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:
All-New Invaders #1 ($3.99) – The book we’ve been subconsciously waiting for James Robinson to write since his run with the “JSA” ended, right? Possibly the most exciting title from the All-New Marvel Now! initiative, if you’re asking me. I’m not missing this for the world.
FF #16 ($3.99) – Meanwhile, we say farewell to what was one of the top books from the original Marvel Now! initiative. Matt Fraction and Mike Allred somehow managed to balance a million characters, make the stakes pretty high, yet keep it fun the whole time. A truly special series with some typically great Allred art. But it had to die, so that “Silver Surfer” could live.
Zero #5 ($2.99) – One of the very best comic books going right now, period, gets a shocker of an issue with #5. You will not want to miss this. If you’re not reading it, go back and grab those first 4 issues. This book is insane-o-good.
Umbral #3 ($2.99) – Gorgeous Chris Mitten art brings together one of the most compelling fantasy worlds in a long time, courtesy of Antony Johnston. I’m enjoying the way that the creators are subtly hinting at things that will certainly later reveal themselves as being a bigger part of the world. There are secrets here that I’m looking forward to watching unravel.
Sex #10 ($2.99) – Simon Cooke’s mind returns to the orgy at Saturnalia, and Piotr Kowalski returns on art to lusciously render it all. This explicit, slow-burn character study is one of the most underrated comics on the shelves right now.
Dead Body Road #2 ($2.99) – Pulp revenge fiction expertly and concisely written by Justin Jordan and rendered beautifully by Mateo Scalera. As good as “Black Science” looks, I think I’ve decided that “Dead Body Road” is his best work to date.
Total: $19.94 – This week is stacked.
Deadly Class #1 ($3.50) – Eric Stephenson described Rick Remender and Greg Tochinni’s upcoming “Low” as “your new favorite book”, but until then, this, also from Remender but with art from Wes Craig, will definitely be your new favorite book. Because it is completely amazing.
Chew #39 ($2.99) – This, my friends, is a game changer for long-time Chew fans, and a fantastic issue.
Zero #5 ($2.99) – Crazy things happen, my friends. Crazy things.
All-New Invaders #1 ($3.99) – This looks like a whole lot of fun, and the pencils I’ve seen from Steve Pugh look stunning. Let’s try it out.
Wolverine and the X-Men #40 ($3.99) – The end is nigh, and the end is going to be very, very good.
Hawkeye #16 ($2.99) – I didn’t want #15 anyways!
Total: $20.45 – find a couple quarters, ya cheapskates!
Black Widow #2 ($3.99) – I thoroughly enjoyed the first issue of this and was really surprised by how well Edmondson wrote the character of Natasha and set-up a stand-alone story that basically explained everything he wanted to do with the run. It also showcased some of my favourite Phil Noto art since “Trigger Girl 6” (anyone else remember that?). Let’s get to a more meaty story this issue and prove why this should be the comic everyone is talking about.
Pretty Deadly #4 ($3.50) – This is my favourite comic right now. I love the world and the characters being set-up as well as the revelations from the last issue. I love the dream-like Lynch-meets-Leone feel to the narrative. I love every creator on the book. This is my favourite comic.
Continued belowDead Body Road #2 ($2.99) – I bought into the first issue of this knowing I’d probably like it based on the fact that I’ve liked Justin Jordan’s work in the past. What I wasn’t expecting was the best art I’ve ever seen in a published comic by Matteo Scalera. Seriously, that was career-best stuff and I’m really hoping this issue delivers more of the same.
ZERO #5 – Assume that any week this series is due to come out, I’m going to recommend it. Because I will.
FF #16 – Goodnight, sweet prince.
Total: $17.46
All-New Invaders #1 ($3.99) – Words cannot express how excited I am for this book. Two great creators, lots of great characters, and an interesting hook to boot. Can. Not. Wait.
FF #16 ($2.99) – Pouring one out for “FF.”
Hawkeye #16 ($2.99) – Weird numbering aside, it’s “Hawkeye,” dudes and dudettes.
Captain Midnight #7 ($2.99) – The Dark Horse super-hero line is sneaky good. This is a book you really need to be reading.
Wonder Woman #27 ($2.99) – This is the definition of a metronome book – consistent quality, month in and month out.
Total: $15.95
Mega-City Two #1 ($3.99) – Ulises Farinas is going to fucking tear shit up in Judge Dredd’s world. I don’t even read Judge Dredd and there’s no way in heck I’m missing this thing. Easily one of the most exciting releases this week, for sure.
Deadly Class #1 ($3.50) – Not to be “that guy”, but I got to read an advance of Deadly Class a little while ago. Rick and I even talked about it. And, long story short, it’s so beautiful.
Bad Dog #6 ($3.99) – I am so happy that this book is coming out again. I mean, this is going to be the last issue for a while, but even so. I’ve missed the wonderful adventures of Bad Dog.
Zero #5 ($2.99) – I am very, very much looking forward to what people say about this issue. I mean, you thought you knew what this book was about, right? Heh.
All-New Invaders #1 ($3.99) – James Robinson at Marvel doing what James Robinson does best. Yeah, I’ll be giving this a go.
Total: $18.46
MIND MGMT #18 ($3.99) – I have it on good authority that reading this book will improve every facet of your life. Even that one.
Dark Horse Presents #32 ($7.99) – This anthology is pricey. Maybe that’s why you’re not buying it. Maybe you tried it once, and it wasn’t quite your cup of tea. Give it another shot. This is an above average collection that is always worth another look. Personally, it’s introduced me to six or seven books which I wouldn’t have looked at otherwise.
Umbral #3 ($2.99) – This one isn’t quite “Wasteland.” Yet. But Johnston and Mitton have earned my trust, and I’ll follow them blindly wherever they want to lead me.
Deadly Class #1 ($3.50) – Buying this one more for the wife, really. But it’s also a new Image book. Those are usually worth giving a shot.
Total: $18.47
Justice League #27 ($3.99) – Now that we’ve got the Crime Syndicate origins out of the way, it looks like Johns is primed to do what he does best; give C-listers and below their time to shine. This issue looks to not only give Cyborg the major push we’ve been waiting for since the series began, but to introduce the New 52 of the Doom Patrol. I FREAKING LOVE the Doom Patrol.
Batman #27 ($3.99) – Snyder’s “Batman” has been hit or miss for me, but he and Capullo are absolutely killing it on ‘Zero Year.’ And that cover, come on.
Hawkeye #16 ($2.99) – Consecutive numbering is terribly overrated, but this book most certainly is not.
Wolverine and the X-Men #40 ($3.99) – This book is always at its best when it focuses on the kids in the school, and thankfully Jason Aaron has brought us right back around for his closing arc. This series holds a special place in my heart, and I will cherish each of these last few issues. (As should you.)
Zero #5 ($2.99) – Don’t want to be too bold or hasty, but this is pretty much the best series out right now. Just saying.
Total: $17.95. You’ve got $2 and some change. Round up a bit more and take a look at “Deadly Class,” “Pretty Deadly,” or one of the numerous other ridiculously good books coming out this week.
