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.
The Unwritten #33 ($2.99) – Since “Tommy Taylor and the War of the Words” began, the supplemental .5 issues have been a bit better than the “main” story of The Unwritten. Does that mean that the decimal-less issues have been bad? Hell no. Carey and Gross are, as usual, telling a fantastic tale that really stretches the boundaries of what we can and can’t do with stories, and anyone who chooses to pass on it is making a huge mistake. This arc is definitely setting us up for something big, and I’m excited to find out what that might be.
The Strange Talent of Luther Strode #4 ($2.99) – With this issue, Luther Strode enters its second half. And you thought the first few issues were violent. With this miniseries, Justin Jordan and Tradd Moore are proving to be the next breakout stars who got their start at Image, and you should be reading this at the very least so you can say “I knew them back before they were popular” like the hipster you are. If you’re more interested in a good story then you are indie cred, though, look no further: Luther Strode has been an absolute blast so far, and I don’t see it dipping in quality with this halfway point.
Secret Avengers #21 ($3.99) – Remember the last time Warren Ellis and Stuart Immonen worked together? Was it not one of the most amazing things you had ever seen? This issue marks the finale of Ellis’s brief stint on the title, and you can be sure that with an all-star artist like Immonen he’ll be pulling out all the stops. I have one request, though: Please let there be some kind of Nextwave reference.
Ray #2 ($2.99) – Every week, I try to read one or two comics that I otherwise would pass by. About a month ago, the first issue of the new Ray miniseries was the pick of the day, and what a good choice it was. The first issue of this was easily both better and more accessible than over half of DC’s new 52. Sadly, it’s only going on for two more issues after this, but maybe if all of you reading this buy it we can get a new ongoing and bump, say, Red Hood and the Outlaws from the stands.
Journey into Mystery #633 ($2.99) – Kieron Gillen was born to write Marvel’s Thor, even when he isn’t writing… Thor. Journey into Mystery – sorry, Marvel, but you don’t capitalize prepositions, even in titles – is probably the best new (well, new/old) series from Marvel in quite some time, and it gets better with every issue. Now that the book is out from underneath Fear Itself‘s shadow, I wonder where Gillen will be taking the title. One thing’s for sure: It’ll be a trip.
Wolverine and the X-Men #4 ($3.99) – I read Patrick’s review for issue #3 of this series. I see exactly where he was coming from with every single one of his points, but in the end? This book is too fun for me to put down. I can only hope that Jason Aaron is on this title for years and years to come.
Total: $19.94
Brian’s Picks:
Batgirl #5 ($2.99) – The New 52 has strengthened my resolve as a Bat-fan, and I’m buying more Bat-books than I ever have in the past. I love the character of Barbara Gordon, and am excited to see how she will fit into the greater scheme of the DCnU as time goes on.
Continued belowBatwoman #5 ($2.99) – Speaking of Bat-books, JH Williams is creating one of the most beautiful comics ever period end of story.
Green Lantern #5 ($2.99) – Circa 2009-10, this was the first comic I would read after leaving my LCBS. That isn’t the case anymore, but just because it is no longer the best book on the market doesn’t mean that it still isn’t really good.
Lobster Johnson: The Burning Hand #1 ($3.50) – If you don’t love this, you’re dead to me.
Demon Knights #5 ($2.99) – I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: Jolly. Vandal. Savage.
The Shade #4 ($2.99) – This book has, apparently only to me, been a disappointment. But, since I had only read the Starman series in trade form, I am wondering if I’m simply not used to the pace of the series, and that is my main problem. But, what is a bigger problem, is the news that the series might not make it to its full 12 issue run, since the sales have been sub par. I would hate to see that happen, so buy this book, people!
Total: $18.45
Brandon’s Picks:
X-Men: Legacy #260.1 ($2.99) – This is the beginning of a new era for a book that I love above all else. Mike Carey’s run is one of my favorite of the titles 260 issue history and I am excited to see what the new team brings to the table. I like what I’ve seen so far and I enjoy the premise so hopes are high here.
X-Factor #230 ($2.99) – Is this book ever not good? I mean seriously this book is kind of criminal in its consistent nature. I am excited to see more of Madrox hoping around time and space and also excited to see how Havok and Polaris come into things and how well Peter David can make them seamlessly fit. I mean we all know PAD is going to make this work. It’s just a matter of seeing how he does it.
Wolverine and the X-Men #4 ($3.99) – Love this book. LOVE this book! This issue sees Nick Bradshaw join Jason Aaron on the book and while I will miss Chris Bachalo I dig Bradshaw’s stuff and look forward to seeing him make this visually his own. This is a great new book that is easily accessible to both long term and new found fans. Read and love it fanpeeps.
Wolverine #300 ($4.99) – Finally they renumbered this beast! I have been waiting years for this. Hell it was even on my wish list for 2011. Granted it didn’t happen until 2012 but I am a patient man and I can accept getting it in early 2012. We know Sabertooth is back and I can’t wait to see Jason Aaron tackle Sabes vs Wolvie. This is going to be one hell of a ride.
Batwoman #5 ($2.99) – Beautiful interiors and fantastic storytelling combine to make this easily one of the best books DC puts out. After this issue J.H. Williams steps back from the art for a bit so soak it up while you can people.
Josh’s Picks:
Scarlet Spider #1 ($3.99): I’m not sure what it is about this book that draws me to it. Maybe it’s the fact that I know how good Chris Yost is at writing damaged characters. Or maybe it’s Ryan Stegman’s polished pencil work. Or maybe I just have a soft spot for characters in hoodies. Whatever the reason, I have a good feeling about this one.
Batwoman #5 ($2.99): To say that JH Williams III draws this book understates the beauty that is this comic. The nicest looking comic on shelves by a wide margin and the story ain’t that bad either.
Wolverine #300 ($4.99): Yes, I know the inflated price probably has to do with the Loeb/Simone back-up story that I will avoid like the plague. It’s still Jason Aaron and Adam Kubert and Logan. And ninjas. No matter what you tack onto it, this issue will be great based on that alone.
Continued belowThe Strange Talent of Luther Strode #4 ($2.99): Probably one of most genuinely fun, mysterious and personable books of last year. If that trend doesn’t continue into this one then I will buy you a coke.
Daken: Dark Wolverine #19 ($2.99): I am going to miss getting to read Rob Williams acerbic wit manifesting inside the words of Wolverine’s sexually ambiguous son every month so very much. Might as well like it while it lasts. Plus an impeccably written version of The Runaways is in this book, which just clinches the win.
Total: $17.95
Matt’s Picks:
Lobster Johnson: The Burning Hand #1 ($3.50) – It is all right there in the title, kids: LOBSTER JOHNSON. I don’t know what else needs to be said.
Wolverine #300 ($4.99) – All somewhat obvious marketing stunts aside, I’ve been with Jason Aaron since he first wrote Wolverine, and I’ll be there until he stops. With that in mind,
Wolverine and the X-Men #4 ($3.99) – I hate to be so damn stereotypical in my picks, but there is still something to be said for Aaron’s fantastic take on the canucklehead and his various adventures.
X-Men Legacy #260.1 ($2.99) – Christos Gage has been kicking a fair deal of tuchas over at Avengers Academy. It stands to reason that he could probably do a bang-up job in Mike Carey’s old shoes. I’d give it a go.
The Strange Talent of Luther Strode #4 ($2.99) – Tradd and Justin are making magic, with a sonnet of violence over an opera of bloody chaos. (See: things I write that I cross my fingers might make a pull quote.)
Total: $18.46
