Deadpool is with no doubt one of favorite superheroes? Or villain should I say? Anyway, who hasn’t laugh with him? If you want to know more about him you have to get to the source, comics!
But, where to start reading Deadpool comics? The best place to start reading Deadpool comics is his first appearance in The New Mutants #98 or X-Force #2.
In these issues, you’ll see Deadpool’s initial introduction into the Marvel world, setting off his incredible journey full of action and antics fans have grown to love over time! If you want to dig in more into Deadpool keep reading!
Deadpool Origins
Who created Deadpool?
Deadpool was created by writer Fabian Nicieza and artist/writer Rob Liefeld, Deadpool is an anti-hero from the Marvel universe who first appeared in The New Mutants and X-Force as a supervillain. He’s since become one of the most iconic characters.
How was Deadpool’s childhood like?
No one knows what Wade Wilson’s childhood was like — or even how old he is–, but we know that at some point, he became an international assassin and mercenary working for various governments.
How did Deadpool become a super-… “hero” or “villain”?
After being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, he underwent the dangerous Weapon X program, which gave him Wolverine’s healing factor, a fascination with death, and a diminished mental state.
He then set out as “The Merc with a Mouth” to conduct his deadly mercenary work.
A Simple Overview on Deadpool’s Comics?
For those looking for a simple overview when it comes to deciding where to start reading Deadpool comics, here’s a great place to start.
Deadpool is a very busy man, with many stories and adventures published in different series over the years.
To make things easier, we will present an overview of all the main ongoing titles (one-off issues and limited series are omitted) that make up the world of Deadpool.
So, you’ll get an idea of which books to read first, so you can jump right into the action!
Deadpool Main Series:
- #001-004 – Deadpool: The Circle Chase (1993)
- #005-008 – Deadpool (1994)
- #009-077 – Deadpool (1997)
- #078-092 – Agent X (2002)
- #093-142 – Cable & Deadpool (2004)
- #143-205 – Deadpool (2008)
- #206-250 – Deadpool (2012)
- #251-286 – Deadpool: World’s Greatest (2015)
- #287-300 – Despicable Deadpool (2018)
- #301-306 – Deadpool (2018)
- #316-327 – Deadpool (2019)
Deadpool Other Series:
- Deadpool Team-Up (2009)
- Deadpool Corps (2010)
- Deadpool MAX (2010)
- Deadpool & the Mercs for Money (2016)
- Spider-Man/Deadpool (2016)
Deadpool Reading Guide
From Early Deadpool to Agent X (1997 – 2003)
From Early Deadpool to Agent X (1997 – 2003), we can thank two prominent individuals who took the antihero created by Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld and shaped him into the character we know today – Joe Kelly and Christopher Priest.
It began in 1997 when Joe Kelly’s Deadpool series gave a unique identity to this new character, and since then, he has drawn readers in with absurd humor and unbeatable attitude.
In addition, Christopher Priest introduced complex storylines that helped further establish Wade Wilson as a likable hero in his own right.
Together, these energy writers created something special, giving us even more insight into Deadpool’s personality and the world of Marvel comics.
This six-year period is a fantastic place to start reading Deadpool comics, as it sets up the foundations for years of grand escapades!
