunch of people, adopted the name, Deadpool, and lived mentally unstable ever after. He's known as the 'Merc with a Mouth' because of his talkative nature and his tendency to break the fourth wall. A running gag was his insane belief that he might be a comic book character in a made-up comic book universe.

Most of Deadpool's comic book material is not meant for kids and carries a 'Parental Advisory' warning. As with most Marvel characters now, there have been multiple alternate versions of Deadpool. The Deadpool Corps, an army of alternate versions recruited by Deadpool going to war with another army of evil alternate versions, predates Marvel's Spider-Verse storyline in this concept. Some of the more popular versions are effective humorous devices, but Deadpool himself is the undisputed star of Deadpool comics.

1st Appearance

The first appearance of a character in comic book form is often the most valuable issue featuring that character. It's a nice place to get started in Deadpool, if it's within your budget.

*As an eBay Partner, I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure

NEW MUTANTS [1983] #98 (1st appearance of Deadpool)

Origin Story

The original presentation of an origin story or a retelling/recounting of it can be a good place to get started with a character or subject. Wade Wilson was a mercenary before he was diagnosed with cancer and accepted an experimental treatment at the then hardly-known Weapon X Project. Their attempts to replicate Wolverine's healing factor arrested Wilson's cancer, but did not produce the desired mutation. He was transferred to another facility for failed super-soldier experiments where Dr. Killebrew pretty much tortured him into manifesting his healing factor. Deadpool went a little bit insane there, killed a bunch of people, adopted the name, Deadpool, and lived mentally unstable ever after. Pieces of Deadpool's origin story have been revealed over time and may actually contradict one another. This could be typical origin 'tinkering' that some successive creators do with long-running comic book icons. Or, in most cases, the 'highly reliable' Deadpool himself is relaying his origin story, so he could just be wrong. The beauty of Deadpool is that future writers can just make fun of any contradictions that may exist.

*As a MyComicShop Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure

DEADPOOL [1997] #-1 (flashback issue details Deadpool's origin around the time of his cancer diagnosis)
DEADPOOL/DEATH '98 [1998] (Deadpool recalls the origins of his healing factor and his name)
DEADPOOL [1997] #33 (potentially mind-bending revelations about the true idendity of Wade Wison)
OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE: WOLVERINE 2004 [2004] (3-page character profile on Deadpool)
WOLVERINE: WEAPON X FILES [2009] (3-page character profile on Deadpool)
WEAPON X: FIRST CLASS [2009] #2 (contains 10-page story where Deadpool takes the reader on a tour of the Weapon X facility and explains his origin)
X-MEN ORIGINS: DEADPOOL [2010] #1 (Deadpool pitches his origin story to a Hollywood scriptwriter)
ORIGINS OF MARVEL COMICS: X-MEN [2010] #1 (1-page summary on Deadpool)

Main Publication History

Series beginnings are always great places to get started in comic books. Here is the Main Publication History for Deadpool comic books. Deadpool was introduced in NEW MUTANTS [1983] #98 and made follow-on appearances in X-FORCE [1991]. He had many guest appearances and cameos across the Marvel line at the time, but launched into his own self-titled mini-series with DEADPOOL [1993] #1-4. This was followed by another mini, then an ongoing, and viola...he has been churning out material ever since. (The AGENT X [2002] series is included on this list, as a central feature of the series was the question of whether Agent X was--in fact--Deadpool himself. Marvel's publishing-wide relaunch, MARVEL LEGACY, includes a return to legacy numbering for its long-running titles. In Marvel's calculation of the starting point of DESPICABLE DEADPOOL [2017] #287, they included all 15 issues of AGENT X's run.) The popularity of Deadpool has allowed Marvel to keep him in print in one series or another continuously throughout the years. The list below focuses on ongoing and mini-series which starred Deadpool as a main character. A few ongoing series where he was a team member are also included. See the Secondary Publishing History for a list of guest appearances and one-shots that starred Deadpool in a prominent manner.

