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 readers have spoken! We are reverting back to the “traditional” form of Comics Should Be Cheap! for the foreseeable future. Hang tight as we figure out what to and what not to integrate from the trial run of the one-time “one man show” entry.
Wonder Woman #9 ($2.99) – Every month I like this title more and more. In fact, I would put it about even with “Batman” for the rank of my favorite “mainstream” New 52 book. Okay, so that may be narrowing matters down quite a lot, but so be it. Cliff Chiang is the star of this book, as he is nothing less than a master storyteller, but even when Chiang needs to take a break, Azzarello’s wonderful scripts keep everything moving and fresh – something I would regret to say in the past, were it not that good. Who needs a second wave when you have this?
Conan the Barbarian ($3.50) – I have bad news: Becky Cloonan is taking a break from Conan for a few issues. But I have good news, too: the equally awesome James Harren is filling in for her. Brian Wood has been telling an excellent story so far, but here is where we see whether or not part of his success has been through working with one of his longest collaborators. My guess? This will still be a great read.
Saga #3 ($2.99) – Do I need to tell you anything more about “Saga” any time soon? No? Okay, moving on.
Shade #8 ($2.99) – I have a feeling that this will be known as the year that James Robinson got his mojo back. Not only was “Earth 2” met with a very warm reception, “Shade” has only been getting better and better, harkening back to the days when “Starman” was in its prime. For those who have not read “Starman:” That’s awesome. Also, you should read “Starman.” The only reason not to be reading this is if you have not read “Starman,” and even then that would probably only be a slight obstacle. Oh, and by the way: read “Starman.”
Manhattan Projects #3 ($3.99) – I don’t think I am allowed to disparage “The Manhattan Projects,” considering we have a monthly column discussing it, but even if I could, I would not – it’s one hell of a book. Jonathan Hickman is even more amazing when he is allowed to let loose, and Nick Pitarra is the Quitely to his Morrison. Some people are not enjoying Pitarra’s work on this, but you know what I say to that? Well, I don’t either, but I will be sure to be back with a snappy retort later.
Daredevil #13 ($2.99) – Is “Daredevil” Marvel’s best ongoing? Well, that might be quite a bit of praise to just slap on something without a in-depth writeup, but I think it may be true. With this issue, we move closer and closer to the end of the incredibly entertaining and exciting Omega Drive story, this time with Khoi Pham illustrating. I was not sure whether or not Pham’s art would work well with the classic vibe this book has had so far, but his stint on the .1 issue more than sold me. Welcome, “Punisher” and “Avenging Spider-Man” fans who stuck through the crossover. Welcome to something even better.
Total: $19.45
Scalped #58 ($2.99) – Third to last issue of my favorite ongoing series of the past, oh, four or five years, and I think it is going to be an incredible finish. Just when things seemed like they were going to get better for our boy Dashiell Bad Horse, Jason Aaron puts his foot on his throat. But it’s so good! Plus, R.M. Guera is saving his best for last. I’m both excited and terribly nervous about this ending, but I’m excited no less.
Continued belowSaga #3 ($2.99) – I’ve read this already, and man, it’s such a good book. This issue is amazing, and filled with so much goodness from writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Fiona Staples. Only a “Scalped” week could bounce it from the top spot. But that just says how awesome this week is.
Locke and Key: Clockworks #6 ($3.99) – This mini-series has been one of the most exciting and ANGER INDUCING ones yet, if only because of what’s going on with our most heroic of heroes. No idea what is happening next, but I can say this: Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez are going to make it awesome. One of my favorite books.
B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: The Devil’s Engine ($3.50) – Back to the main story thread of B.P.R.D., as Mike Mignola and John Arcudi are rejoined by regular series artist Tyler Crook for another exciting mini. This brings us back to what that jerk Devon is up to with Fenix, and, if I was a betting man, brings the return to consciousness by the recently mutated and coma-fied Abe Sapien.
Reset #2 ($3.50) – The first issue of this mini-series from Peter Bagge was undoubtedly one of my favorite books of the last month. I can’t wait to see where it goes, and where it started was one of the best sci-fi concepts (and execution) I’ve seen in recent memory.
Danger Club #2 ($2.99) – Outside of “Saga,” this book had the best first issue of any Image book this year in my book. Excluding “Prophet,” because that wasn’t technically a #1. Anyways, Landry Q. Walker and Eric Jones made a killer first issue. Can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
Total: $19.96
Manhattan Projects #3 ($3.50) – Hickman and Pitarra’s “SCIENCE BAD” ongoing is one of my favorite new books of the year. It also makes better science jokes than I do, but seriously, what do you call an element that is both stupid and boring? Boron. Yeah. That’s right. Don’t be a boron and buy this book.
