Buying comics can be an expensive hobby. A lot of fans simply can’t afford everything they’re interested in, due to rising prices and the over-saturation of the market with superhero titles.
That’s why we’re here. Every week, the Multiversity staff is asked “What would you buy this week if you couldn’t go over $20?” and shares their reasons why, in order to help others who might have similar tastes make their own decisions in buying comics on a budget. Be sure to leave your own picks in the comments!
Hawkeye #10 ($2.99) – As I’ve said before in this column, Francesco Francavilla is one of my absolute favorite artists working in the industry these days. Likewise, “Hawkeye” is one of my favorite series being published these days (I know, I’m so unique). Put the two together, and you have a no question buy for me. Francavilla is a perfect complement to Aja, having tonal similarities but not necessarily looking alike, and would be the ideal secondary artist on the book. Don’t let these be his only issues, Marvel.
(Look, I avoided the b-word!)
Snapshot #4 ($2.99) – Here we go. As you may have heard, I have found this mini to be incredibly exciting, and am very much looking forward to its conclusion. I know Jock is a busy man, but I eagerly anticipate seeing him and Andy Diggle team up again. Buy the trade if you missed out, doofus.
Abe Sapien #2 ($3.50) – More like BABE Sapien, am I right?
Don’t forget to tip your waiters.
All-New X-Men #11 ($3.99) – Even if the big cliffhanger was botched, I am still enjoying this book a lot more than I thought I would. “Age of Ultron” may be a big stinker, but Brian Michael Bendis has been a welcome writer in the X-Men side of the Marvel Universe so far. Plus: Immonen!
Ten Grand #1 ($2.99) – Were this a $3.99 book, it probably would not have made the list. In terms of writing, it is not bad, but it is a little plain. For $2.99, though? I’ll buy Ben Templesmith art for $2.99, no problem.
The Movement #1 ($2.99) – Eh…
Eh…
Oh fine.
Total: $19.45
Indestructible Hulk #7 ($3.99) – Mark Waid is finally giving ol’ Bruce Banner the treatment he’s deserved for a long time. And the Hulk teaming up with old school Thor is such an awesome idea. I’m all kinds of here for this.
Hawkeye #10 ($2.99) – Bro. C’mon. Bro.
Ten Grand #1 ($2.99) – I’m always game for a new JMS comic. Especially with Ben Templesmith in tow.
All New X-Men #11 ($3.99) – I’m still bummed that Bendis spoiled his own twist in Uncanny, but I’ll get over it as long as he keeps up the quality this book has been at.
Thanos Rising #2 ($3.99) – Let’s get down to some murderising. Finally.
Total: $17.95
Great Pacific Vol. 1 ($9.99) – In a strangely light week for me, I’m going to recommend something I think more people definitely should buy. Great Pacific from Joe Harris, Martin Morazzo and Image Comics is a damn fine comic, with an inventive idea and superb art. More people should be buying it, and this is a great way to get onboard. Do it people!
Hawkeye #10 ($2.99) – Francavilla on Hawkguy. Come on now.
Abe Sapien #2 ($3.50) – The second issue is actually an improvement on the already rock solid series, and if you’re an Abe Sapien guy, you’re all over this. If you’re not, you should be.
Ten Grand #1 ($2.99) – JMS is up and down as all get out, but he’s more up for me than he is down right now. Throw in some sweet ass Ben Templesmith art, and baby, you’ve got a stew goin’.
Total: $19.47
Polarity #2 ($3.99) – I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed #1. I wouldn’t skip #2.
Abe Sapien #2 ($3.50) – Multiversity <3's Abe Sapien.Continued below
Ten Grand #1 ($2.99) – I would typically avoid a JMS book honestly, but this has Ben Templesmith art. Also, I’ve read it, and it’s pretty good. I recommend it, is what I’m saying.
Hawkeye #10 ($2.99) – The best Marvel book gets Francavella, and we all buy it and rejoice.
Superior Spider-Man #9 ($3.99) – Rumor is that this is going to be a big one. Lets see what Slott has planned next for his Spider-Man saga, shall we?
