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!
The Creep ($19.99) – There are way too many great comics to choose from this week, so I am instead going to take the coward’s way out and recommend a trade. John Arcudi and Jonathan Case’s miniseries seemed to fly under many readers’ respective radars, which is a damn shame. In my opinion, it was the best miniseries of 2012, and the fact that it didn’t make our aggregated best miniseries list last year disappoints me — I find it hard to believe that it means people didn’t like it, and choose to believe that people merely passed on it instead. Arcudi is mostly known for his B.P.R.D. work these days, but this dark, more grounded noir served as a great reminder that he is just a fantastic writer overall. And Jonathan Case… my god, Jonathan Case was nothing short of incredible on this mini. In my opinion, this book should have put another Eisner under Case’s belt, but the comic gods are cruel and capricious. If you didn’t read “The Creep” as it came out, do so now. This is essential.
Final Total: $19.99
Batman Incorporated #10 ($2.99) – Batman Inc is a must-read until it’s over. Only, what, 4 more issues including this one? It’s going to be incredible.
East of West #2 ($3.50) – The first issue knocked me out with it’s stellar mix of western Sci-fi aesthetics, re-imagined history, and clever allusions to religion – so much so that I started writing a column about it.
Five Weapons #3 ($3.50) – A very clever little miniseries that is a joy to read, because it was clearly such a joy for Jimmie Robinson to craft. Always leaves you wanting to see how Tyler will handle his next challenge.
Jupiter’s Legacy #1 ($2.99) – It’s Frank Quitely. Come on. Nothing else matters. You could give me a blank cover with no solicitation and as long as it promised Frank Quitely interior art, you’d have my dollars.
Morning Glories #26 ($1.00) – You can’t argue with a dollar and you also can’t argue with the value that Morning Glories gives you every time it appears on the shelf. No, seriously, just try to argue with @NickSpencer about it. It won’t end well for you.
FF #6 ($2.99) – Darla vs. Yancy Street. “’nuff said” is right! You know this one is going to be fun.
Young Avengers #4 ($2.99) – “Kate Bishop finally turns up” – as if I wasn’t excited enough about reading it. Young Avengers remains of the most unique “sounding” books on the stands.
Total: $19.96
East Of West #2 ($3.50) – If you missed the first issue of this, you missed what might end up being one of the best series of the year. Get this.
Jupiter’s Legacy #1 ($2.99) – I’m not the world’s biggest fan of Mark Millar. Especially his work since Kick-Ass. But Frank Quitely on an ongoing series? Yeah, just take all of my money.
Batman Incorporated #10 ($2.99) – It’s the beginning of the end. Here’s to the end of an era.
Fantastic Four #7 & FF #6 ($2.99 each) – Hawkeye may end up bringing Fraction the Eisner this year, but it’s his Fantastic titles that are bringing him my money.
Total: $15.46
MIND MGMT #10 ($3.99) – If this one isn’t a no-brainer by now, I don’t know what to tell you. Month in, month out this book delivers in both content and quality to such a degree that four bucks feels like a steal. That said, this week there are some other books I’m almost equally excited to read…
Continued belowWhispers #5 ($3.99) – Yes, this book is late. It was originally planned for September 2012, was solicited for January 2013, and is just now hitting the shelf. Still, the first four issues were so amazing I don’t even care about the delay. I just hope I don’t have to wait as long for issue six, especially if it ends on another big twist.
Rachel Rising #16 ($3.99) – I just re-read all fifteen issues Sunday night, and caught lots of things I had previously missed. If you’re not reading this creepy tale, get caught up now. This is a book no one should miss.
Helheim #2 ($3.99) – The first issue didn’t wow me like I thought it would, but Bunn is a writer I trust to deliver. I’ll be with this series for at least five more issues. You should be too. It’s always fun to say “I liked that series before it was big.”
Answer #4 ($3.99) – This story is very smart, very funny, and very crazy. I have no idea where it’s going, but it’s a ride I won’t miss. Neither should you. And I know I’m not the only person out there with his fingers crossed hoping this miniseries closes with some form of “NOT the end!” text.
Total: $19.95 – You know it’s a great week when “Dark Horse Presents” can’t make the cut.
The Unwritten #48 ($2.99) – I feel like whenever this book comes out it doesn’t get enough attention, and thats sad. For all the talk lately of the Death of Vertigo, people never seem to remember to mention that “The Unwritten” is still here and going strong. Some might even say… too strong. Y’know? Because it’s really damn great.
Morning Glories #26 ($1.00) – Come on. It’s a dollar! What have you got to lose? Well, besides that dollar, I guess.
Manhattan Projects #11 ($3.50) – One of my favorite books is still going strong. I hope you like ice cream.
MIND MGMT #10 ($3.99) – “MIND MGMT” is one of those books I always mean to recommend to people because it’s so great, yet somehow I always seem to forget. I’m not forgetting this time. I am recommending you go out and buy it, because it’s so great.
Mighty Skullkickers #1 ($3.50) – This book is also one of those books I always mean to recommend to people. And hey, it’s a #1! Be tricked into a false sense of security and dive into the waters untested!
The Massive #11 ($3.50) – Because aside from “Unwritten” I was determined to pick only books that start with M this week.
Total: $18.48
Lost Vegas #2 ($3.50) – The first issue of this McCann-written series was kooky and fun and adventurous, with some pretty serious sci-fi bubbling under the surface. Plus, Janet Lee’s art is all kinds of beautiful. A great book in the making.
End Times of Bram and Ben #4 ($2.99) – A silly-fun series, and this is the last chapter. We all need some laughs this week, and the vaguely sacrilegious kind will do as well as any!
Helheim #2 ($3.99) – Continuing Viking undead awesomeness from Cullen Bunn and Joelle Jones.
Five Weapons #3 ($3.50) – The best boarding-school-for-assassins title on the shelves today. No, but seriously, it’s sweet and serious and grounded and playful. You and your little brother will love it, and for the exact same reasons.
Witch Doctor: Mal Practice #6 ($2.99) – Last entry in the miniseries. It’s been a cynical and smart and gothy ride so far, so why not follow through?
Morning Glories #26 ($1.00) – A thorough no-brainer. Plus it’s a dollar.
Total: $17.97. Also “Rachel Rising” and “The Answer”, but I may have gushed about them sufficiently already.
