Last week, I shared a fairly long list of 15 Things That You Probably Don't Know About Wolverine. I had so much fun with it that I decided to focus on Deadpool this week, albeit on a somewhat smaller scale.
Deadpool, also known as Wade Wilson, debuted in 1991's "New Mutants" #98. Created by writer Fabian Nicieza and artist Rob Liefeld, Deadpool quickly gained popularity due to his unique combination of dark humor, relentless violence, and a penchant for breaking the fourth wall.
Over the years, he has become a staple in the Marvel Universe, appearing in numerous comic books, animated series, and blockbuster movies. His irreverent attitude and complex personality have endeared him to fans worldwide. Here are five obscure facts about Deadpool that even hardcore fans might not be aware of!
Don't like to read? CLICK HERE to watch the embedded video from our YouTube channel!
1. Deadpool's Deleted Origins
While most fans know that Deadpool's origins are tied to the Weapon X program, few know of the deleted storyline originally intended for his character.
In early drafts of Deadpool's backstory, it was revealed that Wade Wilson was a failed clone of Wolverine. This idea was eventually scrapped, but hints can be found in "Deadpool" #37 (1999) by Joe Kelly. In this issue, Deadpool encounters an alternate-reality version of himself, who claims to be a clone of Wolverine.
The concept of cloning and genetic manipulation remained a recurring theme in Deadpool's stories. Still, the decision to discard this origin allowed writers to explore Wade Wilson's character in greater depth, focusing on his personal struggles and complex psyche rather than tying him too closely to Wolverine's legacy.
2. Wade Wilson's Lost Love
In "Deadpool" #17 (1998) by Joe Kelly, it is revealed that Wade was married to a woman named Mercedes before he became Deadpool. Believing she was killed, Wade was driven to madness and despair, eventually becoming the mercenary we know today.
However, in a shocking twist, Mercedes is revealed to be alive, hidden by the villain T-Ray, who manipulated Wade's memories. This revelation adds a layer of tragedy to Deadpool's already complex character, showing that even someone as seemingly unhinged as Wade Wilson can be driven by love and loss.
3. Deadpool's Obsession with Bea Arthur
Deadpool's affection for the actress Bea Arthur is a recurring joke that many fans find amusing, but the origins of this obsession are surprisingly obscure.
Bea Arthur, best known for her roles in "The Golden Girls" and "Maude," became an unlikely inspiration for Deadpool. Joe Kelly first mentions this unusual fixation in "Deadpool" #11 (1997), where Wade references his admiration for the actress.
The real-life explanation for this joke lies with Deadpool's creator, Fabian Nicieza, who was a fan of Bea Arthur's work. The character's love for the actress was an inside joke that gained a life of its own, becoming a quirky aspect of Deadpool's personality. Bea Arthur even made a cameo appearance in the first "Deadpool" film as you can see Wade wearing a T-shirt with her face on it.
4. Breaking Down The Fourth Wall
Before Deadpool, She-Hulk was known for her meta-commentary and breaking the fourth wall in "The Sensational She-Hulk" series, which began in 1989. Deadpool's fourth wall-breaking antics can be traced back to "Deadpool" #28, which was published 10 years later in 1999, where he begins to address the readers directly, acknowledging his existence as a comic book character.
While She-Hulk's fourth wall-breaking was used sparingly, Deadpool's meta-commentary has become a defining feature of his stories.
5. Deadpool's Unexpected Connection to Spider-Man
What few fans know is that Deadpool's personality was actually influenced by Spider-Man's humor and quips. Deadpool's co-creator, Rob Liefeld, was inspired by Spider-Man's witty banter and wanted to create a character who took that humor to an extreme. This influence is evident in Deadpool's early appearances, where his dialogue and attitude closely mirror Spider-Man's style.
Their relationship is explored in depth in Joe Kelly's 2016 "Spider-Man/Deadpool" #1, in which the two characters team up for a series of adventures.
Despite their differences, Deadpool and Spider-Man share a unique bond, often bringing out the best (and the worst) in each other.
And there you have it: five things that you probably didn't know about Deadpool. From his scrapped origins and tragic love story to his quirky obsessions and unique storytelling techniques, Deadpool stands out as a truly unique character.
What other obscure Deadpool facts and stories should I have included in the list? Let me know in the comments!