Box-Office Sensation Deadpool Might Break Comic-Book Auction Record

Deadpool, the wisecracking mercenary who has become a box-office juggernaut, might be on the cusp of setting a new record in the comic-book auction world.

The original cover artwork featuring Deadpool’s debut appearance has recently been listed at Heritage Auctions, commanding an eye-popping asking price of $7.5 million. Should it sell for this amount, it will secure its place as the most expensive comic-book art ever sold.

This iconic penciled artwork was crafted by writer and artist Rob Liefeld when he was just 23 years old for New Mutants #98, which hit comic book stands in February 1991.

Although Liefeld no longer owns the original piece—having sold it to a collector 25 years ago—he remains ecstatic about the character’s financial success and enduring popularity. “I just keep smiling,” Liefeld said about the auction.

Deadpool’s appeal extends far beyond the pages of comic books. In the cinematic universe, Ryan Reynolds brings the character to life in the hit movie “Deadpool & Wolverine,” produced by Marvel Studios, a subsidiary of Walt Disney. This film has surpassed records to become the highest-grossing R-rated movie ever, amassing over $879 million worldwide.

When New Mutants #98 was first published in 1991, it was priced at a mere $1. Fast forward to today, and original editions of this comic have become a highly prized collectible. On platforms like eBay, these issues can fetch anywhere from $350 to a staggering $55,000.

Recalling the decision to sell the artwork, Liefeld mentioned that it was a necessary part of his income back then. “Selling artwork was part of the income stream back then,” he explained. “I sold this 25 years ago. I have zero regrets.”

Liefeld fashioned Deadpool as a blend of Spider-Man and G.I. Joe. The character’s immediate popularity was overwhelming as Marvel Comics received an unprecedented volume of fan mail.

“Marvel contacted me and said, this is the most fan mail we’ve had on a new character in 15 years,” Liefeld shared. “They were flooded with letters, fan letters, which they sent me. And the box that that mail arrived in … I thought I was getting a washer and dryer,” he quipped.

The current record for the most expensive comic-book auction is held by a copy of Action Comics #1, which introduced Superman and secured a $6 million sale earlier this year, also through Heritage Auctions.

Source: Reuters