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 Unwritten #37 ($2.99) – My favorite comic resumes its main storyline, and I couldn’t be more excited. If you are a few issues behind with “The Unwritten,” you have missed quite a lot. Issue #35 changed everything, and not in a Superhero Event kind of way — really, I have no idea how the story can continue according to the “rules” set before. I am, however, ready to be proven wrong, especially if it means more masterful storytelling from the truly incredible team of Mike Carey and Peter Gross.
Batman Incorporated #1 ($2.99) – Grant Morrison might have let me down with his “Action Comics” relaunch — tremendously, at that — but I have no reason to doubt that the next “season” of “Batman Incorporated” will be just as wildly entertaining as the previous one. Not only that, but Chris Burnham, an artist I have been going through severe withdrawl syptoms without, is returning along with the book, making it an contender for the most well-illustrated book this week. My only fear is that the relaunch may have fiddled with Morrison’s original plans, but I am not too worried. That didn’t affect “Green Lantern” too much, did it?
No, really, did it? I stopped reading after the third or fourth issue.
Mind MGMT #1 ($3.99) – I still haven’t read any Matt Kindt, but his outstanding guest work on Jeff Lemire’s “Sweet Tooth” is enough to sell me on a new series written and illustrated by him. From what I hear, he’s even more impressive when he is illustrating his own work, which is almost impossible to fathom. I can’t wait to see what this series is like, and look forward to more of Kindt’s beautiful artwork.
Fantastic Four #606 ($2.99) – The past few issues of “Fantastic Four” have proven that Jonathan Hickman is just as great with succinct, entertaining one-and-dones as he is with sprawling mega-arcs. While I understand those who jumped ship as soon as “Forever” finished in an effort to avoid an otherwise great writer treading water while waiting for the eventual massive creative shakeup, you might want to change your mind; Hickman is still putting out some of the finest “Fantastic Four” comics of our time.
Resident Alien #1 ($3.50) – After our editor-in-chief kept plugging this book when it was in the pages of “Dark Horse Presents,” I felt obligated to pick up the #0 issue which collected the three-part prologue. Man, what a good decision that was. Believe me, this is going to be one of those unassuming little books that will begin making waves later on, and you will regret not being onboard at the beginning. Seriously, this looks like it is going to be an absolute delight.
Prophet #25 ($2.99) – Normally, I don’t like putting series I haven’t caught up with on this list, but “Prophet” is too good to say no to. Brandon Graham is coming up with a blend of sci-fi is unlike the overwhelming proportions of space opera that we tend to see these days — no offense to the team of “Saga” — without resorting to the cliches of post-apocalyptic fiction. Yes, I know, it technically is post-apocalyptic in setting, but not necessarily in genre. You know what I mean.
Total: $19.45
Captain America #12 ($3.99) — Last issue, sadly, was the first time in some time that I actually really enjoyed this title. Since the relaunch this book just hasn’t felt right. The art was a little too neat and clean and the book in general just hasn’t had the same feel that made the book so great during Ed Brubaker’s run. Patrick Zircher on art is a strong move in the right direction for me personally. I’m excited to find out who Scourge is and I’m excited to get two issues in one month!
Continued belowAstonishing X-Men #50 ($3.99) — This is the landmark 50th issue and rumors abound have it that Northstar is getting married. I personally love seeing big things happen in anniversary issues so I’m excited for this. I have also been enjoying Marjorie Liu and Mike Perkins work on this book. The mystery of what is going on with the villains and chosen cast has so far been a hit with my personal tastes.
Batman Inc. #1 ($2.99) — So I didn’t care too much for the first run of this title but with this being a small week for me I’m going to give this a shot. One issue to convince me that this is a must read otherwise I’m back to saving an extra 299 cents. Not the most ringing endorsement for a pick, I know, but it’s the truth. Also, I heart Batman.
Fantastic Four #606 ($2.99) — This has been hanging out in my top 5 picks of the month for two months running over on 4 Color News and Brews. With that in mind I’d be an idiot not to include this here on the list.
Ultimate Comics X-Men #12 ($3.99) — Last issue was super cool and the ending was awesome. Nimrods and a Stryker master mold make for a very happy Burpee. Sentinels…lots of them…HOORAY!
Total: $17.95
Chew #26 ($2.99) – Even when Image is having a massive year with new books dropping seemingly every week, it is hard to ignore the greatness and fun as hell things that are going on in Layman and Guillory’s Chew. 26 (27) issues in and it never ceases to be one of the most fun books around, and we’re sadly not that far from the end. Keep on keepin’ on, gents.
