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!
Insect Bath #1 ($3.99) – More than just this release itself, this is my chance to pimp the work that Fantagraphics does in the comic book industry. I don’t often get that chance, since we try to stick to the column-imposed price limit here. Talk about curators of nothing but high quality comics! Whether it’s something extremely obscure, or the next “Peanuts” volume, everything comes in such a professional package. To date, I’ve never picked up anything with the Fantagraphics banner on it and been disappointed with it. With “Insect Bath” it looks like we’re getting some very offbeat “horror” stories from a variety of creators, and you know what? I like that I have no idea what to expect beyond that.
She-Hulk #1 ($2.99) – Too many of my weaknesses here to not pick this baby up. Charles Soule. Check. Javier Pulido. Check. Jennifer Walters She-Hulk?! Check!
The Mercenary Sea ($2.99) – Have you seen the art in this thing?
Fuse #1 ($3.50) – Antony Johnston is quietly claiming a large stake of creator-owned comics right now. A well-deserved spike after a long career of good work on things like “Wasteland” and some underrated work at Marvel.
EGOs #2 ($2.99) – The first issue of this threw a lot at the wall – and the art was good, but a little rough around the edges. I can’t wait to see how this thing develops.
Total: $16.46
Accelerators #5 ($3.99) – This miniseries started out weak and derivative, but I forgot to remove it from my pull (twice) and ended up buying later issues anyway. Turns out it was a great mistake, because each issue has been better than the last. My complaints about the first issue have been completely addressed in story, and it’s shaping up to be a great time travel story. In a week of great books, this will be the one I read first.
Creepy #15 (3.99) – This may not be the award-winning anthology from Dark Horse, but it’s still pretty dang good.
Fuse #1 ($3.50) – Detective Noir set in a space station? I’d buy that even if it wasn’t by the guy who’s quickly becoming one of my favorite writers.
Rachel Rising #22 ($3.99) – #SaveRachelRising
X #10 ($2.99) – Dark Horse’s super hero revival has been mostly good, and this series has quickly risen to be the cream of the crop. It’s fun, it’s exciting, and even when I can see the twist coming it’s still a satisfying read.
Total: $18.46
She-Hulk #1 ($2.99) – JAVIER PULIDO IS SOOOOOO GOOD YOU GUYS. You don’t need other reasons than that.
Thor: God of Thunder #19 ($3.99) – Esad Ribic is back to illustrate a story that includes King Thor versus old Galactus. Take all of my money.
Wolverine and the X-Men #41 ($3.99) – The end is so nigh, and it will be oh so wonderful. One more issue left for the most fun you can have with the X-Men today.
Fatale #20 ($3.50) – Another comic that is nearing its end, the last issue set things up for a crazy finish. Odds are, Brubaker and Phillips will make it a great one as well.
Rachel Rising #23 ($3.99) – I really wish this counted into the contest to get killed by Zoe, but either way, you should be buying Rachel Rising.
Total: $18.46
Batman #28 ($3.99) – A flashforward issue! Only with less Joseph Fiennes and Charlie from Lost. Remember when Flashforward was a thing? Great times.
Continued belowFuse #1 ($3.50) – Criiiiiime! Iiiiiiiiiiinnnn! Spaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaace! But seriously: This looks great.
Revolutionary War Deaths Head II #1 ($3.99) – If you don’t like Death’s Head then we can’t be friends. Just kidding, please be my friend. I’ll give up Death’s Head if it’s a dealbreaker.
She-Hulk #1 ($2.99) – PULIDO! PULIDO! PULIDO!
Insect Bath #1 ($3.99) – Good old disturbing cosmic horror fun. Sold!
Total: $18.46. Sated, I scatter the $1.54 in change into the ocean.
Fuse #1 ($3.50) – Antony Johnston’s new creator-owned book with Justin Greenwood! Easily one of my most anticipated reads of the week, without a doubt.
Mercenary Sea #1 ($2.99) – New Image #1. How can you not want to give this a go?
She-Hulk #1 ($2.99) – I really liked that time that Dan Slott wrote She-Hulk for a while, and I think she’s a great lead character for a series. I’m excited to see what new opportunities Marvel NOW! brings her.
Wolverine and the X-Men #41 ($3.99) – This is the end, my only friend.
Superior Spider-Man #27 ($3.99) – Goblin Nation begins! Are you frightened? Are you terrified? I am. What’s going to happen?!
Total: $17.46 – If you can manage it, sneak a copy of “Down. Set. Fight!” into your pull this week. It’s $19.99, co-written by MC contributor and podcaster Chad Bowers. His baby needs new shoes!
Batman #28 ($3.99) – A break from the ever long (though highly enjoyable) ‘Zero Year’ and a sneak peak at “Batman Eternal?” Drawn by Dustin Nguyen? I haven’t been this excited for an issue of “Batman” in ages.
Royals: Masters of War #1 ($2.99) – This one isn’t exactly a sure thing, but I’ll do what it takes to keep Vertigo alive and kicking. Besides, British things are awesome.
She-Hulk #1 ($2.99) – Who let Charles Soule have another comic? Save some for the other writers! Of course I kid, Soule has proven that he can remain a terrific writer even with an unimaginable workload. This latest collaboration with Javier Pulido looks to fall right in line with “Hawkeye” and “Ms. Marvel” as one of the funnest, quirkiest super hero books out there.
Superior Spider-Man #27.NOW ($3.99) – ‘Goblin War’ sets off in full swing as “Superior Spider-Man” begins its farewell. This was the Spider-Man book I always wanted but never knew it, and I can’t wait to see what Slott has up his sleeve this time.
Wolverine and the X-Men #41 ($3.99) – Another soon to be sad farewell from Marvel, this is the penultimate issue in Jason Aaron’s Jean Grey School saga. Try to keep your tears to a minimum.
Total: $17.95
Down, Set, Fight ($19.99) – Sometimes, you get the pleasure of buying something that is awesome and that is created by a friend. Multiversity’s resident comics writer, Chad Bowers, along with his co-writer Chris Sims penned this incredibly fun and hilarious graphic novel set in the world of professional football. Scott Kowalchuk’s art is really something to behold, and the book, as a whole, is pretty damn impressive. While there are many of other great books for sale this week, none were written by my friend, so this gets the cake. (Except for “Sub-Atomic Party Girls” #3, out this week from Monkeybrain!)
Total: $19.99
