Ha, I actually wanted to use shrek as an example, but changed my mind at the last second. Yes, he is an excellent example. I liked Maleficent too although I also dislike Angelina Jolie. It's an interesting premise, the story told through the eyes of the "evil character" is a very different story. For each man (or woman) is a hero in his own tale. And Deadpool, yes, I was thinking of him as well when I wrote this! Well, he does have an exceppent point there, doesn't he? :D
I'd say the antihero is definitely on the rise here, hence the popularity of characters such as Deadpool. :)