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.
Matthew’s Picks
Casanova: Avaritia #2 ($4.99) – By far one of my favorite books ever. Matt Fraction’s Casanova is beyond amazing, and the first issue blew me away. In this issue, Casanova fights pandas. ’nuff said.
Action Comics #2 ($3.99) – Morrison. Superman. You do the math. General comment everyone will make in this week’s CSBC.
The Strange Talent of Luther Strode #1 ($2.99) – This book is going to be this year’s breakout. Mark my words. Get it now before it’s too late.
X-Men: Schism #5 ($3.99) – I was a bit wary of the book for a bit, but Jason Aaron really stepped up his game last issue. Can’t wait to see what he and Kubert have in store for the final issue of this book.
Animal Man #2 or Swamp Thing #2 ($2.99 each) – It was tough to pick between these two. Both were great for different reasons. Flip a coin and let fate decide (or find an extra $2.99 before going to the store).
Total: $18.95
Walt’s Picks
Action Comics #2 ($3.99) – Am I predictable at this point? I hope not.
Strange Talent of Luther Strode #1 ($2.99) – Matt has been jerking off to how much he loves this comic, but – as much as our site has been hyping it – I haven’t read the preview copies that we have. Still, Eric Stephenson has been hyping it up, and he’s a man that knows his comics. Plus, creator-owned #1s are at least worth a look, if not a buy.
Animal Man #2 ($2.99) – As solid as the writing was in issue #1, I can understand if you pass on this one. Comics are a visual medium, and Travel Foreman’s art is… an acquired taste. Still, I’ve read through uglier-looking books than this for a good story, and if issue one was any indication, then this series isn’t just going to be good, it’s going to be great. And, all that being said, Foreman’s art was actually pretty solid in the dream sequence.
Swamp Thing #2 ($2.99) – While it was a bit heavy on the expositional dialogue, the first issue of DC’s horror book with the biggest legacy to live up to had me plenty interested. Now that that’s out of the way, though, I am willing to bet this is going to be the best DC relaunch title. The creative team of this book is just a ridiculous tour de force of talent, and they’re working in an environment that’s perfect for them. Granted, I didn’t think that Paquette would fit horror that well before #1, but damn he proved me wrong.
Moon Knight #6 ($3.99) – Bendis has lost some of my faith in him, but I will be picking up this book so long as he is on it. In fact, I’ll pick up pretty much anything with both him and Alex Maleev on it. But I’ve said all of this before. The point is: if you naysay Brian Michael Bendis, as even I do sometimes, pick this up to remind yourself why he became popular in the first place.
X-Men: Schism #5 ($3.99) – Nothing will be the same ever again! My jabs aside, this has been a pretty solid event comic, and I am interested in seeing how it ends. It’s a shame that Alan Davis couldn’t illustrate the whole thing, but somehow I think I’ll live.
Continued belowTotal: $20.94 (okay, I’m a dollar over, but as fun as OMAC is I couldn’t substitute any of the $3.99 books with it)
Josh’s Picks
Animal Man #2 ($2.99) – Easily my favorite book of the last month and already in the running for book of the year, Jeff Lemire has revitalized one of my favorite characters with an absolute vengeance and things are just picking up.
Swamp Thing #2 ($2.99) – Scott Snyder has done it again, taking a murky, overly complicated member of the DC canon and not only made them immediately accesible, but damn interesting to boot.
Action Comics #2 ($3.99) – Because Grant Morrison.
Sweet Tooth #26 ($2.99) – Been following it since Day #1 and I see no reason to stop now, especially with the drama and mystery at an all time high. You wanna know why Jeff Lemire’s work will, without a doubt, be remembered into the future? Read Sweet Tooth.
Casanova: Avaritia #2 ($4.99) – Normally I would be the last person to condone a comic book costing five dollars. However, this particular comic book is so fantastic on so many levels and shoves in every bit of insane, meta, pop culture greatness that it can to make it worth the cover price. Hey Fear Itself readers! Read this instead!
Total: $17.95
Gil’s Picks
Chew #21 ($2.99) — There’s not much more I can say about Chew that I haven’t already. This book is arguably Image’s best creator-owned title. It’s at least as good as Morning Glories and The Walking Dead. It’s also one of the best comics in the industry and I don’t know why you’re not reading this book if you’re not. Shame on you.
Action Comics #2 ($3.99) — The first issue was just about a perfect re-telling of Clark’s early years. Morrison is telling a Hell of a story here, with nuanced characters and a vibrant universe surrounding. Check this out; you won’t be disappointed.
Animal Man #2 ($2.99) — Animal Man is one of the highlights of the DCnU. It’s one of the easiest books to get into and happens to be one of the best. Get this book if you like good comics.
Huntress #1($2.99) — I have some issues with Levitz in the new DCU. However, this book makes the list for one reason alone: Marcus To. His art is beautiful and worth the $2.99 price tag easily.
Swamp Thing #2 ($2.99) — This book, along with Animal Man, are probably the books you should be reading that you probably didn’t expect to be on that list. Regardless, both books are awesome and they deserve a spot!
X-Men: Schism #5 ($3.99) — It’s all come down to this. The Bromance between Cyclops and Wolverine is over. They’re duking it out and the X-Men won’t be the same. How will this end? Who will win the fight? Why would they start fighting when a giant Sentinel is on its way to Utopia? FIND OUT HERE!
Total: $19.94
David’s Pick’s
X-Men Schism #5 ($3.99) – Jason Aaron is my favorite writer working right now (he’s keeping the spot warm for BKV’s return), and he’s been telling the X-Comics I want to read with this book. With it directly leading into Wolverine and the X-Men and directing the X-Men comics for the foreseeable future, this is the one must read book of the week.
Casanova: Avaritia #2 ($4.99) – While $4.99 is patently ridiculous for any comic, the first issue of this book was my second favorite comic from September and I fully expect Matt Fraction and Gabriel Ba to bring the same level of greatness to this issue as they did on that one. Here’s hoping I’m right, but either way, it’s going to be a wild and exciting read.
Continued belowSuperior #5 ($2.99) – Say what you will about Millar’s brand of uber violence and the HUGE delay that this book has went through (I literally traveled around the world in the time between issues), but this book when released is top notch thanks to strong storytelling from Millar and beautiful art from Leinil Francis Yu. Not only that, but shock appeal is replaced with genuine heart, and there is something to be said about that.
Strange Talent of Luther Strode #1 ($2.99) – I’ve read this book already and I can say it absolutely rocks. Justin Jordan and Tradd Moore tell a fantastic first issue in these pages, and this book is definitely one to watch. Don’t miss it.
Swamp Thing #2 ($2.99) – The best book of the DCnU in my opinion. Here’s hoping Scott Snyder and Yanick Paquette can keep that going. I’m betting that they can.
Total: $17.95
Brian’s Picks
Last of the Greats #1 ($3.99) – Fialkov’s I, Vampire was one of the most plesant surprises of the DCnU, and so it seems only fair that i give this book the same chance I gave I, Vampire.
The Rinse #2 ($3.99) – I loved issue #1, and this fits my need for a good crime comic. Maybe the comic I’m most excited for this week.
Action Comics #2 ($3.99) – I have to admit, I don’t love that the Superman of Action Comics #1 becomes the Superman of Superman #1. But I’m interested to see how he gets there.
Animal Man #2 ($2.99) – Like everyone else in the world, I loved Animal Man #1. It also may be the book I’ve thought about the most since reading it.
Swamp Thing #2 ($2.99) – Another “boring “pick, but what can I say? Scott Snyder has won my trust and, even though it’s not my favorite character, interesting things are being established here.
Total: $17.96
