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!
The Unwritten #44 ($2.99) – After sifting through the rubble a bit in the previous arc, “The Unwritten” is back on track. Tommy’s journey through the underworld of sorts has brough us back to the kind of mysterious mythmaking that made us fall in love with the series in the first place. More importantly, though, look at that goddamn cover. There is a good reason Yuko Shimizu was voted our favorite cover artist of the year. Jesus. That’s amazing.
Black Beetle: Night Shift #0 ($2.99) – Francesco Francavilla is one of my favorite artists, and I’ve been anxiously awaiting his new Black Beetle series since it was announced. If you haven’t been reading “Dark Horse Presents,” this #0 collects the Black Beetle pages from that anthology. If for whatever reason you are hesitant about checking out the new mini, pick this issue up and you’ll have your mind changed.
Happy #3 ($2.99) – This has been an odd little ride, and has been described by some as Grant Morrison doing his best Garth Ennis impersonation. Even so, it has been an enjoyable read that is truly unlike anything else I have read, including everything else Morrison has written. And let’s not forget Darick Robertson, who is hands down one of the best artists in the industry. While I’m sure many people love “The Boys,” and while I bet Robertson is proud of his work on that book, I’m glad to see him on something that… well, isn’t “The Boys.”
Saga #8 ($2.99) – Voted Multiversity Comics’ Best New Series 2012! You can’t argue with that.
FF #2 ($2.99) – I had never cared about Scott Lang at any point in my life. And then “FF” #1 happened. “FF” looks like it could very well be the best book of Marvel NOW!, being equal parts zany and touching. I just wish Marvel would stop pushing books like this out the door so quickly, but I’ve complained about that enough before.
Hawkeye #6 ($2.99) – Aja’s back, bro. I don’t need to tell you anything else.
Total: $17.94
Saga #8 ($2.99) – Is there anything that needs to be said? It’s easily one of the best series of the year and it’s only getting better. This is a good one.
Happy #3 ($2.99) – Merry Christmas! Here’s a possibly insane ex-cop hitman trying to save a little girl from a paedophile Santa! Thanks, Santa Morrison!
Nowhere Men #2 ($2.99) – Now, that was a start and a half. I cannot wait to see where this series goes (and I can’t wait until I can get myself a “Science Is The New Rock And Roll” t-shirt).
Captain Marvel #8 ($2.99) – Carol Danvers beating up a giant mech built from a graveyard of planes in the middle of the ocean with Monica Rambaeu and Frank Gianelli? C’mon. You know you want this one.
Avengers #2 ($3.99) – Hickman showed us that he knows how to do his thing with the first issue and I am in for the long haul on this one.
FF #2 ($2.99) – There are at least ten other comics coming out this week that could take this spot, but if I was forced to choose one? I’d have to go with this. As someone who’s yet to read Hickman’s “FF” (I’ve read his “Fantastic Four” leading up to, I’m getting there), the first issue charmed me just enough to want even more.
Total: $18.94
JSA: Liberty Files: The Whistling Skull #1 ($2.99) – Another interesting miniseries choice in the era of the DC “New 52.” Certainly the term “JSA” doesn’t mean whatever it used to mean, but it appears we’ll be getting something more along the lines of those classic war-era heroes. I like enough of what the New 52 has to offer to keep from being jaded, but I certainly am nostalgic for the old ways of DC Comics and perhaps this will be a welcome return to it. And, unsavory opinions about geek girls aside, I think Tony Harris is a fine artist. I always look forward to whatever he has coming down the pipe.
Continued belowWonder Woman #15 ($2.99) – I tawt I taw a New God. I did! I did taw a New God!
Happy! #3 ($2.99) – Happy! is just terrific. It’s a joy to read Morrison writing dirty and teaming with Darick Robertson’s penchant for the seedy and grotesque. At only 4 issues, this isn’t going to last much longer, so let’s savor it while we can.
Saga #8 ($2.99) – We should have a monthly column called “Comics Should Be Saga.”
Nowhere Men #2 ($2.99) – I gave Nowhere Men a hearty recommendation last month and I really think it has nowhere to go but up in quality and intrigue. Nowhere Men #1 was a beautiful and fantastic introductory issue, but I can somehow feel the lever about to be pulled to send this book into mind-blowing overdrive in the coming months.
Avengers #2 ($3.99) – Damn. All $2.99 books until now. And I don’t even have any room for all the other great Marvel stuff that’s coming out this week. I mean, damn! They’ve dumped All-New X-Men, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Daredevil, Hawkeye, FF, Indestructible Hulk, Secret Avengers, the last issue of Remender’s Uncanny X-Force, Wolverine and the X-Men, and Thor the God of freakin’ Thunder into this week? Excelsior, indeed. But you know what? It’s Hickman writing the Avengers that is going to get my pick in the final spot here. I would pay 10 bucks an issue for that. Just don’t get any ideas, Marvel.
