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!
Vince’s Picks:
The White Suits #4 ($3.99) – A very strong effort from Frank Barbiere and Toby Cypress. Cypress really went nuts all over this thing, visually. Makes you wish there was more coming. Hopefully the two of them have another collaboration in them, down the road.
East of West #13 ($3.50) – My favorite ongoing comic and I’m not going to be ashamed of it in 10-20 years, James Johnston.
100th Anniversary Special: Fantastic Four #1 ($3.99) – Van Meter and Joanna Estep collaborating on a Marvel book? A Marvel book that imagines a possible future Marvel Universe? My word, you just know this is going to be cool. I’d put money on the “Fantastic Four” being the coolest one too, right out of the gates.
Moon Knight #5 ($3.99) – Ellis and Shalvey knocked me off of my feet and literally gave me nightmares about mushrooms after their last issue. They only have two issues left on their run, but it’s already a nice little classic that’ll make a sweet hardcover someday.
Atomic Robo: Knights of the Golden Circle #2 ($3.50) – Charming, Wild West fun. “Atomic Robo” doesn’t get enough credit for being a relatively long-running comic, with a great central character, and a great sense of adventure. Check it out, if you haven’t had the pleasure.
Total: $18.97
Drew’s Picks:
Woods #3 ($3.99) – The premise for this book (high school full of kids transported to a hostile alien world) holds a lot of promise, and so far it hasn’t let me down. Here’s hoping the trend of excitement continues, and that it doesn’t fall into a convoluted mess.
Morning Glories #39 ($3.50) – Speaking of books about high schools being convoluted messes, I don’t even pretend to know what’s going on in this book anymore. In a heavier week, this one wouldn’t make my list, but hopefully it starts to make some sense soon.
Lazarus #9 ($2.99) – Rucka has a way of making you care about characters after only a few pages. The death a couple issues ago? I felt that. Lark’s pencils are also amazing. I pore over every page, enjoying all the little details.
Daredevil #0.1 ($4.99) – I like this book. Waid’s done great work, and the art team manages to capture the excitement of the story like nothing else I’m reading. But five bucks? I’m not sure it’s worth five bucks. I’ll buy it this one time, but as long as this price point is at Marvel, I won’t be.
Total: $15.47 – It’s a shame that 25% of my list takes up 33% of the total.
David’s Picks:
Original Sin #5 ($3.99) – Let’s be honest: at this point, it’s going to be at the top of my list even if it falls off, if only for sheer “what the hell are they going to do next” considerations.
East of West #13 ($3.50) – It’s felt like a while since the last issue, but I’m excited to see what comes after the rather awesome and intense ending to issue #12. Hickman and Dragotta continue to kill it with this absolutely stellar book.
Southern Bastards #3 ($3.50) – The Jasons are certain to craft another southern deeelite with this third issue, as the ramifications of Earl Tubb’s “definitely-a-sign-but-oh-god-what-does-it-mean-and-who-is-he-going-to-brain-with-that-stick” conclusion to #2 are felt here.
Moon Knight #5 ($3.99) – This issue is Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire depicting a Dredd/The Raid esque brawl for an entire comic. That’s so awesome I’d probably pay $4.99 for it (but don’t get any ideas Marvel).
Continued belowLazarus #9 ($2.99) – “Lift” has helped this book rise to the expectations we had for it, and as it hits its conclusion, I’m more pumped than ever about what it has to offer to us today, and what lies in the future of the book.
Total: $17.98 – An excellent week that also is heavy on the higher priced comics
Brian’s Picks:
Marvel 100th Anniversary Special: Fantastic Four #1 ($3.99) – I don’t really know what to expect from these weird books, but I love me some Elsewords-type stories, and I love me some FF. We’ll see how this shakes out.
Robocop #1 ($3.99) / Nailbiter #3 ($2.99) – Josh Williamson is one of my favorite writers, and one of the reasons why is because he is so versatile. This week, he both creeps us out with his serial killer Oregon set piece, and brings us back to one of the most underrated action film franchises of all time. Both are well worth your time, not just due to his writing, but also to the incredible art in both books.
Tiny Titans: Return to the Treehouse #2 ($2.99) – My two year old daughter loves this comic. That’s reason enough to pull it.
Action Comics #33 ($3.99) – I am not loving the “Superman: Doomed” stuff, but the book is still using its supporting cast expertly, and Pak can handle this goofy stuff with ease. Can we just get back to the superheroics soon?
Total: $17.95
James’ Picks:
Fantastic Four 100th Anniversary Special #1 ($3.99) – I’m a sucker for alternate future stories like “DC One Million” so James Stokoe taking the FF fifty years into the future sounds like an utter delight.
Nailbiter #3 ($2.99) – “Nailbiter” has been a dark and unique look into both the serial killer mindset and the types of stories that crop around it. It’s like “Twin Peaks” meets “Hannibal” which should be enough to sell anyone.
Original Sin #5 ($3.99) – If you haven’t been keeping up with our “Original Sin” column, Confession Booth, here is my reaction to everything that occurs in this title.
