Deadpool, the Merc with a Mouth, rocketed to comic book icon in a relatively short time, riding on his irreverent humour, fourth-wall-breaking antics, and unapologetic violence, and he quickly became a Hollywood icon when actor Ryan Reynolds played the character in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine movie that ultimately failed. But in an unforgiving industry, Reynolds and Wade Wilson were given a second chance with a solo Deadpool movie and with the upcoming sequel Deadpool & Wolverine hitting screens later this year, both characters are coming full circle.
And there’s no better way to keep up the hype than to catch up with the character and explore his fascinating history. With a slew of comic book adventures under his belt, navigating Deadpool’s extensive catalogue can be daunting for both new and seasoned fans alike.
Created by writer Fabian Nicieza and artist Rob Liefeld in 1990, Deadpool was introduced as a villain before becoming an anti-hero. We’ve compiled a list of must-read Deadpool comics (in no particular order) that will help familiarise you with the character, tickle your funny bone, and satisfy your craving for chaos.
1) Cable & Deadpool: If Looks Could Kill
Deadpool is a character that works strikingly well when paired up with other heroes, but few partnerships rival the dynamic duo of Cable and Deadpool. Writer Fabian Nicieza’s inaugural arc for the duo, If Looks Could Kill, builds the foundation for their unlikely alliance, showcasing the electrifying chemistry between these two iconic characters.
Nicieza’s collaboration with artist Rob Liefeld demonstrates a keen understanding of character dynamics and narrative innovation. This influential arc lays the groundwork for Deadpool’s unique identity within the Marvel Universe, cementing his status as a one-of-a-kind character beloved by fans worldwide.
2) Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe
In this twisted tale, Deadpool takes his penchant for mayhem to new heights as he embarks on a mission to eradicate the entire Marvel Universe. Written by Cullen Bunn and illustrated by Dalibor Talajić, Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe explores Deadpool’s descent into madness as he ruthlessly dispatches beloved heroes and villains in his quest for ultimate freedom. Deadpool & Wolverine still has the potential to be a loose adaptation of Deadpool killing off beloved established X-Men characters as a send-off to the Fox Marvel Universe.
3) Deadpool Kills Deadpool
Another Deadpool-centric saga from Cullen Bunn sees him pitting multiple versions of Deadpool against each other in a battle royale of epic proportions. As Deadpool wages war against his doppelgangers from various alternate realities, chaos ensues, leading to an explosive climax that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With the TVA (Time Variance Authority) and multiverse shenanigans primed to show up in Deadpool & Wolverine, Deadpool Kills Deadpool is the definitive multiversal story for Deadpool fans.
4) Deadpool Vs. Old Man Logan
Few characters embody the essence of gruffness and irreverence quite like Wolverine and Deadpool. Yet, when these two regenerative powerhouses collide in Deadpool Vs. Old Man Logan, chaos and hilarity ensue.
This five-issue miniseries serves as a testament to the enduring popularity of both characters, with its blend of action, comedy, and emotional depth. Given that it features a crazed road trip with Deadpool and Wolverine, it could provide the inspiration for Deadpool & Wolverine’s narrative.
5) Deadpool: Dead Presidents
Few comic book creators wield the chaotic charm of Deadpool like writers Brian Posehn and Gerry Duggan. Teaming up with illustrator Tony Moore, they catapult readers into a whirlwind of madcap adventures in Dead Presidents.
Aligned with the Marvel Now! relaunch of Deadpool, Posehn and Duggan offer a newcomer-friendly title that plunges Wade Wilson into a frenetic showdown against an army of zombified U.S. Presidents, delivering a spectacle that’s equal parts hyper-violent and hilariously inventive.
6) Deadpool: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
In The Good, the Bad and the Ugly arc of Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn’s run on Deadpool, Deadpool embarks on a globe-trotting adventure to rescue his fellow captive mutants from the clutches of evil scientists. Along the way, he forms an unlikely alliance with Wolverine and Captain America, leading to some unforgettable moments of camaraderie and chaos. With the involvements of mutants and particularly Wolverine, this gripping narrative has the hallmarks of a spectacular Deadpool story.
7) Deadpool – Merc With A Mouth: Head Trip
Deadpool – Merc With A Mouth: Head Trip is a rollicking adventure that sees Deadpool teaming up with a zombified version of himself from an alternate universe. Written by Victor Gischler and illustrated by Bong Dazo, this classic Deadpool tale is chock-full of over-the-top action, witty banter, and bizarre encounters that will leave readers laughing out loud. And who knows, a zombie Deadpool could be one of the variants showing up in Deadpool & Wolverine.
8) Deadpool: Suicide Kings
In Suicide Kings, Deadpool finds himself embroiled in a web of deception and danger, framed for crimes he didn’t commit. As the story unfolds, readers are treated to a thrilling rollercoaster ride of twists and turns that showcase Deadpool at his most unpredictable.
Featuring team-ups with unlikely allies like Spider-Man and Daredevil, readers are treated to a whirlwind of action-packed sequences and hilarious banter as Deadpool and his buddies race against time to clear his name.
9) Deadpool: The Complete Collection by Joe Kelly
Joe Kelly’s run on Deadpool in the late ’90s revitalised the character, transforming him from a mere assassin into a fully fleshed-out anti-hero with depth and complexity. This comprehensive collection gathers Kelly’s seminal stories, including Deadpool’s origin story, his tumultuous relationship with Death, and his epic showdowns with iconic Marvel characters like Wolverine and Spider-Man.
10) Deadpool: Wade Wilson’s War
Despite his twisted sense of humour and penchant for mayhem, Wade Wilson aka Deadpool has long remained a mystery wrapped in a red and black suit. However, in Wade Wilson’s War, writer Duane Swierczynsky and artist Jason Pearson embark on a daring journey to uncover the truth behind the Merc with a Mouth’s origins. As readers delve into the depths of Deadpool’s past, they are treated to a gripping narrative that peels back the layers of his psyche, revealing a side of Wade Wilson that few have dared to explore.
Bonus: You Are Deadpool
What better way to familiarise yourself with Deadpool than to step into the shoes of the Merc with a Mouth himself? You Are Deadpool stands as a shining example of the creative ingenuity that defines Deadpool comics. Its interactive storytelling is ingrained with choose-your-own-adventure style mechanics and role-playing game (RPG) elements, supplemented with laugh-out-loud humour.
Despite its comedic premise, You Are Deadpool offers surprising depth and complexity. As readers embark on their mercenary journey, they are confronted with choices that shape the outcome of the story. Similar to an RPG, player decisions are accompanied by an element of randomness, injecting unpredictability into the narrative. To enhance the interactive experience, readers are encouraged to track their stats and engage in mini-games scattered throughout the comic.
Whether you’re a die-hard Deadpool fan or a newcomer looking to dip your toes into his madness, these comics are sure to entertain and captivate. From classic tales that delve into Deadpool’s origins to mind-bending adventures that push the boundaries of reality, there’s something for everyone in Deadpool’s colourful and chaotic bibliography.
Edwin is a seasoned raconteur with a lifelong passion for video games, comic books, movies, and more. He thrives on captivating stories and immersive world-building, with a soft spot for adorable monsters.
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