Original cover art from the first published appearance of Deadpool will set a world record for comic art if it meets its $7.5 million asking price.
The picture, from New Mutants #98, is being sold by Heritage Auctions online.
Drawn in pencil by a then-23-year-old artist Rob Liefeld, the picture would usurp Action Comics #1, the debut appearance of Superman, as the most valuable comic book item ever sold.
A copy of that magazine realised $6 million at auction (also through Heritage) earlier this year.
Liefeld sold the art for the cover, which was released in February 1991, and has no regrets about doing so.
“Selling artwork was part of the income stream back then,” he told Reuters. “I sold this 25 years ago. I have zero regrets.”
The full cover of the 1991 debut of Deadpool, now worth a potential $7.5 million. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
The owner is said to be a prominent comic book collector.
Deadpool is the alter-ego of Wade Wilson in the Marvel Series. He has been played on screen by Ryan Reynolds.
He is currently featured in the hit movie Deadpool and Wolverine, making this a propitious time to sell this unique work of art.
New Mutants #98 now trades for hundreds or even tens of thousands of dollars.
The 10″ by 15″ illustration – that also shows characters Domino and Gideon – is signed by Liefeld and is said by Heritage to be in “excellent” condition.
It is open for bidding now.