Total: $17.46
Sesame Street #1 ($3.99) – I loved this show as a kid, and I’ve got a young daughter. She wasn’t too interested in the “My Little Pony” books I got her, but she is fascinated by puppets. Hopefully this will be one we can both enjoy.
Thanos Rising #2 ($3.99) – I want to like this series. I really do. But the first issue didn’t grip me at all – it was actually kind of boring. If this was a heavier week, this one wouldn’t make the cut.
Image Firsts ($1.00 each) – I’ve been teetering on the “Peter Panzerfaust” fence for sometime, and this discounted reprint issue is finally pulling me in. If you aren’t reading any of the other Image First books coming this week (“Mind the Gap” and “Morning Glories”), do yourself a favor and pick ‘em up.
Total: $8.98 – the first week of the month is always light.
Suicide Risk #1 ($3.99) – Mike Carey’s “The Unwritten” is perhaps the biggest unsung hero of creator-owned comics today, bordering on 50 issues and still as strong as ever. That makes anything he does worth checking out, if you ask me. This one looks to be yet another modern “twist” on the idea of superheroes and villains, and I’m sure Carey will bring something unique to the table.
Polarity #2 ($3.99) – Max Bemis’ comic debut was surprisingly strong for a first time writer. Or maybe it wasn’t surprising, given that the man has always had a way with words. Whatever the case, a strong issue #1 makes this bipolar miniseries one to buy each time it hits the stands.
Fashion Beast #9 ($3.99) – For the first 6 issues or so, Alan Moore’s “Fashion Beast” had been a slow burn tale of an image-obsessed post-apocalyptic 1980’s world that was so different from other comics that it crept to the top of my stack very quickly each month. Over the last couple issues, it’s been something even more magnetic as each issue has ended with fantastic twists and hard-hitting dramatic moments. This series continues to be seriously overlooked.
47 Ronin #4 ($3.99) – Just a rock-solid miniseries that is currently the only way to get my Stan Sakai fix.
Dial H #12 ($2.99) – Ha HA! Dial H survives to be solicited another month. Don’t stop buying it just yet, die hards.
Total: $18.95
Polarity #2 ($3.99) – The first issue was engrossing and surprising, despite a couple of first-time-comic-writer flaws here and there. Let’s see where this unconventional mix of mental illness and hipsterdom and superhero origin story takes us next.
Ten Grand #1 ($3.99) – Luminous Ben Templesmith art and one hardboiled story collide in this first chapter of what looks to be an intriguing inner city fable. Think James M. Cain or Raymond Chandler, but with those lurking personal demons turned awfully literal.
Hawkeye #10 ($2.99) – Francavilla-illustrated Hawkeye – besides very, very orange, we already know that this is going to be amazing.
Abe Sapien #2 ($3.50) – Moar fishman! But seriously, the first issue was lovely, a treat for both longtime B.P.R.D. admirers and lazy semi-fans like me, and this one is just as good.
Snapshot #4 ($2.99) – End of a miniseries that has had its high points and low points but a great sense of atmosphere and solid, noirish art. If you weren’t on board with this one, you might think about checking it out after the fact.
Total: $17.46
Abe Sapien #2 ($3.50) – This issue was a huge step up in terms of my enjoyment of this series – and I thoroughly enjoyed the first one. This installment really sets the tone and the mission for the series going forward, and it is a good one.
Continued belowEarth 2 # 12 / Worlds’ Finest #12 ($2.99 each) – Two books that DC has relegated to their own little corner of the universe that have produced some of the strongest issues of the New 52. “Worlds’ Finest” has been inconsistent, but strong lately, it has been quite solid. “Earth 2” is the best book DC is publishing. Do yourself a favor and get both.
The Movement #1 ($2.99) – Gail Simone is a writer strong enough to get a sight unseen buy on a new series. The concept (vaguely Occupy Wall Street meets Superheroes, if solicits can be trusted) could make for a really interesting comic. Or, it could be bad. We’ll see!
Ten Grand #1 ($2.99) – Joe’s Comics being good would be great for comics, so support its comeback. Plus, Ben Templesmith – c’mon.
Hawkeye #10 ($2.99) – Francesco Francavilla on “Hawkeye?” Has someone been reading my dream journal?
Total: $18.45