*As a MyComicShop Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure

NEW MUTANTS [1983] #98 (1st appearance of Deadpool) Find issues on MCS
X-FORCE [1991] #2, 4, 5, 10, 11, 14, 15, 21-24 (follow-on early appearances in this series)
DEADPOOL [1993] #1-4 (THE CIRCLE CHASE, first solo mini-series)
DEADPOOL [1994] #1-4 (2nd solo mini-series; Mark Waid's 1st work at Marvel)
DEADPOOL [1997] #1-6, -1, 7-12, 0, 13-69 (1st ongoing solo series, 'Vol 1')
DEADPOOL/DEATH '98 [1998] #1 (origin story)
AGENT X [2002] #1-15 (Agent X character is--or isn't--Deadpool)
CABLE/DEADPOOL [2004] #1-24
CABLE AND DEADPOOL [2006] #25-50
DEADPOOL [2008] #1-63 (2nd ongoing solo series, 'Vol 2,' from Daniel Way)
DEADPOOL: SUICIDE KINGS [2009] #1-5
DEADPOOL: MERC WITH A MOUTH [2009] #1-13
DEADPOOL [2009] #900 (one-off discountinuous number initiates ongoing DEADPOOL TEAM-UP [2010] series with descending numbering)
DEADPOOL TEAM-UP [2010] #899-883 (numbering DESCENDS)
PRELUDE TO DEADPOOL CORPS [2010] #1-5
DEADPOOL CORPS [2010] #1-12
DEADPOOL MGC [2010] #1 (reprints DEADPOOL [2008] #1)
DEADPOOL: WADE WILSON'S WAR [2010] #1-4
DEADPOOL [2010] #1000 (another, one-off discontinuous number)
DEADPOOL PULP [2010] #1-4
UNCANNY X-FORCE [2010] #1-35 (team member)
DEADPOOL MAX [2010] #1-12
UNCANNY X-FORCE: THE APOCALYPSE SOLUTION [2011] #1 (reprints UNCANNY X-FORCE [2010] #1-3)
DEADPOOL MAX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE [2011] #1 (reprints DEADPOOL MAX [2010] #1-3)
CABLE AND DEADPOOL MGC [2011] #1 (reprints CABLE/DEADPOOL [2004] #1)
DEADPOOL MAX 2 [2011] #1-6
DEADPOOL KILLS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE [2012] #1-4
DEADPOOL [2013] #1-45 ('Vol 3' from Duggan and Posehn)
THUNDERBOLTS [2013] #1-32 (team member)
DEADPOOL KILLUSTRATED [2013] #1-4
DEADPOOL KILLS DEADPOOL [2013] #1-4
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEADPOOL [2014] #1-4
DEADPOOL ANNUAL [2014] #1-2
DEADPOOL VS. CARNAGE [2014] #1-4
DEADPOOL: DRACULA'S GAUNTLET [2014] #1-7
DEADPOOL VS. X-FORCE [2014] #1-4
DEADPOOL BI-ANNUAL [2014] #1
HAWKEYE VS. DEADPOOL [2014] #0-4
DEADPOOL'S ART OF WAR [2014] #1-4
DEADPOOL'S SECRET SECRET WARS [2015] #1-4
DEADPOOL VS. THANOS [2015] #1-4
UNCANNY AVENGERS [2015B] #1-23 (team member)
DEADPOOL [2016] #1-36 ('World's Greatest')
UNCANNY AVENGERS ANNUAL [2016] #1 (team member)
DEADPOOL AND CABLE: SPLIT SECOND [2016] #1-3
SPIDER-MAN/DEADPOOL [2016] #1-50
DEADPOOL AND THE MERCS FOR MONEY [2016A] #1-5
DEADPOOL AND THE MERCS FOR MONEY [2016B] #1-10
DEADPOOL V GAMBIT [2016] #1-5
DEADPOOL ANNUAL [2016] #1
DEADPOOL: BACK IN BLACK [2016] #1-5
DEADPOOL: TOO SOON? [2016] #1-4
DEADPOOL THE DUCK [2017] #1-5
DEADPOOL BAD BLOOD [2017-HC] (original material)
DEADPOOL VS. THE PUNISHER [2017] #1-5
DEADPOOL KILLS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE AGAIN [2017] #1-5
DESPICABLE DEADPOOL [2017] #287-300 (return to legacy numbering for MARVEL LEGACY publishing-wide relaunch)
DEADPOOL VS. OLD MAN LOGAN [2017] #1-5
YOU ARE DEADPOOL [2018] #1-5
DEADPOOL [2018] #1-15 (flagship relaunch from writer Skottie Young)
DEADPOOL: ASSASSIN [2018] #1-6
CABLE AND DEADPOOL ANNUAL [2018] #1
BLACK PANTHER VS. DEADPOOL [2018] #1-5
DEADPOOL: SECRET AGENT DEADPOOL [2019-SC] (original story)
DEADPOOL [2020] #1- (flagship title relaunch from writer Kelly Thompson)
DEADPOOL: THE END [2020] #1

Secondary Publication History

If you've already enjoyed some of the series listed in the Main Publication History above, series from this secondary publication list are very good places to further your exploration. The popularity of Deadpool has allowed Marvel to keep him in print in one series or another continuously throughout the years. Deadpool has had countless (unless you want to count them below) mini-series, cross-overs, and one-shots.

