Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

3 minutes read. Updated 3:33AM GMT Sat, 10August, 2024

In a groundbreaking moment for comic book enthusiasts and collectors, the original cover art for Deadpool’s debut comic, created by artist Rob Liefeld in 1991, is anticipated to achieve a historic $7.5 million at auction. This significant sale is being handled by Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas, and is poised to set a new record for the most valuable comic book cover art ever sold.

The auction comes as Deadpool enjoys unprecedented success with the latest film, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which has shattered box office expectations by earning $211 million domestically in its opening weekend. This figure not only marks the largest opening of 2024 but also the biggest ever for an R-rated film and the sixth largest opening of all time.

Rob Liefeld’s cover art, featured in “The New Mutants” series, was instrumental in establishing Deadpool’s popularity. Initially introduced as part of Marvel’s lowest-selling mutant series, the character quickly gained traction, turning the series into a major success and outpacing even the X-Men in popularity. Liefeld, alongside writer Fabian Nicieza, crafted a character that became a fan favorite, famously leading Marvel to report a surge of fan mail, the most the company had seen for a new character in 15 years.

The cover art, which Liefeld sold nearly 20 years ago, is now set to be sold by its current owner. The decision to auction the piece reflects the ongoing cultural and financial impact of Deadpool, whose film adaptations have continued to build on his comic book success. Should the artwork sell for the projected $7.5 million, it will surpass the previous record held by a 1938 comic featuring Superman’s first appearance, which sold for $6 million in April 2024.

With its sale, this iconic cover art not only celebrates Deadpool’s enduring legacy but also signifies a major milestone in comic book history.