East of West #13 ($3.50) – Despite what notorious liar, Vince Ostrowski, would have you believe, I really enjoy “East of West”. Considering that it’s literally about Death of the Four Horsemen rebelling against his brothers – one of whom is a seven year-old Gerard Way – so he can have a family with the granddaughter of General Mao, I am all over this title. Between Hickman’s grandiose dialogue and Dragotta’s often breathtaking art, it’s quite possibly the biggest blockbuster in comics right now.
Total: $14.47
Zach’s Picks:
Action Comics #33 ($3.99) – As much as I loved seeing John Romita Jr.’s take on the Man of Steel last week, Aaron Kuder’s work on “Action Comics” continues to to be the best looking take on Superman in the New 52. Add in Greg Pak’s refreshingly classic take on the character and you have a book that absolutely cannot be missed.
Earth 2 #25 ($3.99) – I feel like this book has dropped off a lot of people’s radars since James Robinson’s departure, and that just a shame. Tom Taylor has done a great job of growing and fostering Earth 2 into a wonderfully realized world, incorporating his own cast of characters into the mix while staying true to what has come before. The past few issues have seen the return of the Robinson’s original trinity of Green Lantern, Flash, and Hawkgirl, resulting in a fantastic mix of new and old. To top it off, last issue saw the triumphant debut of the new Superman of Earth 2, something this extra sized quarter centennial issue looks to pay off in full. I’d be remiss not to mention Nicola Scott, whose work on the series continues impress with each passing issue. This book continues to realize the positive potential of the New 52 better than any other.
Southern Bastards #3 ($3.50) – The Jasons Two are working some incredible magic with this series, which manages to capture the deep fried soul of the South. As a native southerner myself, I can’t help but bite into these issues with equal parts reverence and revulsion, a powerful combo that few comics nail so well. This is a book that everyone is going to be talking about for years to come, and it’s certainly a conversation you wont want to be left out of.
Continued belowMiles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man #3 ($3.99) – Bendis’ ability to innovate and entertain with this world and its denizens after a decade is utterly amazing. As much as I love what Slott has been doing in the 616, this is the Spider-Man book you need to be reading.
Rocket Raccoon #1 ($3.99) – Skottie Young writing and drawing a talking raccoon and an Ent. With giant laser guns. In space. Do you seriously need more explanation?
Total Price: $19.46
David Henderson’s Picks:
Southern Bastards #3 ($3.50) – The Coen Brothers film that never was, Jason Aaron and Jason Latour are crafting a story of quietly boiling tension that is sure to erupt soon. You’re going to want to be there when it does.
The Woods #3 ($3.99) – James Tynion IV has broken free of DC to bring us a title that is genuinely imaginative, built on wonderful fantastical art from Michael Dialynas and a cast of characters that makes this book immediately engrossing.
Nailbiter #3 ($2.99) – You know that feeling when watching Hannibal when you, as a viewer, are privy to the man behind the curtain of Hannibal’s dark desires and you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop and for the other characters to realise they’ve been trapped in the web of a predator? Well, now you can get that feeling monthly for only $2.99 from Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson with “Nailbiter”!
100th Anniversary Special: Fantastic Four #1 ($3.99) – Jen Van Meter writing the Fantastic Four of the far future? Uh, I think you will find the correct response is a resounding “Hell Yes.”
Total: $18.46
Matt’s Picks:
Morning Glories #39 ($3.50) – I’ve seen fans of the book call this “the return to the plot,” and that’s a pretty fair analysis. Eschewing the one-and-done narrative that is character focused one-offs, this one starts a brand new plot and brings Casey back to the center and… well, I feel like a broken record saying this sometimes, but if you like “Morning Glories,” this issue certainly raises a few stakes.
Southern Bastards #3 ($3.50) – It sure is great that two talented creators like Jason Aaron and Jason Latour could come together to makethe Most Aaron/Latour Book Of All Time™. There’s absolutely no reason not to be all-in for this title and it’s completely brutal, unrelenting opening arc.
Tech Jacket #1 ($2.99) – Out of all of the Kirkman-verse, I’ve actually been pretty fond of Tech Jacket. Kirkman’s first superhero, there was something to that original series that had… I want to say a certain sense of optimism that may not really be visible in “Invincible?” Tech Jacket always seemed like a character ready to go on wild adventures that defied logic, whereas Invincible was certainly grounded in a bit more tropes and analogies and comparisons. So I’m glad to see Tech Jacket get his chance to shine, and I’m glad that it’s from a creative team like Joe Keatinge and Khary Randolph.
Nailbiter #3 ($2.99) – If there’s one book that has completely surprised me this year, I’m happy to give that title to “Nailbiter.” Honestly, I don’t know what I was expecting from the book as I was quite familiar with the creative team, but the first issue pulled me in and the second issue solidified my readership. I can only imagine what the third issue has planned for this grim, moody and frankly sickeningly brutal series has in store.
