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.
Follow the cut to see everyone’s picks for the week.
Conan the Barbarian #1 ($3.50) – I’ve never read any of Robert E. Howard’s Conan stories, nor any of the other prose tales. Neither have I seen any of the films based off of the character, nor read a single one of the many comics starring the Cimmerian. I don’t know how this could be, either. Luckily, the killer team of Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan are debuting a new series starring the iconic fantasy character, based off of the story “Queen of the Black Coast,” so I can finally satisfy that itch. What is best in life? Being written and illustrated by Wood and Cloonan.
Northlanders #48 ($2.99) – As one barbaric adventure begins, another nears its end. Northlanders is the series that got Wood his Conan gig, so you know that either a) if you like Northlanders, you should check out this week’s Conan, b) if you like this week’s Conan, you should pick up some Northlanders trades. The antepenultimate issue of “The Icelandic Trilogy” – and of Northlanders itself – starts the arc’s final third, and promises to be a doozie. But I’ll be honest, this is only here so I could use the word “antepenultimate.”
Wolverine and the X-Men: Alpha and Omega #2 ($3.99) – Happy Brian Wood day! I am enjoying Jason Aaron’s Wolverine and the X-Men, but his Quentin Quire – while amusing – isn’t particularly complex. Cue Brian Wood. The first issue of this mini had the Quentin Quire I want to read about, plus an interesting psychic attack plot/framing device to go with it. It doesn’t matter that Wood is writing for one of the Big Two – what matters, and what always will matter, is whether or not he’s telling great stories. So far, I have no reason to doubt this one.
The Unwritten #34 ($2.99) – Tommy, Tommy, Tommy. You’ve put yourself in a bad situation, now haven’t you? The first two issues of “Tommy Taylor and the War of the Words” were a bit lackluster, in my opinion, especially in comparison to the beyond excellent .5 issues, but it has certainly picked up – if only because Tommy is in deep trouble. Still, you probably know at this point that The Unwritten is my favorite book on the stands, and a couple good-but-not-great issues aren’t going to change that.
Thief of Thieves #1 ($2.99) – I’m always one for experimentation within the medium. Thief of Thieves‘s rotating cast of writers, with Robert Kirkman playing the role of showrunner, has been done before with the Buffy comics, and you might argue that Big Two comics do something similar, but it is not something I expected to see from a creator-owned series. I would buy this based on the creative style alone, but I have some news for you: I’ve read it. It’s great. Buy it.
Journey into Mystery #634 ($2.99) – Kieron Gillen is making Mighty Thor seem like the spinoff series it… well, actually is, even though Marvel isn’t marketing it as such. Point is, Gillen’s Journey into Mystery is an absolute blast, but come on, all of us have been telling you this pretty much every month. If you haven’t listened to us yet, are you going to now?
Total: $19.45
Matt’s Picks:
Lobster Johnson: The Burning Hand #2 ($3.50) – If you don’t buy this title, you should prepare to feel the BURNING CLAW OF JUSTICE!
Adventure Time #1 ($3.99) – What time is it? CONSUMERISM TIME!
Haunt #21 ($2.99) – Joe Casey and Nathan Fox should automatically equate to a “must buy” title anytime you come across it.
PunisherMAX #22 ($3.99) – This is it: Jason Aaron and Steve Dillon’s epic Punisher tale comes to a close. Let’s go out, guns blazing.
Conan The Barbarian #1 ($3.50) – “Conan! What is best in life?” “To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women in sequential art form written by Brian Wood and illustrated by Becky Cloonan.” “That is good! That is good.” Editor’s note: Walt made this joke first.
Total: $17.97
David’s Picks:
Punisher MAX #22 ($3.99) – The end is here of Jason Aaron and Steve Dillon’s Punisher run, and its fate as either a) on par with Dillon and Ennis’ “Welcome Back Frank” or b) a little bit below it will be decided by this final issue. One thing is abundantly clear: it’s going to end in a wildly different way. Can’t wait to find out how.
Wolverine and the X-Men #5 ($3.99) – Kitty Pryde is pregnant! Tons of Brood! Shenanigans aplenty! Aaron! Bradshaw! Bueller! Bueller!
Secret Avengers #22 ($3.99) – Rick Remender and Gabriel Hardman start up the party here. The previous point one issue was a solid start, but I think the fireworks will really begin here. With a top creative team and a fun collection of characters, I think this could be the book of the week. But we shall see.
Conan the Barbarian #1 ($3.50) – I have to say, the reason I’m buying this is Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan. I’m not historically a Conan fan, but with Wood and Cloonan onboard, so am I.
Thief of Thieves #1 ($2.99) – Concept by Kirkman. Written by Spencer. Illustrated by the underrated Shawn Martinbrough. I honestly know nothing about the book besides those three previous facts. That’ll do.
Total: $18.46
Brandon’s Picks:
Penguin: Pain and Prejudice #5 ($2.99) — This has been a great mini. It’s been a great origin for a character I really enjoy. I am excited to see how things wrap with Cobblepot and his lady friend. I think the fact that I wrote that and not once thought it sounded odd speaks volumes to what the creative team have done with this title.
Secret Avengers #22 ($3.99) — For whatever reason I find myself pretty amped up for this book. When it was first announced I had no intention of picking this title up. For whatever reason I am though. Bring it on!
Wolverine and the X-Men #5 ($3.99) — This is one of my favorite books on the market currently. It’s a lot of fun. It’s accessible. It has a lot going for it. If you’re not reading it I suggest giving it a try.
Wolverine and the X-Men: Alpha and Omega #2 ($3.99) — The first issue was great and it’ll be interesting to see how it resolves. You just know Wolverine is going to be mighty angry.
X-Men #24 ($3.99) — Some issues focusing on Jubilee start here. I dig me some Jubilee so I’m hoping this arc does the character some service by shining the light on her.
Total: $18.95
Gil’s Picks:
Batman and Robin #6 ($2.99) — This book should really be called The Damian Show Featuring Bruce’s Dad Guilt, but it’s no less enjoyable. Check it out to see Bruce cry about how awful of a father he is. Because you know he is.
Demon Knights #6 ($2.99) — To put it bluntly, this book is a lot of fun. If you’re not reading this, you’re opposed to fun.
New Mutants #37 ($2.99) — Of all the Regenesis titles, this is probably the one I was most surprised to be enjoying. The team chemistry is off the charts, and the art is always a joy. Plus, the last arc was SO METAL.
Continued belowThief of Thieves #1 ($2.99) — Robert Kirkman AND Nick Spencer? Shut up and take my money!
Wolverine and the X-Men #5 ($3.99) — Who’d have thought that another Wolverine title would be so successful?! Good thing Jason Aaron is making it really good! Pick this up!
X-Men #24 ($3.99) — There’s a lot of X-Men in my must list this week! Good thing they’re all good! Check this book out to see the team interact with the outside Marvel Universe WITHOUT trying to punch them in the face.
Total: $19.94
