`Liefeld’s Last Deadpool Issue Released Amid Marvel Strife`

35 years after Deadpool first appeared in the New Mutants #98 comic from the 1990s, one of his creators, Rob Liefeld, is saying goodbye to the character known as the Merc with a Mouth. In an interview with ComicBook, Liefeld revealed that his five-issue Deadpool Team-Up series will be his last work on Deadpool. This series, which he wrote, drew, and co-inked, features famous Marvel characters like Wolverine, Hulk, and Ghost-Spider, as well as lesser-known ones such as Ral Dorn/Dragon Lord, Crystar, Lord of Crystallium, Lady Anime (a creation of Liefeld and Nicieza), and Major X, a character he created in his self-titled series from 2019.

I recall having a few comics featuring lesser-known characters that I’ve always yearned for more. In an exciting twist, I’ve unearthed these gems from the most remote corners of Marvel’s universe and positioned them alongside Deadpool, right at the heart of an unprecedented, catastrophic journey! This is some delightfully peculiar content, and I can’t wait to unveil it to the world.

Deadpool Team-Up #5 artwork by Rob Liefeld

Rob Liefeld recently expressed that his latest Deadpool series was “one of the most enjoyable projects I’ve worked on in years,” giving a shout-out to editor Mark Basso and Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski. However, just two months later, at the premiere of Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine in July 2024, Liefeld claimed he encountered unprofessional treatment.

In a recent episode of my podcast, “Robservations,” I shared my decision to sever all connections with Marvel. This move stems from a sense of being overlooked when neither I nor my family were invited to the post-event celebration. Additionally, I’ve been feeling quite frustrated due to what seems like a disregard from Kevin Feige, Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer and President of Marvel Studios. To put it simply, based on my personal experience, I believe Kevin Feige does not treat comic book creators with the respect they deserve.

He stated, “It was intended to humiliate, undermine, and defeat me,” he said. “If Disney takes a stand like this – ‘You and your loved ones are not wanted here. We’ve tolerated you up until now for the screening’ – I knew in my heart that there was no way forward. At some point, you realize, ‘I’ve got the message, and the message is unmistakable.’

On February 12, the fifth and last issue of ‘Deadpool Team-Up’ was published. Interestingly, this date also marks the ninth anniversary of the release in cinemas of the R-rated ‘Deadpool’ (2016) featuring Ryan Reynolds as the unconventional anti-hero. This movie initiated a successful franchise that, during its time under 20th Century Fox, included Liefeld in test screenings and promotions. Liefeld mentioned that his role differed when Disney’s Marvel Studios took over production of ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, but not the Deadpool movies produced by Fox, such as ‘Deadpool’ (2016) and ‘Deadpool 2’ (2018).

The final issue of ‘Deadpool Team-Up’ was launched on February 12, coinciding with the ninth anniversary of the cinema release of the R-rated ‘Deadpool’ (2016), starring Ryan Reynolds. This film kickstarted a lucrative franchise under 20th Century Fox, where Liefeld participated in screenings and marketing. However, Liefeld noted that his involvement changed when Disney’s Marvel Studios took control of productions like ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, but not the Deadpool movies created by Fox, including ‘Deadpool’ (2016) and ‘Deadpool 2’ (2018).

Liefeld expressed his forgiveness towards the person who decided to invite him to the movie, but then chose not to engage in conversation with him. He said they treated him far worse than 20th Century Fox ever could have imagined. Liefeld suggested that this individual should make an effort to improve their behavior towards others in the future.

Apart from being listed in Marvel’s weekly comics update, there’s no indication that Deadpool Team-Up #5 is being highlighted on either Marvel Comics HQ (@MarvelComicsHQ) or Marvel Entertainment’s main account (@Marvel). Instead, these accounts are primarily focusing on promoting Captain America: Brave New World ahead of its release this Friday. It’s worth noting that not every new comic gets a spotlight, but Rob Liefeld’s farewell issue for Deadpool was released quietly on Wednesday with only two variant covers – one by Liefeld and another by Juan Manuel Rodriguez.

As a die-hard fan of Deadpool, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia as Rob Liefeld pens the final chapter of his Marvel comic series. In classic Deadpool style, this epic tale breaks the fourth wall and delivers some of Wade Wilson’s most iconic allies: Cable, Wolverine, Lady Deadpool, Shatterstar, Ral Dorn, Major X, and a host of X-Command members. The stakes are higher than ever as they band together to take down the oppressive invader, Baron Skagerackrakor, and his army of Dragon Men, with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance. This is one comic book battle that’s sure to go down in history!

As the course of the fight shifts, Commander X of X-Command takes off his helmet, unveiling the visage of a sword-brandishing hero who often accompanies Wade. “Have we crossed paths before?” Deadpool inquires, to which Commander X replies, “On numerous occasions. I’m Rob, and we have a history.” Deadpool is unsure if they’ve ever met before, and if so, he jokes that the encounter wasn’t significant. After the victory, the Dragon Lord Ral Dorn thanks Deadpool profusely for his help.

Wade expresses, ‘I appreciate a positive conclusion just as much as anyone else, but I could really use some downtime.’ He’s feeling quite tired… if you catch my drift. And so, with that thought, the concluding caption reads, ‘We bid a warm goodbye. The end.’

As a film enthusiast, I’m pumped to share some exciting news about Deadpool! Marvel is set to release a new hardcover edition titled “Deadpool: Bad Blood & Badder Blood” on March 25th. This collection brings together the thrilling tales of Liefeld’s “Deadpool: Bad Blood” and “Deadpool: Badder Blood”.

If that wasn’t enough, they’re also planning a trade paperback, “Deadpool Team-Up by Rob Liefeld: Blood of the Dragon”, which will gather all five issues and hit shelves on April 22nd. So, mark your calendars, fellow Deadpool fans! These are stories you won’t want to miss!

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2025-02-13 06:44