35 Years Ago, One of Marvel’s Best Characters Debuted as a Joke (& He Was a Rip-Off)

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As a huge Marvel fan, I’ve seen how they’ve expanded beyond the big names like Spider-Man to give so many more heroes their own movies. The success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe really opened things up! Take Deadpool, for example. He was already popular in the comics for years, but his movie was a game-changer – it launched him into a whole new level of fame. It’s cool to remember even stars like Wade Wilson had to get their start somewhere, right?

This month, we’re celebrating thirty-five years since Deadpool first appeared in comics. He debuted in New Mutants #98, with a cover date of February 10, 1991, alongside characters Gideon and Domino. Interestingly, the early version of Deadpool was quite different from the witty, fourth-wall-breaking hero we know today. While still somewhat of a joke character, he was actually much more serious in his initial appearances.

A Hyper-Serious Parody Pushed to the Extreme

Everyone knows Deadpool, also known as Wade Wilson, was created as a playful take on DC Comics’ Deathstroke (Slade Wilson). They’re both skilled mercenaries who favor similar weapons, and their costumes are strikingly alike – Deadpool’s mask is just a bit more like Spider-Man’s. The joke was to satirize the very serious tone of the popular DC assassin, but what makes Deadpool so funny is that he acts as if he’s completely sincere.

Deadpool is now famous for being Marvel’s most humorous character, constantly cracking jokes and referencing pop culture. But when he first appeared, he was quite different. He was a dark, brooding anti-hero, perfectly fitting the gritty and over-the-top style of comics from that era. In fact, Deadpool defined that edgy tone, even while subtly poking fun at it. He seemed like a typical, serious mercenary, but the moment you learned his backstory, everything became a joke – he was never truly serious to begin with.

Marvel never officially recognized the similarities between Deadpool and Deathstroke, and Deadpool himself only pointed it out after becoming the comedic character we know today. This makes his initial seriousness even more amusing. It’s as if Marvel created an inside joke that its characters couldn’t grasp, pushing the absurdity to the limit. Deadpool’s entire concept was always a bit of a joke, and he eventually became aware of it too.

From a Joke to Marvel’s Beloved Monster

Deadpool didn’t start as the funny, self-aware character fans know today. It took about ten years after his first appearance in Deadpool/Death ’98 for his complex backstory and the reasons behind his erratic behavior to be fully revealed. Now, Deadpool embraces being a comical figure, constantly joking about comics, superheroes, and even his own imperfections. The knowledge that he can never have a normal life is what truly motivates him.

As a huge cinema fan, I’ve always been fascinated by Deadpool. He’s become this really iconic figure, almost like a rebellious spirit, but with a twist – he loves the very things he’s poking fun at! What started as a simple joke has completely flipped; now he’s the one in control. He leans into being a joke to shake things up within the Marvel universe. It’s brilliant, really, because his popularity lets him point out how easily we celebrate chaos without thinking about who might be hurting because of it. And the irony? All of this comes from a character who started as a parody of Deathstroke! It’s just… wild.

Deadpool started as a bit of a gag, but he’s become much more than that. He’s evolved by staying true to his original spirit while also reinventing himself. He’s a genuinely one-of-a-kind character, proving that compelling heroes can emerge from unexpected places if given the chance to develop. Here’s hoping Deadpool continues to surprise us for another thirty-five years.

What’s your most memorable Deadpool scene? Share it in the comments and discuss with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-10 20:16