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 Creep #2 ($3.50) – I’ve already read and reviewed this comic. Review spoilers: it gets a very good rating. If you prefer comparatively subdued mystery comics to the glitz of superheroes, this is the comic for you. And if you don’t, well, too bad for you.
Conan the Barbarian #9 and The Massive #5 ($3.50 each) – Brian Wood week is the best week. I am a bit disappointed that the artists on each of these books are not consistent — come on, Dark Horse, that’s supposed to be a Big Two problem! — but since both the writing and the art of both series are great, I guess I’ll get over it. With these two series and his upcoming, pre-EU “Star Wars” ongoing, Wood is making sure that Dark Horse gets my dollar.
Punk Rock Jesus #4 ($2.99) – If the end of last issue was any indication, it looks like this issue is where we’ll see the “punk” being put into “Punk Rock Jesus.” All my doubts about this series have been swept aside — I’ve always trusted in Sean Murphy’s art, but now I trust in his writing as well. Halfway through, and this is already near the top of my best miniseries of 2012 list. If the book continues at the rate it has been going, it will claim #1 without a hitch.
Zorro Rides Again #12 ($3.99) – It’s finally here. I haven’t been giving “Zorro Rides Again” the love I used to in this column, but let me reiterate what I have said multiple times before: Zorro is Batman, but better. Pulp master Matt Wagner’s run on the character comes to an end with this miniseries, tying up all the loose ends of his previous ongoing with the now famous Francesco Francavilla. I understand that most of our readers may not have read any of Wagner’s Zorro comics, but I highly suggest picking them up if you like pulpy action — you might even say I recommend it.
Total: $17.48
Fantastic Four #611 ($2.99) — I truly believe that Hickman’s run on this and “FF” will go down as one of the best in modern comics. Treasure this “final” issue.
Team 7 #1/Phantom Stranger #1 ($2.99 each) — Both of these books’ #0 issues were intriguing enough to give a second issue to, especially “Team 7.” Plus, Dan DiDio has never written a bad comic, am I right?
Batman #13 ($3.99) — I’m not the world’s biggest Joker fan, but I am interested to see where Synder and Capullo take the Clown Prince of Crime.
Total: $12.96 — Save the rest for New York Comic Con (I know, I used this excuse last week too)
Batman #13 ($3.99) – Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo finally get around to the Joker. Not sure how I feel about this being a mega-crossover event, but whatever keeps DC selling comic books, I guess. Anyhow, I’m willing to bet that their book will be the best and worth every penny. Even if it’s a disappointment, Mr. J is back. How can you not at least pick up the first issue?
Saga vol. 1 TPB ($9.99) – 10 bucks for the first trade of arguably the single best book on the stands today. Crazy ass sci-fi with tons of heart and a little romance. This is comic book greatness in the making. Add in the fact that it’s contains a super-sized issue #1 and this is the biggest no brainer at your shop this week. This month. This year.
Continued belowHoax Hunters #4 ($2.99) – I continue to be charmed by this book and consider myself lucky to be working on the “Hoax Hunters Backstage Pass” interviews every month. There’s lot of surprises and fun urban legend tie ins to entertain. Worth a look, if you’re not pulling it already.
Total: $16.97
Uncanny Avengers #1 ($3.99) – For some reason people are mixed on the idea of this book, but I have two words that should convince you otherwise: Remender + Cassaday. The former wrote one of the best runs in superhero comics in the last decade (I said it), and the latter worked on one of the more beloved X-Men runs in the last twenty years. Come on now guys. This is solid gold Saturday night.
Punk Rock Jesus #4 ($2.99) – This is pretty much locked in as the mini-series of the year for me. I love this comic a crazy amount. Not only that, but Sean Gordon Murphy is the answer to two questions for me: who is the best artist of the year, and who is the breakout writer of the year. That’s a heck of a thing.
Fantastic Four #611 ($2.99) – It’s the last issue of Jonathan Hickman’s legendary run on Fantastic Four. I wouldn’t miss this for the world – PLUS it is just $2.99.
Secret Service #4 ($2.99) – Say what you will about Mark Millar, but when he’s on, he’s on. This series? It’s Millar being on, and it’s a damn good time. Not only that but Dave Gibbons is a perfect fit for the book. I recommend it.
Space Punisher #4 ($3.99) – SPACE PUNISHER!!!!! The last issue ended with Big Pun using the Ultimate Nullifier against the nefarious Watchers, possibly destroying the universe. Who the hell knows what happens in this issue, the concluding chapter to Frank Tieri and Mark Texeira’s awesome fest.
