Deadpool superfan adds THOUSANDS of items to his record-breaking comic collection
Nearly three years ago, a passionate Deadpool fan went viral for his Marvel-ous man cave dedicated to the “Merc with a Mouth” – and this time, he’s swinging back into the record books after expanding his collection by over 2,000 items.
Greg Pahliney (South Africa) in Lansdowne, Virginia, USA loves the comic character almost as much as Deadpool himself loves Chimichangas.
Since 2023, the dedicated collector has held the Guinness World Records title for the largest collection of Deadpool memorabilia in the world. With over 2,250 items, spanning from comic books to figurines, life-sized sculptures and tiny Funko Pops, he first took hold of the record while living in Cloghan, Offaly, Ireland after the pandemic.
Yet when fate relocated his family to the United States, Greg was given the momentous task of moving all his Marvel-themed merchandise overseas. Sculptures were stuck in boxes, comics were wrapped up in plastic, and figurines galore were sent off to the States.
But instead of viewing the experience as a logistical nightmare, Greg and his eternal optimism turned the event into a record-breaking occasion, where he could finally update the amount of his massive collection.
The new total? A shocking 4,250 items.
“This journey has been incredible, and deeply personal,” said Greg. “Stretching across three continents, countless adventures, and over a decade of hunting grails, [I’ve met] awesome collectors, and fully enjoyed the passion that drives it all.”
And although he’s now based in the US, Greg said his collecting journey officially started back in South Africa, where he first discovered Deadpool.
For him, the character represented “resilience, humour in chaos, and the courage to be unapologetically different” – and throughout the continuation of Deadpool/Wade Wilson’s story in the comics and the movies, Greg became more and more attached.
“From there, life took me to Ireland, where I continued to grow my collection and connect with collectors worldwide. And [I] even achieved my first Guinness World Records title!” he said. “And now, here I am in the United States, starting a new chapter both personally and professionally.
“[I am] continuing to grow this collection and expand what it represents,” he explained.
Nevertheless, the first time Greg applied for the record, his collection was impressive enough.
Neatly organized within a renovated storage space in Ireland, the white walls and black shelves were stuffed with rare pieces of merchandise, such as: Marvel-branded Hot Wheels cars, comic books and magazines, Deadpool Monopoly games, and various clothes and costume masks.
This time around, he added hundreds of more pieces to the total, including: stickers and commemorative cards, shoes, socks, and buttons, and even some funky new figurines.
“One of the things that makes this record so special is the effort behind each item,” said Greg. “Many of these pieces were sourced from all around the world – from Japan, to Peru, and Australia, to small comic-book stores and conventions where I spent hours searching for variants and exclusives. Some were shipped across continents, others hand-delivered by fellow fans.”
He also added that each item tells a different story of creativity, culture, and connection.
“What fascinates me most about collecting is how even the slightest variation – a different bar code, a subtle colour-shift, or a new artist’s interpretation – can make one item incredibly rare,” he said.
It’s not just about owning things, it’s about the thrill of discovery and appreciation for every artist, designer, and storyteller who brought Deadpool to life in so many forms - Greg Pahliney
And beyond the hunt, Greg says that one of his favourite parts about collecting is noticing the tiny details that can make-or-break an item’s worth.
While touring GWR around his new home, he showed off several seemingly-identical copies of New Mutants #98 – the first comic appearance of Deadpool – each of which sell for drastically different prices depending on tiny characteristics on the cover. For example, comics from Canada or Australia may be worth less than the original US editions, while signed copies increase value… meanwhile, barcodes can impact price depending on if they’re sold at a comic store or a newsstand, and some comics can be graded for quality and age.
“...Each of these things make a collectable more-or-less valuable – based on rarity, based on demand,” said Greg. “And because of that scarcity – and collectors wanting to have one-of-each of them, just to show the difference – you have this market that is constantly fighting and auctions going for crazy prices… especially [for] editions like this.
“And it’s simply just the barcode difference!” he continued. “So I kind-of try and get every variant that I can, and that takes me down the rabbit-hole sometimes.”
Yet despite the highs-and-lows of collecting merchandise, Greg says that this record-breaking adventure was incredibly impactful to his personal life – as it permitted him to channel his passions into a healthy outlet.
“Alongside this collection journey, there’s also a personal milestone that shaped who I am today,” he said. “I’ve been clean and sober for 17 years, and that journey taught me discipline, focus, and the power of rebuilding your life one decision at a time…
“And today, as a business and leadership coach, I see how much my collection and my recovery represent the same philosophy: that success is built through consistency, curiosity, and connection,” he continued.
“Every piece in this collection represents persistence, showing up again-and-again even when it seems impossible. Every day of sobriety represents the same thing. And that’s exactly what I teach through my coaching –how to find your direction and stay true to your passion to change, challenge, and grow.”
And for everyone that reads about his story, as well as revels in his epic collection, Greg wants them to know that it’s never too late to start making healthy choices that bring joy back into life.
“This record isn’t just about Deadpool,” he said. “It’s about resilience, reinvention, and that journey of growth.
“I’ve built this collection across three continents, balanced it with my career and my family, and overcome personal challenges and transformed a passion into something that inspired others to chase their own extraordinary goals.
“And just like Deadpool himself, sometimes the path is unpredictable, but it’s where you’re meant to be,” he concluded. “To those watching who have a dream, a goal, or even a personal battle of their own – keep going. You never know where it might take you. You can rewrite your path, and redefine your future.”