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!
Dark Skullkickers Dark #1 ($2.99) – They saved the silliest title for last. Not only that, but the parody cover is the best yet (if a bit common). Not only that, but “Skullkickers” is pretty much the funniest book out there right now, and tells a very entertaining story to boot. If you’re new to the series, though, I’d probably wait until either the next Tavern Tales (2 issues from now) or the next arc (3) if you want to jump on mid-story rather than start at the beginning. Then again, it is a #1…
Satellite Sam #1 ($3.50) – Now I know some people have… strong opinions about Howard Chaykin’s art, especially in recent years. Trust me, I was — well, still am, I guess — one of those people. That being said, I would still highly recommend checking this out. The man’s work looks just as good as it did decades ago when it’s in black and white, and, of course, the book is written by current industry superstar Matt Fraction. It would be an easier sell if it were $2.99, I know, but I still recommend checking this book out.
Batman Incorporated #12 ($2.99) – #10 was ridiculously exciting, and while I didn’t mind Burnham’s fill-in near as much as some people did, I am so ready to wrap things up. Ready in a good way, of course. Bring the ruckus, Grant and Chris.
Abe Sapien #4 ($3.50) – Two sets of brothers are splitting art duties in the Mignola-verse. Is that weird? I think that’s weird. But considering both brothers in both sets are very talented, it’s nothing to complain about. I think we can all agree that this book has been a little bit different from expected, but I don’t mean that in a bad way at all. As a new arc starts, it will be interesting to see how Abe’s role in this setting develops.
Thief of Thieves #17 ($2.99) – While Andy Diggle’s first issue of “Action Comics” was great, and it was a shame to see that gig fall through, if I could only put him on one property owned by someone else, it would be this book. Diggle’s first issue was a seamless transition from those that came before, while adding a touch of pizzazz that was lacking through most of Spencer and Asmus’s arcs — and that’s just with the first issue! It only gets better from here, folks.
Total: $15.97
Green Lantern #22 ($2.99) – Honestly, the first issue of the new era didn’t wow me. I’m going to give it at least a few months to improve, but it wouldn’t make my $20 cut if it was a busier week.
Absolution Rubicon #1 ($3.99) – It’s been so long since the first series of this came out, I almost forgot it existed. News of the sequel made me go back and re-read the original, which is still great. If you were a fan of Waid’s “Irredeemable”, don’t miss this!
Bleach Vol 57 ($9.99) – Manga doesn’t get much attention here, but I’ve been a fan of this series for years. Shoot, my cat’s named after one of the characters. This is the final arc, and I’m simultaneously excited and sad to see how it will all wrap up. This isn’t the best place to jump in if you haven’t been reading, so buy the first volume instead if that’s the case.
Total: $16.97
Abe Sapien #4 ($3.50) – John Arcudi subs in for Scott Allie in the writer’s chair this month, as Abe encounters a first for him: a fan? Continuing this weird travelogue’s quality artwork is courtesy of Max Fiumara, whose brother Sebastian is the regular artist on the book.
Continued belowEarth 2 #14 ($2.99) – Just as all the pieces are arranging on the chessboard for this book, Robinson is departing. He is doing a great job of world building, so enjoy it while you can.
Green Lantern #33 ($2.99) – All 5 Lantern books, post-Johns era, have laid out a pretty clear mission statement going forward, except for this, the flagship title. Let’s hope this month amps up the purpose of the book, and gives Hal something exciting to do for the next few months.
Trinity of Sin: Pandora #1 ($2.99) – Ray Fawkes has produced great stuff during his short tenure at DC thus far. He seems like the right choice for this book, and I look forward to seeing how he brings Pandora in the spotlight after 2 years of her being in the background, both literally and figuratively, of the New 52.
Avengers A.I. #1 ($2.99) – I’ll give this series an issue to convince me that it is worth my money, but I have to say, the premise is interesting, and Pym is a character that can, and should, have a strong place in the Marvel Universe, Putting him back in the spotlight is a good thing.
