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!
Marvel Knights Spider-Man #1 ($3.99) – To be honest, I’ve been hot and cold on Matt Kindt’s Marvel and DC Comics work. I think he’s a brilliant guy and a talented writer, but his most mainstream work has never really connected with me. That said, he’s given some fantastic interview quotes about “Marvel Knights Spider-Man” and came up with one hell of a concept for it. Spider-Man vs. 99 villains. Sold. With Marco Rudy and colorist Val Staples on board, I can’t wait to see how that concept gets played out.
Superior Foes of Spider-Man #4 ($2.99) – Another great concept that has seen some excellent execution from Nick Spencer and Steve Lieber: what would happen if a bunch of really C-level villains tried to get together and go big time? The answer? A lot of really funny hijinx.
Mara #6 ($2.99) – Brian Wood and Ming Doyle’s super-powered sports story has been a quaint little book that manages to take a simple, oft-thought about concept and put a little spin on it. A strong book about a strong female hero.
Trillium #3 ($2.99) – I’m in love with “Trillium” and I don’t care who knows it. I think it’s terrific.
The Occultist #1 ($3.50) – Tim Seeley and Mike Norton haven’t led me astray even once with “Revival” – might as well check out what “The Occultist” is all about. Great creative teams usually turn out great books, don’t they?
Total: $16.46
Mara #6 ($2.99) – There she is! After a bit of a wait, Brian Wood, Ming Doyle and Jordie Bellaire’s wondrous mini-series about a super sports celebrity in the future who develops superpowers comes to an end. I really can’t wait to see how they end this one.
Lazarus #4 ($2.99) – Michael Lark promises that this issue is going to be a bloody one, and given the slow burn build in the first three issues, this may be just what the doctor ordered. An awesome series that has the potential to get even more…well, awesome.
Superior Foes of Spider-Man #4 ($2.99) – Bar none, the single most surprisingly great comic of the year. Nick Spencer and Steve Lieber have taken a title that I really didn’t imagine had much to it, and made it one of the most entertaining, real feeling comics at Marvel.
Quantum & Woody #4 ($3.99) – A book that came in with huge hopes and expectations from me has recaptured the glory of the previous series from Christopher Priest and MD Bright. While this is the last issue with the stellar Tom Fowler, the fact that Ming Doyle is taking over after him gives me great hope for the book’s future.
Total: $12.96 – Saving money for NYCC starts HERE
Witching Hour #1 ($7.99) – I’ve never really been into Vertigo’s previous anthologies (largely because I usually don’t have $8 to spare), but this one has a story from Kelly Sue DeConnick and I’m nothing if not distressingly loyal.
Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #1 ($3.99) – I will buy literally anything with old school Peter Parker in it at this point.
Batman: Black & White #2 ($4.99) – I was pleasantly surprised by how original some of the stories in the first issue were so I’m coming back for more. Mostly the silent film inspired story by Dave Bullock, though.
Mara #6 ($2.99) – Whether it was intentional or not, I refuse to see this series as anything other than a retelling of the archetypal Superman origin story featuring a lady of colour and I ate it up. I would love for this to have gone on to be an ongoing, somehow.
Continued belowTotal: $19.96
Trillium #3 ($2.99) – In addition to telling a good story, Lemire’s really pushing the boundaries of what a comic can do. The first issue used the flip book gimmick to absolutly amazing effect, and the second used the panel gutters as a storytelling device. In a week of great books, this is hands down the one I want to read most.
Lazarus #4 ($2.99) – Rucka and Lark are building a really fascinating world here. If you haven’t tried the series yet, do yourself a favor and buy the first issue. If your shop has sold out, go ahead and preorder the trade collection coming out next month. This is a solid read, and it deserves your attention.
Mind the Gap #15 and Morning Glories #32 ($2.99 each) – If you don’t know why these are on my list, you must be new to Multiversity.
Occultist #1 ($2.99) – “Occultist” is a new superhero book from Dark Horse and should be top quality.
Total: $14.95
Earth 2 #16 ($2.99) – The final issue of James Robinson’s DC career – at least for now. This is a sad, sad thing.
Forever Evil #2 ($3.99) – After a month of reading villain-centric stories, I’m really resisting this. However, the first issue was enough to get me to come back. Hi, I’m Brian, and I can’t quit DC Comics.
The Witching Hour #1 ($7.99) – Vertigo Anthologies get purchased, without question.
Superior Foes of Spider-Man #4 ($2.99) – One of the most enjoyable books on the market. Who cares if it closely resembles “Hawkeye?” “Hawkeye” is awesome!
Total: $17.96
Matthew’s Picks
Catalyst Comix #4 ($2.99) – I don’t say this often, but this book is almost too good to exist. Not picking up seems like a crime.
Mara #6 ($2.99) – We’ve been waiting for this finale for some time now, but I can’t imagine the wait won’t have been worth it.
Morning Glories #32 ($3.50) – I’m on a panel at NYCC for Morning Glories next week. We will discuss this issue. You should read it and come join us, clearly.
Trillium #3 ($2.99) – Jeff Lemire doing creator-owned stuff is something you need to get behind all the time always.
Marvel Knights Spider-Man #1 ($3.99) – I’m curious.
Total: $16.46