*As a MyComicShop Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure

X-FORCE ANNUAL [1992] #1-2 (early appearances)
NOMAD [1992] #4, 15 (early guest appearances in Fabian Nicieza's NOMAD series)
AVENGERS [1963] #366 (early guest appearance, story continued from AVENGERS ANNUAL [1967] #22)
SILVER SABLE AND THE WILD PACK [1992] #26, 30 (early guest appearances)
SECRET DEFENDERS [1993] #15-17 (fleeting team member until Dr. Strange corrects reality)
WOLVERINE [1988] #88 (1st Deadpool/Wolverine battle)
X-CALIBRE [1995] #1-4 (introduction of Dead Man Wade (the Age of Apocalypse (AoA) version of Deadpool))
WOLVERINE '95 [1995] (contains 18-page Wolverine/Deadpool story)
X-FORCE MEGAZINE [1996] #1 (reprints NEW MUTANTS [1983] #98-100)
DAREDEVIL/DEADPOOL '97 [1997]
DEADPOOL TEAM-UP [1998] #1 (one-shot, part of Deadpool Month)
BABY'S FIRST DEADPOOL BOOK [1998] #1 (one-shot, part of Deadpool Month)
ENCYCLOPAEDIA DEADPOOLICA [1998] #1 (one-shot, part of Deadpool Month)
WOLVERINE 1999 [1999] (contains 25-page Wolverine/Deadpool story)
WOLVERINE [1988] #154-155 (ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER, Wolverine/Deadpool story/art by Liefeld)
X-MEN UNLIMITED [1993] #28 (contains 11-page Deadpool story in the style of Frank Miller's SIN CITY)
BLACK PANTHER [1998] #23 (crossover with DEADPOOL [1997] #44)
IDENTITY DISC [2004] #1-5 (minor part in this mini-series)
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN [2000] #91-94 (introduction of the Ultimate Universe's Deadpool, Sgt Wadey Wilson)
DEADPOOL/GLI--SUMMER FUN SPECTACULAR [2007] #1
WOLVERINE: ORIGINS [2006] #21-25 (THE DEEP END)
MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS [2007] #10 (contains 8-page Deadpool story, FUN WITH NINJAS)
MARVEL ZOMBIES [2008] #1 ('introduction' of Marvel Zombie Deadpool's head...commonly referred to as Headpool)
DEADPOOL: GAME$ OF DEATH [2009] #1
THUNDERBOLTS [2006] #130-131 (crossover with DEADPOOL [2008] #8-9)
SUPERMAN/BATMAN ANNUAL [2006] #1 (wait...wha?!? Deadpool's not actually in this comic, but Joe Kelly riffs on a ripoff by writing a Deathstroke that acts just like Deadpool)
CABLE [2008] #13 (Deadpool explains how he survived 800 years to be in this time-travel tale)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN [2003] #611 (guest appearance, cool cover)
X-FORCE ANNUAL [2010] #1 (contains 12-page Deadpool story, UNDEADPOOL)
CABLE [2008] #25 (Deadpool recounts his massive role in the SECOND COMING storyline)
VENGEANCE OF THE MOON KNIGHT [2010] #8 (guest appearance)
DEADPOOL CORPS: RANK AND FOUL [2010] #1
HULKED-OUT HEROES [2010] #1-2 (introduction of Hulkpool as part of World War Hulks)
LADY DEADPOOL [2010] #1 (one-shot focusing on Lady Deadpool)
X-MEN ORIGINS: DEADPOOL [2010] #1
5 RONIN [2011] #1-5 (cool alternate version of Deadpool in feudal Japan)
WHAT IF? IRON MAN: DEMON IN AN ARMOR [2011] #1 (contains 6-page WHAT IF THE VENOM SYMBIOTE POSSESSED DEADPOOL, Part 1 of 4; Remender's introduction of Venompool)
WHAT IF? WOLVERINE: FATHER [2011] #1 (contains 6-page WHAT IF THE VENOM SYMBIOTE POSSESSED DEADPOOL, Part 2 of 4)
WHAT IF? SPIDER-MAN [2011] #1 (contains 6-page WHAT IF THE VENOM SYMBIOTE POSSESSED DEADPOOL, Part 3 of 4)
WHAT IF? DARK REIGN [2011] #1 (contains 6-page WHAT IF THE VENOM SYMBIOTE POSSESSED DEADPOOL, Part 4 of 4)
VENOM/DEADPOOL: WHAT IF? [2011] (collects the 4-part WHAT IF THE VENOM SYMBIOTE POSSESSED DEADPOOL story)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL [2008] #38 (IDENTITY WARS, Part 1 of 3)
DEADPOOL FAMILY [2011] #1
DEADPOOL ANNUAL [2011] #1 (IDENTITY WARS, Part 2 of 3)
FEAR ITSELF: DEADPOOL [2011] #1-3 (FEAR ITSELF (2011) tie-in)
INCREDIBLE HULKS ANNUAL [2011] #1 (IDENTITY WARS, Part 3 of 3)
DEADPOOL/AMAZING SPIDER-MAN/HULK: IDENTITY WARS [2011-HC] (collects the 3-part IDENITITY WARS story)
FEAR ITSELF: UNCANNY X-FORCE [2011] #1-3 (FEAR ITSELF (2011) tie-in)
WOLVERINE/DEADPOOL: THE DECOY [2011] #1
DEADPOOL MAX X-MAS SPECIAL [2012] #1
AVENGING SPIDER-MAN [2011] #12-13
DEADPOOL: THE GAUNTLET [2014] #1
DEATH OF WOLVERINE: DEADPOOL AND CAPTAIN AMERICA [2014] #1
MRS. DEADPOOL AND THE HOWLING COMMANDOS [2015] #1-4
DEADPOOL: LAST DAYS OF MAGIC [2016] #1
TRUE BELIEVERS: DEADPOOL VARIANTS [2016] #1 (collects Deadpool variant covers)

Selected Key Storylines

This section contains a curated list of some of the best storylines for Deadpool, any one of which can be a good place to get started. Tales about Deadpool can focus on--or mix to varying degrees--either of his iconic characteristics: wise-cracking humorous/ridiculous storylines and insanely violent plotlines. The contemporary Deadpool evolved over time, with his first appearance and his first years--if not for the costume--almost unrecognizable compared to the modern interpretation. Today, he is as valuable a creative resource to juxtapose against other Marvel characters, as he is to tell his own stories.

