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!
Unwritten #38 ($2.99) – The industry’s best comic just got better. Well, not necessarily, but that’s a pretty cool — albeit cliche — tag line. Last issue did exactly way I didn’t want it to do and exactly what I thought it would do: ask more questions than it answered. There is still a lot of confusion regarding the post-#35 world, and last issue hinted that there is more to one character in particular than meets the eye. Color me intrigued, Carey and Gross.
Saga #4 ($2.99) – “Saga” is managing to do the unthinkable and meet the high expectations the comics blogosphere set for it. Brian K. Vaughan’s gift for great characterization is on full display, and Fiona Staples is making certain that she will have no shortage of work once this series is finished. You probably already are, but in case you didn’t listen the first thousand times: buy this book.
Daredevil #14 ($2.99) – The majority of the American comics-reading population likes superhero comics. A large chunk of superhero fans love this book like it was their own child. Even then, so many superhero fans buy comics they barely enjoy. Statistically speaking, you are probably already buying this; still, I thought it worth a reminder.
Wonder Woman #10 ($2.99) – Sometimes, Diana’s ongoing is better than either Clark or Bruce’s. This is one of those times. “Wonder Woman” has turned even me, previously a militant Azarello disliker, into the man’s personal cheerleader. Granted, Cliff Chiang helped ease the sting. I am a bit worried, though, that this Before Watchmen nonsense might harm this book. Here’s hoping not.
Godzilla #2 ($3.99) – “Godzilla” #1 was stupid, outrageous, and the most fun I have had reading a comic in a long time. This issue isn’t quite as good, but it is still a hell of a ride that is guaranteed to entertain.
Total: $15.95
Glory #27 ($2.99) — When I added this to my pull list last, I was horrified to learn I was the only one pulling it! This is a travesty that must be rectified. If you want awesome comics starring awesome female protagonists, check this book out. Any book that is able to deliver the line “you sure can punch a tank, Ms. Demeter” gets an instant buy.
Hulk #54 ($2.99) — Confession: despite Matt’s constant raving about how awesome this title is, I never read it. I was over Red Hulk as a rule and I didn’t want to read about General Ross. Well, that changed last month when Dale Eaglesham came on to art the book. Now I’m stoked for it!
Journey into Mystery #640 ($2.99) — Kid Loki is adorable, and Captain Britain has taken him to Camelot! What’s not to love?
New Mutants #44 ($2.99) — One of the best X-Books guest starring the Defenders? Sign me up!
Saga #4 ($2.99) — BKV and Fiona Staples’ sci-fi epic has barely started and it’s already one of the most engrossing books on the market. Pick it up, especially if you’re tiring of superheroes.
Wonder Woman #10 ($2.99) — Another month another Wonder Woman. It’s still one of the better books coming out of the DCnU and anyone who doesn’t is a sillyface.
Total: $17.94
B.P.R.D. Hell On Earth The Devil’s Engine #2 ($3.50) – While #1 didn’t have me all that excited, the more I think about the first issue, the more interested I am in where the series goes from here.
DC Universe Presents #10 ($2.99) – James Robinson continues to pry into the brain of Vandal Savage – that gets a buy from me every single time.
Continued belowGlory #27 ($2.99) – One of the nicest surprises of 2012 has been this series, with Joe Keatinge and Ross Campbell both absolutely killing it. The best relaunch of the Extreme Studios project, in my opinion.
Journey Into Mystery #640 ($2.99) – Marvel’s best book by a long shot. I’m not a fan of double shipping, but getting twice as much Lil’ Loki isn’t the worst thing in the world.
Nightwing #10 ($2.99) – Post-‘Night of the Owls,’ “Nightwing” will once again be the Bat-book I most look forward to each month. Kyle Higgins writes Dick Grayson better than most, and the art has continued to be solid.
Total: $15.46 – Use the rest to grab some Gatorade, it’s hot out there – gotta hydrate!
Lost Dogs ($9.95) – Jeff Lemire’s original graphic novel before he became the Lemire we know him as today, Lost Dogs is a moving little piece that shows both a young bourgeoning artist and just how far that artist has come today. If you’re a fan of Essex County and are looking forward to Underwater Welder (as you should), this book is for you.
Casanova: Avaritia #4 ($4.99) – It’s the last issue of the first act of Casanova. What more do I really need to say?
I have room for one last pick, but I can’t pick between a ton of the creator-owned books I love. So, pick one of the following and go home happy: Adventure Time #5, Alabaster: Wolves #3, Baltimore: Dr. Leskovar’s Remedy #1, BPRD Hell on Earth – Devil’s Engine #2, Chew #27, Glory #27, Grim Leaper #2 Memorial #6, Near Death #9, Rebel Blood #4, Saga #4, Secret History of DB Cooper #4, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Micro Series #5, Walking Dead #99
Total: $18.93 – Yes, I totally cheated