Deadpool: Beginnings Omnibus | New Mutants #98X-Force #2,11, 15, 47, 56 Nomad #4 Deadpool: The Circle Chase #1-4 Secret Defenders #15-17 Deadpool #1-4 Wolverine #88, 154-155 Material from Annuals 95 and 99 Heroes For Hire #10-11 Deadpool Team-Up #1 material from Avengers #366 Silver Sable & The Wild Pack #23 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 1 | New Mutants #98 Deadpool: The Circle Chase #1-4 Deadpool (1994) #1-4 Deadpool (1997) #1 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 2 | Deadpool (1997) #2-8, -1Daredevil/Deadpool Annual 1997 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 3 | Deadpool (1997) #9-17Amazing Spider-Man #47 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 4 | Deadpool (1997) #18-25, 0Deadpool & Death Annual 1998 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 5 | Deadpool (1997) #26-33 Baby’s First Deadpool BookDeadpool Team-Up #1 |
| Wolverine vs. Deadpool | Wolverine (1988) #88, 154-155 Deadpool (1997) #27 Cable & Deadpool #43-44 Wolverine: Origins #21-25 Wolverine/Deadpool: The Decoy #1 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 6 | Deadpool (1997) #34-45 Black Panther #23 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 7 | Deadpool (1997) #46-56 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 8 | Deadpool (1997) #57-64 |
| Deadpool Classic Companion | Nomad (1992) #4 Secret Defenders #15-17 Wolverine (1988) #88 & #154-155 X-Force (1991) #47 & 56 Heroes for Hire (1997) #10-11 Material from Avengers (1963) #36 6Silver Sable and The Wild Pack #23 30Wolverine Annuals ’95 & ’99Contest of Champions II #2Marvel Comics Presents (2007) #10Breaking Into Comics the Marvel Way #2 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 9 | Deadpool (1997) #65-69 Agent X #1-6 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 10 | Collects Agent X (2002) #7-15 Fight Man #1 |
| Deadpool by Joe Kelly: The Complete Collection Vol. 1 | Deadpool (1997) 1-11, -1 Daredevil/Deadpool Annual ’97Amazing Spider-Man (1963) 47 |
| Deadpool by Joe Kelly: The Complete Collection Vol. 2 | Deadpool (1997) #012-20 Deadpool and Death Annual ’98Baby’s First Deadpool Book (1998) #1 Encyclopedia Deadpoolica (1998) #1 |
| Deadpool Classic Omnibus, Vol. 1 | Deadpool (1997) #34-69 Black Panther (1998) #23 Agent X #1-15 Fight-Man #1 Material From X-Men Unlimited (1993) #28 |
Cable & Deadpool (2004 – 2008)
Cable & Deadpool is the series that reunites our beloved anti-hero with his former nemesis, Cable.
This original masterpiece is crafted by the fantastic team of writer Fabian Nicieza and artist Patrick Zircher, who do justice to this chaotic duo in a way only they can.
The series began in 2004 and went on for four successful years until 2008, with Deadpool and Cable finding themselves as eccentric friends and partners in various adventures that are sure to keep you entertained for hours on end!
What sets Cable & Deadpool apart from other stories about these two characters is its mix of comedy, drama, and thrilling action, which both writers genuinely excel at.
So if you’re looking for an unforgettable ride between the two most unlikely allies, look no further – Cable & Deadpool (2004 – 2008) has everything you need!
| Deadpool & Cable Ultimate Collection Book 1 | Cable & Deadpool #1-18 |
| Deadpool & Cable Ultimate Collection Book 2 | Cable & Deadpool #19-35 |
| Deadpool & Cable Ultimate Collection Book 3 | Cable & Deadpool #36-50 Deadpool / Great Lakes Initiative: Summer Fun Spectacular |
| Deadpool & Cable Omnibus | Cable & Deadpool 1-50 Deadpool/GLI Summer Fun SpectacularMaterial from Deadpool (2012) 27 |
Deadpool by Daniel Way (2008 – 2012)
If you’re looking for a great Deadpool story, you’ll want to check out the work of writer Daniel Way (2008 – 2012).
Daniel Way run with artist Paco Medina began as a tie-in to the events of Secret Invasion and featured the Merc with a Mouth joining Uncanny X-Force.
Way’s run was groundbreaking – introducing new characters and plotlines that remain staples of Deadpool stories today.
The history also provided an interesting take on Wade Wilson himself, assuring us that under his goofy costume lies a heart and soul full of pain, longing, and fear.
