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!
Walt’s Picks:
Black Beetle: No Way Out #4 ($3.99) – This miniseries has been an absolute delight for fans of pulpy vigilante stories. The old school vibe meets modern technique that Francesco Francavilla is known for in terms of visual is equally present in his writing, resulting in a comic that is a pure delight to read. Here’s hoping we will see much more Black Beetle in the future!
Manhattan Projects #12 ($3.50) – Last issue took the time to set the stage for the new status quo — now let’s see where Jonathan Hickman and Nick Pitarra take us from here. If you thought the previous issues were nuts, I have a feeling we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg.
Star Wars #6 ($2.99) – Last issue was great. The issue before that was great. The issue be– oh you get it. Brian Wood and Star Wars go together a lot better than I thought they would, making me one happy Star Wars fan.
Six-Gun Gorilla #1 ($3.99) – A gun-wielding space gorilla. Come on.
Total: $14.47
Brian’s Picks:
Manhattan Projects #12 ($3.50) – This issue pays off a few threads that have been running in the series since the beginning, and has possibly my favorite line ever written in one of its issues (don’t worry, it’s spoiler free): “You’re weird looking, and I ain’t too smart, but I betcha you’re some kinda birdsnake.”
Superman Unchained #1 ($4.99) – Will this be a good comic? I believe so. Will it be worth $4.99 for the first issue? Your move, DC – prove me wrong.
Suicide Squad #21 ($2.99) – Speaking of proving me wrong – Ales Kot and Patrick Zircher made me care about “Suicide Squad” for the first time since its launch, and I am really excited to see where things go in this series.
Green Lantern Corps #31 ($2.99) – The new creative team gets a few issues to show me why I should be buying this. Still makes me sad that Josh Fialkov isn’t writing this, though.
Worlds’ Finest #21 ($2.99) – The more lighthearted sister book to “Earth 2” isn’t quite as good, but it is still a fun book and, with “Zero Year” totally losing my interest, DC has another spot in my pull for the foreseeable future.
Total: $17.76 – I’m a patriot, folks.
Vince’s Picks:
True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys #1 ($3.99) – Gerard Way & Shaun Simon pen a #1 issue that is greater than the album that inspired it. Way is welcome to become a full-time comic writer, if you ask me. It helps that he can pull on super-talent like Becky Cloonan (who is doing some of her very best work here). This is a good’n, folks.
Thumbprint #1 ($3.99) – The solicitation promises that the story will turn our guts. With Joe Hill as the writer, I’m going to believe that claim.
Suicide Squad #21 ($2.99) – If DC Comics would put more Ales Kot’s on their books, they’d be a whole lot better off. Too bad there is only one Ales Kot. What he’s already brought to one issue of Suicide Squad has righted the ship and put it happily on my pull list. One of the few DC books that I will preorder with confidence any more. Patch Zircher’s art was detailed and appropriately brutal, to boot.
Manhattan Projects #12 ($3.50) – The intellectual older brother of “East of West.” The older brother that puts all kinds of mind-altering substances into a blender and hits “frappe.” A delicious frappe of science fiction, altered-history goodness.
Continued belowThor: God of Thunder #9 ($3.99) – The story that began in issue one is really ramping up at this point, with the meeting of the three Thors of history. So far, it’s been 9 wonderful issues of storytelling unlike anything else at Marvel right now.
Total: $18.46
Drew’s Picks:
Green Lantern Corps #21 ($2.99) – I wasn’t a fan of the previous issues of this title, and the new start to “Green Lantern” didn’t wow me like I’d hoped, but I’ll be giving all the new creators a shot.
Threshold #6 ($3.99) – Judging by sales, I’m one of the few people who enjoyed this book. I’ll be sad to see it go in a couple months, but I’ll see it through to the end.
A1 #1 ($3.99) – Sure it shares a name with a steaksauce, but I’m giving this new anthology a shot. Hopefully there’ll be something inside worth the cover price.
Black Beetle #4 ($3.99) and X #2 ($3.99) – They aren’t the most super of Dark Horse’s new superhero relaunch, but these two very different vigilante books are not to be missed. One is pure adventurous fun, the other shaping up to be similar to Rucka’s recent “Punisher” run.
Total: $19.95
Zach’s Picks
Superman Unchained #1 ($4.99) – The price tag is a little off-putting, and I haven’t been loving Snyder’s recent work on “Batman,” but there’s no way I would miss seeing his take on Krypton’s last son. This is our last, best hope of getting a consistently readable Superman title in the New 52, so no pressure guys. Check it out, before or after watching Man of Steel.
American Vampire: The Long Road to Hell ($6.99) – Continuing my Snyder love fest, “American Vampire” returns! While the series wont officially be back on track till later this year, this oversized one shot starring Travis Kidd should be more than enough tide fans over.
Suicide Squad #21 ($2.99) – Ales Kot and Patrick Zircher’s debut on “Suicide Squad” last month was the freshest and most exciting issue of a New 52 book in a dog’s age. This week’s issue sees the conclusion of the first arc (imagine, a two issue arc!), paying off on the terrific reveal of the Squad’s newest associate.
Manhattan Projects #12 ($3.50) – I’ll admit, I’ve fallen a bit behind on Hickman and Pitarra’s mad sci-fi tale, but I’d be remiss not to recommend what remains one of the best creator owned comics on the stands.
Total: $18.47
Matt’s Picks
Suicide Squad #21 ($2.99) – “Suicide Squad” has somehow gone from a comic I wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole to one of four DC titles that I’m still interested in reading. And it has only had one issue. I would recommend giving this a look.
Manhattan Projects #12 ($3.50) – Never a bad time to buy “the Manhattan Projects!”
Thumbprint #1 ($3.99) – I can never say no to new Joe Hill, even if it is just an adaptation. While not written by Joe Hill here, this is the team that put together “the Cape,” which is maybe one of the best adaptations out there, so I’m willing to bet this will be good too.
Savage Wolverine #6 ($3.99) – Zeb Wells and Joe Mad are back! Yay!
Superman Unchained #1 ($4.99) – OK, I’m curious. What do you want from me? I like Superman. I like Scott Snyder. Jim Lee art is OK in moderation. This could be good.
Total: $19.46 – Buying that Superman comic is really messing with the groove, but hey, maybe it’ll be worth it
