Deadpool, the wisecracking antihero who has taken the box office by storm, could soon make history in the world of comic book auctions. The original cover artwork featuring Deadpool’s first-ever appearance in comics, created by writer and artist Rob Liefeld, is now up for auction at Heritage Auctions. The penciled artwork from New Mutants #98, which hit comic book stores in February 1991, carries a staggering asking price of $7.5 million (Ksh.967.5 million). If it sells at this price, it will become the most valuable comic book art ever sold, surpassing previous records and underscoring Deadpool’s immense cultural and financial impact.
The Birth of a Merc with a Mouth
Rob Liefeld, who was just 23 years old when he created Deadpool, never imagined the character would evolve into a global phenomenon. Drawing inspiration from Spider-Man’s agility and G.I. Joe’s militaristic edge, Liefeld crafted a character that was unlike any other in the Marvel universe. Deadpool’s debut in New Mutants #98 was met with an overwhelming response from fans, a fact that even took Marvel by surprise. According to Liefeld, the amount of fan mail Marvel received after Deadpool’s introduction was unprecedented. “Marvel contacted me and said, this is the most fan mail we’ve had on a new character in 15 years,” he recalls.
Liefeld does not own the artwork currently on auction. He sold it to a collector 25 years ago, as selling original artwork was a common practice for comic book artists seeking to supplement their income. Despite parting with the piece decades ago, Liefeld expresses no regrets. “I sold this 25 years ago. I have zero regrets,” he told Reuters. Instead, he is thrilled to see the character he created continue to achieve new heights, both financially and culturally. “I just keep smiling,” he added, reflecting on the auction and Deadpool’s ongoing success.
Deadpool’s Journey to Box Office Supremacy
Since his comic book debut, Deadpool has made a successful transition to the big screen, where he has been portrayed by Ryan Reynolds. The character’s unique blend of humor, irreverence, and action has resonated with audiences, making the Deadpool films box office juggernauts. The most recent film, Deadpool & Wolverine, produced by Marvel Studios under Walt Disney, has become the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, raking in over $879 million in global ticket sales. This success further cements Deadpool’s status as a pop culture icon, with the character continuing to defy expectations and break new ground.
A Growing Collector’s Item
The auction of Deadpool’s original cover art comes at a time when comic book memorabilia is more sought after than ever. The current record holder for the most expensive comic book is a copy of Action Comics #1, featuring Superman’s first appearance, which sold for $6 million earlier this year, also at Heritage Auctions. However, the artwork from New Mutants #98 is poised to surpass this record, reflecting the growing interest in modern comic book characters and their influence on contemporary culture.
The original New Mutants #98 comic, which was priced at just $1 when it was first released, has now become one of the most coveted items among collectors. On platforms like eBay, original editions of the comic have been sold for anywhere between $350 and $55,000, depending on their condition.
As the auction progresses, all eyes are on Deadpool’s debut artwork. Whether it sets a new record or not, the auction is a testament to the enduring appeal of Deadpool, a character who has captured the imagination of fans and collectors alike for over three decades. The legacy of the “Merc with a Mouth” continues to grow, proving that even in the unpredictable world of comic books, some characters are truly timeless.