| Deadpool By Daniel Way: Complete Collection, Vol. 1 | Deadpool (2008) #1-12 Thunderbolts #130-131 Wolverine Origins #21-25 Deadpool Saga |
| Deadpool By Daniel Way: Complete Collection, Vol. 2 | Deadpool (2008) #13-31 |
| Deadpool By Daniel Way: Complete Collection, Vol. 3 | Deadpool (2008) #32-39, 33.1, & 49.1 |
| Deadpool By Daniel Way: Complete Collection, Vol. 4 | Deadpool (2008) #50-63 |
| Deadpool by Daniel Way Omnibus Vol. 1 | Wolverine: Origins 21-25 Deadpool (2008) 1-26 Thunderbolts (1997) 130-131 Hit-Monkey (2010) 1, (2010b) 1-3Deadpool Saga |
| Deadpool By Daniel Way Omnibus, Vol. 2 | Deadpool (2008) #27-63, 33.149.1 |
| Deadpool Classic Companion Vol. 2 | Identity Disc #1-5 Ms. Marvel (2006) #40-41 Hulk (2008) #14-17, & 21 Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #611 Doomwar #5-6 Hulked-out Heroes #1-2 Material from Shang-Chi: Master Of Kung Fu (2009) #1 X-Force Annual (2009) 1 World War Hulks 1 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 11: Merc With a Mouth | Merc With a Mouth (2009) #1-13 Lady Deadpool #1 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 14: Suicide Kings | Deadpool: Games Of Death #1 Deadpool: Suicide Kings (2009) #1-5 Deadpool #900 & #1000X-Men Origins: Deadpool Material From Marvel Digital Holiday Special #2 Marvel Spotlight: Deadpool |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 12: Deadpool Corps | Prelude to Deadpool Corps (2010) #1-5 Deadpool Corps (2010) #1-12 Deadpool Family #1 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 13: Deadpool Team-Up | Deadpool Team-Up (1998) #1(2010) #899-883. |
| Uncanny X-Force by Rick Remender Omnibus | Uncanny X-Force (2010) 1-35, 5.1, 19.1 Material From Wolverine: The Road To Hell (2010) 1All-New Wolverine Saga (2010), X-Men Spotlight (2011) |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 15: All the Rest | Captain America: Who Won’t Wield The Shield #1 Cable (2008) #25 Deadpool & Cable #26 Amazing Spider-man Annual 38Deadpool Annual (2011) #1 Incredible Hulks Annual 1Wolverine/Deadpool: The Decoy #1 Fear Itself: Deadpool #1-3 Deadpool Corps: Rank And Foul #1 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 16: Killogy | Deadpool Kills The Marvel Universe #1-4 Deadpool Kills Deadpool #1-4 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 17: Headcanon | Deadpool: Wade Wilson’s War #1-4 Deadpool Pulp #1-4 Night Of The Living Deadpool# 1-4 Return Of The Living Deadpool #1-4 |
Marvel Now! (2012 – 2015)
If you’re looking for where to start with Deadpool comics, you can’t go wrong with Marvel Now! (2012 – 2015).
Marvel Now was when the Merc with a Mouth received a new set of creators with writers Brian Posehn and Gerry Duggan and primary artist Tony Moore.
He was even reunited with none other than Daniel Way for Thunderbolts!
During this era, Deadpool’s adventures were filled with hilarity and action – every reader could stay engaged.
During this turbulent time, one thing remained consistent: Deadpool made us laugh while keeping us intrigued.
So if you’re looking to get your feet wet in the world of Deadpool, then this is definitely the period you want to start reading through!
| Deadpool by Posehn & Duggan: The Complete Collection Vol. 1 | Deadpool (2012) #1-14, 20, & 26 |
| Thunderbolts Vol. 1: No Quarter | Thunderbolts Vol.2 #1-6 |
| Thunderbolts Vol. 2: Red Scare | Thunderbolts Vol.2 #7-12 |
| Thunderbolts Vol. 3: Infinity | Thunderbolts Vol.2 #13-19 |
| Thunderbolts Vol. 4: No Mercy | Thunderbolts Vol.2 #20-26 |
| Thunderbolts Vol. 5: Punisher vs. Thunderbolts | Thunderbolts Vol.2 #27-32 |
| Deadpool By Posehn & Duggan: The Complete Collection Vol. 2 | Back In Black #1-5 |
