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.
Follow the cut to see everyone’s picks for the week.
Matt’s Picks
The Cape #2 ($3.99) – I became massively addicted to Locke & Key over the past month, and it just so happens that I was already reading the Cape. Now that I’m super excited about Locke & Key all the time, my excitement has translated to be for the Cape even more so than I already was! IT’S CAPE TIME!
Ultimate Spider-Man #3 ($3.99) – Make mine Miles! IT’S MILES TIME!
SHIELD #3 ($2.99) – Definitely one of my top 5 books Marvel puts out. IT’S HISTORY TIME!
Morning Glories #13 ($2.99 – This issue, you guys. I know what happens. You are going to want to know what happens too. IT’S CONFUSION TIME!
X-Men: Regenesis #1 ($3.99) – Kieron Gillen got the X-Men book cancelled, but Marvel decided to give him a second shot and reboot the series. IT’S KIERON TIME!
Total: $17.95
Walt’s Picks
The Shade #1 ($2.99) – James Robinson hasn’t been a fan favorite these past few years, but since this miniseries’ announcement I have been been even more excited for it than I was for the New 52 books. Robinson’s Starman is, in my opinion, one of the best long-form superhero comics to ever be published, and part of that was because of how great of a character The Shade was. I sincerely hope that Robinson does not let me down, but the preview pages have me pleased so far. Plus, I freaking love Cully Hamner’s art.
CBLDF Liberty Annual 2011 ($4.99) – Every comic fan that truly loves the medium should find some way to get a bit of money to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, easily one of the most important organizations related to our favorite funny books. And why not contribute to their cause by buying this anthology of comics from great creators? Yeah, you have no reason not to buy this.
Unwritten #30 ($2.99) – You get it. I love this comic. And now we’re at the exciting conclusion of what has been one of the most interesting and self-referential arcs of the series. Of course I’m going to tell you to buy this.
American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #5 ($2.99) – American Vampire is an awesome comic, and the addition of Sean Murphy as an artist certainly doesn’t hurt the series’ quality. This marks the conclusion of the tie-in miniseries set in the European Theater, so if you missed out on the previous issues, you might as well wait for the trade (which is going to be massive, as it will include the “Ghost War” arc from the main series), but if you’ve been reading this then I probably don’t need to remind you to buy this.
FF #10 ($2.99) – I began to lose faith in Hickman’s hitherto magic tough a few issues ago in this series, but things seem to be picking back up. I’ll stay onboard until Fantastic Four #600, at least.
Batwoman #2 ($2.99) – I wasn’t nearly as impressed with this issue as a lot of people were. The dialogue was, in my opinion, was a bit heavy-handed and expositional, and overall I just feel like Williams and Blackman don’t have the same touch that Greg Rucka had, which made the character so well-received in the first place. That being said, this is hands-down the best looking book in the new 52. No question. While I might have reservations about the writing, this is one of those few books that amazing art will win me over mediocre writing – and who knows, those problems I had with the writing may have just been a first issue fluke.
Continued belowTotal: $19.94
David’s Picks
X-Men Regenesis #1 ($3.99) – I will fully admit this up front: this issue easily could be one hell of a burn. It could ultimately be nothing more than an unnecessary transition issue between Schism and the new status quo. Or it could be awesome. Either way I’m in because I’m an X-Junkie at heart, and odds are Kieron Gillen and Billy Tan will do a nice job on this book.
CBLDF Liberty Annual 2011 ($4.99) – Craig Thompson. Jeff Lemire. Mark Waid. Frank Quitely. Ivan Reis. JH Williams III. Steve Niles. JMS. Dustin Nguyen. That is just small portion of the creators who helped make this book, and for gods sake people, it goes to a good charity that helps comic folk out. Totally worth it.
Punisher MAX #18 ($3.99) – Jason Aaron is the first writer who has made me not think of Garth Ennis’ writing when I read The Punisher. This book is entirely Aaron’s own (even with Steve Dillon as his artist as well), and it kicks ass and is warped and is just a damn good book. Somehow, it’s a book featuring a prominent character and two top notch creators that somehow comes out as underrated in my mind.
Morning Glories #13 ($2.99) – I’m still not certain this book is actually coming out this week, but it’s on the list so I’ll include it. The main reason why I am putting this book on my list is because Morning Glories is a superb book from Nick Spencer, Joe Eisma and Rodin Esquejo, but the secret reason? Myself and 4 Color News and Brews co-host Brandon appear in the book. Gotta buy that, right?