Wolverine and the X-Men #18 ($3.99) – This book handled crossover-itis about as well as any book in recent memory, and I can only assume it’s the one and only Jason Aaron who carried us through. Not a reach, but still, it’s a feat. Now that the book is out of AvX land, I can’t wait to see what happens next. Plus, Jorge Molina rules!!!
Total: $20.94 (I’m always well under in this column – pretend like I was saving for this)
Morning Glories #22 ($2.99) – You’re going to want this issue. Trust me.
Stumptown v2 #2 ($3.99) – Greg Rucka and Matt Southworth’s Portland-based detective book is one of my favorites that Oni does, and I couldn’t be happier to have it back in my regular monthly rotation. Don’t miss this comic.
Stuff of Legend: Toy Collector #1 ($3.99) – It’s back! I didn’t even know it was coming back this soon, but it’s back! Buy buy buy!
Red She-Hulk #58 ($2.99) – Jeff Parker’s run on Hulk starring Rulk is one of my absolute favorites of current goings. With Red She-Hulk taking over and Marvel gaining a new female lead title, I expect only the best.
Fantastic Four #511 ($2.99) – The final issue of Hickman’s tremendous run on Fantastic Four. Au revoir, my good friend.
Total: $16.95
Batman #13 ($2.99) – One of my two favorite characters in all of comics is coming back starting now! The Joker is back! With Snyder telling the yarn I feel very confident that this is going to be a lot of fun. I would prefer it with less crossover but alas it seems DC is all about making crossovers the new variant covers. Overdone is the word. Anyway, this is going to be awesome and I am really hoping that at NYCC there will be some Joker masks like the Court of Owl masks that were made available recently. Creepy!
Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan #2 ($3.99) – The art was gorgeous in the last issue and the story was better than I had hoped for. Here’s hoping we’ll see a continuation of that here.
Punk Rock Jesus #4 ($2.99) – One of the better new original comics on the market at the moment. Only rivaled by Saga at this point in the year for that category. This one has everything. A compelling story, fleshed out characters and fucking ridiculously outlawed in three nations beautiful art. If you love this medium and you aren’t reading this book you are just a shameful person. Shameful.
Continued belowSpace Punisher #4 ($3.99) – Not a book for everyone but sure as hell a book made for me. It has the over the top nature of the first Marvel Zombies. I love me some Frank Tieri and this is as much to his strengths as possible. Brutal violence and break your neck action with some outer limits crazy sprinkled on top. Love this mini series and I will be sacrificing a space goat in hopes that after this issue we get a sequel. Make it so Marvel. Please please please.
Uncanny Avengers #1 ($3.99) – We’re on to the other side of AvX. What will Marvel Now! be all about? Well let’s find out. I can honestly say I am very excited for Marvel Now! I am ready for changes across the board. I am especially ready for a change to the X-Men franchise which since moving to San Fran has been one forgettable journey in my opinion outside of Uncanny X-Force. It’s all behind us now and it’s time for a new direction. Is this the direction? Not sure but i’ll take any direction that doesn’t take us back to the Utopia Era.
Total: $17.95
Halloween Eve (one-shot) ($3.99) – Amy Reeder is a fantastic artist, and while I was sad to see her leave “Batwoman,” I’m very happy it’s given her a chance to do her own thing. Her first is this Halloween-themed one-shot co-created by Brandon Montclare. There are a lot of comics costing $4 these days, and not all of them will give you a complete story, with fantastic art to boot. Buy it.
Creator Owned Heroes #5 ($3.99) – Two new stories begin in this half-comic, half-magazine hybrid created by Steve Niles and Jimmy Palmiotti (among others): ‘Killswitch’ by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, art by Jerry Lando; and ‘Black Sparrow’ by Steve Niles and Jay Russell, with art by Andrew Ritchie. The magazine half of the book includes an interview with Amanda Conner, along with the usual articles, art galleries, and con photos.
Archer & Armstrong #3 ($3.99) – Valiant has had a strong comeback, and this book has quickly become my favorite of their entire relaunch. While all of them have solid art and outstanding design, Fred Van Lente’s writing has been the best. We’ve only had two issues so far, and I already feel like I know the characters. I’m really looking forward to seeing them interact as the series continues. Plus, as a history buff, I’m loving all the sly historical references from Armstrong’s past.
The Massive #5 ($3.50) – Only one part of Brain Wood Week makes the cut this month, but only because of the stiff competition. As much as I’m enjoying “Conan” and “Ultimate X-Men,” “The Massive” is the one I read first.
Haunted Horror #1 ($3.99) – 48 pages of classic pre-code horror comics reprinted in floppy format at a decent price (by today’s standards)? I’m in. Contains work by Joe Simon, Jack Kirby, Jack Cole, Bernard Baily, C. A. Winter, Jay Disbrow and more.
Total: $19.46
