Deadpool’s real Vanessa Carlysle
Will the real Vanessa Carlysle step forward? No, not you Morena Baccarin. We’re looking for a blue skinned mutant. No, not you Mystique.
If you’ve watched a Deadpool movie or even just a trailer, you’ve probably seen Vanessa Carlysle, Wade Wilson’s love interest. If you are planning to watching Deadpool and Wolverine, you are probably going to see more of Vanessa played by Morena Baccarin.
You might be surprised to find out that Vanessa looks very different in the comics. In the first instance, she is blue. And she happens to be a mutant.
If you were really paying attention in the first appearance of New Mutants #98 way back in December 1990, you might have seen her first appear.
And we would have been so super impressed if that was the case because we didn’t. And that was part of the plan for the story. We weren’t supposed to notice her appearance because she was disguised as a different mutant (who might also recognize because she was Domino from the Deadpool 2 movie).
Vanessa is also called Copycat and has the mutant ability to copy the appearance (and skills) of anyone she comes into contact with. I guess the clue is in the name.
When Deadpool first appeared in comics he was a mercenary working for a generally disreputable individual (not much has changed). He had been hired to take out Cable, otherwise known at Nate Summers. You remember that guy, his the time travelling son of Cyclops and Jean Gray who turned up in Deadpool 2 and the X-Men ’97 TV show.
Copycat had also been hired by the same disreputable individual (he happens to be an arms dealer who is actually Cable’s son from the future—long story, maybe another time).
Deadpool’s first appearance in comics is completely in keeping with everything we know about Deadpool. He talks too much, he is more than capable of taking people out and he is difficult to stop.
Deadpool gets the drop on Cable who is has taken over leadership of the New Mutants and is taking a break in the library. In addition to finding Cable, Deadpool has also been paid to kill Cable. Except, that’s where Vanessa comes in. Although you wouldn’t notice she is Vanessa because she is using her powers as Copycat and looks like Domino.
Vanessa as Domino then takes out Deadpool and becomes a trusted member of the New Mutants.
But fear not, Deadpool and Vanessa are still an item. At least for a while. And the villainous intentions are thwarted. Hey, it’s a comic. The heroes win, most of the time.
As you’re watching the new Deadpool and Wolverine movie, spare a thought for the Vanessa Carlyle of the comics. Copycat, we salute you.
Deadpool and Wolverine is arriving in cinemas 26th July 2024.
For some Deadpool and Copycat’s first appearance, check out New Mutants Epic Collection.
For more about Deadpool and Shiklah check out Deadpool: Dracula’s Gauntlet hardback or Deadpool: Dracula’s Gauntlet digital.
For more on Deadpool’s daughter, check out Deadpool 2099 by Gerry Duggan and Scott Koblish.
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