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!
Judge Dredd: Mega-City Two #2 ($3.99) – Something we found out last month was that Ulises Farinas is not just an incredible comic artist, but he’s also a master reggae musician. Buy this comic to support the man’s dreams.
Five Ghosts #9 ($2.99) – I continue to be just so impressed by the artistic inventiveness that Chris Mooneyham has on display here. He uses a mix of styles throughout and brings Frank Barbiere’s scripts to life in the most vibrant of ways.
Secret #5 ($3.50) – I wish this book would come out more often, but only because Ryan Bodenheim’s art is so pretty. I’d say he’s actually among my favorite artists, even with the decreased output.
All-New Invaders #2 ($3.99) – This has the classic James Robinson feel that you want. This is the best of his “Earth 2” run in the Marvel Universe, where he will hopefully find a more agreeable editorial staff. Warning though – just as “Earth 2” was, this looks to be a really slow burn. I trust Robinson over a slow burn though – if he’s allowed to do what he wants to.
Ms. Marvel #1 ($2.99) – In truth, I could have picked any one of the ‘All-New Marvel Now!’ #1’s this week, but I went with “Ms. Marvel” for what it represents more than any of the others. G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona seem like perfect fits for the character, so trying this one out is a no-brainer. Ranking the others in order of my excitement: “Loki”, “Punisher”, and “Wolverine.”
Total: $17.46
Ms. Marvel #1 ($2.99) – I have a lot of hope for this book, not in its certifiable quality, but just in what it might mean as a successful comic. With Adrian Alphona onboard, it gets me for one issue, and I’m hoping it sucks me into the Kamala Khan story from the get go. We’ll find out soon.
Loki: Agent of Asgard #1 ($2.99) – Al Ewing and Lee Garbett, two highly talented gentlemen, taking Loki into a solo series of exploration and pseudo heroism. Should be a grand time.
Archer & Armstrong #0 ($3.99) – Fred Van Lente and Pere Perez telling Archer’s origin. Oh yes, I am in.
Superior Foes of Spider-Man #8 ($2.99) – The comic most deserving of a bigger audience of any Big Two title. Just fantastic stuff.
Lobster Johnson: Get the Lobster #1 ($3.50) – Say it with me: Tonci motherfuckin’ ZONJIC.
Lazarus #6 ($2.99) – This book has somehow gotten overlooked by a lot of people since it launched, but it is a very, very good comic by two of the best in the industry. Deserves more love, I say.
Total: $19.45
Lobster Johnson: Get the Lobster #1 ($3.50) – Tonci Zonjic drawing Lobster Johnson never gets old. Never. Ever.
Action Comics #28 ($3.99) – After the 1-2 punch of Lobdell and Man of Steel, it is nice to believe that a man can be super again.
Turok: Dinosaur Hunter #1 ($3.99) – The first book of the newly re-launched Gold Key universe is here, from the team of Greg Pak and Mirko Colak. I was never a huge Turok fan in the past, but I am a huge Greg Pak fan and, so, I am excited about checking this out. Less a fan of the price point, but I’m a broken record at this point on that front.
Continued belowAll New Invaders #2 ($3.99) – The first issue of the series was a great re-introduction to Jim Hammond – I look forward to seeing how Robinson works his magic on the other Invaders
Ms. Marvel #1 ($2.99) – I am excited for this book because it looks unique and fun, but also because of how angry it is making bigots. Plus, NEW JERSEY REPRESENT!
Total: $18.46 – If you want, you can pretend that I said “The Occultist” #5, “Earth 2” #20, “Secret” 5, “New Avengers” #14, and “Five Ghosts” #9, instead and I’d still have books I’d have to leave off. This is the definition of a killer week.
Grindhouse: Doors Open at Midnight #5 ($3.99) – Alex De Campi drafts in Federica Manfredi for the start of this revenge-filled two-parter! Apparently this is most horrifying of all the stories – knowing my luck probably to the point where I’ll regret this recommendation.
Judge Dredd: Mega City Two #2 ($3.99) – Dredd – undercover! Dredd! Under the auspices of Ulises Farinas! Dredd! Under-appreciated outside of the UK! Dredd!
Ms Marvel (Vol 3) #1 ($2.99) – ALPHONA! ALPHONA! ALPHONA!
Total: $10.97. And with my remaining $9.03 I shall buy one of your American hot dogs I hear so much about.
Ms. Marvel #1 ($2.99) – Like this wasn’t going to be on my list. I am excited for this book in so many ways from the character to the writer to the artist that I really hope it delivers and becomes something big. And given how good the “All New Marvel Now Point One” short story was, I’m betting it might be.
The Punisher #1 ($3.99) – Despite the fact that I still bitterly mourn the loss of Greg Rucka as the writer of Frank Castle, I am interested to see how this turns out. Edmondson has already proved he can write for the Marvel Universe with ease with “Black Widow” and Natasha is a much trickier character to get right than Frank is so this should be a walk in the park. I’m still hoping for a surprise appearance from Rachel Alves because of the last page of Rucka’s “War Zone”, but I’m not holding my breath.
Black Widow #3 ($3.99) – Speaking of Black Widow, here’s hoping Edmondson continues the upward climb the second issue experienced here.
Action Comics #28 ($3.99) – Damn you, Greg Pak, for making me buy another DC comic. How could you.
Batman: Black And White #6 ($4.99) – This series has been a major mixed bag, with some really great stories and some not so much, but it has shown a level of creative experimentation that the New 52 has apparently shied away from so I can’t fault them for that. Here’s hoping the series finishes strong.
Total: $19.95
Forever Evil #5 ($3.99) – We’re past the halfway mark. Sinestro is back. Something big is bound to happen. Right?
Green Lantern/Red Lanterns #28 ($2.99) – The current line of Green Lantern books has had its ups and downs, but has overall been surprisingly fun and innovative. If you haven’t been following, this double sized flip-book at single issue price is the perfect opportunity to jump on.
Ms. Marvel #1 ($2.99) – To be honest, my only interest in this book is Adrian Alphona’s art. Have you seen those preview pages? GORGEOUS.
Loki: Agent of Asgard ($2.99) – Keiron Gillen’s “Journey into Mystery” is among my favorite runs of all time. Picking up Loki’s new status quo, Al Ewing aims to make his mark on the character. Those are some pretty big shoes to fill, but I’m wishing him the best!
Total: $13.97. Put the rest of those dollars in your piggy bank, to save up for that nice big “Infinity” hardcover releasing this week.
Lobster Johnson – Get The Lobster #1 ($3.99) – You’re damn right I will … *puts on sunglasses* get the lobster.
Trillium #6 ($2.99) – It’s baaaack!
Continued belowDrumhellar #4 ($3.50) – I will always give Riley my money as long as he will take it.
Loki: Agent Of Asgard #1 ($2.99) – I am very eager and anxious to see what Al Ewing brings to the table that Kieron left set so nicely. Art by Lee Garbett only sweetens the pot.
Ms. Marvel #1 ($2.99) – I think just about everyone and their grandmother are going to be trying out this book, so I’d be remiss not to buy one for me and/or my grandmother.
Total: $16.46
