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, and feel free to share your own list in the comments!
Saga #1 ($2.99) – Just shy of three dollars for a forty-four page comic? It’s like the first issue of “Saga” was made with this column in mind. The value alone is worth it. The fact that it is Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples makes it a no-brainer.
The Unwritten #35 ($4.99) – This, on the other hand, has a bit of a price tag to it, but it’s worth it. “Tommy Taylor and the War of the Words” started out a bit slow, especially in comparison to the excellent .5 issues, but the normally-numbered issue before this one was quite good, and set us up for what I’m hoping will be an excellent arc finale. There’s only one way to find out, though, and when it comes to “The Unwritten,” you aren’t exactly gambling with your money.
Conan the Barbarian #2 ($3.50) – Becky Cloonan’s depiction of Conan might not be for everyone, but I love it. I would buy this book even if it was just Cloonan drawing Conan being… well, Conan, without any semblance of story. Instead, we have Brian Wood writing. Oh, I guess he’s an alright enough guy.
Fantastic Four #604 ($2.99) – The massive story that Jonathan Hickman started when he first started writing the book finally comes to a close. #603 was crazier than Stan Lee (not in terms of his writing, but his personality), and a damn good read. With the sheer scale of what he’s been doing, it’s quite possible he could flub it all up in the final twist and turns, but I’m not sure that’s likely.
Saucer Country #1 ($2.99) – I have to say, I was not enamored with the first “Saucer Country” story that debuted in “Strange Adventures” last year. That being said, it’s Paul Cornell and Ryan Kelly working together on a creator-owned Vertigo book about aliens. I’m really hoping the first story was just a bit of a flub.
Total: $17.46
Gil’s Picks:
Avengers Assemble #1 ($3.99) — I’ve been a little down on the Avengers books lately, but I’d be lying if I said a new Avengers book with Bendis and Bagley didn’t intrigue me, plus the teased of the return of Zodiac? I’m in.
Ray #4 ($2.99) — This book is great. If you haven’t been reading it, it’ll cost you all of $12 to catch up. The best part is that it’s worth it. Check it out!
Saga #1 ($2.99) — This book is stunning. I’ve already read it, and you should definitely pick this up. You will not be disappointed. Come for the story, stay for the TV porn.
Thief of Thieves #2 ($2.99) —The first one was great. Plus: Nick Spencer + Robert Kirkman + Noir goodness = greatness.
Wolverine and the X-Men #7 ($3.99) and X-Men Legacy #263 ($2.99) — The X-Men books are all great since the relaunch, with the gold books just a little bit better overall. With quality books like Wolverine and the X-Men and X-Men Legacy being so easy to jump in on, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be reading them.
Total: $19.94
Brian’s Picks:
Saga #1 ($2.99) – INTERNET HYPE
Saucer County #1 ($2.99) – Paul Cornell gets a buy every time. I didn’t love the preview for this, but it is worth a look at a full issue for sure.
The Ray #4 ($2.99) – One of the most pleasant surprises of the DCnU has been its miniseries, and “The Ray” is no exception. Solid characterization, good action, a creative enemy, and some dynamite art = buy this.
Journey into Mystery #635 ($2.99) – I’m a latecomer to this book, but a marathon reading session this weekend has me all caught up.
The Shade #6 ($2.99) – The last few issues have been much better than the first, and I’m optimistic it will make its full 12 issue run. Fingers crossed that the long teased “Jack Knight in Japan” story isn’t too far behind.
Batwoman #7 ($2.99) – It has received mixed reviews among the Multiversity set, but I thought Amy Reeder did a nice job on #6. I’m a big Trevor McCarthy fan, so I’m cool with him filling in, but I’m glad we have a few more Reeder issues in the can, including this one.
Total: $17.94
David’s Picks:
Total: $19.46
Matt’s Picks:
Adventure Time #2 ($3.99) – I loved absolutely everything about the first issue. I’m hoping the second issue keeps up that streak.
Saga #1 ($2.99) – As far as I understand it, if you don’t buy “Saga” this week, you’re kicked out of the comics club.
Punisher #9 ($2.99) – One of the consistently best Marvel ongoings to approach its main character from a unique perspective. I’ve loved every creative decision this book has had so far.
Locke & Key: Clockworks #5 ($3.99) – This book, man. This book…
Saucer Country #1 ($2.99) – I’m usually quite entertained when Paul Cornell writes other people’s creations, like Lex Luthor or Doctor Who. I’m quite looking forward to what he’ll do with this.
Journey Into Mystery $635 ($2.99) – Marvel’s best ongoing.
Total: $19.94 – I wanted to include the “Luther Strode” finale in here, but ran out of room unfortunately. If you’ve got an extra $2.99, you know what to do.
