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!
Star Wars #1 ($2.99) – I love Brian Wood’s work. I love Star Wars. There’s no way I would ever miss out on this comic, and the $2.99 price tag sweetens the deal. Licensed comics of big properties such as the Star Wars franchise are rarely cheaper than $3.50, so the fast that a comic called simply “Star Wars” is only a solid three bucks is pretty unique. Add in that this series is written as if only A New Hope exists so far, and you have a smart purchase on your hands.
Legend of Luther Strode #2 ($3.50) – I was anxiously awaiting the first issue of this mini as soon as I closed the final issue of “The Strange Talent,” and it did not disappoint. Justin Jordan knows how to write over-the-top horror, and Tradd Moore is one of the best new artists in the industry. With how great the first mini and the first issue of this one were, I don’t see why you wouldn’t pick this issue up.
Sweet Tooth #40 ($4.99) – Was I a bit disappointed with “Sweet Tooth” #39? Certainly. Was I also a bit disappointed with, say, “Y: The Last Man” #59? Also yes. There is still potential for this to end as one of the best ongoings that Vertigo has published — all it takes is a strong finale to turn things around. Even if the previous issue wasn’t exactly what I wanted it to be, “Sweet Tooth” has been one of my favorite ongoings for some time, and I will see it to the end.
Infinite Vacation #5 ($5.99) – The prices keep creeping up, don’t they? Well, hopefully they’re all worth that. I haven’t read this yet, but I hear Christian Ward has broken the slump he fell into with the previous two issues and instead created something truly amazing. I loved the first two issues of this mini, and the idea as a whole, so here’s hoping the finale is worth the wait!
Total: $17.47
Change #2 ($2.99) – I told you so. I told you this comic was great. And you know what? It’s only going to get better. If Ales Kot isn’t the next Grant Morrison-level writer of weird as hell great comics by the end of the year, I will have lost all faith in the comics industry.
The Legend Of Luther Strode #2 ($3.50) – An infinitely fast and powerful and deadly hunter of criminals being hunted by a douchebag with weird hair, his sassy butler and his own ex-girlfriend? I am really interested to see where this is going. And if it can top one down being punched through the head through a door.
Star Wars #1 ($2.99) – Brian Wood and a brand new Star Wars continuity building from nothing but the story of A New Hope. Is that a match made in heaven or is it just me? And, hell, I’d buy it for that Alex Ross cover alone.
Ghost #3 ($2.99) – As someone who hadn’t even heard of Ghost before this book, I have to give Kelly Sue props for making her one of the most interesting characters I’m reading right now. Why does this have to be just an miniseries?!
Peter Panzerfaust #8 ($3.50) – I love this book. I love Peter Pan and the surrounding mythology. I love reinterpretations of old stories in new settings. I LOVE THIS BOOK. Give me more of it.
Punisher: War Zone #3 ($2.99) – The curtain’s closing on Frank Castle as the Avengers send the goddamn God Of Thunder after him. Every time a new issue of these comes out, I say the same thing: I am going to miss Greg Rucka on Punisher. A lot.
Continued belowTotal: $18.96
The Hollows #2 ($3.99) — The first issue of this four-issue miniseries was weird and sad and beautiful, and seemed to be heading someplace interesting indeed. I can’t wait to see where this odd little story goes.
Peter Panzerfaust #8 ($3.50) — I’ve read it, and it’s awesome. But generally speaking, when has this comic ever disappointed us? Also, Hook shows up. I’m pretty sure you want to see Hook as an S.S. officer.
Point of Impact #4 ($2.99) — Neo-noir goodness, unfortunately coming to a close with this last issue in the miniseries. Koray Kuranel’s art alone makes this worth the three bucks, but there’s a heck of a mystery to be wound up as well.
End Times of Bram and Ben #1 ($2.99) — The rapture comes, taking all the saintliest people up to heaven — leaving an everyday dude to wonder why he’s wasn’t chosen, and how life is going to change now that the world is overrun with sinners. I’ve read it already and it’s all kinds of politically incorrect, and pretty fun at that.
Infinite Vacation #5 ($5.99) — This one should speak for itself. It’s a mega-sized concluding issue and it’s going to be big… in every sense of the word.
Total: $19.46
Sweet Tooth #40 ($4.99) – In September of 2009, back when this site was just a baby, I moved into a new apartment and stopped writing for a short period of time while I got settled into my new home. During this tie, I went out to a new shop near my apartment and picked up a comic book called “Sweet Tooth” that I had zero expectations for but just wanted because it was Vertigo, a #1 and a dollar. I was shocked that the other members of the site at that time didn’t review it, nor seem to know about it or recommend it. So I did what any sane person would do who had just spent the last few days of his life moving and unpacking all his worldly possessions into a new apartment: I hopped online and reviewed “Sweet Tooth” #1, giving it a Buy rating, comparing it to “Bone” and insisting that this was a book everyone needs on their pull. Three years and 39 issues later, I am not wrong, and I will miss this book very, very, very much.
I’m not going to be able to muster up the energy to really write about and recommend anything beyond “Sweet Tooth’s” finale, so just be sure to grab that, Infinite Vacation #5 ($5.99), Walking Dead #106 ($2.99), Change #2 ($2.99) and Ghost #3 ($2.99) because those all look great as well. Actually, I know “Infinite Vacation” is great already, so I can give you the thumbs up on that one for sure. The rest I assume are great. I doubt I’m wrong, though. Just trust me.
Total: $19.95
B.P.R.D. #103 ($3.50) – James Harren is back! James Harren is back! James Harren is back!
Earth 2 #8 ($2.99) – DC’s best book, and hands down the book with the most Steppenwolf and/or Fury this month.
Superior Spider-Man #1 ($3.99) – I like to be disappointed – do you?
Total: $10.48
