Deadpool #1

Deadpool #1 was published in 1997 as the character's first ongoing self-titled series, following several successful limited runs that established his personality. This issue served to cement his transition from a recurring antagonist and occasional mercenary guest star into a solo lead. Created within the broader Marvel Comics universe of the late 1990s, the series was designed to lean into a blend of high-octane action and meta-fictional satire, reflecting a shift toward more irreverent and self-aware storytelling in the medium.

The issue was written by Joe Kelly and illustrated by Ed McGuinness, a partnership that defined the visual and tonal trajectory of the character. McGuinness’s exaggerated, fluid art style paired with Kelly’s comedic scripts aimed to differentiate the title from the grit-heavy aesthetics common to 1990s superhero comics. It was well-received by readers who appreciated the departure from traditional comic book tropes, effectively launching a long-running franchise that prioritized humor and fourth-wall-breaking narratives.