With the addition of properties previously owned by Fox, all is right within the realm of comic properties as Marvel Studios looks to bring mainstays like the Fantastic Four, X-Men, and MCU. Many believe the Deadpool 3, starring Ryan Reynolds, affords Kevin Feige and company the perfect opportunity to showcase recently acquired 'X' properties in this multi-billion-dollar franchise.
As one of the most popular Marvel Comics superheroes, Deadpool first appeared in 1991 as the co-creation of acclaimed writer/editor Fabian Nicieza. Starting with his first comic, Psi-Force #9 (1987), the Argentine American Nicieza forged his writing style, working on noteworthy titles such as X-Men, The Blackburne Covenant, Gambit, etc. Captivating fans for over three decades with memorable characters and comics, here are Nicieza's best.
New Warriors #1 (1990)
This eponymous series features characters first introduced in The Mighty Thor #411-412 (1989). Combining the edgy Night Thrasher with Firestar, Marvel Boy, Namorita, Nova, and Speedball, the New Warriors will combat many threats before and after Stamford, Connecticut's tragic events, forever changing the way the public views this complicated superhero team.
Recognizing the value, Nicieza pens the first 53 issues of this series, wherein he believes lies some of his best work (per PopImage via Wayback Machine). Here, astute readers will begin to recognize a theme in Nicieza's choice of writing gigs, one seemingly to preserve the potential all comic characters have to bring something unique to a story. From Gambit to Superboy, Nicieza never fails to bring out the best in character(s) he writes, and it started here, with New Warriors #1.
New Mutants #98 (1991)
This vintage, '90s nostalgia-laced comic serves as comic reader's first introduction to Deadpool, Domino, and the External Gideon. Catching up with Cable after being hired by Mr. Tolliver, Deadpool is thwarted by Domino, revealing little else on Deadpool aside from the gregarious dark humor endlessly pouring from his mouth and his formidable mercenary skills.
Exhibiting an understanding of the reading audience, Nicieza shows his time spent marketing for Marvel, simultaneously presenting a Wolverine type with a dark sense of humor and establishing relationships built upon in the X-Force series. Also, notably the first meeting of Cable, Deadpool, and Domino, a trio already featured in Deadpool 2 (2018), whose relevance continues in Marvel today.
Red Robin, Vol. 3: The Hit List (2011)
The Hit List will compile issues #13-17 of Red Robin (2009) and weave in a coming-of-age tale on non-metahuman Timothy Drake as he elects to fight crime as Red Robin. Seeking to watch over Gotham after Batman's death at the hands of DC's great villain Darkseid, Drake develops a hit list of rogues to apprehend in this splendid series giving insight into the most oft forgot of the Robins and showing Drake's genuine value to the Bat-Family.
Expertly choreographed action sequences accentuate the thoughtful dialogue, highlighting Drake's maturity and growth as he seeks to discern his place in Gotham, biding time until the Dark Knight returns. Arguably Nicieza's best stint with DC Comics and a proper send-off for Tim Drake before the New 52 initiative reset the DC continuity.
Deadpool: The Circle Chase #1-4 (1993)
The first solo series for Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, details the backstory regarding his Weapon X ties with appearances from Wade's obsessive ex Vanessa 'Copycat' Carlysle, his best buddy Weasel, and the homicidal Slayback. The Circle Chase offers a four-issue foray into the depths of tragedy and comedy, giving foundational insight on the 'Big Dee Pee.'
In his first limited solo series, scribe Nicieza gives the Merc a mouth, expertly using keen wit and comedy to infuse Wade with the snarky dialogue and eccentric humor that has become the character's signature. Awash with comedic references not lost on the readers, Chase offers comic fans their first extended story on the 'Merc with a Mouth,' allowing Nicieza to capture who Deadpool is as a character and what he hopes for the character in the future.
X-Men Unlimited #3 (1993)
An early look into traditional X-Men antagonist Sabretooth, still reeling from the loss of his telepathic partner Birdy at the hands of his son, Graydon. After failing to halt his murderous rampage, ex-teammate Maverick recruits the X-Men Beast, Bishop, Gambit, Rogue, and Professor Xavier to stop Sabretooth.
