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!
Helheim #1 ($3.99) – I have to admit: I’ve never read anything by Cullen Bunn. Well, nothing of substance, anyway — maybe an issue or two of a Marvel comic, but nothing I remember. That being said, I was at the Oni panel at New York Comic Con last October when this was announced, and the general premise sounds like loads of dark fun. Plus, holy cow Joelle Jones’s art is incredible. “Northlanders” gave me my fill of realistic vikings; I’m willing to let Bunn and Jones take me to completely unrealistic places. And maybe I’ll finally be enticed to pick up “The Sixth Gun”…
Hellboy in Hell #4 ($2.99) – Double the dose of hell this week. Other than that, I have nothing new to sat. Mignola. Hellboy. $2.99. Get it.
Bedlam #5 ($3.50) – The city of Bedlam may not be Hell, but it’s the next best (worst?) thing. I won’t lie, the announcement that Riley Rossmo would be leaving the book took a little bit of the wind out of my sails, but until then Spencer has a couple of issues left to convince me to stay. Even if I leave with Rossmo, though, this book has been an entertaining — if not incredibly disturbing — read.
Snapshot #2 ($2.99) – I like Andy Diggle a good deal. In fact, I like him more as a writer than I like his friend and frequent collaborator Jock as an artist. Don’t get me wrong, Jock is a fantastic artist, but I think Diggle has the potential to become one of the better known names in the industry, and I think we may see that happen with his “Action Comics” run. Until then, though, we have something more to my liking: a great crime story created by two professionals who are always in sync. The first issue of this mini was different from what I expected — besides it being great — and I am looking forward to where this duo takes us.
Mara #3 ($2.99) – I was not wholly on board with this series after reading issue #1, but #2 was a big step up. Brian Wood is one of my favorite guys in the business, and Ming Doyle is nothing less than astounding. Let’s do this.
Sex #1 ($2.99) – Everyone else is going to make stupid jokes about the name. All I’ll say is don’t read the last few pages, or the whole issue, near anyone whose respect you value.
Total: $19.45
Avenger #7 ($3.99) – Even though I’m a Hickman sheep, I’ve been really enjoying where this book has been going, even if the general opinion has soured on it. I’m excited for this new arc, and no amount of internet peer pressure can dissuade me!
Hellboy in Hell #4 ($2.99) – I’ve read this issue and, spoiler alert, it is the most straightforward yet in the series. It is also beautifully drawn and written with so much vigor and imagination it is stunning.
Earth 2 #10 ($2.99) – I’m even more of a Robinson sheep than I am a Hickman sheep, but I can recommend this book without even an ounce of the apologetics I tossed on “Avengers.” This is the best book DC is publishing, hands down.
Green Lantern #18 ($2.99) – Now that we know that the Geoff Johns era is coming to a close, we must cherish every bit of it. Cherish it!
Sex #1 ($2.99) – (insert cheap sex joke here)
Total: $15.95
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Fashion Beast #7 ($3.99) – I might be this book’s biggest fan. I love everything about this book from a more playful script than we’re used to seeing from Alan Moore, to the art from Facundo Percio, who is now on my radar and whose work I will be seeking out in the future. It’s trippy, dripping with 80’s sensibilities, and the last issue took a massively compelling turn that I can’t wait to see play out. I probably say this every time, but more people should be talking about this book. It’s funky.
47 Ronin #3 ($3.99) – I love Usagi Yojimbo, but there’s something really interesting about seeing Stan Sakai drawing something else. Being a Japanese samurai tale, it’s certainly similar. Still, there’s something about his approach to human characters and a classic story that feels just as right as when he’s drawing anthropomorphic rabbits and bears.
Lost Vegas #1 ($3.50) – Way, way different from what they did with the “Dapper Men” books, both artistically and conceptually. “Lost Vegas” is an imaginative gem though, and Janet Lee’s work on the future Vegas is gorgeous and weird, even if it’s not carefully collaged on individual pieces of wood this time. It’s really just a delight every time this duo puts something out.
Sex #1 ($2.99) – I had to pick one for the kids.
Helheim #1 ($3.99) – Another creator-owned Oni Press effort from Cullen Bunn, which for my money is exactly where I prefer to read my Cullen Bunn. And have you seen Joëlle Jones’ art on this thing yet?! Holy cow. Comic artistry is becoming a ladies’ world and we’re just living in it. It’s gorgeous comic booking.
Total: $18.46
Age Of Ultron #1 ($3.99) – Yes, it’s another Marvel event. Yes, it’s another Marvel event written by Bendis. Yes, it’s another Marvel event written by Bendis that promises to “change everything in a way you’ve never seen before”. But you know what? I’m excited.
Colder #5 ($3.99) – This was a really fun, really crazy book that was completely different from what the cover of #1 had us all raving about. But I loved it nonetheless.
Animal Man #18 and Swamp Thing #18 ($2.99 each) – I still think that the two-fer of Jeff Lemire and Scott Snyder recreating and combining the mythos of A-Man and Swampy over the last 17 issues has been the best that DC has put out as part of the New 52. Let’s hope they stick the landing.
Mara #3 ($2.99) – Brian Wood, Ming Doyle and superpowered volley ball. I love this book.
Total: $16.95
Sex #1 ($2.99) – I really like Sex. I bet you’ll really like Sex too. But you won’t know until you try it. Go on. Get some Sex. Wink wink, nudge nudge.
Hellboy in Hell #4 ($2.99) – The first arc comes to a close and you dare not miss a thing.
Glory #33 ($3.99) – This is the issue of Glory. ‘Nuff said.
Red She-Hulk #63 ($2.99) – I really enjoyed Parker’s Hulk run and I’ll admit – Red She-Hulk wasn’t quite doing it for me at first. But a re-read of the latest few issues brought me back around. Hop in now and join me.
Powers: Bureau #2 ($3.95) – I can never get enough Powers.
Helheim #1 ($3.99) – New Bunn! With Joelle Jones and vikings! How can I say no? How can you?
Total: $20.90 – OH NO I’M NINETY CENTS OVER WALT IS GOING TO KILL ME RUN FOR IT
Lost Vegas #1 ($3.50) – Completely wackadoo dystopian SF from the incredibly talented team that is Jim McCann and Janet Lee. Should be a no-brainer.
Helheim #1 ($3.99) – Another great team on this one, plus the promise of Nordic monstery goodness. Again, please take my money.
Bedlam #5 ($3.50) – What am I, some kind of masochist? Probably.
Fashion Beast #7 ($3.99) – It’s Alan Moore, and it’s pretty great in an 80’s sort of way, and nobody seems to be reading it. One of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn’t belong?
Sex #1 ($2.99) – This issue is… weird. Kind of a mixed bag. Hard to tell where it’s going to go from here. Worth a try, if only as a palate cleanser.
Total: $17.97
