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 #3 ($2.99) – Have I mentioned I love this book? No? Okay: I love this book. Brian Wood has been proving that he can write in pretty much any genre these past few years, and while I had my doubts at first, the fantasy/sci-fi blend of the Star Wars franchise is no exception. With the future of Star Wars comics up in the air, you would be wise to pick up this book while you have the chance.
Manhattan Projects #10 ($3.50) – One name: Ryan Browne. While Nick Pitarra is a major part of what makes this book so damn good, Ryan Browne is a perfect choice for the ocassional one-off issue. Having seen a few pages, he has slightly modified his style to fit the “look” that Pitarra has already established, but without losing his own unique signature. Combine the indisputable fact that Browne is one of the best illustrators around with the (also) fact that this is an Oppenheimer issue, and this is a no-brainer.
Nowhere Men #4 ($2.99) – Eric Stephenson isn’t just a businessman (he’s a business, man). This series has reminded us that one of the smarter publishers in this niche also knows how to write a damn good comic. Who would have thought? I jumped on this boat a bit late, but at this point, I will go down with the ship.
Wolverine #1 ($3.99) – While I am not terribly interested in paying $3.99 for a Wolverine comic, there is nothing else coming out this week that I am a) caught up on or b) interested in. On the plus side, Paul Cornell is a great writer, and Alan Davis is one of the greats (and, unlike some other classics, his work has only gotten better with time). I guess I’ll check this out.
Final Total: $13.47 – And that’s with me adding a book I probably won’t actually read!
Ghost #4 ($2.99) – It’ll be sad to see this one go. Both Kelly Sue and Phil Noto brought their a-game to this little miniseries and crafted a fine story. Here’s to great– what’s that? “Ghost” is getting an ongoing later in the year?! Well, hot damn, that’s going to be great.
Avengers Assemble #13 ($3.99) – For my money, this is the best, most fun Avengers book out there. Yes, even over Hickman. Kelly Sue is killing it.
Fearless Defenders #2 ($2.99) – If this book doesn’t sell and is cancelled, I will hunt down anyone who complains about the fact that there’s no female-led books from Marvel and yell at them for not buying this.
Change #4 ($3.50) – Remember when Grant Morrison wrote industry changing comics instead of overly obtuse Superman stories? Yeah, Ales Kot is beating him on that front by country mile at this stage.
Wolverine #1 ($3.99) – Cripes, let’s hope this other Wolverine book isn’t unbelievably bland.
Total: $17.46
Hawkeye Vol 1 TP ($16.99) – I looked through the release list for Wednesday and I could have selected plenty of different titles to suggest here, but not a single one of them is better than the issues you’d be getting in this “Hawkeye” trade. At the end of the day, it just felt like the right thing to do to pile more love on. Trade-waiters, you don’t have any excuses left for not getting into Matt Fraction and David Aja’s “Hawkeye” now.
Total: $16.99
Nowhere Men #4 ($2.99) – Character-driven SF with a healthy dose of wackadoo. There should be more comics like this.
Continued belowGhost #4 ($2.99) – Kelly Sue is writing the hell out of this. Phil Noto is drawing it up all over the place. And there’s going to be a fancy ball in this issue! I love it when things go superhero cray-cray at expensive parties, don’t you?
Change #4 ($3.50) – This series has definitely had its strengths and its weaknesses, but it’s been so damned exuberant throughout that we can expect a memorable conclusion at the very least. Will certainly be interesting to see how all the diverse material of the past three issues gets tied together in the end.
Peter Panzerfaust #10 ($3.50) – This is the end of one dark and complex arc, and don’t you just hope there’s going to be a thrilling rescue scene in there somewhere?
Total: $12.98. Hey, you’ve got enough change left to buy yourself a gyro!
Change #4 ($3.50) – It all ends here.
Ghost #4 ($2.99) – The final issue of the mini-series. That is, before it comes back as an ongoing. Either way, there’s no reason to miss getting the latest issue of “Ghost” by Kelly Sue and Phil Noto.
Sledgehammer 44 #1 ($3.50) – The latest addition to the Mignolaverse, featuring art by Jason Latour. There’s no way you can miss this.
Manhattan Projects #10 ($3.50) – Ryan Browne comes in for a fill-in issue on “Manhattan Projects!” Get excited for God Hates Astronauts and “Bedlam” by reading this!
Nowhere Men #4 ($2.99) – Absolutely no way anyone can miss this book. Absolutely. No. Way. Just, I mean, come on. It’s the best.
Secret Avengers #2 ($3.99) – Nick Spencer and Luke Ross’ new book was surprisingly fun, definitely an interesting new direction with the book. I was sold on the series by the first issue, and I’m very intrigued to see what they’re going to do with upcoming stories.
Total: $20.47
Drew’s Picks
Buddy Cops #1 ($2.99) – This one-shot collects the short stories from DHP, and it’s hilarious. You will not regret this purchase.
Ghost #4 ($3.99) – This miniseries has been surprisingly creepy so far. Here’s hoping the finale is a strong finish, and not a limp into the upcoming ongoing.
Threshold #3 ($3.99) – This has been a fun story so far, and I trust Giffen to deliver.
Black Beetle #1 ($3.99) – It’s a cheap week, so pick up this reprint if you missed it the first time.
Total: $14.96 (or $11.97 if you were cool enough to buy “Black Beetle” the first time.)
