You probably remember the first time you saw him. It was 2012. LEGO was just dipping its toes into the massive, sprawling world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the comic books that fueled it. Among the Avengers and the X-Men, one red-and-black figure stood out. It wasn't just another Batman or Spider-Man variant. It was Wade Wilson. Specifically, the deadpool figure lego marvel superheroes collectors still obsess over today.
At the time, he was just a cool addition to a relatively affordable set. Nobody knew. Nobody guessed that a decade later, people would be dropping hundreds of dollars on a tiny piece of plastic that technically only appeared in a single retail box.
The Set That Started It All
The year was 2012. LEGO released set number 6866, titled "Wolverine’s Chopper Showdown." It was a modest set, honestly. You got a motorcycle, a small helicopter for Magneto, and three minifigures: Wolverine (with those classic brown-and-tan vibes), Magneto, and Deadpool.
It retailed for about $20. Twenty bucks!
If you bought it then, you were lucky. If you kept it sealed, you're sitting on a gold mine. The deadpool figure lego marvel superheroes collectors hunt for is unique to this specific set. While LEGO has released thousands of Marvel figures since then, they have never—not once—re-released a standard, comic-accurate Deadpool in a retail set.
Why?
Well, the "Merc with a Mouth" isn't exactly brand-friendly for a toy company that prides itself on being family-oriented. After the 2016 movie came out, Deadpool's image shifted. He became the R-rated anti-hero. LEGO, famously cautious about anything that isn't "PG," seemingly decided that Wade Wilson was a bit too spicy for the toy aisle.
Spotting a Fake vs. The Real Deal
The secondary market is a literal minefield. Because the deadpool figure lego marvel superheroes price has skyrocketed, the market is flooded with "knock-offs" or "customs." Some are easy to spot. Others? They’re terrifyingly good.
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If you’re looking at a Deadpool on eBay and the price seems too good to be true, it is. Period.
Real LEGO figures have the "LEGO" logo stamped on every single part. Check the neck peg. Check the top of the legs. Check inside the headpiece. If that logo isn't there, it’s a fake. Also, look at the printing. Genuine LEGO printing is crisp. It has a slight texture to it, a subtle raised quality that cheap pad-printing from overseas can't replicate. The 2012 Deadpool has very specific red coloring—deep, but not neon.
There's also the "Duck Deadpool" and "Sheriff Deadpool." Those are even rarer. They were San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) exclusives. If you think the standard version is expensive, don't even look at the prices for those. You'll need a second mortgage. Duck Deadpool was a 2017 exclusive, and only 1,500 were made. It’s basically the Holy Grail of the deadpool figure lego marvel superheroes lineage.
Why the Digital Version Matters
It wasn't just about the physical bricks. If you played the LEGO Marvel Super Heroes video game released in 2013, Deadpool was the soul of that experience.
He wasn't just a playable character. He was the narrator of the "Red Brick" missions. He broke the fourth wall constantly, making fun of the player and the game's mechanics. This digital version of the deadpool figure lego marvel superheroes cemented the character's popularity among kids who weren't even allowed to watch the movies yet.
In the game, he’s incredibly versatile. He has his katanas. He has his pistols (which shoot "bang" flags in the game to keep it kid-friendly). He even has a healing factor. It’s arguably one of the best representations of the character in gaming, mostly because it leans into the absurdity rather than just the violence.
The Rarity Problem
LEGO has a complicated relationship with the X-Men and related characters. For years, there was a weird licensing "cold war" between Disney/Marvel and Fox (who owned the film rights). During that time, X-Men sets were virtually non-existent. No X-Mansion. No Sentinels. No new Deadpool.
Even though Disney eventually bought Fox, the damage was done for collectors. The 2012 figure remained the only "classic" version.
What about the "Zombie" version?
Interestingly, LEGO did give us a "Zombie Deadpool" (Headpool) in the 76218 Sanctum Sanctorum set recently. But it’s just a head. A literal severed head. It’s a great Easter egg, but it’s not a full deadpool figure lego marvel superheroes fans can put on a shelf and call a "complete" version.
This scarcity is what drives the price. It’s basic supply and demand. The supply stopped in 2012. The demand exploded in 2016 and has never really gone down. Every time a new movie is announced—like the recent team-up with Wolverine—the price of that 2012 minifigure jumps another $20 or $30.
How to Collect Without Going Broke
If you want a deadpool figure lego marvel superheroes but don't want to spend $150+ on a single figure, you have a few options. None of them are "perfect," but they work.
- Buy "Incomplete": Sometimes you can find the figure without the swords or the scabbard. Those accessories are common. You can buy the naked figure for less and source the accessories from your own spare parts bin.
- The "Purist" Custom: You can try to build him using other parts. There are red-and-black torsos from the Ninjago line or Spider-Man variants that look kind of close. It won't be "The Deadpool," but it'll look okay from a distance.
- The Gaming Route: Honestly, if you just want to experience the fun of the character, play the LEGO Marvel Super Heroes game. It’s usually on sale for under $10 on Steam or the PlayStation Store. It’s the best way to see the deadpool figure lego marvel superheroes in action without the financial sting.
The Future of Deadpool in Bricks
Will we ever see a new one?
Rumors circulate every year. With the MCU finally embracing the Multiverse, the "safety" of a PG-13 Deadpool is more likely than ever. LEGO has also started targeting "Adult Builders" (AFOLs) with their 18+ line. This is where a new deadpool figure lego marvel superheroes could finally happen. A high-end, collector-focused set wouldn't have to worry about being on the shelf next to DUPLO blocks.
Until then, the 2012 Wolverine’s Chopper Showdown version remains king.
It is a strange piece of history. A tiny plastic man from a $20 set that became a symbol of licensing issues, corporate branding shifts, and the absolute madness of the secondary toy market. If you have one, hold onto it. If you're looking for one, bring a magnifying glass and a thick wallet.
The best way to start your hunt is to verify the torso printing. Look for the specific "strap" detail that goes across the chest. On the 2012 original, that strap is slightly off-center and has a very specific metallic sheen on the buckle. Fakes almost always get the sheen wrong, opting for a flat grey instead of the "Silver Ink" LEGO uses. Check BrickLink for reputable sellers rather than relying on random "bulk lots" on social media marketplaces. Real experts rarely sell this figure as part of a "random pile" because they know exactly what they have.
Actionable Insights for Collectors:
- Verify the Mold: Check the underside of the leg assembly for the LEGO copyright.
- Color Match: Compare the red plastic to a modern Spider-Man figure; the 2012 Deadpool has a slightly different hue due to the plastic batches used during that era.
- Check the Eyes: The white "eyes" on the mask should be perfectly centered within the black ovals. Misalignment is a hallmark of cheap 3rd party clones.
- Market Timing: Prices usually spike during movie trailer releases; buy during the "off-season" when Marvel news is quiet to save 15-20%.