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:
Black Science #2 ($3.50) – I made this baby Pick of the Week last month, because it’s classic Rick Remender. If you’ve ever loved anything else he’s done, then try this on for size too? It’s wall-to-wall weirdness.
Ghost #1 ($2.99) – A killer creative team delivers on their promise with a terrific first issue. Ryan Sook is the highlight, however, as a man who has become know for his cover art puts some great interior work out here.
Locke & Key: Alpha #2 ($7.99) – I must admit that I am far behind on “Locke & Key”, but all the cool kids are doing it. Peer pressure is very real, kids.
Zero #4 ($2.99) – Morgan Jeske teams with Ales Kot once again. Ales Kot once again crafts another fine chapter in one of comics most exciting new creator-owned properties. There’s nothing to not like about this, from cover to cover.
Total: $17.47
A Voice in the Dark #2 ($3.99) – The pull quote from Terry Moore on the first issue said (paraphrasing here) “Strangers in Paradise meets Dexter”. That’s pretty much the most perfect description of this new series. It started off so fluidly, it’s hard to believe this is the first book from Larime Taylor. In a crowded week with lots of other great books, this one gets my vote because the others probably don’t need as much attention.
Dark Horse Presents #31 ($7.99) – This is a book you should be buying anyway. Two Eisners, people – c’mon! But there’s even more reason to bring it home this month: the next chapter of “MIND MGMT” is inside. That guarantees at least eight pages of greatness. Who knows what else you might find to enjoy inside?
Locke & Key Alpha #2 ($7.99) – I am both excited and nervous to read this book. I didn’t realize just how much Hill and Rodriguez had hooked me with their characters until I realized some of them were actually dying. I will miss this series mightily.
Total: $19.97
Locke and Key: Alpha #2 ($7.99) – This it. The last issue of Locke and Key ever. Well, for now at least. All roads have led to it, only a few more loose ends to tie up and … OK, you know what? Forget the veil. I’ve read the issue and I’ll tell you this: it is not the ending I would’ve expected for Locke and Key, and it is also the best ending for Locke and Key. It’s everything you want, with a real emotional pay-off for those that have followed the series closely; all themes are hit upon, and all journeys come to an end. It’s quite a sight.
Black Science #2 ($3.50) – All other comics for me this week come from Image, starting with the second issue of the wonderful Black Science and continuing into…
Umbral #2 ($2.99) – The also wonderful Umbral, also seeing its second issue out this week, alongside…
Zero #4 ($2.99) – One of my favorite new series Zero seeing the release of its fourth issue, re-teaming Ales Kot and Morgan Jeske, and last but surely not least…
Pretty Deadly #3 ($3.50) – The third Pretty Deadly, which is one of my favorite new books of the year. Image really knocked it out the park this year, especially in the fourth quarter, so I’m happy to throw all my money at them for these comics and much more this week, as they’ve piled on some excellent single issue and collected releases. But, out of all their books, Black Science, Umbral, Zero and Pretty Deadly mark the sweet spots for me, only outdone by the finale of Locke and Key.
Continued belowBut, then again, that I’d put these three titles against Locke and Key at all probably tells you how good they are, right? I should hope so.
Total: $20.97 – I also am excited about Ghost, but I ran up to my limit thanks to the mega-sized Locke and Key.
Locke & Key: Alpha #2 ($7.99) – Even on a $20 budget, the only possible first choice for me has to be this book. Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez end their incredible tale here, and I have no idea what to expect, but I can promise you this: it will be the first thing I read.
Saga #17 ($2.99) – Even in a loaded week, I’d be lying if I didn’t say this book would make the cut for CSBC. And did you know they have a fucking cat in this book that would rat on me if I did? That BKV is an evil genius.
Black Science #2 ($3.50) – Let’s do this. The first issue rocked. I think it’s going to build to something even better. Prove me right, Team Black Science.
Zero #4 ($2.99) – This has been out of control good so far, and I don’t get the impression it’s going to slow down any time soon. Given how it has been building, I expect my mind may just get targeted for molecular disassemblification. Not good, but worth it!
Total: $17.47 – ask Santa for another $20, because this week is cray cray
Ghost #1 ($2.99) – Remember how awesome the “Ghost” miniseries Kelly Sue DeConnick did with Phil Noto earlier in the year was? It was pretty awesome. Now we’re getting a whole ongoing with the same characters and Ryan Sook on art. It’s just as awesome.
ZERO #4 ($2.99) – Just buy every issue of this series already, do we really need to convince you any more?
Pretty Deadly #3 ($3.50) – Even more KSD goodness! This time in the form of “Pretty Deadly” being pretty awesome haha I bet no one has made that joke before. No, seriously, buy this too.
Secret #4 ($3.50) – “Secret” is that elusive kind of comic in that we’re never sure when it’s going to show up, but we all know it’s going to be pretty good when it does.
Total: $12.98
Zero #4 ($2.99) – I expected Ales Kot’s latest series to be good, but I didn’t expect it to be this good. Kot and his army of epic artists are crafting a grand overarching spy thriller though wonderful stand alone issues, a lost art in modern comics. When two out of a series three issues make it onto the Multiversity “Best Single Issues of 2013” list, you know it’s worth checking out.
Wonder Woman #26 ($2.99) – You know why you need this.
Saga #17 ($2.99) – See above.
Justice League of America’s Vibe #10 ($2.99) – This book definitely lasted longer than I think anyone expected. I enjoyed this series a great deal, and can’t wait to see how Gates wraps things up. He basically assured me that it would be awesome on Twitter, so I’m holding him to it!
Ghost #1 ($2.99) – Guys, Ryan Sook interiors. Is this real life?
Pretty Deadly #3 ($3.50) – Another great Kelly Sue book, with the equally gifted Emma Rios. If you haven’t been reading this, you owe it to yourself to catch up before Death Face Ginny comes and gouges your eyes out.
Total: $18.45
B.P.R.D. #114/Sledgehammer ’44: Lightning War #2 ($3.50 each)/Dark Horse Presents #31 ($7.99) – In a week light of much I’m really jazzed about, the Mignolaverse provides. The wrap up of Tyler Crooks ‘Lake of Fire’ arc in “B.P.R.D,” part two of the Laurence Campbell “Sledgehammer ’44,” plus a Hellboy 8-pager in “Dark Horse Presents,” surrounded by dozens of pages of great comic.
FF #15 ($2.99) – More moon fun!
Total: $17.98