*As a MyComicShop Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure

1994	DEADPOOL [1994] #1-4 (SINS OF THE PAST, writer Mark Waid initiates Deadpool's transformation from villain to anti-hero, 1st unmasking)
1997	DEADPOOL [1997] #1-5 (HEY, IT'S DEADPOOL, writer Joe Kelly's first arc of his 33-issue run (generally considered the 'core text') initiates Deadpool's transformation into the modern, slapstick character)
1998	DEADPOOL [1997] #11 (WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT COINCIDENCE, hilarious time-travel back into the re-created panels of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN [1963] #47)
1998	DEADPOOL/DEATH '98 [1998] #1 (some vital origin material (look for it in the DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 04 compilation))
2001	DEADPOOL [1997] #57-60 (AGENT OF WEAPON X, gets mixed up in the Weapon X program again)
2004	CABLE/DEADPOOL [2004] #1-5 (IF LOOKS COULD KILL, beginning of the 'odd couple' relationship between these two characters that would span 50 issues)
2008	WOLVERINE: ORIGINS [2006] #21-25 (THE DEEP END, writer Daniel Way's strong first take on Deadpool pits him against Wolverine)
2008	DEADPOOL [2008] #1-3 (ONE OF US, first arc of writer Daniel Way's 63-issue run amps the action--and the nonsense--up to eleven)
2010	UNCANNY X-FORCE [2010] #1-5 (THE APOCALPYSE SOLUTION, first arc of writer Remender's 35-issue run retains the humor--but cuts out the slapstick--in this ultra-violent, bad-ass, team-based story)
2011	VENOM/DEADPOOL: WHAT IF? [2011] (strong Remender 'what if' tale (but doesn't everything 'Deadpool' feel like a 'what if' tale?))
2011	DEADPOOL [2008] #43-48 (YOU COMPLETE ME/EVIL DEADPOOL, crazy cool craziness)
2012	DEADPOOL KILLS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE [2012] #1-4 (a dark one--the title says it all...literally)
2013	DEADPOOL [2013] #1-6 (DEAD PRESIDENTS, first arc of writers Posehn/Duggar's 45-issue run starts tentatively, but ultimately refines the mix of humor, nonsense, action and heart to gold standard)
2013	DEADPOOL [2013] #15-19 (THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY, Posehn/Duggan's best arc, the most common inclusion on 'best of Deadpool' lists)
2014	HAWKEYE VS. DEADPOOL [2014] #0-4 (a standout in the ongoing Deadpool vs. mini-series theme)

Key Issues

A key issue can be an acceptable place to get started with Deadpool, but they are more of a collector's checklist, as they can carry high price tags. Nearly every first issue of a Deadpool series tends to be a hot back issue. The first appearances of Domino and Copycat are marked with 'retcon' in parentheses, since at the time of Domino's first appearance, nobody (possibly including even the writers) knew that she was Copycat in disguise. So, their pre-retcon first appearances are marked with 'retcon' as well. It's a little bit of a mess, but you should have as much info as possible, so you can decide the relative importance of these issues. Another series of key issues with dubious importance is the evolution of Deadpool's breaking of the 4th wall in Joe Kelly's 1997 ongoing series. It's definitely an important aspect of the character, but it's also definitely hard to say where it started, since it did evolve throughout the series. The list below notes several instances with specific descriptions of the interactions. Again, you can decide which--if any--are key issues to you. Finally, the list of alternate Deadpools is long, especially when you consider the Deadpool and Evil Deadpool Corps. Some have more backstory and published material than others.

