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!
Fantastic Four #1 ($3.99) – It is an absolutely huge week for Image Comics. Like, wallet-busting huge. Still, I wanted to get a pick in for James Robinson’s “Fantastic Four”, because I pretty nearly everything Robinson’s ever done and I expect this to be no different.
Sex #11 ($2.99) – This is the issue of “Sex” that has had the least amount of sex in it. And somehow despite that, it remains one of the most fascinating books on the stands.
Manhattan Projects #18 ($3.50) – The best (or second best, next to “East of West”?) comic on the stands keeps on trucking. So weird. So demented. So beautiful.
Deadly Class #2 ($3.50) – Wes Craig has come a long way since I last saw him on DC Comics’ version of “T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents.” The dude went nuts all over issue #1, drawing layouts to bend your mind and blow this comic into the realm of year-end “best of list” material. Can I sneak in a rec for “Five Weapons” #7 here too, as long as we’re talking about assassin school books? I won’t have room in my budget if I don’t get it in here.
Umbral #4 ($2.99) – Johnston and Mitten’s bounding fantasy tale has been really enchanting so far. Charming, gorgeous to look at, clever – Jeez, it almost sounds like I have a crush on “Umbral” or something.
Dead Body Road #3 ($2.99) – Jordan and Scarlera have a tight little cinematic revenge title on their hands here. Speaking of Scalera – “Black Science” #4 is out this week too, and you should make it a double-feature. He’s bustin’ out all over right now. Pick up “Satellite Sam” and “Rat Queens” too – like I said, Image Comics is bringing the hammer down and making me cheat the system this week.
Final Verdict: $19.96
Hawkeye #15 ($2.99) – DAVE AJA DAVE AJA DAVE AJA DAVE AJA. Oh, by the way, this comic is drawn by Dave Aja.
Deadly Class #2 ($3.50) – One of the best recent Image debuts (and there are a LOT to choose from), really excited for Rick Remender and Wes Craig to continue this story going forward.
Chew #40 ($2.99) – The end of the latest arc, this comic should be out of this world. HEYOOOOO.
Brother Lono #8 ($2.99) – It’s hard to imagine a comic from Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso to come out and be kind of unheralded, but this 100 Bullets follow-up has not generated very much chatter amongst fans. Which is a shame, as it has been excellent, and I am very interested to see how it wraps. Great book that deserves more love.
The Wake #6 ($2.99) – While I found the first half of this series disappointing, the future with Leeward looks very bright indeed.
Umbral #4 ($2.99) – This book has been excellent from day one, and I am very excited to see where it goes from here.
Total: $18.45
Fantastic Four #1 ($3.99) – My favorite Marvel property + my favorite writer + a sweeping story told through flashbacks? Has someone been reading my dream journal?
Manhattan Projects #18 ($3.50) – The last page, like woah.
Captain Midnight #8 ($2.99) – Each month, I pick up this book and express shock that it isn’t it isn’t the first book on my to read list. This is that good. The first trade just came out – pick it up and catch up.
Continued belowSuperman: Lois Lane #1 ($4.99) – This is a grit my teeth and swallow my problems purchase. First of all, $4.99 is too much to pay for 32 pages, hands down. Secondly, if you really want to give Lois the spotlight? Don’t put “Superman” in front of her name. That said, I like the idea of an all-female creative team on this, and I love the idea of a Lois series. I’m picking this up because of what it represents, no what it actually is.
Hawkeye #15 ($2.99) – Time travel issue! Not really! Snark!
Total: $18.46
Fantastic Four #1 ($3.99) – I’m always willing to throw down a couple bucks on a “Fantastic Four” relaunch, just to see where it’s headed. Between James “Suck It, DC” Robinson coming on as writer and the snazzy, new Leonard Kirk uniforms (which I actually dig in red), I’m interested to see how this
The Wake #6 ($2.99) – This is where Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy go from writing a solid horror comic to jumping off the deep end into huge sci-fi. I can’t wait.
Dead Body Road #3($2.99) – Not that I doubted Justin Jordan, but I am really glad that this book turned out to be as fun as it is. Pairing that with the best work I’ve ever seen from Matteo Scalera and you have a pretty great comic.
Satellite Sam #6($3.50) – Despite how successful “Sex Criminals” continues to be, I am very excited to see where “Satellite Sam” goes in it’s second volume. Some of Matt Fraction’s most underrated writing right now.
Hawkeye #15 ($2.99) – Speaking of Matt Fraction, it’s always nice to see a Hawkguy come around.
Total: $16.46
Rat Queens #5 ($3.50) – Here’s the thing: Rat Queens is the funniest, best book you’re not reading. I caught up with the series recently in a binge read, and holy shit, it was quite the show. Fucking Gary, right? So I can’t wait to see how the fifth issue wraps the first arc, and I implore you to go check it out yourself.
MIND MGMT #19 ($3.99) – This is one of those books that I really, really like but somehow always sort of forget about. Not for any particular reason, of course, but it just falls off my radar. But with the last issue being just, like, absolutely the best, I can’t wait to see what Matt has next for the new arc.
Deadly Class #2 ($3.50) – Did you see that first issue? Like, holy shit. If you missed out on the first issue, first, smack yourself in the head. Then go buy this, and the first issue, and just… just love it with all your love. All of it. I can’t get over how hot this book is, you guys.
Fantastic Four #1 ($3.99) – The most important superhero book of the week: James Robinson arrives at Marvel, and he’s going to re-tool the Fantastic Four! “Invaders” has been decent, but I am expecting big things from this book. BIG THINGS! And apparently Robinson made Johnny Storm black or something? Like, woah.
Wolverine and the X-Men #42 ($4.99) – If Fantastic Four is the most important superhero book of the week, this is definitely the second most important superhero book of the week. The last of Aaron’s “Wolverine and the X-Men,” my friends — it’s going to be monumental.
Total: $19.97
Batman/Superman #8 ($3.99) – On one hand, I’m incredibly excited to see Jae Lee return to this title. Even more, the duo get to return to the “Earth 2”-centric plot threads of the fantastic first arc. However, this is also the first issue of a crossover with “Worlds’ Finest.” Let’s hope the former rubs off on the latter, not the other way around.
Wolverine and the X-Men #42 ($4.99) – I promise I won’t cry, I promise I won’t cry, I promise….sniffle….
Hawkeye #15 ($2.99) – Annie Wu’s Kate-centric issues have been quite enjoyable, but you’d be bonkers if you weren’t excited for the first new Clint Barton story in months!
Continued belowFantastic Four #1 ($3.99) – The “Fantastic Four” titles have enjoyed a rather long streak of strong creative teams. Robinson has been hit or miss in recent years, but hopefully he’ll be able to carry on that legacy. I’m more excited to see Leonard Kirk bring the fantastic work he did in “Hunger” to Marvel’s First Family.
Deadly Class #2 ($3.50) – In a vast sea of impressive new books coming out of Image lately, “Deadly Class” stands out as an absolute gem. It’s like the Arkenstone or something.
Total: $19.46
