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!
Walt’s Picks:
The Shadow #1 ($3.99) – Garth Ennis taking on the Shadow could be one of two things: a) really awesome, or b) really terrible. $3.99 is a bit much to put on the line for a gamble like that, but this is one of those creator/property matches that could be a match made in heaven. Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? I’m willing to bet Garth Ennis does.
Manhattan Projects #2 ($3.50) – We love Jonathan Hickman here at Multiversity Comics. We love him even more when he works with Nick Pitarra. The first issue of “Manhattan Projects” was everything I expected it to be, and set a high bar for the rest of the series to come. There was only one thing missing: Nazis. And boy do I have good news for you about this issue.
Wonder Woman #8 ($2.99) – Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang’s “Wonder Woman” is quickly becoming my favorite book of DC’s New 52. The characterization is solid, the action intense, and Azzarello does not shy away from portraying the Greek Gods and their servants as nasty as they originally were. And then, of course, you have Chiang’s amazing art, which is worth the price of admission alone. The best part, though? She gets guns in this issue! Hell yeah!
Batman #8 ($2.99) – The last couple issues haven’t been quite as good as the wonderfully maddening issue #5, but Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s “Batman” is still the best Bat-family book by a long shot. ‘Night of the Owls’ begins in this issue, and, if previous issues are any indication, it will probably change everything you knew about Batman. Until, you know, the next writer comes on and the status quo returns.
Prophet #24 ($2.99) – I’ve seen a lot of crazy things in my day. Brandon Graham’s “Prophet” is one of the crazier. If you like your science fiction with a touch of the “Oh dear god, what the hell,” “Prophet” is for you.
Punisher #10 ($2.99) – Even as a big Greg Rucka fan, I was a bit disappointed with the first two issues of the new “Punisher” volume and didn’t read past them. Now, though, with the ‘Omega Effect’ crossover, I’m giving the book another chance. Don’t let me down, Greg!
Total: $19.45
Matt’s Picks Pick:
Fear Agent vol. 6 ($16.99) – Let’s be real here. There are going to be a lot of cool comics out tomorrow, and yeah, some of them are going to be pretty good and yeah, one of them might be the best comic of the year. I’m open to being surprised. However, despite that possibility, I highly doubt that any single issue coming out tomorrow is going to be better than this collection of one of the best series to come out of comics in the last decade.
I don’t mean to hyperbolize or placate to any creators who may on occasion read this column (hey, guys!). I’m not trying to do any favors to anyone or myself, or endear myself upon others for praising this work. I mean all of this sincerely: there are very few comics better than “Fear Agent,” and if you didn’t get the series in single issues and you leave the shop without this collection tomorrow, you’re only hurting yourself.
Continued belowBesides, what else are you going to spend your money on this week? “Justice League”? Come on. You don’t dislike yourself that much.
Total: $16.99 plus applicable tax, and use your change to grab an iced coffee at Dunkin Donuts or something
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David’s Picks
B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: The Long Death #3 ($3.50) – JAMES HARREN JAMES HARREN JAMES HARREN JAMES HARREN JAMES HARREN JAMES HARREN JAMES HARREN JAMES HARREN JAMES HARREN JAMES HARREN JAMES HARREN JAMES HARREN JAMES HARREN JAMES HARREN!!!
Have I mentioned I like James Harren’s art yet?
The Walking Dead #96 ($2.99) – Is it possible that a comic that led to the most popular cable show all-time has somehow become underrated? Yep. This comic is still absolutely incredible, and regularly shocking. It’s just good comics people.
Prophet #24 ($2.99) – At the beginning of the year, I said this would be the prettiest comic of the year. First you had Simon Roy, soon you’ll have Brandon Graham and Giannis Milonogiannis, and starting with this issue, you have Farel Dalrymple. Buy for the art, stick around for the engrossing story and world building.
Uncanny X-Force #24 ($3.99) – Phil Noto draws this issue of the book that finds UXF trying to straight up murder the evil AoA Iceman. You had me at “Phil Noto.”
Wolverine and the X-Men #9 ($3.99) – You know how much I love this book, Jason Aaron’s writing and Chris Bachalo’s art when I readily admit I’m buying an AvX tie-in.
Total: $17.46
