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!
Hellboy in Hell #1 ($2.99) – Do I need to explain myself? This is the Hellboy story that readers have been waiting for since ‘Wake the Devil,’ if not as early as ‘Seed of Destruction.’ On top of all that, it’s $2.99. Come on!
The Legend of Luther Strode ($3.50) – Anyone who picked up the ashcan of this comic at New York Comic Con or through any other circumstance has an idea of how good this is going to be. That’s the thing, though — you only have an idea. Trust me when I say it’s even better than you are currently imagining, which, depending on how much you liked “Strange Talent,” could be saying something.
Daredevil: End of Days #3 ($3.99) – So far this miniseries has been everything I wanted it to be. Considering my lofty expectations, that is impressive. Bendis and co. are certainly making sure that those who enjoyed their original respective “Daredevil” runs will hit their old books up again, and, more importantly, that those who haven’t had the chance to enjoy them yet will be drooling for more.
Avengers #1 ($3.99) – I’ll admit that I was a bit burned by Hickman’s “Ultimates,” which started off amazing until it was passed off to Humphries before Hickman even finished his own story (JMS’s “Thor,” anyone?), and I am a tad worried that this will be the same cas with his “Avengers.” Still, it’s hard to say no to a new Hickman book, especially when it is illustrated by Jerome Opena. I’ll play your game, you rogue.
Blackacre #1 ($2.99) – For reasons I can’t explain, this cover really grabs me, and in comics, that’s sometimes all it takes.
Yes, that’s it. I said that’s all it takes, didn’t I?
Total – $18.46
Hellboy in Hell #1 ($2.99) – This is a beautifully drawn, intricate morality play of a mindfuck, and is unlike anything else I’ve read this year. So good to see Mignola doing pencils on a book again you guys.
Avengers #1 ($3.99) – The last thing I want is to be buying is another $3.99 comic, but Jonathan Hickman on an Avengers book sounds too good to pass up.
Shadowman #2 ($3.99) – Again, $3.99 = too much, but issue #1 of this was my favorite of the Valiant relaunch, and it has found a spot in my monthly reading. Damn you for providing a quality comic, Valiant!
Earth 2 #7 ($2.99) – Mister Terrific returns from the shitty comics purgatory Eric Wallace placed him in. And there was great rejoicing!
Action Comics #15 or Detective Comics #15 ($3.99 a piece) – DC’s two flagship books are at very different places. “Detective” is in the process of becoming an essential Bat-title under the pen of John Layman, whereas “Action” is winding down Grant Morrison’s Superman story. Depending on if you’re more of a Bat or Super man (see what I did just there?), pick up one of these and enjoy the rare times when DC puts top talent on their top books.
Oh, hi Andy Diggle. Didn’t see you there.
Total: $17.95
Hellboy in Hell #1 ($2.99) – Mike Mignola comes back home to drawing Hellboy in a new series with a title that is as endless in possibility as it is simple. “Hellboy in Hell” – what more do you need?
Avengers #1 ($3.99) – Jonathan Hickman helming the Avengers. I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for this. I couldn’t be happier to see Marvel’s biggest “ideas man” writing Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, while Bendis has already found new inspiration in the great “All-New X-Men.” This feels like a double win that is long overdue.
Continued belowFashion Beast #4 ($3.99) – Three substantive and entertaining issues of Alan Moore’s “long lost” script is no longer a coincidence. This is a little, unassuming story to be treasured. And I can’t stress enough how much I like Fecundo Percio’s art.
Dial H #7 ($2.99) – The last issue was a return to form that featured wonderfully playful David Lapham art. They had some fun with some politically incorrect subject matter. It was a great example of the possibilities of this book and something that more readers should be giving a chance.
Earth 2 #7 ($2.99) – Still the best team book at DC Comics. Nothing new here, just damn good comics.
I Love Trouble #1 ($2.99) – Looks like fun and it’s an Image #1. Those are usually worth a look.
