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!
Animal Man Annual #1 ($4.99) – “Animal Man” is one of my top three New 52 titles, and the prospect of a crossover with “Swamp Thing” has always been a desire of mine since before the relaunch – you know, back before either characters had been in a book for a few years. A $4.99 price tag is pretty steep, but Jeff Lemire is one of the few writers these days who you can almost always feel safe betting money on. The Rot ‘aint got nothin’ on Buddy.
American Vampire #27 ($2.99) – Do I need to explain? Fine. “American Vampire” is good. Not just sometimes, but almost always. As great as the main story is, some of the best moments of the series are when Scott Snyder steps away from the main yarn and tells a tale that is separate from the main series of events. This issue is the conclusion of one such story, and one whose first issue was delightfully intriguing. You do the math.
Grim Leaper #1 ($3.50) – Unlike a lot of the Multiversity staff – at least, I think – I have not read the first issue of “Grim Leaper” yet. However, I am willing to bet my dollar on this one. Kurtis Wiebe writes entertaining and original comics, and the idea behind “Grim Leaper” is one that seems quite engaging. Wiebe has a solid handle on character, and while the core idea of this series is going to sell this book to some extent, it is going to be good character work that makes it sing. I’m not too worried.
FF #18 ($2.99) – It is weird not having Jonathan Hickman working on a mega-arc, opting instead to have a bit of fun before the next creative shakeup, but it is still enjoyable. “FF” is not exactly essential, but it is certainly worth a few dollars if your fifth week is as weak as mine is.
Total: $14.47 – The fifth week is always a light one, isn’t it?
Superman Family Adventures #1 ($2.99) — This book is really important to me. A book like this was part of my Multiversity wish list from late last year. It was actually announced around the same time the wish list itself was posted, so I’ll just go ahead and take credit for it. But in all seriousness, there’s no reason I wouldn’t buy this! All Supers all the time!
Morning Glories #19 ($2.99) — We all love this book at Multiversity, but the last issue was a special. Not only was it a stellar book in an already stellar series, it also proved that Nick and Joe aren’t afraid to take chances to tell their story. Pick it up.
X-Men Legacy #267 ($2.99) — I’ve been digging the new run with Gage, despite the fact he hasn’t had much of a chance to do anything other than tell an arc and step directly into a line-wide crossover. The last issue just so happened to have Iron Man show up, and I can’t wait for him to throw down with Rogue and company.
New Mutants #43 ($2.99) — ‘Exiled’ is wrapping up this week, and you should pick it up. “Journey into Mystery” and “New Mutants” are some of the most enjoyable books on Marvel’s roster. Why AREN’T you reading this? Losers.
Animal Man Annual #1 ($4.99) — Now I just want to know where in the fresh hell the Rot came from, folks. Find out here!
Total: $16.95
FF #18 ($2.99) — This has been in my top 5 over on 4 Color News & Brews for our end of the month wrap-ups for two months running. I am very interested to see if this book can make it a third month straight. The way these stories have been going I’d say there is a decent chance of it happening again. We’ll just have to see.
Superman Family Adventures #1 ($2.99) — Since Tiny Titans ended there has been a gaping hole in story time. With the creative team of that book moving to this title I am certain this will be a favorite of both his and mine.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #10 ($3.99) — Shredder! Shredder! Shredder!
Wolverine #307 ($3.99) — Last issue was a brutal slugfest between Logan and the Marvel version of the Devil’s Rejects. How could I not love this title and not be excited for it?! I love Cullen Bunn’s work on this title so far. It’s much different from Jason Aaron’s fantastic run but in a very good way.
Wolverine and the X-Men #11 ($3.99) — One of my favorite breakout characters in this title is Kid Gladiator (why can’t I buy a K.G. shirt yet Marvel?) so when I saw that the solicitation stated that he would take on the Avengers single-handedly I knew this would be an issue to be excited for. Three months later here it is! This is going to be awesome fanpeeps.
Total: $17.95
Matt’s Picks
Re-printing Brian Wood’s debut series “Channel Zero” (originally released through Image, collected via AiT/Planet Lar), it’s sequel with Becky Cloonan and a bevy of back-up material from Brian Wood’s “Public Domain” art books, this is the book that has informed everything Wood has done since, from your favorites like “DMZ” to your upcoming favorites like “the Massive.” It’s a dark, dystopic future that is at times so frighteningly real you may just start looking for the hidden cameras present in your everyday life.
Plus, you’re getting something around 7+ issue’s worth of material, so that’s a pretty good deal for the smart consumer.
Total: $19.99 – Next week I’ll recommend individual issues, I promise. Well… maybe.