Fantastic Four #605.1 ($2.99) – Speaking of Hickman, here he takes his revisionist history shtick to the Fantastic Four mythos. I wonder what he’s going to irrevocably change for the better this time?
Avengers vs X-Men #4 ($3.99) – What? Hickman is writing this week’s issue of “AvX”? Oh, fine, I’ll be a corporate slave to your tomfoolery, Marvel!
Glory #26 ($2.99) – Ahh, finally! A book with no Hickman! This book is full of Joe Keatinge and Ross Campbell, which is just as good. There’s also a bloody violent cover, what I assume is a slight Miyazaki influence and general bad-assery. Enjoy.
BPRD Hell on Earth – Devil’s Engine #1 ($3.50) – Arcudi, Mignola and Crook – the band’s back, baby.
Saga #3 ($2.99) – Well, with a new comic book by Brian K Vaughan, I guess you’re kind of obligated to buy it, aren’t you? Yeah. You are. Just do it.
Total: $19.96
Danger Club #2 ($2.99) — The first issue of this series was fantastic! This is one of the best new books to come out of Image in recent years. I think this says a lot about the quality of this book considering the critical and fan darlings that the company has been churning out in the last few years. If you haven’t read the first issue, pick this issue and the first issue up. If you can still find a copy, that is.
Saga #3 ($2.99) — This is a fun new series from Image. Wait, didn’t we just talk about the quality of their books? Anyway, this is one of those quality books, brought to you by one of the best writers in the business (Brian K Vaughan) and a top tier artist (Fiona Staples). In my opinion this is a must no-miss book.
Venom #18 ($2.99) — I love this series. This current arc in particular is setting up to be a lot of fun. You’ve got most of the villains we’ve been introduced to through the course of the series and Eddie Brock paired with a symbiote again! The art here though is a huge kicker for me. Lan Medina turned in solid work last issue and in looking at the previous we are in for another dose of love for your eyes.
Continued belowWonder Woman #9 ($2.99) — One of the better DC books to come out of DCnU. Brian Azzarello’s reimagining may have ruffled some fan’s feathers but I love it. This is a character I have always enjoyed and finally people are talking about her and more importantly people are reading her book! Plus, the changes make sense. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
X-Factor #236 ($3.99) — What is not to love here? Great characters and great character interactions, great storylines, great art and long running plotlines that actually pay off. Oh and those long running plotlines actually pay off in a way that feels satisfying, which isn’t always the case except in this title. If you aren’t reading this book by now I am not sure how to even begin to convince you at this point.
Green Lantern Corps #9 ($2.99) — Do you love Guy Gardner? Then you should buy this book. It isn’t one of the ten or maybe even twenty best books on the market but I am a huge mark for Guy Gardner so this book comes with my stamp of approval. Plus, I truly do enjoy the book even if it isn’t a top tier book.
Total: $18.94 (Use the rest to get a condom from a men’s room dispenser. Never know when you’ll need it and you might as well get one while you got spare cash.)
Glory #26/Hell Yeah #3 ($2.99 each) — Joe Keatinge is responsible for two completely different Image books this week, and each is exceeding expectations. “Glory,” in particular, is doing things that seem both completely logical and totally unexpected.
Nightwing #9 ($2.99) — Kyle Higgins is doing great stuff on this book — Dick Grayson has been the most consistently compelling Bat-character for over 30 years now.
Manhattan Projects #3 ($3.50) — My favorite comic currently being published — I’ve had the privilege of reading this issue, and there are a few truly incredible moments. Hat tip to Nick Pitarra for kicking so much ass on pencils, and Jonathan Hickman for creating this bizarre, fun house mirror version of World War II.
DC Universe Presents #9 /The Shade #8 ($2.99) — Can James Robinson continue his “Earth 2” streak and give Vandal Savage a story as compelling as his jolly past being mined in “Demon Knights?” Plus, “The Shade” has picked up and has been the book I always hoped it would be. JR 4 Life Broz!
Total: $18.45
Adventure Time #4 ($3.99) — This book is so much fun, why wouldn’t you read it? Mathematical!
Danger Club #2 ($2.99) — Walker and Jones’s twist on the genre puts other similar titles to shame. If you like books about teenagers with super powers, you should be picking this up. It takes no prisoners and it’s bleak for sure, it’s also fun as hell!
Glory #26 ($2.99) — Glory is amazingly fun and grisly as hell, Keatinge and Campbell’s take on the Liefeld heroine is something that shouldn’t be missed.
New Mutants #42 ($2.99) — Exiled is great, ok, read it.
Uncanny X-Men #12 ($3.99) — One of the few AvX books I’m reading I’m reading, and also one of the smartest books on the market. Look at that, two Gillen books, I must like his work or something.
Wonder Woman #9 ($2.99) — Wonder Woman is better than she’s ever been. Check out that badass new uniform. What’s not to like?
Total: $19.94
