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!
Fantastic Four 100 Project ($12.99) – Putting this on my list means I have to cut a lot of the great comics that are coming out this week, so hopefully my colleagues will suggest some, if not all, of those I would otherwise recommend. Since I can’t really “review” this book, though, this is where it goes. The 100 Project was/is a project by the Hero Initiative to have one hundred (and plus) of the blank cover variants for “Fantastic Four” #600 sketched on by some of the industry’s top talent and auctioned for charity. Not all of us can afford original art by big name artists, though, so the Hero Initiative has published a softcover reprinting every single cover. The Hero Initiative that all of us here at Multiversity believe is worth supporting with every spare penny, and plus, you get some truly amazing artwork as well. That’s about as win/win as it gets.
FF #1 ($2.99) – Speaking of the Fantastic Four, this latest Marvel NOW! book starts this week. I was rather lukewarm toward the first issue of the main book, also written by Matt Fraction, but this is probably my most anticipated book of the latest launches. Between Fraction and artist Mike Allred, plus the rather strange cast of characters, this has the potential to be the latest cult classic from the House of Ideas. Granted, it could also go down in flames by being too wacky, but at least that would be entertaining to watch. This one is a blind buy for me, and if you don’t mind comics that are a bit off-beat, I’m sure it is for you, too.
Batman Incorporated #5 ($2.99) – I love Morrison’s Batman work as a whole, but I particularly love the introduction of future Damian in “Batman” #666, as well as the character’s role in #700, ‘Time and the Batman.’ The chance to see Morrison revisiting the future iteration of his pet character, especially in a full issue, is too exciting to miss, though it will be a bit strange to see Burnham — amazing as he is — illustrating the hellish future of Gotham city that Andy Kubert originally brought to life. I almost wish that his Batman run would end with a Damian arc in the same vein of ‘Here Comes Tomorrow,’ but now I’m getting of topic. In short: buy.
Total: $18.97
Nowhere Men #1 ($2.99) – I mentioned in last week’s CSBC that I’m a sucker for high concept sci-fi which is why I’m so excited for this book. What happens when four scientists become the most celebrated people on Earth and what happens when it all falls down around them? This is going to be one of those series people will be talking about a lot, I can feel it.
Batman Incorporated #5 ($2.99) – Even as huge a fan of Morrison as I am, this second volume of “Batman Inc” has felt pretty weak to start off with, but hopefully that’s going to change as he brings back the future Damian-as-Batman from “Batman” #666. Am I just in this for the possible appearance of Alfred The Cat? Maybe, but I know I’ll be picking up the issue regardless.
Bedlam #2 ($3.50) – I loved the first issue and I am coming back asking for more. Simple as that. I mean, c’mon, with Nick Spencer and Riley Rossmo you can do no wrong.
Ghost #2 ($2.99) – Another case of “I loved issue one so I’m crawling back for some more” here. Kelly Sue DeConnick is quickly proving herself one of my favourite writers between this, “Captain Marvel” and now “Avengers Assemble” and teaming her with Phil Noto just makes this better.
Continued belowFF #1 ($2.99) – While Fraction’s “Fantastic Four” was met with rather mild reactions, I loved it as it was actually the first F4 issue I’ve ever picked up and I know teaming him with Mike Allred is going to turn up some great results with this. And who can say no to more She-Hulk?
Thor: God Of Thunder #2 ($3.99) – He shoots, he scores! Jason Aaron proved all of my assurances that he would be a great Thor writer right with the first issue and now he’s back for seconds. I just hope we don’t have to wait to see more of Old Thor.
Total: $19.45
There are too many good comics out this week…since I missed a couple weeks can I put them all in?
Bedlam #2 ($3.50) – I’m pretty much going by the maxim “If it’s drawn by Riley Rossmo, buy it!” at this point. He’s done a lot of amazing work with a lot of different people in just the past couple of years, but it seems like they all share a common thread: your expectations will be overturned. Probably several times in a single issue. Even more so if Nick Spencer is the guy writing the book. The first issue was absolutely insane, just like its main character, Madder Red. The comic and the character both live up to their names, and we’re just getting started.
Prophet #31 ($3.99) – Always weird, always wild, always packed full of the kind of crazy conceptual sci-fi that would have made the late Moebius proud.
Multiple Warheads: Alphabet to Infinity #2 ($2.99) – We already have a Brian Wood Week, is this now Brandon Graham Week? This is also insane sci-fi, but much more light-hearted than the heavy stuff in “Prophet.” My shop screwed up the order for #1, and now I can’t find it anywhere for less than $8 (including shipping), so get it before it’s gone!
Masks #1 ($3.99) – I’ll be real, here. I’m not a Dynamite fan, at all. But with Alex Ross doing fully painted interiors again and MonkeyBrain’s Chris Roberson writing, there is no way I’m going to pass this one up.
Adventure Time #10 ($3.99) – You knew I was going to pick it. At this point, it’s mathematical.
Total: $18.46
FF #1 ($2.99) – Mike Allred is a legend. He is teaming with Matt Fraction, a guy who knows how to use humor, something Allred handles like a champ, to do a fun, all-ages book featuring a really odd collective of characters. If you don’t think this is worth $3, I don’t know if we can be friends anymore. Sorry. I need my MST3K tapes back.
B.P.R.D. #101 ($3.50) – Being able to just call this book “B.P.R.D.” is one of the small joys that make life worth living. Being able to read, monthly, such a dense, unpredictable, beautifully illustrated comic is another. This book just keeps getting better and better.
Justice League Dark #14 ($2.99) – This book’s stock keeps rising in my book, and it is, by far, the book DC is putting out this week that I care the most about. #apathy
Nowhere Men #1 ($2.99) – Science is the new vigilante in comics. How cool is that?