Prophet #25 ($2.99) – Fuck yeah Farel Dalrymple! His art on the last issue was outstanding, and I’m really digging this new arc so far. This is one of the best of the “new” Image books in 2012, and it’s so much better in the hands of Brandon Graham and his merry bunch of artists than it ever was before.
The Unwritten #37 ($2.99) – It’s one year after the war of words, and all hell is breaking loose with no control over fiction. Tom Taylor is likely heart broken, but thankfully he has a golden trumpet to possibly help him out. Oh yeah, and that team of Carey and Gross? Not bad at comic, it turns out.
Fantastic Four #606 ($2.99) – Hickman has to stick the landing on his run with most of the threads he started up being tied up (that we know of). So now he takes us to Wakanda and gives us some Black Panther action. I’m in, especially with Ron Garney on art again.
Shawarma ($7.99) – I don’t know how much shawarma is where you are, but I can find it for about $7.99. I’d rather buy those four comics and eat some delicious shawarma that heartily recommend anything else from this week. I just can’t do it to you guys. But man, shawarma is boss, and I was onboard so far before The Avengers.
Total: $19.95
Aquaman #9 ($2.99) — This book is still a lot better than it should be. Arthur’s awesome, Mera’s a badass, and they even have a little dog too!
Batman Inc. #1 ($2.99) — OK Grant, let’s see how you continue your Batman epic. I want more Black Bat, please.
Chew #26 ($2.99) — Yay Chew! The highlight of my month is here! This book is so madcap and fun; it balances the macabre really well! And if you’re a longtime fan, you can pick up the next issue as soon as you finish! Issue #27 only came out a year ago, duh.
Journey into Mystery #638 ($2.99) — Exiled is really awesome, and Loki is as adorable here as he was a giant jerk in Avengers. You should really be reading both JiM and New Mutants, though. Really! Pick them up!
Superman #9 ($2.99) – Superman books are always a given for me. The last arc with Helspont was fun, even if it was a tad ridiculous. The only thing that would make it better is dinosaurs
Continued belowTotal: $14.95 – Buy a NOS Energy Drink with your savings. Those things are surprisingly addictive. Terrible for you, but addictive.
The Comic Book History Of Comics ($21.99) – We’re going over the $20 limit this week, but with good reason. While there are certainly a few nice books on the shelves this week I could recommend, you will most likely be better off with this. Given that you’re someone who goes to the shops week in and week out, it might help to know a bit about what’s going on with the past and present of the industry that you’ve chosen to adopt for your hobby (especially now, in a time where social media has pushed the politics of comics to the forefront of customer and cultural awareness).
This meticulously researched and well-presented non-fiction graphic novel should be a staple in any big comic readers home, and its easily the best comic book about comics book since McCloud’s “Understanding Comics.” Besides, if you were going to the shop this week to buy a comic with Superman, Archie, Captain America, Judge Dredd or even Mickey Mouse, guess what! They’re all in here! C-c-c-combo breaker!!
Total: $21.99 plus tax. We’ll get less books next week to make up for the spending this week.
Mind MGMT #1 ($3.99) – Matt Kindt is great, and his dedication to creating a unique reading experience is front and center on “Mind MGMT.” Plus, fun stuff like fake ads and back content WILL NOT be collected in the trades, so buy it in single issues!
Justice League Dark #9/I, Vampire #9 ($2.99 Each) – Jeff Lemire coming onto “JL Dark” is a great move, and “I, Vampire” has been consistently strong. There is no reason to suspect that Andrew Bennett being a part of the “Dark” team will do anything but enhance that book.
The Flash #9 ($2.99) – The re-introduction of the Rogues has been an interesting exercise so far. As a classic Rogues fan, I’m a little mixed on it, but I think that, unlike so many DC titles, Francis Manapul and Brian Buccallato have a real strong sense of the character and where they want the story to go from here, so I’m willing to see where this takes us.
Youngblood #75 ($2.99) – The first team book I ever loved was Youngblood. Will I still love it twenty years later? We shall see!
Journey into Mystery #638 ($2.99) – OK, I admit it, I’m behind on this book. I’ve been buying all the pieces to ‘Exiled,’ but haven’t read any of it just yet. But in Gillen I trust, and I’m looking forward to catching up with it this weekend.
Total: $18.94