| Deadpool By Posehn & Duggan: The Complete Collection Vol. 3 | Deadpool (2012) #15-19 & 21-25: |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 18: Deadpool vs. Marvel | Deadpool (2012) #27-34Hawkeye vs. Deadpool #0-4 |
| Deadpool By Posehn & Duggan: The Complete Collection Vol. 4 | Deadpool vs. X-Force #1-4 Deadpool Annual (2013) #1-2 Deadpool vs. Thanos #1-4 Deadpool vs. Carnage #1-4 Hawkeye vs. Deadpool #0-4 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 19: Make War, Not Love | Deadpool (2012) #35-44 & 250 |
| Deadpool: Back in Black | Deadpool Bi-annual #1 Deadpool’s Art Of War #1-4 Deadpool’s Secret Secret Wars# 1-4 Mrs. Deadpool And The Howling Commandos #1-4 |
| Deadpool By Posehn & Duggan Omnibus | Deadpool #1-45 Deadpool: Dracula’s Gauntlet Death of Wolverine: Deadpool Captain America #1 |
| Deadpool Minibus, Vol. 2 | Deadpool vs. X-Force #1-4 Hawkeye vs. Deadpool #0-4 Art of War #1-4 Return of the Living Deadpool #1-4 Deadpool’s Secret Secret Wars #1-4 |
| Deadpool Minibus, Vol. 3 | Mrs. Deadpool & The Howling Commandos (2015) #1-4 Deadpool vs. Gambit #1-4 Deadpool vs. Thanos #1-4 Deadpool & Cable: Split Second#1-3 Deadpool: Too Soon #1-4 |
All-New, All-Different Marvel (2015-2017)
| Uncanny Avengers: Unity Vol. 1: Lost Future | Uncanny Avengers (2015b) #1-6 |
| Uncanny Avengers: Unity Vol. 2: The Man Who Fell to Earth | Uncanny Avengers 7-12 |
| Uncanny Avengers: Unity Vol. 3: Civil War II | Uncanny Avengers 13-18 |
| Uncanny Avengers: Unity Vol. 4: Red Skull | Uncanny Avengers 19-23 |
| Deadpool Classic, vol. 23: Mercs for Money | Deadpool (2015) #1-5 |
| Deadpool: World’s Greatest Vol. 2: End of an Error | Deadpool & The Mercs for Money (2016A) #1-5 Deadpool & The Mercs for Money (2016B) #1-8 |
| Deadpool: World’s Greatest Vol. 3: Deadpool Vs. Sabretooth | Deadpool #3.1: Tres Punto Uno, #6-7 |
| Deadpool: World’s Greatest Vol. 4: Temporary Insanitation | Deadpool 13, Deadpool: Last Days of Magic |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 21: DvX | Deadpool & Cable: Split Second #1-3 Deadpool V Gambit #1-5 Deadpool: Too Soon? #1-4 Gwenpool Special #1 Gwenpool Holiday Special: Merry Mix-up #1 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 21: DvX | Deadpool #14-49 |
| Deadpool: World’s Greatest Volume 6: Patience: Zero | Deadpool: World’s Greatest #20–25 |
| Deadpool: World’s Greatest Volume 7: Deadpool Does Shakespeare | Deadpool: World’s Greatest #26–27 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 22: Murder Most Fowl | Deadpool The Duck #1-5 Deadpool vs. The Punisher #1-5 Deadpool Kills The Marvel Universe Again #1-5 |
| Spider-Man/Deadpool Vol. 0: Don’t Call it a Team-Up | Deadpool (1997) #11 Cable & Deadpool #24 Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #611 Deadpool (2008) #19–21 Avenging Spider-Man #12–13 Deadpool (2012) #10 Deadpool Annual #2 |
| Spider-Man/Deadpool Vol. 1: Isn’t It Bromantic | Spider-Man/Deadpool #1–5, 8 |
| Spider-Man/Deadpool Vol. 2: Side Pieces | Spider-Man/Deadpool #1.MU, 6–7, 11–12 |
| Spider-Man/Deadpool Vol. 3: Itsy Bitsy | Spider-Man/Deadpool #9–10, 13–14, 17–18 |
| Spider-Man/Deadpool Vol. 4: Serious Business | Spider-Man/Deadpool #19–22 |
Marvel Legacy (2017-2018)
Marvel Legacy (2017-2018) ushered in an exciting period for Deadpool comic fans.
The relaunch brought a new series titled Despicable Deadpool and a retitle of Spider-Man/Deadpool to Spider-Man vs. Deadpool.
Both provided exciting storylines which explored unique aspects of the beloved characters.
Fans of Marvel’s wisecracking antihero could immerse themselves in new stories featuring aspects from the previous issues and new adversaries and adventures.
