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!
Theremin #1 ($0.99) – Unless you know for a fact that you don’t like the creators involved, it’s hard to say no to a one dollar number one. In this instance, it’s a new series with an exciting premise, created by a solid batch of on-the-rise creators. These factors are also hard to say no to. I am, thus, saying yes.
Hawkeye #9 ($2.99) – What can be said in anticipation of this issue that hasn’t been said before? This is superhero comics done right, despite being not-so-super. Fraction and Aja 4lyfe.
Star Wars #4 ($2.99) – I. Love. This. Comic. Wood is way better at Star Wars than I every thought he would be, and D’Anda’s art is excellent. Leia being badass! Han being badass! Luke being… Luke! There are few licensed comics that truly make me geek out, but a well-done Star Wars comic never fails to get me amped.
Saga #12 ($2.99) – This is the last issue we have to enjoy until another few “Saga” -less months. Be strong, my friends.
Fantastic Four #6 ($2.99) – The previous two issues of this series were big steps up from the relatively plain first few issues. Here’s hoping Fraction has found his groove, and that Bagley keeps… drawing alright but not amazingly.
Sex #2 ($2.99) – The first issue was… well, kind of dull. Here’s hoping this one picks up momentum, or you might not be seeing this on my list next month.
Uncanny X-Men ($3.99) – A bunch of good $2.99 comics means I can allow one $3.99 comic, I suppose (even if it will probably be read in three minutes). I have been enjoying Bendis’s X-Men stint much more than I thought I would, and am really looking forward to seeing where he’s going. If he can keep focused and tell one long ongoing story, as opposed to his kind of disconnected at points Avengers works, this could end up being a run to be remembered.
Total: $19.94
Sex #2 ($2.99) – I gave this a review that straddled the line between a buy and browse. (And that sex-pun was intentional than, as it is now.) But the more time that passes, the more that first issue lingers in my mind. It lingers like the smell of good sex should (TMI?). Piotr Kowalski’s is the discovery of the year so far. He’s already secured a spot on this guy’s end of the year list, for sure.
Saucer Country #14 ($2.99) – Farewell, my unmarketable friend. Hey, if a book with the names “Paul Cornell” and “Ryan Kelly” on the cover can’t sell, then I don’t want to live on this planet anymore.
Saga #12 ($2.99) – I recommend this damn book every time it shows up, but I just want to take time to point out that the best book on the stands month in and month out is only $2.99. That should be your standard, folks.
Hawkeye #9 ($2.99) – After the accolades of 2012 have worn off, I’m starting to see some Hawkeye backlash creeping in. Why? I don’t understand it. Fraction and Aja are giving you the funniest mainstream caper book on the stands for $2.99, with Eisner chops when it comes to the marriage of comic art and scripting. It’s tremendously good.
Total: $11.96
Thor: God Of Thunder #7 ($3.99) – Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic have manged to bring Thor back to the Marvel Universe and make him feel more powerful and more vulnerable than he has in years. This might just be the best Marvel NOW! series.
Continued belowSaga #12 ($2.99) – Is it really necessary to repeat why we all love this series each month? You all know by now.
Fantastic Four #6 ($2.99) – I’ve been steadily enjoying this series more and more with each issue. #5AU may have been even more heartbreaking than usual, but overall this has been a really great series.
Fearless Defenders #3 ($2.99) – If this gets cancelled, I’m going Punisher and hunting everyone down.
Hawkeye #9 ($2.99) – Damn you, Fraction and Aja for making a Hawkeye book enjoyable!
Star Wars #4 ($2.99) – Because it can’t all be Marvel this week. I really thought I was “over” Star Wars, but Wood has brought just enough new material to the story to pull me back in.
Total: $18.94
Theremin #1 ($0.99) – I always forget when Monkeybrain books come out, but I haven’t forgotten this one. From the writer of “LP” and the artist of “Sacrifice” comes one of the best damn books you’ll read this week. And it’s a penny less than a dollar! That’s not too shabby, you know?
Saga #12 ($2.99) – It’s very Tarantino-esque, but still another great issue in a great ongoing series.
Avengers Arena #7 ($2.99) – I was really hesitant about this book for a while, but I finally took the plunge off the deep end and grabbed every issue on sale, grabbing the last first printings of the run at a local shop. This’ll be the first issue I read as it comes out, and I’m relatively excited to see what Hopeless has in store for Arcade’s story.
Tiny Titans Volume 8 ($12.99) – RIP Tiny Titans.
Total: $19.96
Saga #12 ($2.99) and Hawkeye #9 ($2.99) – Because has there ever been a less-than-excellent issue of either of these titles?
Thor: God of Thunder #7 ($3.99) – Stands a good chance of becoming a perennial with “Saga” and “Hawkeye” – it started out a big, brash, story, and it’s only getting more epic in this second arc. Plus, Ribic is back!
Sex #2 ($2.99) – Yeah, the first issue was sort of odd, and difficult to form an opinion about, but let’s just see where this goes. There’s nothing more fun to talk about than a vaguely divisive comic, right?
The Colonized #1 ($3.99) – First in a four-part miniseries, so a pretty minor commitment, and it’s written by Chris Ryall, and there seem to be aliens. Like “Sex”, it’s worth a try.
(I don’t think we’ll ever stop giggling about that title, no.)
Total: $16.95.
Twenty copies of “MIND MGMT” #1 ($1.00 each)
– If you haven’t already bought this issue, I can safely assume you’re buying the hardcover which also comes out tomorrow. However, there are lots of people out there not reading this book yet. Take this opportunity to share it with them. And no, this isn’t a joke. I really did pre-order (and prepay) for twenty copies for my LCS to hand out at the register.Total: $20