Total: $19.94
All-New X-Men #3 ($3.99) – I’m digging this book. No surprise there right?! X-Men and Bendis. That dudes and ladies is how you sell Brandon Burpee a book.* It has all the possibilities of a Claremont era run if Bendis can dial in that soap opera/drama element that truly feels like it has been missing from most of the X-Men books for quite some time. We are only two issues in and I wouldn’t say the books is even in my top 10 X-Book runs but it is enjoyable and I will be buying it.
*(Let’s ignore his Ultimate X-Men. That was not so good. It wasn’t the 616 either. Doesn’t count…)
Amazing Spider-Man #699 ($3.99) – So who doesn’t know the ending of last issue? Everyone knows, that is the only believable answer. This is a comic that I had no intention of buying until I read it. While the ending didn’t do a whole lot for me, the way the story is put together and laced with an inverse story was great. Who doesn’t love a comic that gives them the excuse to go back and read it again?! With more of my comics costing $3.99, on what seems a weekly basis, I know I fucking love that shit. Don’t give me crappy backup reprints. Make your stories well told like ASM #698 and there’ll be less whining about the price points. Anyway, this speaks nothing to issue 2 but i’ll be buying it all the same.
Avengers #1 ($3.99) – If this title doesn’t turn out to be one of the best of the year in 2013 I will take a shit in a hat and scarf it down like I was a green shelled sewer dweller dominating a slice of pizza pie.
Hawkeye #5 ($2.99) – This book is great. The last two issues have been fun and engaging. Did you know the book it is critically acclaimed and all of your buddies dig it too? Oh…you did? Well then do you know how the hell this book is only $2.99?! It’s like Marvel is letting us rip them off after they’ve jacked us for $3.99 on so many books lately. It’s an act of most awesome retribution.
X-Factor #248 ($2.99) – Now to tie it all back together let’s talk about that X-book soap opera/drama. This book is the hot spot for that bidness. This book is genuinely great at just about everything. Peter David is the man. This book IS in my top ten X-book runs without a doubt. I mean when was the last time the book has been bad since the Madrox mini-series? Never! This book is so solid you could bounce quarters off its ass. The book keeps it tight.
Total: $17.95
Blackacre #1 ($2.99) — A new Image title with a science fictional premise is always a good bet.
Fashion Beast #4 ($3.99) — This series hasn’t gotten a whole lot of buzz — maybe because it’s a bit of an odd idea, adapting an unfilmed screenplay into a comic — but it’s actually been fun reading so far. Drippy, edgy, apocalyptic, incredibly 80’s, and all the while pretty apt in its appraisal of the fashion industry, this may be second-degree Alan Moore, but as a skillful adaptation it’s definitely worth checking out.
Continued belowHellboy in Hell #1 ($2.99) — New Mignola-illustrated Mignola! Do you really need a reason?
Storm Dogs #2 ($3.50) — The first issue was solid, if a bit conventional. Let’s see where this one goes.
Total: $13.47
Avengers #1 ($3.99) – I tried to resist wanting this. I am weak. I have failed. I want this.
Legend of Luther Strode #1 ($3.50) – My other most anticipated book of the week, the return of Luther Strode! Justin and Tradd and Felipe have promised awesome things. Horrible, violent and awesome thing.
Invincible #98 ($2.99) – The begging of the Death of Everyone. “Invincible” has been a bit lacking lately, but I’m hoping this push to issue #100 will be a powerhouse of awesomeness the likes of which we have come to expect from Ottley and Kirkman.
Hellboy in Hell ($2.99) – If you don’t buy this and love this, you hate comics. (I’m looking at you, Brisson! Yeah, that’s right! I’ve called you out in an article on my website that everyone can see and now tweet you about, asking why I’m making fun of you in reference to Hellboy! I WENT THERE.)
Daredevil: End of Days #3 ($3.99) – My favorite thing Bendis has done in a loooooooooong time. Finally, Daredevil done the way I like it!
Total: $17.46
