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.
Fantastic Four #600 ($7.99) – It’s a grandiose price, assuredly, but Jonathan Hickman’s collective Fantastic Four run has been absolutely fantastic. I eagerly anticipate whatever adventures await our intrepid family explorers with this issue.
Secret Avengers #19 ($3.99) – Warren Ellis has been absolutely killing it on the title. I’ve always enjoyed this book more than the other Avenger titles, but now especially so. Can’t wait to see what’s going to happen this month.
Vengeance #5 ($3.99) – I have been on a Joe Casey kick as of late. I’m not really sure why, but I’ve been buying up a ton of his older books that I haven’t read and just enjoying the ever loving crap out of them. Vengeance is certainly no different.
DMZ #71 ($2.99) – Two issues left. One of my favorite books on the stands. Lets do this.
Total: $18.96
Brian’s Picks
The Shade #2 ($2.99) — DC was supposed to ship this last week, but didn’t. So, I spent $2.99 on a Taylor ham, egg and cheese sandwich instead. If you’ve never had one, get thee to New Jersey and treat yo’self. As much as I love The Shade, that sandwich was probably better. Mmm…sandwich…
BPRD: Hell on Earth: Russia #3 ($3.50) — I’ve read this already, and I have one phrase that should sell any non-believers: Hydrofluoric Acid Guns.
Wolverine and the X-Men #2 ($3.99) — You’ve done it, Aaron. You’ve made me read an X-book for the first time since the Clinton administration. Bravo.
The Flash #3 ($2.99) — The best Flash book since Wally West was the main character. Sorry, Geoff Johns!
Justice League Dark #3 ($2.99) — I still don’t get why people aren’t all about this book.
Total: $16.46
Gil’s Picks
Alpha Flight #6 ($2.99) — Why was this book canceled? It’s so much fun! Vanny Pak and Eaglesham? Great stuff. Ah well. Tippin’ a 40 for my Canadian Homies.
Aquaman #3 ($2.99) — Remember when Aquaman was badass? You don’t? Well here, read this. I promise he is.
Flash #3 ($2.99) — Francis Manapul! If that doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will. But if it doesn’t, I’ll sit over here quietly judging you.
Secret Avengers #19 ($3.99) — Warren Ellis! Michael Lark! Spy stuff! Woohoo!
Superman #3 ($2.99) — I’m actually enjoying this book a lot! I mostly enjoy it for the art, which is outstanding. Need more red underwears though.
Wolverine and the X-Men #2 ($3.99) — This book is a lot of fun! It’s full of offbeat characters and great humor. Plus, it has Doop, which is one of the greatest mutants of all time. Well, aside from Maggott, if you ask Burpee.
Total: $19.94
David’s Picks
Wolverine and the X-Men #2 ($3.99) – The first issue of this series was my favorite comic of October, and I expect no less from the second issue. With Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo working together with a cast of characters and a mission I can get behind for the X-Men, I’m all about this book. Even over my favorite Aaron book, which is…
Continued belowScalped #54 ($2.99) – God I love this comic. It’s been my favorite for a long time, and it has been as good as ever recently as all of the plot threads are screaming together and Dash is bringing the intensity somehow more than usual with his jaw wired shut. Artist R.M. Guera is a big reason why, as he sells everything about Dash with the searing looks he depicts and brutality of his actions. It’s just an all-time great in my book nearing its end. No big deal.
Fantastic Four #600 ($7.99) – Okay, that price is straight up ridiculous. That said, it’s 96 pages of all-new content from writer Jonathan Hickman and artists Steve Epting, Carmine di Giandomenico, Leinil Yu and Farel Dalrymple, and the last time Hickman sculpted a major moment for the Fantastic Four it brought the truly fantastic and heartbreaking “death” (or whatever it ends up being) of Johnny Storm. I believe in Jonathan Hickman.
Secret Avengers #19 ($3.99) – It’s a pretty simple equation. Warren Ellis + Michael Lark = must buy. I love both creators, and while Ellis’ series of Secret Avengers hasn’t been perfect, it has been a great source of entertainment for me each time. Solid gold, Saturday night people.
Total: $18.96
Walt’s Picks:
Unwritten #31.5 ($2.99) – Unwritten is now out twice a month. Oh yeah. As you can probably guess, I cried tears of joy when this was announced. This year hasn’t been outstanding for the book, but I only mean that in the most literal sense; it’s still a great title and my personal favorite on the shelves these days.
Comic Book Comics #6 ($3.99) – Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey are doing the Lord’s work (note: I worship Jack Kirby). We talk a lot about adding diversity to the comic market, but Comic Book Comics adds a little bit extra to the pool than your average creator-owned book. It doesn’t just tell a different kind of story from what we’re used to, it isn’t even fiction. This is the last issue of the pair’s history of the comic industry, and even if you haven’t read the preceding five issues you should check out this sure to be incredibly relevant final installment.
Fantastic Four #600 ($7.99) – I hate Marvel’s approach to renumbering. I really, really do. Especially when they bump up the price by, Jesus, five dollars. Still, as a devout Hickman fan, I honestly cannot say no to this, even if that puts me at odds with the title of this column. You’ll forgive me, won’t you.
Wolverine and the X-Men #2 ($3.99) – It’s been a long time coming, but I think I can finally and honestly say that I consider myself an X-Men fan. Just in time, too, because Wolverine and the X-Men #1 was easily one of the most exciting #1s I have read in a long time. From someone who begins every review (remember when I did those?) of a #1 with “I need to reiterate how much I don’t care for #1s,” that’s saying something. Now we see if Aaron carries that momentum or falls flat. I don’t see why it would be the latter.
Total: $18.96
