Wade Wilson: Deadpool #7

Wade Wilson: Deadpool #7 was published by Marvel Comics in 1997 as part of the character's first ongoing solo series. The title was a transitional period for the character, solidifying his role as a meta-fictional anti-hero following his successful introduction in the pages of New Mutants. This specific issue reflects the series' early attempts to balance visceral action with the irreverent, self-aware humor that would eventually define the franchise's long-term popularity.

The issue features the creative work of writer Joe Kelly and artist Ed McGuinness, a pairing widely credited with establishing the 'modern' voice of Deadpool. Kelly leaned into the character’s psychological instability and penchant for breaking the fourth wall, while McGuinness provided a stylized, energetic aesthetic that became the visual template for the character during the late 1990s. The issue was received as a key building block in the character's shift from a mere mercenary archetype into a distinct comedic presence within the Marvel Universe.