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Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Deadpool covers of all time

Comic Books

Judging by the Cover – Our favorite Deadpool covers of all time

We share our favorite Deadpool covers of all time.

Most comic book fans have a pretty good idea what they’re going to buy every week when they visit their local comic shop. With that said, there’s still a lot of fun to be had just glancing at the week’s new releases and taking a chance on a book that looks promising. That’s where covers come in-a fantastic image can make the difference between trying something new or saying, “Nah, not this week.”

In anticipation of Deadpool 2, we’re holding a special Merc-with-a-Mouth edition of Judging by the Cover. Our contributors shared their favorite Deadpool covers of all time with us:

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David’s Picks:

It is so hard to pick three Deadpool covers. There are so many good ones! This was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be.

Deadpool (2012) #45
Art by Skottie Young

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Deadpool covers of all time

I am a fan of Run the Jewels and Marvel did a few covers that referenced the group. Of course, I am a sucker and grabbed them all including this one. As you can see, this one has both Deadpool’s hand and the Infinity Gauntlet holding a Deadpool chain. Easy buy for me. Run the jewels fast!

Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth #7
Art by Arthur Suydam

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Deadpool covers of all time

My next pick is a homage to one of my favorite films, Trainspotting. There is a Deadpool for each of the characters on the Trainspotting poster. Deadpool as Renton, Lady Deadpool as Diane, The Deadpool Kid as Sick Boy, Major Deadpool as Spud, and although its a very loose resemblance, Zombie Deadpool’s Head would be Bigbie. Awesome cover and on a side note, if you have never seen Trainspotting, add that to your list of films to watch.

Deadpool Corps #4
Art by Rob Liefeld

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Deadpool covers of all time

My last pick is another band cover. Guns N Roses is my favorite band, so even if I wasn’t a Deadpool fan, this would have made it into my collection anyway. The cover is a throwback to the iconic cover of GN’R’s classic Appetite for Destruction album appropriately renamed Appetite for Tacos. It’s Deadpool…what the hell else would it be called?

Connor’s Picks:

Deadpool vs. Thanos #1
Art by Tradd Moore

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Deadpool covers of all time

This series seemed like a stupid idea when it came out, but ended it up being pretty good! I love how the cover shows the creative team was well aware of just how outlandish an idea the story was. Plus, it’s classic Deadpool fourth wall breaking that sets the scene for the entire series.

Deadpool Killustrated #1
Art by Mike Del Mundo

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Deadpool covers of all time

I was an English-Literature Minor in college, so Moby Dick was required reading. I think I speak for all the English-Lit kids of the world when I say this book can go straight to hell. It single handedly destroyed my love for American literature for an entire semester. So, the sight of Deadpool chucking a bomb into the beast brings a joy to my heart knowing the narrative will end before it really starts. I also really enjoy the paste aesthetic of this cover which really gives it the feel of a classic novel.

Deadpool (2008) #7
Art by Jason Pearson

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Deadpool covers of all time

For starters, this is just a lovely homage to the iconic cover from Uncanny X-Men #144, but I love how it subverts the tropes of the original cover to comedic effect. Deadpool assumes the role of Wolverine, protecting the damsel in distress played now by Hydra Bob. Considering the nature of Wade and Bob’s relationship, this seems like the cover of Deadpool’s dreams.

Russ’s Picks:

Deadpool (1997) #11
Art by Pete Woods

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Deadpool covers of all time

Homage to 1962’s Amazing Fantasy #15, the first appearance of Spider-Man? Check. First team-up (kind of) between Deadpool and Spider-Man, 20 years before Spider-Man/Deadpool was even a gleaming dollar sign in some Marvel exec’s pupil? Check. A story that solidified Joe Kelly as a definitive Deadpool writer and blew my mind when I first read it? Checkmate.

This cover also works because it reflects Deadpool’s train of thought during this epoch: the Merc with a Mouth was taking his first serious steps towards shedding his sordid gun-for-hire persona and making an earnest attempt at becoming a bonafide superhero. And who more quintessential than Spider-Man to emulate in that category? This is probably exactly how Deadpool envisioned himself, swinging from a rooftop in the vein of uber-heroic Spidey (even though the broken rope and panicked-looking sidekick Weasel tucked under his armpit scream otherwise).

Deadpool (2012) #4
Art by Geof Darrow

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Deadpool covers of all time

Not many comic book characters can bare-knuckle box a zombie version of our nation’s 16th president, come away looking better for it and have the majority of readers thinking, “Yeah, this makes perfect sense.” Deadpool is one of those characters.

Deadpool (2012) #23
Art by Mark Brooks

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Deadpool covers of all time

“Game over, man!!!” Alien fans’ll like this one.

Deadpool (2015) #7
Art by Tony Moore

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Deadpool covers of all time

A battle-damaged, weary-looking Deadpool ambling through a pile of dead bodies. With a street sign sticking out of one leg, a rearview mirror sticking out of the other, a screwedriver sticking through his left arm… well, you get the point.

Wolverine (1988) #88
Art by Adam Kubert

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Deadpool covers of all time

Technically not a Deadpool cover, but such savagery can’t be denied.

Eric’s Picks:

Cable & Deadpool #50
Art by Skottie Young

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Deadpool covers of all time

When I think back on when I most loved Deadpool, I think of the final stretch of Cable & Deadpool. I considered picking several of Skottie Young’s covers from that period, and ultimately I decided on this one. It’s just fun! The splay of bullets over top of the logo and the slight swirl on Deadpool’s mask are both fun touches. The cartoony style here is just fantastic, and depicts the type of whimsy I associate with Deadpool’s greatest moments.

Deadpool (2012) #1
Art by Geof Darrow

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Deadpool covers of all time

I love how over-the-top this cover is. Deadpool straight up shooting a giant monster in the mouth? Sign me up. I love all the tiny little details, as well as the splendid composition.

Deadpool/GLI Summer Fun Spectacular #1
Art by Paul Pelletier

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Deadpool covers of all time

This is what I want a Deadpool comic to be: silly and slightly demented. The best part is Wade throwing food at Mr. Immortal’s face, causing seagulls and crabs to attack him. I wish these characters would reunite again soon.

Do you agree with these picks? Let us know in the comment space below.

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