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New Mutants #98 explained: the Deadpool key and its editions

Published Sep 14, 2026 · Updated Sep 14, 2026 · 1 min read

Short answerNew Mutants #98 (February 1991) is the first appearance of Deadpool, Gideon and Domino (Copycat), by Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld, two issues before the title became X-Force. It is the most valuable comic of the 1990s. Supply is large, so the market is concentrated at 9.8; newsstand copies, which are much scarcer, and the second printing carry premiums, and several reprints and facsimiles exist.

Editions and what they are worth

EditionHow to identifyMarket
First printing, directLiefeld cover, no UPCThe standard copy; 9.8 premium
First printing, newsstandUPC barcode on coverScarcer; premium in high grade
Second printingStated in indiciaScarcer than first; premium
Gold and silver ink reprintsPromotional editions from the 1990sSeparate collectibles
Facsimiles and later reprintsStated; modern price and barcodeLow value

Why it matters

Deadpool went from a villain in a Liefeld issue to one of Marvel's most published characters and a film franchise from 2016. Every appearance since is downstream of this issue. See First appearance of Deadpool.

Buying notes

See the Deadpool character page and the Copper Age collection.

Written by the Rare Comics Collectors grading team. Spotted an error or have a question this guide does not answer? Tell us.

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Key issueLast copy

Marvel Comics · Copper Age

New Mutants #98

CGC 9.6 · Universal Blue

First appearance of Deadpool, Gideon and Domino

(0)
$239

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