Uber #15 ($3.99) – UBER has been in absolutely rare form as of late, with the most recent issues of the series being some of the best. I think that, now that the book has gotten passed the Year One of it all and is able to travel down some different avenues that it may not have been able to go before, we’re seeing the true potential of this book. There’s a lot this book has to offer besides “Nazi’s with super powers,” and it’s being delivered in spades as of late.
Enormous #1 ($3.99) – Ok, so, uh, this got delayed last week so I’m going to try this whole thing again. As I said last week, we’ve been pimping this book since day one and, yes, I’m currently helping out with its production. But I believe a lot in this book, in the story that is being built and the direction that Tim and Mehdi are taking this comic that they’ve been working on for so very long. I believe the journey is worth it, and I think you should get in on the ground floor.
Continued belowTotal: $20.96 There’s also a “Maxx” Hardcover out this week of the re-mastered series that IDW has been serializing from Sam Keith, and it is prett-ayyyy prett-ayyyyy prett-ayyyyy pretty, if you’re feeling rich.
Greg’s Picks:
Atomic Robo And The Knights Of The Golden Circle #2 (Of 5), $3.50 — Atomic Robo is back in the Old West and trying really hard not to screw up the space/time continuum. So think Back to the Future III meets Tombstone with a robotic Buckaroo Banzai, and say goodbye to $3.50.
Rocket Raccoon #1, $3.99 – Humor is a tricky thing, and sarcasm is even trickier to pull off without coming off as grating. Skottie Young can do both in either writing or artwork, and I cannot wait to see him turned loose on Rocket Raccoon.
Moon Knight #5, $3.99 – Yeah we’re only getting one more Ellis/Shalvey issue, but did you seriously think Warren was going to do more than six issues? Have you looked at the man’s bibliography? He’s like the Harry Tuttle of comics — get in, get out. But when he shows up, he’s a master craftsman and gives Shalvey the canvas to do some career-defining work. Plus these are all done-in-ones, so just buy it already.
All-New X-Factor #10, $3.99 – Peter David made me care about Gambit. I thought Quicksilver was the limit of the man’s powers, but he actually makes me not hate the Cajun. Oh, and Warlock tries to hit on Danger. Awesome.
Satellite Sam #9, $3.50 – Nobody in comics can show you that the “Golden Age” was anything but golden like Howard Chaykin, and in “Satellite Sam”, Matt Fraction aims the Chaykin laser of illusion-busting at the Golden Age of Television, and in doing so gets him to make the most Chaykin-y the man has done since Time-Squared.
or: RoboCop Vs the Terminator HC, $24.99 — Or you could chuck all that, steal five bucks worth of lunch money from some kids, and pick up this remastered slab of craziness. Yeah, it’s Frank Miller, but it’s not “Holy Terror”/crazy-old-man Miller; it’s 1990/let-me-take-these-sports-cars-out-for-a-spin Miller. It’s the type of bazonkers crossover that makes total sense and would therefore never make it to the silver screen. Plus it has Walt Simonson making it look a million times better than anything Hollywood would do with it anyway. Another example of comics doing Hollywood better than Hollywood.
Total: $18.97 or $24.99
Brandon’s Picks:
Green Arrow #33 ($2.99) – I absolutely LOVE this book. Jeff Lemire has brought forth the awesome since he jumped onto this title. He’s transitioned Oliver Queen into one of the most developed and intriguing characters in DC’s New 52 initiative. Lemire’s scripts are. BUT THENNNNNNNNN you add in Andrea Sorrentino’s art and you instantly have some next level awesome on your hands! I mean seriously this is one of the few books that I still can’t bring myself to buy digitally. It’s just so beautiful to behold on print pages in my grubby, tiny fingered, hands. But I digress. My point is you should buy this book it’s awesome.
Green Lantern #33 ($2.99) – While G.L. has not been the same since Geoff Johns left the title I have still continued to enjoy the current run. The current event/arc/story/crossover has been a lot of fun for me. We’ve seen the (re)introduction of a particular character that worked incredibly well and we’ve seen some great character development with both Hal and John. I’m excited to see where this even leaves us.
Magneto #6 ($3.99) – This title provides the best Magneto in a long time. He’s more in line with the Magneto that I know and love. He wants to advance the mutant cause at any cost. No more hanging at schools or on mutant islands off the coast of Cali sipping gin and juice. Now it’s vengeance and bloodshed for a cause. Seriously, Cullen Bunn has been straight KILLLING it.
Tiny Titans Return of The Treehouse #2 ($2.99) – Tiny Titans is the first comic I was ever able to get my first born child into. It will always hold one of the most special places in my heart when it comes to comics. While it may be geared toward children it is so smart and funny that it taught my son continuity. Literally, there is an issue about continuity. Flash forward and this book is back and it is now one of the gateways to comics for my daughter. I owe a Wookie life debt to Baltazar and Franco so as long as they produce these I will buy them. FOREVER.
Original Sin #5 ($3.99) – What the hell?! This book has been awesome. Severed heads, removal of eyes, and who the heck knows what else is coming down the pike! This in conjunction with New Avengers and Avengers have made for a very fun read. I like fun reads. Do you? If so buy this. FUN.
Total: $16.95 with the left over buy as much beer as you can!
