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!
Lazarus #1 ($2.99) – In case you haven’t read my review from Monday, this is yet another hit from Image Comics. Greg Rucka and Michael Lark are outstanding collaborators, and this series is another hit for both of them. Plus, it’s $2.99, so it’s an safe one to try out if you aren’t completely sold on the concept (you will be after you read it, by the way).
Hawkeye #11 ($2.99) – Dear god I can’t wait.
The Unwritten #50 ($4.99) – I’ve been complaining about this not-a-crossover since it was announced. But, of course, I’m a comic fan, so I am going to buy it anyway. Happy 50th issue, “The Unwritten.” If only you could celebrate that landmark without a sales gimmick.
The Wake #2 ($2.99) – The first issue of this series was just as good as everyone expected. I really hope Snyder is getting his mojo back — I haven’t been impressed with his work in a while, but this looks to be a return to form for him. If not, hey, Murphy’s work is drop dead gorgeous.
Fatale #15 ($3.50) – Back to the main story. If you didn’t take advantage of the recent batch of one-and-dones to get into “Fatale,” you made a big mistake. This series is so good, and not getting near the attention it deserves.
Total: $17.46 – What a good week.
Batman/Superman #1 ($3.99) – Greg Pak? Terrific writer. Jae Lee? One of comics’ very best artists. It’s pairings like this that make you think that DC still knows what they’re doing sometimes.
X-Men #2 ($3.99) – If Brian Wood keeps this up, the lady mutants will be even more exciting to read every month than what Bendis is doing. This is a terrific time to be a fan of Marvel’s Merry Mutants.
Jupiter’s Legacy #2 ($2.99) – Mark Millar’s strongest issue of anything in a great long while characterized his collaboration with Frank Quitely as at once a celebration of the stuff comics are made of and a snide, obvious commentary on the youth of today in a way that we’d come to expect from Millar. Millar filtered through Quitely art is a good state for him to be in.
Sex #4 ($2.99) – A book that I just love to look at every month. And it actually has relatively little to do with the nudie, sexy stuff.
Young Avengers #6 ($2.99) – How could this one not make my list after last month’s note-perfect ending. Like the end of a great pilot episode, the “Young Avengers” have me rapt over where they’re going to go next.
Total: $16.95
Lazarus #1 ($2.99) – You would think a comic from Greg Rucka and Michael Lark would be excellent. You would be right, it turns out, as this first issue is a meticulously crafted and brilliant first introduction into the world of Forever Carlyle. Do not miss this book.
Fury MAX #13 ($3.99) – Everyone should be reading this epic and amazing series. This final issue is going to tie the story of Fury, Pug and the rest in a bow, and I expect there to be blood and a whole lot of badassery. Garth Ennis and Goran Parlov have absolutely crushed this series, and I am sad to see it go.
Jupiter’s Legacy #2 ($2.99) – Man! What a week for Image! Millar and Quitely have the second issue of their awesome new series…and it falls to third in my CSBC list. That’s crazy, but this book? This book is crazy awesome.
Continued belowB.P.R.D. Vampire #4 ($3.50) – Speaking of good teams (what a week, huh?), Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon are laying down the law on B.P.R.D. Vampire, and this issue, a little Tweedale tells me, is the best yet. Can’t wait!
Hawkeye #11 ($2.99) – Oh man, Pizza Dog? Fraction, Aja and Hollingsworth? Come on now you guys. You have to buy this.
The Wake #2 ($2.99) – While I didn’t LOVE the first issue (SOUTH SLOPE?!?!), it’s Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy telling a cool ass time hybrid sci-fi story. I easily could see this second issue flooring me.
Total: $19.45 (best week in forever)
For me, this is more than just a piece I contribute to – I actually try to keep my weekly purchases under $20. This week, I won’t be able to do that – but here is how you could make it work.
B.P.R.D. Vampire #4 ($3.50) – Simply put, this is shaping up to be the miniseries of the year, and every thing about it – from the tiniest details to the overall big picture – is pure, distilled, Mignola goodness.
Hawkeye #11 ($2.99) – The only other uncontested pick this week is the Pizza Dog issue of “Hawkeye.” C’mon – you know you want it.
Batman/Superman #1 or Justice League #21 ($3.99 each) – Your classic DC heroes choice: do you want to see how Johns and Frank wrap up the Shazam origin in “Justice League,” or see how Pak/Lee detail the first meeting of DC’s big 2 in “Batman/Superman?” Choose wisely!
Larfleeze #1 or Red Lanterns #21 ($2.99 each) – Your Lantern choice: “Red Lanterns” has been sort of garbage from the outset, but Charles Soule and Alessandro Vitti are attempting to bring the book to someplace worth reading. Similarly, “Larfleeze” has Keith Giffen and Scott Kollins attempting to make the sole Orange Lantern into a character compelling enough to carry his own book.
Lazarus #1 or The Wake #2 ($2.99 each) – Your creator owned choice: The debut of the Rucka/Lark joint “Lazarus” or the second installment of Synder/Murphy’s “The Wake?” Both creative teams are top notch, but “Lazarus” is an ongoing and “The Wake” a 10-issue mini. I know many are “ongoings in singles, minis in trade” people, so if that helps you make your decision easier, go for it.
Young Avengers #6 or FF #8 or Justice League Dark #21 ($2.99 each) – Your team book choice: Three fantastic (and totally different) team books are coming out this week, and our budget only has room for one of them. For my money, “FF” is the most essential here, but depending on the day, I could argue for the other two as well.
My list didn’t even include “The Flash,” “X-Men,” “Wolverine and the X-Men,” “Sex,” “Prophet,” “Fatale,” or any of the surprisingly high number of other excellent books released this week. C’mon, comics, spread this shit out!
Total: $19.45
Unwritten #50 ($4.99) – Best comic at DC Entertainment still, crossing over with a book that is slowly re-proving itself. Should be interesting, definitely a title not to miss.
The Bounce #2 ($2.99) – I’m a big fan of Joe Casey’s work, and this book is pretty damn awesome. Between this and “Sex”, I’ll pick “The Bounce” every time. Yeah, that’s right — I’m picking this comic over “Sex”; wrap that around your mind cavity, nerds.
Morning Glories #28 ($3.99) – Of course I pick “Morning Glories.” I always pick “Morning Glories.” And let me tell you — this issue! Hoooo boy.
Lazarus #1 ($2.99) – Greg Rucka and Michael Lark. Is it even possible to say no to this book? No.
Hoax Hunters Case Files #1 ($2.99) – Please buy this book, I need more lettering gigs. … I mean, the book is really solid and awesome and I didn’t contribute to it at all so no need to get it on my behalf! (But, seriously — it’s a fun read. You’ll dig it.)
Total: $17.95