Total: $15.46
Satellite Sam #1 ($3.50) – This is clearly the year of Matt Fraction as he has two of the best Marvel books right now, this and “Sex Criminals” on the way. Trust me: get in on the ground floor on this one.
Daredevil: Dark Nights #2 ($2.99) – I gave the first issue of this series such a glowing review that it surprised even me. If Marvel could get anthology series of this calibre for other characters, that would be really something.
Batman Incorporated #12 ($2.99) – After a really unnecessary filler issue, we’re finally at the beginning of the end. It’ll be sad to see this go.
Avengers #15 ($3.99) – With Infinity on the way, I feel like Hickman has finally hit his stride with this one. Last issue was the best so far and I’m hoping it only gets better.
Avengers A.I. #1 ($2.99) – I’m game for a one issue trial period on this one. Araujo’s art really surprised me on the “Fantastic Four” AOU tie-in issue and Mark Waid’s “Age Of Ultron” #10A.I. issue finally made this make sense. Will it be any good, though? We’ll see.
Total: $16.46
Polarity #4 ($3.99) – I have very much been enjoying Max Bemis’ first foray into comics. It’s heavy on pop culture references (which is not inherently a bad thing), emotional highs and lows, and surprising story beats. Jorge Coelho’s wonderful art also made me feel feelings, which is a difficult nut to crack for this emotionless robot.
Batman Incorporated #12 ($2.99) – But the feelings don’t end there. The end of Grant Morrison’s run on Batman will surely cause me to go through a lot of emotions, as his run is the run that got me really into the character and I’ve loved every weird diversion along the way. Only two issues left, folks!
Dial H #14 ($2.99) – Unless this is your first time reading this column, you knew this was coming.
Satellite Sam #1 ($3.50) – I love Howard Chaykin’s art and I don’t care who knows it.
Five Weapons #5 ($3.50) – Jimmie Robinson’s endlessly entertaining assassin-school series comes to a close here. It’s a gorgeous-looking book and good natured all the way through. One of the year’s nicest surprises.
Daredevil: Dark Nights #2 ($2.99) – Lee Weeks’ work on the first issue stands right alongside Mark Waid’s ongoing series as an incredibly strong take on the character. This is a golden age for Matt Murdock & co.
Total: $19.96
Catalyst Comix #1 ($2.99) – The first can’t miss book of the week. This title is so good you’ll come out a changed man or woman. Just pure unbridled comic book awesomeness.
Satellite Sam #1 ($2.99) – I had some reservations about this book before release, but having read it I can comfortably say that this is the second can’t miss book of the week, by far.
Continued belowBatman Inc #12 ($2.99) – Almost there now …
Polarity #4 ($3.99) – One of the big surprises of the year, Max Bemis’ first outing into the world of comic books has been quite great. I’d hate to miss the end now.
Dark Skullkickers Dark #1 ($3.50) – “Skullkickers” has been on an absolute tear as of late. No sense in missing it. You’d only be doing a disservice to yourself.
Superior Foes of Spider-Man ($2.99) – Horrible name for a book, but I’m curious given the creative team.
Total: 19.45
Ten Grand #3 ($2.99) – The second issue of this miniseries definitely stepped things up a notch, with all kinds of gorgeous, luminous monstrosities lurking around every corner. Add all that to a gritty, hardboiled storyline, and this is definitely stacking up into something interesting.
Five Weapons #5 ($3.50) – “Five Weapons” hasn’t been perfect, but goodness has it been fun. Besides, I have a feeling this last chapter will wrap things up nicely. At the very least, you know the art will be whimsically lovely.
Satellite Sam #1 ($3.50) – Fraction and Chaykin? It’s hard to say how that combination is going to work out, but the concept – seedy underbelly of the 1950s television scene – is awfully promising. P.S. if you haven’t checked out @shitmyhowardsay then you are definitely missing out.
Polarity #4 ($3.99) – An interesting and surprising and thought-provoking series – melding mental illness and superhero origin story – comes to a close. Wouldn’t want to miss this one.
Total: $13.98 – Quiet week, but that’s to be expected after the last one.