*As an eBay Partner, I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure

NEW MUTANTS [1983] #98 (1st appearances of Deadpool, Domino (as Copycat)/Copycat (as Domino) (retcon))
X-FORCE [1991] #2 (2nd appearance of Deadpool)
X-FORCE [1991] #4 (early appearance of Deadpool)
X-FORCE [1991] #5 (early appearance of Deadpool)
X-FORCE [1991] #10 (early appearance of Deadpool)
X-FORCE [1991] #11 (early appearance of Deadpool, 1st appearance of Domino (as Domino) (retcon))
X-FORCE [1991] #19 (1st appearance of Copycat (as Copycat) (retcon))
CABLE [1993] #3 (1st appearance of Weasel)
DEADPOOL [1993] #1 (1st issue of this series)
DEADPOOL [1994] #1 (1st issue of this series, 1st Deadpool unmasked, 1st appearance of Dr. Killebrew, 1st Mark Waid work at Marvel)
WOLVERINE [1988] #88 (1st Deadpool/Wolverine battle)
DEADPOOL [1997] #1 (1st issue of this series, 1st appearance of Blind Al)
DEADPOOL [1997] #4 (1st Deadpool breaking the 4th wall (in recap))
DEADPOOL [1997] -1 (origin material)
DAREDEVIL/DEADPOOL '97 [1997] (1st Deadpool/Daredevil team-up)
DEADPOOL [1997] #11 (Deadpool replaces Spider-Man in panels of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN [1963] #47)
DEADPOOL [1997] #0 (1st Deadpool breaking the 4th wall (in story))
DEADPOOL [1997] #14 (1st appearance of Ajax (aka Francis))
BABY'S FIRST DEADPOOL BOOK [1998] #1 (popular spoof of a children's book)
DEADPOOL/DEATH '98 [1998] #1 (origin material)
DEADPOOL [1997] #27 (1st Deadpool breaking the 4th wall (addressing audience (in disguise))
DEADPOOL [1997] #28 (1st Deadpool breaking the 4th wall (full-blown audience conversation (in costume))
DEADPOOL [1997] #33 (origin material)
DEADPOOL [1997] #42 (popular cover homage of G.I. JOE, A REAL AMERICAN HERO [1982] #21)
DEADPOOL [1997] #50 (1st appearance of Kid Deadpool)
DEADPOOL [1997] #65 (popular cover of girl in bunny suit)
CABLE/DEADPOOL [2004] #1 (1st issue of this series)
CABLE/DEADPOOL [2004] #2 ('RYAN RENOLDS' (sic) reference is the seed of the urban legend that inspired Ryan Reynolds to pursue Deadpool movie role)
CABLE/DEADPOOL [2004] #24 (1st Deadpool/Spider-Man battle)
CABLE AND DEADPOOL [2006] #38 (1st appearance of Hydra Bob)
DEADPOOL [2008] #1 (1st issue of this series)
MARVEL ZOMBIES [2008] #1 (1st appearance of Headpool (disembodied head of the zombie version of Deadpool))
DEADPOOL: SUICIDE KINGS [2009] #1 (1st issue of this series)
DEADPOOL: MERC WITH A MOUTH [2009] #1 (1st issue of this series)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN [2003] #611 (popular Deadpool/Spider-Man story)
HIT-MONKEY [2010A] #1 (1st appearance of Hit-Monkey (in print))
DEADPOOL [2008] #19 (1st appearance of Hit-Monkey (in Deadpool comics))
DEADPOOL: MERC WITH A MOUTH [2009] #7 (1st appearances of Lady Deadpool, Major Deadpool)
PRELUDE TO DEADPOOL CORPS [2010] #2 (1st appearance of Kidpool)
PRELUDE TO DEADPOOL CORPS [2010] #3 (1st appearance of Dogpool)
PRELUDE TO DEADPOOL CORPS [2010] #4 (1st appearance of Deadpool Corps (assembled))
DEADPOOL CORPS [2010] #1 (1st issue of this series)
X-MEN ORIGINS: DEADPOOL [2010] #1 (origin material)
DEADPOOL [2008] #44 (1st brief appearance of Evil Deadpool)
DEADPOOL [2008] #45 (1st full appearance of Evil Deadpool)
DEADPOOL KILLS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE [2012] #1 (1st issue of this series, 1st appearance of Dreadpool (unnamed))
DEADPOOL [2013] #1 (1st issue of this series)
DEADPOOL KILLUSTRATED [2013] #1 (1st issue of this series)
DEADPOOL KILLS DEADPOOL [2013] #1 (1st issue of this series)
DEADPOOL VS. CARNAGE [2014] #1 (1st issue of this series)
DEADPOOL [2013] #27 (marriage of Deadpool and Shiklah)
DEADPOOL'S SECRET SECRET WARS [2015] #2 (1st appearance of Gwenpool (cover))

Compilations

In modern comic publishing, it's common (and expected) for individual comic book issues to be collected into compilations of trade paperbacks and/or hardcovers, as well as other special compilations. Unlike the individual source issues, the collected editions typically stay in print for long periods and are less 'collectible.' If individual issues are out of reach or are not of interest to you or if you just need reading copies, the following collected editions of Deadpool comic books are the most recent in-print editions and are the perfect alternative to get started right away with Deadpool. The following compilations are presented in a chronologically-based suggested reading order with softcover editions before any hardcover editions (unless the only in-print editions are hardcover--these are integrated into the softcover list).

Deadpool has a ton of published material. All of his long-running solo series have been collected into trade paperback series, and it can be confusing and a little daunting.

The first ongoing solo series from 1997 with 69 issues is generally referred to as 'Vol 1' and was collected in the DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] series. This trade paperback series is still running at present, collecting the various appearances and mini-series that followed 'Vol 1' before 'Vol 2.'

The second ongoing solo series from 2008 with 63 issues is generally referred to as 'Vol 2' and was collected in the DEADPOOL [2008-TPB] series, but is more recently reprinted in the DEADPOOL BY DANIEL WAY: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION [2013-TPB] series.

