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!
The Massive #1 ($3.50) – “The Massive” should not only be picked up for its interesting core concept and stellar creative team; its first issue is also one of the better debuts that I have seen. I would tell you more, but, hey, I already wrote a full review.
Conan the Barbarian #5 ($3.50) – Along with “The Massive,” Brian Wood has not one, not two, but three other comics coming out this week. While both of his upcoming X-Men debuts look strong, I would rather stick with what I know he is great at. While the temporary loss of Becky Cloonan still stings, James Harren is an amazing artist who fits the Conan franchise perfectly.
Batman #10 ($3.99) – I still wish this was only $2.99, but I guess I will have to make due. Scott Snyder is telling a wild Batman tale that is well worth the price of admission, and between Greg Capullo and Rafael Albuquerque, this is one of the most visually stunning company-owned books out there. Supporting The Man never felt so good!
Skullkickers #15 ($3.50) – “Skullkickers” #14 made me do something I never thought this series would do: ask “What the hell was that all about?” I mean that in a good way, though. Jim Zub has left readers such as myself asking questions, and they better be answered soon, or else… or else I will keep reading the best humor and best fantasy comic currently being published.
Spider-Men #1 ($3.99) – I know, I know. If it makes you feel any better, I’m not buying this out of any respect for media sensationalism, but because I have been following “Ultimate Spider-Man” longer than any other current ongoing. Bendis has not lead me wrong yet — with this character/franchise — so I figure “Oh, why not?”
Total: $18.48
Batman #10 ($2.99) — While Night of the Owls hasn’t been everything I hoped it would be it has still been entertaining. Snyder’s Batman continues to be a solid read but I will be happy when Night of Owls has ended.
Batman and Robin #10 ($2.99) — It’s a Robin battle royal! The idea to focus on the Robins sounds like a fun one and I’m interested to see how the dynamics between the different Robins play out. While we can assume we know everything about these characters relationships this is the new 52 so there might be changes. Maybe we’ll find out how they all fit into the five years the supers have been operating.
Green Lantern #10 ($2.99) — This title has been pretty solid the last couple of issues. We are finally getting some Indigo Tribe revelations, which have been years in the waiting. As a Green Lantern fan, especially during the Geoff Johns era, I am all about getting the history of these enigmatic lanterns.
Uncanny X-Force #26 ($3.99) — I love me some Omega Red. I love the idea of an Omega group that can menace one of the best if not THE best x-team on the market. I’m interested to see what Remender can do with a concept like Omega Red. We all know the guy has the chops to make this shine. Throw in some McKone art and this becomes a must have.
Ultimate X-Men #13 ($3.99) — Brian Wood takes over two X-titles this week. This one is the one I am most intrigued by. The Ultimate universe allows for Wood to be creative and bring his sensibilities to a universe where anything can happen. I think there is a solid chance for this to be the beginning of some great stories.
Continued belowTotal: $16.95
Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre ($3.99) – Darwyn Cooke and Amanda Conner this time? Yes, please. After the first BW issue, I’m pretty sure I’m onboard for the whole thing, or at least the books with the really amazing creative teams like this one.
The Massive #1 ($3.50) – I’m pretty excited for this book, even if I only read the first part of the prologue in Dark Horse Presents. Brian Wood and Kristian Donaldson are a pretty great team, and I’m looking forward to figuring out what they are aiming to do with this new Dark Horse title.
Invincible #92 ($2.99) – In some ways, this book is obnoxious. By that, I mostly mean it is so consistently great that it’s hard to get really excited unless something truly off the charts happens. I’ve already read this issue, and I can say that nothing really that crazy happens, but it is another superb effort.
Fantastic Four #607 ($2.99) – In my estimation, this has been Marvel’s best superhero book of 2012. With Hickman and Garney onboard once again, I have no doubt it will keep that going.
Spider-Men #1 ($3.99) – I really have no idea what this even is, but with Bendis and Pichelli around, so am I.
Total: $17.46
Mind the Gap #2 ($2.99) — The first issue was a really pleasant surprise, and I am intrigued by the combination of music, the afterlife, and the mystery surrounding the accident to keep reading.
Green Lantern #10 ($2.99) — Quietly, this book has been incredibly solid post-Flashpoint. Once DC’s cornerstone book, Green Lantern has, at least in my mind, slid back to being a solid low-first/high-second tier book.
Batman #10 ($3.99) — The Night of the Owls storyline has been fun so far, but the “Fall of the House of Wayne” backup is where it’s at. Snyder has been rising through the ranks of DC making nary a wrong turn. His association with younger writers (like Kyle Higgins in “Gates of Gotham” or James Tynion IV here) means that he is also populating the DC staff with quality, unknown writers, ensuring that the Snyder of the future is getting his shot at the big boys’ table.
The Massive #1 ($3.50) — Having read this, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Dark Horse has been on a real roll lately, and this continues the tradition of excellent creator-owned work coming from them.
The Shade #9 ($2.99) — James Robinson has really turned up the great on this book, and as it comes barreling to a conclusion, I’m missing it already.
Frankenstein: Agent of Shade #10 ($2.99) — Matt Kindt, he of the wonderful “Mind MGMT” joins the book as writer, and I have no doubt that he will continue Jeff Lemire’s run of weird monsters and espionage. Hopefully, after “Before Watchmen” is done, JG Jones can get back to doing covers — his polished covers worked well with Alberto Ponticelli’s grittier interiors.
Total: $19.45
Planetoid #1 ($2.99) – I swear, I meant to make a Hype Machine article for Planetoid when I first started the column, but time just sort of got away from me here. I read the first issue some time ago, and I must admit that I absolutely loved it. Ken Garing makes a strong show of force here with the debut of his new seres, a sci-fi wanderer story in which a man is marooned on a strange planet and has to fight for survival. Garing’s illustrations here are wonderful and beautifully detailed, really giving his world it’s own distinct tint that helps it stand apart from the litany of stereotypical sci-fi grub stories out there, and between this and Prophet, Image is making a great home for science fiction this year.
Conan the Barbarian #5 and the Massive #1 ($3.50 each), Ultimate X-Men and X-Men ($3.99 each) – BUY ALL THE BRIAN WOOD!
Total: $17.97
Batman #10 ($3.99) – The Night of the Owls continues! i’d be lying if I said it’s not a lot of fun. If you like Batman saving Gotham City in epic ways, you should be reading this.
Continued belowDancer #2 ($3.50) – I reviewed this last week and was pleasantly surprised with the depth of the story along with the characters involved. Beautiful, moody art and a compelling lead relationship makes me want to pick it up. You should too.
Green Lantern #10 ($2.99) – It looks like there’s going to a new Green Lantern. One wonders if he’s going to take over for a while, let’s see if they set that up any further! I’ve dropped all the other GL books but this one, and that’s because it’s still fun and revealing things I want to know, like how the Indigo Tribe is all…indigo-y.
Spider-Men #1 ($3.99) – Yes! That’s men! As in plural! Bendis gets to write both Arachnid Avengers at the same time and I’m beyond stoked for it. You should be too! If you’re not I weep for you.
X-Men #30 ($3.99) – Brian Wood is taking over the title, and I can’t wait to see how he takes the Marvel Universe Spanning team now that Gischler is gone. Now is the time to jump on, folks!
Total: $18.46
