10 Hated Comic Book Characters Who Became Fan Favourites

Considering the Marvel film franchise's current obsession with Deadpool, it's kind of ironic that he didn't start out nearly as popular as he is now.

Deadpool's ascension into pop-culture fame is much more recent compared to other characters, like Spider-Man.

He was originally introduced in 1991, a time when stoic-machismo was all the rage, while wiseguy humor was less so. Hence why Deadpool initially played second fiddle to Cable (the very king stoicism himself).

Nineties culture preferences aside, Deadpool's developing popularity was nevertheless stunted by several affecting circumstances. Like the fact that "Deadpool" comic creatives were often impeded by Marvel higher-ups that didn't see the point in pushing a character that didn't sell. Especially since Marvel was facing bankruptcy back then.

Nevertheless, others like Joe Kelly saw this as a chance to develop Deadpool more, and lead the charge of fleshing out the "Merc with a Mouth" persona. By the time Daniel Way comes along, Deadpool's personality and character most know of today would be firmly established.

It was by this point that Deadpool's popularity had sky-rocketed tremendously in a post-modern world that was becoming increasingly internet forward. Going forward, then, Deadpool's popularity would only grow further with his transition into film, where he's given one of the best endings to his comeback story.