The third ongoing solo series from 2013 with 45 issues is generally referred to as 'Vol 3' and was collected in the DEADPOOL [2013-TPB] series, but is more recently reprinted in the DEADPOOL BY POSEHN AND DUGGAN: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION [2018-TPB] series.

The fourth ongoing solo series from 2016 with 36 issues is generally referred to as 'World's Greatest' and is collected in the DEADPOOL: WORLD'S GREATEST [2016-TPB] series.

The fifth ongoing series, DESPICABLE DEADPOOL [2017] is collected in the DESPICABLE DEADPOOL [2017-TPB] series.

The sixth ongoing series, DEADPOOL [2018] is collected in the DEADPOOL BY SKOTTIE YOUNG [2019-TPB] series.

The current ongoing series, DEADPOOL [2020] is collected in the KING DEADPOOL [2020-TPB] series.

There are stand-alone compilations of just about every one of Deadpool's mini-series as well. A testament to Deadpool's popularity, a great many of all of these volumes are still in print. (So you've got some reading to do!)

The compilations of the longer-running series are presented below generally in the order that the original material was initially printed. (If you need help picking one to start, check out the Selected Key Storylines section further below.)

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure

Cover	Release Month	Series / Number / Storyline
Quick View	Apr 2008	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 01 CURRENT PRINTING (this series of trade paperbacks compiles DEADPOOL 'Vol 1' and some of his stuff after)			Go to Amazon

Quick View	Nov 2019	DEADPOOL BY JOE KELLY: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION [2020-TPB] VOL 01 CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon

Quick View	Apr 2009	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 02 CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Nov 2009	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 03 CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Jan 2011	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 04 CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Jun 2011	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 05 CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Jan 2012	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 06 CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Aug 2012	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 07 CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Mar 2013	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 08 CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Dec 2013	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 09 CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Nov 2014	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 10 CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon

Quick View	Apr 2015	DEADPOOL CLASSIC COMPANION [2015-TPB] CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon

Quick View	May 2015	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 11: MERC WITH A MOUTH CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Jul 2015	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 12: DEADPOOL CORPS CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Sep 2015	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 13: DEADPOOL TEAM-UP CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Nov 2015	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 14: SUICIDE KINGS CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Feb 2016	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 15: ALL THE REST CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Jun 2016	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 16: KILLOGY CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Mar 2017	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 17: HEADCANON CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Jul 2017	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 18: DEADPOOL VS. MARVEL CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Sep 2017	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 19: MAKE WAR, NOT LOVE CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Dec 2017	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 20: ULTIMATE DEADPOOL CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Jan 2018	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 21: DVX CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	May 2018	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 22: MURDER MOST FOWL CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon

Quick View	May 2018	DEADPOOL CLASSIC COMPANION [2015-TPB] VOL 02 CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon

Quick View	Feb 2019	DEADPOOL CLASSIC [2008-TPB] VOL 23: MERCS FOR MONEY CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon

Quick View	Jul 2013	DEADPOOL BY DANIEL WAY: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION [2013-TPB] VOL 01 CURRENT PRINTING (this series of trade paperbacks compiles DEADPOOL 'Vol 2')			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Dec 2013	DEADPOOL BY DANIEL WAY: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION [2013-TPB] VOL 02 CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Apr 2014	DEADPOOL BY DANIEL WAY: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION [2013-TPB] VOL 03 CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Aug 2014	DEADPOOL BY DANIEL WAY: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION [2013-TPB] VOL 04 CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon

Quick View	May 2013	DEADPOOL [2013-TPB] VOL 01: DEAD PRESIDENTS CURRENT PRINTING (this series of trade paperbacks compiles DEADPOOL 'Vol 3')			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Aug 2013	DEADPOOL [2013-TPB] VOL 02: SOUL HUNTER CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Dec 2013	DEADPOOL [2013-TPB] VOL 03: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	May 2014	DEADPOOL [2013-TPB] VOL 04: DEADPOOL VS. S.H.I.E.L.D. CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Jul 2014	DEADPOOL [2013-TPB] VOL 05: THE WEDDING OF DEADPOOL CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Nov 2014	DEADPOOL [2013-TPB] VOL 06: ORIGINAL SIN CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Mar 2015	DEADPOOL [2013-TPB] VOL 07: AXIS CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	May 2015	DEADPOOL [2013-TPB] VOL 08: ALL GOOD THINGS CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon

Quick View	Jan 2018	DEADPOOL BY POSEHN AND DUGGAN: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION [2018-TPB] VOL 01 CURRENT PRINTING (this series of trade paperbacks are the latest editions compiling DEADPOOL 'Vol 3')			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Mar 2018	DEADPOOL BY POSEHN AND DUGGAN: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION [2018-TPB] VOL 02 CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Jun 2018	DEADPOOL BY POSEHN AND DUGGAN: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION [2018-TPB] VOL 03 CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Aug 2018	DEADPOOL BY POSEHN AND DUGGAN: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION [2018-TPB] VOL 04 CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon

