'Deadpool' co-creator Fabian Nicienza discusses character's origin, personality, popularity

As

Deadpool

looks to break the box-office and comic-book superhero mold for movies this weekend, Fabian Nicieza, who cocreated the groundbreaking character in comics with artist Rob Liefeld exactly 25 years ago, in February 1991, says he couldn't be happier.

"I generated the civilian identity [of Wade Wilson], his personality, the tragic aspect of seeking a cure for cancer leading to a cure that cost him his sanity, and his ability to function in society in any kind of a normal way," Nicieza said. "I think it was a seamless combination of both our efforts that led to the character's immediate popularity, as well as his long-term success. Just go to a Hot Topic store and see the merchandise, and it is a combination of the vibrant black-and-red logo and costume design Rob developed and the jokes and personality I imbued into the character."

Though many see similarities between Spider-Man's jokey nature and Wolverine's healing factor, Nicieza says he doesn't see it.

"I think Rob was influenced by his love of [comic book legend] George Perez's and Todd McFarlane's art and took that inspiration to create a very visually distinctive character."

Nicieza says it is Deadpool's personality and dark humor that make him unique anyway.

"His personality is unlike any villain we'd seen at that point, certainly in the X-books," he said. "I think, as we further developed the character and were able to build on the tragic consequences of his origin, we got a better understanding of his insanity, and that generated audience sympathy for him, too.

"I've always said he is a combination of Bugs Bunny and Frankenstein's Monster.

"It is both of those qualities that appeal to people. They love his lack of filter and antiauthority streak, but they feel for his tragic situation."

This is a film that fans have demanded for years, and Nicieza says he is pleased with the popularity his "baby" is enjoying and pleased that the film is true to the character.

"It's been fun," he said. "I've enjoyed watching the excellent marketing campaign unfold, and it's great to see new people attracted to the character. Hopefully, that also translates to selling more comics and trade paperbacks."