Total: $12.47 – I didn’t intentionally pick one book from one of the four major publishers, but it makes for nice symmetry.
All New X-Men #2 ($3.99) — I really enjoyed the first issue and I am excited to see what comes of bringing the past X-Men to the present. I understand there may be some serious time travel cause and effect questions because of this but I am more than willing to give Bendis the room to tell his story. I feel like Bendis has a good chance of telling Claremont like stories with great character dialogue and soap opera dynamics. Let’s get that second issue in my hand ASAP!
Batman Inc. #5 ($2.99) — It’s funny that I really didn’t enjoy the first volume of this title and actually dropped it a couple of issues in. This go around I enjoy it quite a bit. I love what Morrison has been doing on this book as well as Burnham. I am especially excited because this issue returns us to the “Batman” #666 future where Damian is now Batman. I’d probably buy a mini-series of that story so you better believe I’ll be snagging this issue.
Continued belowFF #1 ($2.99) — I surprisingly really enjoyed “Fantastic Four” #1. “FF” #1 on the other hand I expected to like from the moment they said Mike Allred. With Fraction’s ability to tell offbeat stories and Allred’s ability to be THE offbeat artist of choice, in my opinion, this book has a lot of potential for being a zany counter piece to the family adventure in Fantastic Four. Plus, tell me Ms. Thing doesn’t have the chance of being the breakout star of the year! She looks so ridiculous! I mean this in the best of ways mind you.
Thor God of Thunder #2 ($3.99) — The first issue of this was better than I expected and I expected a great deal from the issue. This is the kind of book I’ve wanted since Fraction did those Thor one-shots that had a similar tone. I don’t care for the playful Oklahoma residing Thor. Not interested. Thor through the ages obliterating punks while some death metal plays in the background? I’m all over that shit! To quote some wrestling biddness, “FEED ME MORE! FEED ME MORE!”
Uncanny Avengers #2 ($3.99) — It seems like ages ago this title dropped its first issue into my lap. Now here we are and I haven’t lost any of my enthusiasm for the title. If anything I am more excited due to the anticipation that I’ve had to endure. I really loved the first issue and especially the last page. I’m a big fan of the silver age style tom foolery that we got with Red Skull removing Professor X’s brain from his corpse. Yes, he removed his brain! How fucking awesomely over-the-top fantastic is that?! Answer: Very!
Total: $17.95
Chew #30 ($2.99) – This issue is a hell of a thing. Really. Chew fans will love it, but this is on par with issue #15, the other masterpiece issue of Chew’s run so far. Bravo to Layman and Guillory for another great issue.
B.P.R.D. #101 ($3.50) – Oh my god this issue is crazy and awesome! Crazy awesome! Seriously, if you’ve been enjoying the work of Mignola, Arcudi and Crook, you’re going to love this.
Nowhere Men #1 ($2.99) – Come for the fantastic ideas from writer (and Image Publisher Eric Stephenson), stay for the absolutely gorgeous art from Nate Bellegarde and Jordie Bellaire. This is going to be a hit people, count on that.
Witch Doctor: Mal Practice #1 ($2.99) – Brandon Seifert and Lukas Ketner are back with another assuredly superb mini-series for Image Comics. I loved the first and the Resurrection one-shot. Can’t imagine I won’t greatly enjoy this.
FF #1 ($2.99) – Matt Fraction and Mike Allred doing crazy things? Sounds like it could be another X-Statix, which is a very good thing indeed.
Thor: God of Thunder #2 ($3.99) – The first issue of this has been the stand-out of Marvel Now! so far. I really cannot wait to see what Aaron, Ribic, White and all have in store for us.
Total: $19.45
Bedlam #2 ($3.50) — Nick Spencer and Riley Rossmo knocked all our socks off with a dense, complex, and disturbing first issue, so this one’s kind of a no-brainer. The best part is that I don’t think anyone has any inkling of what’s going to happen next, except, of course, that it’s going to be CRAY. It’s an ongoing, too, so best to get on this one while it’s in single issues… so that it keeps, uh, on going.
Planetoid #4 ($2.99) — Staggering landscapes, lots of action, cool creatures — there’s nothing like an old-fashioned sci-fi tale done well, and the first three issues of this miniseries by Ken Garing have been excellent in every respect. In a year full of great miniseries from Image, this bleak and gorgeous book is fast making its way to the top of the heap.
Nowhere Men #1 ($2.99) — A new ongoing series from Image? Kind of a “Manhattan Projects” vibe? And it’s got Jordie Bellaire on colors, which means that every page will likely look delicious? Sign me up!
Continued belowTotal: $9.48. A quiet week. (Also, I haven’t caught up on “Morning Glories” yet.)
Matthew’s Picks
Morning Glories #23 ($2.99) – Don’t even pretend to be surprised that “Morning Glories” is on my list, and is my first choice. I love this book and will never pretend to not be 100% biased towards it’s awesomeness. Deal with it.
Nowhere Men #1 ($2.99) – Gotta be honest here — I’ve read the issue. I know it’s great. Soon, you will too.
Chew #30 ($2.99) – I’ve read this issue as well, but unlike with “Nowhere Men,” “Chew” #30 is awful. Be warned.
FF #1 ($2.99) – Allred and Fraction. Just seems like it’ll be a grand purchase. I’m a bit afraid of it, truth be told; if it’s not fantastic, I don’t know what other puns I’ll make in my review on Thursday.
Batman Inc #5 ($2.99) – Oh, the Future Damian issue, right? Yeah.
Bedlam #2 ($3.50) – Oh, I’m giving Nick two books this week. But, really, I can’t say no to Riley Rossmo interior art, especially when he inks/colors the whole thing in his fantastic madcap style. No, I can’t say no to that.
Total: $18.45