Quick View	Feb 2016	DEADPOOL: WORLD'S GREATEST [2016-TPB] VOL 01: MILLIONAIRE WITH A MOUTH CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Jun 2016	DEADPOOL: WORLD'S GREATEST [2016-TPB] VOL 02: END OF AN ERROR CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Aug 2016	DEADPOOL: WORLD'S GREATEST [2016-TPB] VOL 03: DEADPOOL VS. SABRETOOTH CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Oct 2016	DEADPOOL: WORLD'S GREATEST [2016-TPB] VOL 04: TEMPORARY INSANITATION CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Dec 2016	DEADPOOL: WORLD'S GREATEST [2016-TPB] VOL 05: CIVIL WAR II CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Apr 2017	DEADPOOL: WORLD'S GREATEST [2016-TPB] VOL 06: PATIENCE: ZERO CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	May 2017	DEADPOOL: WORLD'S GREATEST [2016-TPB] VOL 07: DEADPOOL DOES SHAKESPEARE CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Aug 2017	DEADPOOL: WORLD'S GREATEST [2016-TPB] VOL 08: 'TIL DEATH DO US... CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Sep 2017	DEADPOOL: WORLD'S GREATEST [2016-TPB] VOL 09: DEADPOOL IN SPACE CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Nov 2017	DEADPOOL: WORLD'S GREATEST [2016-TPB] VOL 10: SECRET EMPIRE CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon

Quick View	Feb 2018	DESPICABLE DEADPOOL [2017-TPB] VOL 01: DEADPOOL KILLS CABLE CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	May 2018	DESPICABLE DEADPOOL [2017-TPB] VOL 02: BUCKET LIST CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Jul 2018	DESPICABLE DEADPOOL [2017-TPB] VOL 03: THE MARVEL UNIVERSE KILLS DEADPOOL CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon

Quick View	Jan 2019	DEADPOOL BY SKOTTIE YOUNG [2019-TPB] VOL 01: MERCIN HARD FOR MONEY CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Jul 2019	DEADPOOL BY SKOTTIE YOUNG [2019-TPB] VOL 02: GOOD NIGHT CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon
Quick View	Oct 2019	DEADPOOL BY SKOTTIE YOUNG [2019-TPB] VOL 03: WEASEL GOES TO HELL CURRENT PRINTING			Go to Amazon

Quick View	May 2020	KING DEADPOOL [2020-TPB] VOL 01: HAIL TO THE KING	UNAVAILABLE	$11.69

Media Source Material

If you've enjoyed non-comic media for Deadpool, this section describes the comic book source material for some of the most popular non-comic media. WARNING: This section may contain spoilers!

The 2009 movie, X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE, was directed by Gavin Hood and starred Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool. The movie was the fourth entry in 20th Century Fox's X-Men film series. The prequel/spin-off explores Wolverine's early history with Sabretooth and Team X, of which Deadpool was also a member. Although it was not named, Team X first appeared in comics in WOLVERINE [1988] #48-49, further exploring Wolverine's early days after the Weapon X experiment that gave him his adamantium-laced skeleton. Team X was named in the comics in X-MEN [1991] #5. Deadpool was not actually a member of the comic book version of Team X. In the movie, Deadpool becomes 'Weapon XI.' Grant Morrison greatly expanded the Weapon X mythos with the introduction of the 'Weapon Plus' program, a larger-scale program of which Weapon X was merely the tenth sub-program. Weapon Plus was introduced in the comics in NEW X-MEN [2001] #128, but no character in comics has ever officially held the title of Weapon XI as Deadpool has in the movie. Deadpool's origin, as explained in DEADPOOL/DEATH '98 [1998] #1, does involve experiments under the Weapon X Program, then follow-on experimentation in the Workshop, a dubious hospice for failed super-soldier candidates. The Weapon XI character in the film is a significant departure from the comic book Deadpool, having retractable swords in his arms and having been imbued with the powers of other mutants that Sabretooth killed. The movie character also lacks the iconic red suit and, while as Wade Wilson he did a fair amount of wisecracking, he never broke the fourth wall, which is another signature Deadpool characteristic. The movie overall received fairly poor ratings by critics and fans. Fans were generally disappointed in Deadpool's film debut, but that may have paved the way for creators to double their efforts for the next portrayal.

