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!
Vince’s Picks:
Zero #3 ($3.50) – Ales Kot has quickly established one of the top 5 most exciting books on my pull list with “Zero.” The single-issue artistic stints have been a huge boon to the storytelling and Mateus Santolouco’s looks to be no different. Jordie Bellaire’s colors and Clayton Cowles’ lettering binds it all together with some beautiful-looking glue.
Wonder Woman #25 ($2.99) – Steady as she goes.
Daredevil #33 ($2.99) – Not much new to say about the great Mark Waid “Daredevil” run, except to say that now that we know the end is nigh, I’ll be quite sad to see it go. If you’re not in on this already, I’m not sure why, but you have until issue #36 to get caught up and wave it goodbye.
Young Avengers #12 ($2.99) – Another book coming to a clear end, Gillen & McKelvie’s “Young Avengers” will be missed. However, the fact that this duo will always have another project in the hopper for the foreseeable future brings me great happiness.
Imagine Agents #2 ($3.99) – I was bowled over by the humanity and fun of the first issue of Brian Joines and Bachan’s “Imagine Agents.” What happens to your imaginary friends once you don’t believe in them any more? Well – lots of hilarious, adventurous, and melancholy things, in fact.
Total: $16.46
David’s Picks:
Sex Criminals #3 ($3.50) – Two issues, two months as my favorite issue of the month. Fraction and Zdarsky are crushing it. Let’s go for three in a row!
Fables #135 ($2.99) – Just as the book is announced as coming to an end, the book hits its stride again. Enjoy it while you can though, as one of the best Vertigo titles ever is soaring with its Knights of the Round Table arc.
Zero #3 ($2.99) – You’d be have to be crazy to not buy this book, and you’d have to be crazy to think I didn’t try to fit artist Mateus Santolouco’s name in as a replacement for crazy there.
B.P.R.D. #113 ($3.50) – Liz! LIZ LIZ LIZ LIZ! FIYAHHHHH!!!!
Young Avengers #12 ($2.99) – Another book nearing its end, although this one is coming much sooner. Gillen and McKelvie, you guys are great. Let’s close with greatness please.
Buzzkill #3 ($3.99) – One of the sneaky underrated books of 2013, this mini-series is nearing its end and features an original concept (WHAT ARE THOSE) and art that reminds me of what the lovechild of Sean Murphy and Tradd Moore’s art may be like.
Total: $19.96 – maximize them dolla bills!
Drew’s Picks:
Dark Horse Presents #30 ($7.99) – There’s a reason this thing keeps winning awards. Plus, one of the many nice things about anthologies is that every single issue is a jumping on point. If you’re not already reading this, now’s as good a time as any to start. You’re pretty much guaranteed to discover something new you’ll want to keep reading.
Rachel Rising #21 ($3.99) – As a general rule comics written and drawn by one person have a higher ratio of quality to crap than collaborative works. As a specific rule, comics written and drawn by Terry Moore have a quality to crap ratio of infinity, because you’re dividing by zero. Buy this creepy book.
Daredevil #33 (2.99) – The countdown to the cancellation of the last Marvel book I’m reading has begun. I will stick with this book until the end, and I will be sad to see it go.
Total: $14.97
Matthew’s Picks:
Zero #3 ($3.50) – Hands down my favorite issue of the series, and one of the most important issues of the first arc. This was originally supposed to be the second issue, so I’ll note that there’s a definitive reason that what was #4 was bumped to #2 — it’s not just because the issue was done. Re-read it, and prepare.
Red Sonja #5 ($3.99) – I feel like this book does not get nearly enough support for the quality that it is. Simone is absolutely kicking ass and Walter Geovanni is bringing the character to life in an unbelievable way. I’ve never read a “Red Sonja” comic before, but I’d be damned if I miss an issue now.
Sex Criminals #3 ($3.50) – One of the best new books of the year continues to get better. And if you want to play the game of what in here is causing the issue to be banned from Apple’s iOS again, it’s pretty easy to figure out.
Young Avengers #12 ($2.99) – Now that it has been officially announced that this run is coming to a close, my support has increased ten-fold! Do not miss a single issue!
Adventure Time #22 ($3.99) – Oh yes, and we can’t forget this book.
Total: $17.97
Zach’s Picks
Sex Criminals #3 ($3.50) – It may be too risque for Apple, but “Sex Criminals” is yet another mark in the “win” column for Matt Fraction.
Zero #3 ($2.99) – Ok, so I thought last issue was supposed to be the Mateus Santolouco issue. So, just take what I wrote for “Zero” #2 and insert it here. (If you’re too lazy to track that down, just know that this issue is gorgeous and spectacular.)
Wonder Woman #25 ($2.99) – I say this every time the book comes out, but it’s literally the best book DC has right now. Why wouldn’t you buy this?
Harley Quinn #0 ($2.99) – Look out Wonder Woman, another DC lady is gunning for your top spot. Taking the “Dial E for Evil” approach, this prelude to the upcoming Palmiotti/Conner penned series features 17 artists, each taking illustrating a page in a “try-out” for series artist. While we already know who the winner will be, the astonishing collection of talent on display here is mind boggling. Seriously, go look at the list of artists and just try to pick your jaw off the floor afterward. Not to get your hopes up, but this is potentially the best thing to come out of DC all year.
Total Price: $12.47. It’s a light week, go see Catching Fire, or something.
Michelle’s Picks:
A Voice in the Dark #1 ($3.99) – A completely enthralling, Dexter-ish story from newcomer Larime Taylor. Not to be missed.
Rachel Rising #21 ($3.99) – Can’t stop, won’t stop. The creepiest ongoing out there.
Buzzkill #3 ($3.99) – A rule-breaking superhero story tackling a dark theme (booze!), and I think it might just pull it off, too. But penultimate issues are hard to do right, so we’ll see…
The Wake #5 ($3.99) – Sean Murphy and Scott Snyder continue to be scary underwater. That sounded a lot more coherent in my head. It’s also got fishmen, if that helps?
Sheltered #5 ($2.99) – This almost-apocalyptic story started off disturbing and then got even more so. Not for the faint of heart.
Young Avengers #12 ($2.99) – Right, so how great a week is this for comics?
Total: $21.94. Going over because goodness that’s a lot of $3.99-ers. Should be cheap indeed.
Brian’s Picks:
The Fifth Beatle ($19.99) – For a lifelong Beatles fan, and a lifelong comics fan, this book is a dream come true. The art of Andrew Robinson and Kyle Baker takes a story that seems like it wasn’t quite meant for funny books and elevates it to something sublime and fascinating. The book drips with sadness, secrets, and vibrancy. At once both musical and strangely silent, this is the best thing you’ll read all week. Maybe even all month.
Total: $19.99