Total: $18.94
FF #2 ($2.99) — The first issue of this reboot was one of my top 10 comics of the year, which is a major feat as the pre-Marvel NOW! relaunch “FF” was something I truly loved. While the tone of the book has changed considerably, the amazing art of Mike Allred and Matt Fraction’s fun take on the characters seem like a surefire Brian-pleaser.
Avengers #2 ($3.99) — There was nothing not to like about “Avengers” #1. Why should you be anything less than frothing at the mouth for #2?
B.P.R.D. #102/B.P.R.D. 1948 #3 ($3.50 each) – Voltaire once wrote a buffoon character who said that that we “live in the best of all possible worlds,” since it was so abundantly clear that we did not. Well, “B.P.R.D.” reminds me that, while we may not live in the best of all possible worlds, it isn’t the worst either. Good grief things get bleak in #102 — it almost makes you nostalgic for the inter-dimensional monsters and nuclear bombs of “1948.”
Wonder Woman #15 ($2.99) – ORION! ORION! ORION!
JSA Liberty Files: The Whistling Skull #1 ($2.99) – Elseworlds JSA tale, drawn by Tony Harris? Has someone been reading my dream journal?
Total: $19.96
Locke and Key: Omega #2 ($3.99) – This is one of those things where I think the title should honest sell itself, but I get the feeling that there are a few of you out there who don’t read “Locke and Key.” To those of you who align with that thought, I don’t want to be your friend anymore. To everyone else, prepare for another excellent and incredibly tense issue as we get closer and closer to the finale of this masterful series.
B.P.R.D. #102 ($3.50) – The finale of ‘Return of the Master,’ and an absolute can’t miss issue of one of the best series ever.
JSA: The Liberty Files – The Whistling Skull #1 ($2.99) – I’ll be honest: I was more interested in this book when it was a creator-owned series from Wildstorm, and it was a 60-issue ongoing epic. But I’m not picky. New comic book with Tony Harris art? Heck yeah I’ll take it.
Nowhere Men #2 ($2.99) – The debut issue of this was so solid that you could beat someone with it and leave a mark. I find it hard to believe that the second issue in the series would be anything less than deadly.
America’s Got Powers #4 ($2.99) – Incredibly delayed? Yes. But I can’t say no to Bryan Hitch fully exercising that widescreen talent of his.
Saga #8 ($2.99) – It’s Brian K Vaughan and Fiona Staples continuing one of the best new books of the year. What else do you need to know?
Continued belowTotal: $19.45 – Tough week with the amount of greatness coming out, so maybe bring some extra money to pick up a few more books than usual. I’m not allowed to tell you what those books are because of the rules of this column, but glance around and see what other people pick (assuming they’ve picked the books I want to be represented with this particular statement). It’s a damn good week.
Saga #8 ($2.99) – A new installment of the Best New Series of 2012 (according to our highly scientific “Year In Review” contributor survey) is a must-have! If you thought your in-laws were a pain in the ass, imagine if they were your sworn enemy, had the power to cast spells on you, and you were trapped with them in a spaceship in the middle of nowhere. Terrifying!
Hawkeye #6 ($2.99) – A new installment of the second Best New Series of the year is also a must-have! And he’s facing off against the dreaded DVR! Wait, what?
Adventure Time #11 ($3.99) – This comic just keeps getting better, and surprising me with how creative and fun it can be. Last issue was a “Choose Your Own Adventure [Time]!”-style tale in a way only a comic could be. The solicit doesn’t give any clues as to what’s in store this month, but it’s a brand new arc, so now’s your chance to try out the Best All-Ages Title on the stands! (According to my highly unscientific personal opinion. Sadly, that is not actually a “Year In Review” category. Yet?)
Mars Attacks #6 ($3.99) – This is not on a list (so far as I know), but it contains the following: John Layman, John McCrea, Martians, ray guns, hilarity, and gore. Need I say more?
Transfusion #2 ($3.99) – Menton3’s art in the first issue was outstanding, but with issues coming in so far apart, it might slip under your radar. Don’t let that happen! He’s one of the insanely talented artists behind art studio 44Flood, creator of the highly successful, Kickstarted comics art book, “Tome,” which words could not express how excited I am for. Besides, it’s also a Steve Niles comic, so you know you want it.
Total: $17.95
