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. Follow the cut to see everyone’s picks for the week.
Detective Comics #878 ($2.99) – Five issue streak! As I write this, Scott Snyder has promised via Twitter that this issue contains the most twisted moment of his run so far. Really, that’s all I need to hear. That’s not all Snyder has to say, though. He also claims that “everything starts coming to a head this issue.” I’ve been praising Snyder’s Detective work since it began – do you honestly believe that I am not incredibly excited for this?
Batman Incorporated #7 ($2.99) – Five issue streak! For the longest time, I wasn’t sold on the idea of “Batman Inc.,” but did you read that previous issue? All of my concerns have gone out the window at this point. We only have a few issues left until the supposed “season finale,” but I am all ears until then. Take my money, Mr. Morrison.
FF #5 ($2.99) – Five issue streak! I don’t understand. We’re only five issues into FF, and yet things are going down on a scale rivaling that of “Three.” I’m not complaining. Jonathan Hickman’s Fantastic Four/FF work has been bombastic, in-your-face science fiction unlike anything else, and I doubt this issue will break that trend. My only worry is that the return of Blackbolt will cause this issue to become too reliant on outside continuity (one of my favorite things about the run is how independent it is), but I’m sure Hickman will handle it with grace.
American Vampire #16 ($2.99) – Two issue streak! Last issue had one of those endings that hinted at so many different possibilities that you were left wanting for the next issue just so you could confirm your suspicions – never mind the simple desire for more great work from Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque. How are our soldiers going to get out of the mess they’re in? What is Skinner Sweet planning? When and how is the cast going to converge? Why oh why isn’t it Wednesday yet?
Memoir #4 ($3.50) – Two issue streak! Sometimes I get frustrated when DC/Marvel comics don’t come out on time, but that’s only because it can give away certain twists or simply make continuity even more of a tangled mess (look at Marvel last Spring, for instance). Good creator-owned comics, though? Yeah, I’ll wait. Ben McCool’s horror miniseries tells a creative and well-written story sure to make your skin crawl. Sure, with the success of The Walking Dead, horror comics are even more prevalent than usual, but trust me when I say that this one is worth a read.
Uncanny X-Men #539 ($3.99) – There are a lot of good comics coming out this week, so the last slot on my list took quite a lot of consideration. Now, there might be better issues this week – as much as I’m enjoying Gillen’s Uncanny – but I am very interested in just why Wolverine has such a problem with Hope. Luckily, that’s what this issue is addressing. While we know a little bit more about Hope than we used to, there’s still a lot of mystery surrounding her, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a sucker for a bit of mystery.
Total: $19.94
Matt’s Picks:
FF #5, Batman Inc. #7, Venom #4 ($2.99 each) – These are the three comics that I am possibly the most excited for on a monthly basis. Three of my favorite creators writing books that feature them at the top of their game and stories you just won’t find anywhere else. This is what gets me pumped; this is what I’m anxious to buy.
Continued belowSixth Gun #12 ($3.99) – I’m late to the game on this one, but Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt’s creator-owned Western/Horror mash-up is a very fun read. I might have missed it when it began, but I’m certainly not going to miss it now.
Uncanny X-Men #539 ($3.99) – Kieron Gillen ramps up his second arc with Schism looming in the distance and Fear Itself here next issue. For now? A Wolverine/Hope story with fantastic looking art by Ibraim Roberson! Let’s do this.
Scalped #50 ($2.99) – If Jason Aaron writes it, you buy it. End of discussion.
Total: $19.94
Additionally, there are a lot of good trades out this week. If you happen to have some extra money to buy a collection (or just don’t feel like getting any of these silly singles), try the She-Hulk trade, the new printing of Daredevil: Yellow, or the Knight and Squire collection.