Batwoman #1 ($2.99) – Good god JH Williams III is good at art. Just absurdly good. Turns out he and Haden Blackman can tell a great story as well, and they have made me continue to love the palest person on the planet, Kate Kane. After a fantastic first issue, I’m looking forward to seeing them build on their momentum.
Total: $18.95
Brian’s Picks
Batwoman #2 ($2.99) – I took some shit from a few of my mellow Multiversity brethren for not giving JH Williams III the “Artist of the Month” in my September “This Month in Comics.” Despite not giving him the honor, I am still a huge fan of his work, and he may be the only artist that I will buy almost anything he does, despite any prior interest in the character. (So there, Meylikhov!)
The Shade #1 ($2.99) – James Robinson’s Starman might be my all-time favorite comic book, so this is an absolute no-brainer for me. Plus, the rotating cast of top-notch artists start off with Cully Hammer, who seems like a perfect fit.
Green Lantern #2 ($2.99) – I never thought I’d be reading Sinestro as GL in a non-Elseworlds or flashback type story, so for a lifelong fan, this is fun.
Total: $8.97
I’m using the rest of my leftover $11.03 this week to buy crappy food at the Jacob Javits Center.
Josh’s Picks
Demon Knights #2 ($2.99) – Paul Cornell, like Jim Zub before him, got me to fully invest in the kind of middle ages fantasy crap I managed to avoid for most of my youth with the first issue of the delightfully quirky book. This issue: dragons!! Count me in.
Frankenstein, Agent of SHADE #2 ($2.99) – Jeff Lemire’s delightfully Doom Patrol-ian take on Frankenstein and his stunningly familiar supporting cast struck more than a few endearing chords with it’s debut. Gimme gimme gimme!
Batwoman #2 ($2.99) – Easily the biggest surprise winner of the new 52, this book bleeds intrigue and interpersonal drama in equal numbers. A winning combination if ever I’ve seen one.
Morning Glories #13 ($2.99) – Seriously? You don’t know to buy this one by now? Come on people.
Black Panther: The Most Dangerous Man Alive #524 ($2.99) – I initially tried this book out in order to get more Francesco Francavilla in my life, however it was David Liss’ perfectly crafted noir stylings that KEPT me invested and made this book one of my most anticipated each month.
Ghost Rider #4 ($2.99) – Another 2011 left field success story, Rob Williams has completely revitalized Ghost Rider like Jason Aaron before him and I couldn’t be more enthralled with it’s mix of comedy and biblical drama.
Total: $17.94
Gil’s Picks
Alpha Flight #5 ($2.99) — This is probably my favorite team book at the moment. Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente (or as I call them Freg VannyPak) are among my favorite creative teams and Dale Eaglesham is one of the best talents Marvel stole from DC. Now that the Fear Itself business is done, this book can stand on its own. Moreover, I hope it does well. Better than Herc, anyway.
Batwoman #2 ($2.99) — Let’s be real: JH Williams III is probably the most dynamic artist in the business, and among the Batman DCnU books, this was the best looking and probably the one with the most promise for those not starring Bruce Wayne. Kate Kane is a badass, and I hope she has a long life on the DC newsstands.
FF #10 ($2.99) — One of my other favorite team books (seriously, Marvel has a lot of good team books), Hickman and Epting are telling a great story and I can’t wait to see the return of Johnny Storm/the return of the Fantastic Four. Why HAVEN’T you been reading this book?
Green Lantern #2 ($2.99) — I actually like what Geoff Johns did here. After the theatrical Green Lantern, Sinestro is a pretty high profile character with a green ring. Putting him in the Green Corps helps maintain that status quo until the next movie, and I actually would like to see him as a GL for a while. Yay Sinestro!
Morning Glories #13 ($2.99) — Along with Chew and The Walking Dead, this is the best book coming out each month. You need to pick this up pronto.
Tiny Titans #45 ($2.99) — If you ever feel inundated by continuity and stories that take itself too seriously, I implore you to pick up any issue of Tiny Titans. It’s always fun, never serious and is one of the most adorable books you will read all month. The best part? It’s something you can read with anyone, regardless of age or gender. Read it with a child (preferably one you know), they’ll love it.
Total: $17.94