In this follow-up to Sabretooth's first solo series, Nicieza navigates readers through a trek into the blood bath that is feral Sabretooth, giving a great glimpse into the savagery that he was subjected to and legitimacy to his notorious reputation. This defining early entry into 'Der Schlachter' provides Sabretooth with substance and feel and is an excellent addition to any comic fans list.
Azrael: Deaths Dark Knight #1-3 (2009)
Five years after the death of Jean-Paul Valley, an offshoot of the Order of St. Dumas, known as the Order of Purity, operates with its agenda. Acquiring the mystical Suit of Sorrows and Swords of Sin and Salvation, the Order anoints former GD officer Michael Lane their avatar. But unfortunately, donning the armor causes the wearer to lose their sanity, slowly bringing Lane into conflict with the ruthless League of Assassins and Nightwing in this introspective series.
Exhibiting an innate skill at uncovering the potential of previously underdeveloped characters, Nicieza plucks Lane from Batman #665 (2007) and writes an engaging entry into the Azreal mythos of Batman. Artistically differentiating this new incarnation of Azrael from its predecessor Valley, Nicieza weaves an intriguing tale of tragedy and redemption as Lane finds his faith tested, eventually judged worthy by Nightwing and Barbara Gordon.
X-Force #1 (1991)
X-Force's historic first issue details their first engagement with the terrorist Mutant Liberation Front and its leader Stryfe, a clone of Cable from an alternate future. Under the leadership of the time-hopping Cable, the former New Mutants are repurposed as a proactive mutant strike force comprised of Domino, Cannonball, Boom Boom, Warpath, Feral, and Shatterstar.
Feeding off the energy generated from the New Mutants series, Nicieza and Rob Liefeld (Youngblood) would keep the momentum going, conceiving X-Force after seeing the growing audiences for the mutant side of Marvel. Over the years, X-Force would see many different iterations and , from Fantomex to Psylocke to the cinematic Deadpool 2 team variant, proving endearing to fans worldwide.
Thunderbolts #109 (2006)
Debuting in Incredible Hulk #449 (1996), the Thunderbolts, a team of reformed villains under oversight from the Commission on Superhuman Activities (CSA), seeks acclaim and public redemption. After depowering a cosmically enhanced Baron Zemo, seen in Captain America: Civil War (2016) and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021), the Thunderbolts seek to re-orient themselves following the explosive events of the 'Guardian Protocols.'
Treating the Thunderbolts with the proper deference, Nicieza deftly uses the colorful backdrop of Moonstone's subconscious mind to articulate what lies at the core of the Thunderbolts, both individually and combined. Ultimately, the story provides terrific insight into mainstays Songbird and Moonstone's volatile partnership and, in a broader way, the Thunderbolts team as an ideal, poetically done by Nicieza.
X-Men #25 (1993)
This unforgettable story sees an X-Men team infiltrate the orbital base of their arch-nemesis Magneto, as an embittered Professor Xavier realizes perpetually excusing away the monstrous acts of his once friend have cost countless lives. Upon seeing the fight devolve to the point where Magneto wrests the adamantium from Wolverine's very bones, Xavier invades his mind, mentally absorbing his essence and leading to the events of the 'Onslaught' saga.
Expertly presented by Nicieza and artist Andy Kubert, 'Fatal Attractions' visualization of Wolverine, suspended in writhing agony, being wrung dry of adamantium was hands down one of the lasting images in modern comic books. Building the drama to its apex, where the creative team holds nothing back, finally addressing the no-brainer stratagem of using Wolvie's adamantium against him, solidifies this top-notch comic from the creative funhouse of Nicieza.
Cable & Deadpool #50 (2008)
This historical issue of Cable & Deadpool marks the big 5-0 run by the co-creator of everybody's favorite wise-cracking, slightly unhinged anti-hero. This epic series finale features the bizarre Hydra Bob, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Agency X, and the Avengers coming together to defend NYC from an invasion of rampaging symbiote dinosaurs that Deadpool accidentally teleported into the city.
Shenanigans and Deadpool's love of Bea Arthur permeate the pages of this apropos send-off to the Merc with a Mouth after Nicieza's impressive run, proving himself to be the authority on Deadpool. Nicieza displays a comprehensive feel for the mouth behind the Merc, illustrating how far the character has come since his debut in 1991 with witty, dark humor and unique heroic luck that allows trouble to find him 24/7, elements that always make for a great comic book.