As part of Marvel Legacy, Deadpool was also able to team up with some of his favorite heroes along the way, such as Spider-Man, Wolverine, and more.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or simply looking for a place to start reading Deadpool comics, Marvel Legacy is the perfect introduction to this entertaining universe!
| Spider-Man/Deadpool Vol. 5: Arms Race | Spider-Man/Deadpool #23–28 |
| Spider-Man/Deadpool Vol. 6: WLMD | Spider-Man/Deadpool #29–33 |
| Spider-Man/Deadpool Vol. 7: My Two Dads | Spider-Man/Deadpool #34–39 |
| Spider-Man/Deadpool Vol. 8: Roadtrip | Spider-Man/Deadpool #40–45 |
| Spider-Man/Deadpool Vol. 9: Eventpool | Spider-Man/Deadpool #46–50 |
| Deadpool Vs. Old Man Logan | Deadpool Vs. Old Man Logan #1-5 |
| Despicable Deadpool Volume 1: Deadpool Kills Cable | Despicable Deadpool #287–291 |
| Despicable Deadpool Volume 2: Bucket List | Despicable Deadpool #292–296 |
| Despicable Deadpool Volume 3: The Marvel Universe Kills Deadpool | Despicable Deadpool #297–300 |
| Deadpool Classic Vol. 20: Ultimate Deadpool | Ultimate Spider-Man (2000) #91-94 Heroes Reborn: Remnants #1 Exiles (2001) #5-6, 12-13, 66-68 Venom/Deadpool: What If? 5 Ronin #1-5 Marvel Adventures Super Heroes (2010) #4 Marvel Universe Ultimate Spider-Man: Web Warriors #8 Material From J2 #11 Secret Wars: Battleworld #3 Secret Wars, Too #1 |
| Despicable Deadpool | Despicable Deadpool #287-300 and the story assembled from secret comic variants of Deadpool #23-25, 30-36, and Despicable Deadpool #287-296 |
Marvel Fresh Start (2018-)
Marvel’s Fresh Start in 2018 was a much-needed reboot and reinvention of many of their classic characters.
Kelly Thompson and Skottie Young have been leading the charge, making sure that Deadpool is as fun to read as ever!
With this new direction, you can enjoy all the zany action packed into these issues.
This fresh start comes with tremendous new arcs and storylines that often engage with older stories and continuity.
Also, consider checking out one of the more recent issues where Skottie Young or Kelly Thompson are writing – they’ve set up a good foundation for new and old readers to enjoy.
In any case, it’s still highly recommended that you check out past issues before diving in, as these stories often reference previous arcs even now!
So strap on your red suit and prepare for wacky adventures with the Merc with a Mouth!
| Deadpool: Secret Agent Deadpool | Assassin (2018) #1-5 by Cullen Bunn |
| Deadpool by Skottie Young Vol. 1: Mercin’ Hard for the Money | Deadpool: Secret Agent Deadpool #1-6 |
| Black Panther vs. Deadpool | Deadpool (vol. 5) #1–6 |
| Deadpool by Skottie Young Vol. 2: Good Night | Black Panther vs. Deadpool (2018) #1-5 |
| Deadpool by Skottie Young Vol. 3: Weasel Goes to Hell | Deadpool (vol. 5) #7–12 |
| Absolute Carnage vs. Deadpool | Absolute Carnage Vs. Deadpool #1-3 Absolute Carnage: Captain Marvel #1 Ravenscroft stinger pages from Captain Marvel #8 Amazing Spider-Man #24 Deadpool #14 Black Cat #2 |
| King Deadpool Vol. 1: Hail to the King by Kelly Thompson | Deadpool (vol. 6) #1–6 |
| King Deadpool Vol. 2 by Kelly Thompson | Deadpool (vol. 6) #7–10 |
| Deadpool: Black, White & Blood | Deadpool (vol. 6) #7–10 |
| Savage Avengers Vol. 4: King in Black | Savage Avengers #17-22 Deadpool is present in issues #17-19 |
| Marvel Unlimited! | Deadpool: Invisible Touch Infinity #1–5 X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic #13–20 Deadpool is back in X-Force (Vol. 6) #30 |
