Comics should be cheap. It’s a mantra shared by both new and long-time fans of the medium. To pay $3.99 for a 32 page comic seems insane to us, but we do it anyways because of a deep love for the characters and the stories that are told about them by exceptional creators.
But if you’re buying on a budget and don’t want to miss out on the best of the best, we’ve got a tool for you. Each week our writers will share what they would buy if they only had $20 to work with in an attempt to help you make the right decision at your local comic book store.
Check out our picks after the jump.
David’s Picks
Ex-Machina #50 ($4.99) – This book could be $19.99 and I would still pick it as my choice for this week. This is the last issue of Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris’ story about politician/superhero Mitchell Hundred, and it’s an issue I’ve long been anticipating and dreading. With issue #49 taking us in a direction I didn’t expect, I have no idea where we’ll go with this issue, and in the hands of BKV and Harris I am beyond excited to find out.
Plus, this is the last issue of the last currently running book by BKV, a man who is my favorite writer in the business. In that regard this is a very sad day.
Marvel Universe vs. Punisher #2 ($3.99) – The first issue of this series was a very surprising hit with me, easily being my favorite of the week it came out while perhaps being my favorite of the month. Writer Jonathan Maberry did a phenomenal job developing an original and exciting concept for Frank Castle, and I for one can’t see what it goes next. Artist Goran Parlov’s art excels at both storytelling and design. In many ways, this comic is the total package – I can’t wait to read it.
Chew #13 ($2.99) – John Layman and Rob Guillory’s bizarre and fantastic book never ceases to entertain, and with the FDA apparently finding main character Tony Chu’s former partner Mason Savoy this book could be up for an even more exciting issue than usual.
Fables #97 ($2.99) – For a long time, Fables was my favorite Vertigo book. That’s saying something as I am an uber Vertigo fanboy. Some have lamented a bit of a creative downturn once they put together the ill-advised venture titled “The Great Fables Crossover.” I think it has still been great and this arc is Rose Red-centric. With her being one of my favorite characters and the solicit being particularly interesting, this is a must buy for me once again.
Thunderbolts #147 ($2.99) – I’ve been enjoying Jeff Parker’s Thunderbolts to an almost unhealthy degree. It’s just what I want from this book, seeing this superpowered team of criminals (along with their heroic overlords) face off against the worst of the worst. It’s dark, funny, action-packed and powerfully illustrated by the very talented Kev Walker. So far, this has been my favorite book to tie in to The Heroic Age, and I can’t imagine it not staying at that vaunted position.
Total: $17.95 (a small week, but a BIG one at the same time)
Matt’s Picks
Amazing Spider-Man #640 ($3.99) – I know not everyone has been loving this book, and I’d be lying if I said it had been perfect and great and whatnot, but it’s a pretty monumental moment in Spider-Man’s story and I just can’t miss it. I don’t know what’s in store for this issue, but I’m insanely curious to see what comes from last issue’s end.
Continued belowChew #13 ($2.99) – Chew is one of the most fantastic books on the market. Every issue I ear makes me like then story even more, and this week features a Pulp Fiction parody cover and the return of Savoy. What more do you people need?
New Mutants #16 ($2.99) – I did not read the original run of New Mutants, but around the time of Necrosha I became addicted to the book. Since then I’ve been very excited for the book to get a chance to stand on it’s own two legs without a crossover involved. Now is it that time, and I really enjoyed the first issue of the story. Excited to see where the book goes from here.
Supergirl #55 ($2.99) – This is hands down the best Super-family title. Hands. Down. The current arc features Bizarro Supergirl, and is a perfect jumping on point for new readers. So join me in purchasing this book weekly, because I assure you you won’t regret it.
Thunderbolts #147 ($2.99) – I feel like a lot of us had a stigma towards Parker’s work due to all of us being rather meh on Agents of Atlas. when the Heroic Age started and Jeff Parker was given a true chance to prove himself with new characters, we were all shocked at how great the book was. Now it’s Book of the Week. What more do you want?
Wolverine: Weapon X #16 ($3.99) – I have every issue of this book, and it’s all been a blast. I certainly wouldn’t miss the finale, featuring the final Nightcrawler story (until his eventual resurrection). This is also the precursor to Wolverine #1, and I have the highest of hopes. Definitely buy this, especially if you read Second Coming/X-Force.
Total: $19.94
Gil’s Picks
Darkwing Duck #3 ($3.99) – Hands down the most surprising book on the market. This book is exactly like the cartoon from the 90’s, but sprinkles in adult humor for his now adult fans. It’s absolutely brilliant.
New Avengers #3 ($3.99) – This is Bendis’ best Avengers book, and probably the best Avengers title on the market. It’s continuing plot threads from the first volume of New Avengers. The art is gorgeous, and it’s just a lot of fun.
Chew #13($2.99) – If you’re not reading this book, I feel sorry for you. It’s currently Image’s best title after The Walking Dead, It’s so much fun, and if you’re not reading it and don’t want my pity, then pick it up.
Brightest Day #8 ($2.99) — Did you read last issue? After a series of misfires that didn’t outright miss the mark but merely grazed it, the book finally kicked into high gear and finally put it on the “must read” list. I need to see where it goes from here. So many questions were raised, and like LOST, I need all the answers!
Avengers Academy #3 ($3.99) – After New Avengers, this is my favorite ongoing Avengers title. While I would have liked Hank Pym to have had a larger role in the book, I can’t help but love all the new younger characters, especially considering the darkness they have in their past.
Total: $17.95