The 2016 movie, DEADPOOL, was directed by Tim Miller with Ryan Reynolds reprising his role as Deadpool. This movie was the eighth installment in the 20th Century Fox's X-Men film series, however--taken as a whole--the series is not without its contradictions. This movie blatantly ignores the events of X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE and instead portrays a much more faithful comic book interpretation of Deadpool's origin, as seen in DEADPOOL [1997] #-1 and DEADPOOL/DEATH '98 [1998] #1. In the movie, as in the comic books, Wade Wilson was working as a mercenary and met an escort named Vanessa before he was diagnosed with cancer. Their interaction in the movie is right out of DEADPOOL [1997] #-1, but Vanessa's first appearance in comics is intricate. In the comics, she is actually the mutant, Copycat. Copycat's first appearance was X-FORCE [1991] #19. Her shapeshifting power allowed a retroactive continuity (retcon) change, making her actually the character impersonating Domino in NEW MUTANTS [1983] #98, the same issue in which Deadpool himself was introduced. Ajax (Francis 'Fanny' Freeman) was Deadpool's antagonist in the movie, and his first appearance in comics was DEADPOOL [1997] #14 as an enforcer of Dr. Killbrew, the sadistic doctor who experimented on super-soldier washouts like Wilson at the 'Workshop.' Francis' movie enforcer is Angel Dust. Angel Dusts' first comic appearance was MORLOCKS [2002] #1. In the comics she was a teenager with less power and not connected with Deadpool's origin. Deadpool's bartender friend, Weasel, in the movie had his first comic book appearance in CABLE [1993] #3. Weasel's comic book origin is 'actually' tied to Peter Parker's, although with much of Deadpool's history, the only evidence we see or hear is from Deadpool's point of view. In the movie, Deadpool shares a house with Blind Al. Blind Al's first comic appearance was DEADPOOL [1997] #1, and they have much the same relationship in comic form as they do in the movie. Deadpool is stopped from completing his mission to kill Ajax by Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead. Colossus' first comic book appearance was GIANT-SIZE X-MEN [1975] #1. Colossus' appearance for this movie was changed significantly from his previous cameo in the film series. Negasonic Teenage Warhead's first comic book appearance was NEW X-MEN [2001] #115. Her appearance in the movie was negotiated with Marvel in exchange for Marvel using the character of Ego the Living Planet in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, VOL. 2. The movie version of Negasonic Teenage Warhead looks significantly different from the comic book version. Before the final, big battle in the movie, Deadpool has an exchange with his colleague, Bob, from the bad guy's team. This character is intended to be the comic book character, Bob, Agent of Hydra, but his appearance wasn't negotiated with Marvel. So, his backstory was altered to avoid a direct comparison. Bob's first comic book appearance was CABLE AND DEADPOOL [2006] #38. DEADPOOL is one of the most successful rated-R movies to date, owing much to its faithful interpretation of his comic book source material.

The 2018 movie, DEADPOOL 2, was directed by David Leitch with Ryan Reynolds once again reprising his role as Deadpool. This movie was the eleventh installment in the 20th Century Fox's X-Men film series and a direct sequel to 2016's DEADPOOL film. Deadpool reluctantly joins the X-Men after Vanessa is killed and Deadpool is unsuccessful in killing himself. But his heart is not in his X-Men membership, and Deadpool goes rogue when the team responds to a mutant incident and Deadpool just starts killing the bad guys. The incident involves mutant Russell "Rusty" Collins, better known in comics as Firefist. Collins' first appearance in comics is X-FACTOR [1986] #1. Deadpool is arrested with Collins. Things get even more complicated when Cable shows up from the future to murder Collins for murders Collins will commit in the future. Cable's first comic book appearance is UNCANNY X-MEN [1981] #201 (as baby Nathan Summers) and NEW MUTANTS [1983] #87 (as grown-up Cable). Cable is from one possible future. He was transported to the future as an infant and grew up there. In comics, Cable is the leader of the mutant team, X-Force. The team first appeared in comics in NEW MUTANTS [1983] #100. In the film, however, Deadpool forms X-Force with mostly comical members to defend Collins from Cable. Domino is the most prominent member of the film's X-Force team. Her first comic book appearance is clouded in a bit of retroactive continuity. A character called Domino first appeared in NEW MUTANTS [1983] #98. It is later revealed that this was not the real Domino, but a shapeshifting mutant named Copycat. So, technically after the retcon, the real Domino first appeared as Domino in X-FORCE [1991] #11. In this retcon continuity, Copycat appeared as herself a few months later in issue #19. Other film-version, X-Force members include Bedlam, Shatterstar, Zeitgeist, 'Peter,' and Vanisher. Bedlam's first comic book appearance is FACTOR X [1995] #1. Shatterstar's first comic book appearance is NEW MUTANTS [1983] #99. Zeitgeist's first comic book appearance is X-FORCE [1991] #116. Regular guy Peter in the film doesn't have any powers, but he could easily be modeled after Pete Wisdom from comics, whose first appearance is EXCALIBUR [1988] #86. And the Vanisher's first comic book appearance is way back in X-MEN [1963] #2, but the character has had minor appearances throughout the decades. All of the film X-Force members die ironically in their initial parachute deployment scene, except Deadpool and the 'lucky' Domino. Juggernaut appears in the film also, as a conspirator with Collins. Juggernaut is another classic X-Men character with his first comic book appearance from way back in X-MEN [1963] #12. Eventually, Cable and Deadpool work together to stop Collins from becoming a murderous villain, and the film gets generally positive reviews ever after. Plans for further sequels and/or an X-Force spin-off are in flux as Disney has acquired Fox and expressed desire to integrate the X-Men franchise into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in some fashion.