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!
Thief of Thieves #6 ($2.99) – Sure, the news that James Asmus was following up Nick Spencer did not exactly make my day, but until then, I will continue to enjoy this damn entertaining series. Seriously, I think I am the only person who has any kind of strong opinion on this series, positive or negative. Robert Kirkman has given Nick Spencer something on which to focus, which has helped Spencer prove to the skeptics how safe of a bet he can be. Shawn Martinbrough is doing an equally admirable job on artistic duties, maintaining the standard crime grit while keeping to his own unique style. Granted, I’m a sucker for crime comics in general, but I like to think that the amount I have read have made me a discerning reader, but you know how it is.
Sweet Tooth #35 ($2.99) – I will say what at least one person says about “Sweet Tooth” each month in this column: why wouldn’t you buy “Sweet Tooth?” Jeff Lemire could very well already be a contender for best writer/artist of the year, and if “Sweet Tooth” isn’t enough to secure this title, just you wait for Underwater Welder. Until then, though, we’ll just have to deal with reading Vertigo’s second-best ongoing — what a pain, am I right?
Mind MGMT #2 ($3.99) – I will admit: I was not as big of a fan of the first issue of this series as most people. It isn’t that I didn’t like it — the core ideas present are very interesting, without a doubt — but I felt the execution was slightly flawed. How? Well, I couldn’t tell you, but it clearly wasn’t significant enough if I am putting it back on my Comics Should Be Cheap list. Like I said, I found the core idea interesting enough, which is more than I can say for a lot of comics, and I am of the firm belief that first issues aren’t the best indication of quality, so I will certainly give this a second chance. After that, though, I am not sure; $3.99 is an awful lot to sling around on a comic that you’re waiting to see impress you.
Animal Man #11 ($2.99) – More goodness from Lemire. As a whole, “Animal Man” is the only New 52 book that I loved at the beginning and has yet to let me down. “Batman?” Lame. “Swamp Thing?” Boring. “Action Comics?” Don’t even get me started. “Animal Man,” though, is just as entertaining and interesting as its very first issue, and probably the best thing that DC is currently putting out. My only gripe is that Travel Foreman is no longer on the book. I, for one, enjoyed not being able to sleep after each issue. Still, Steve Pugh is also a great artist, and also one who gives me shivers, so I figure I can make due.
Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #12 ($3.99) – We’re just barely getting into the tail-end of Miles’ origin, due to Brian Michael Bendis’s signature decompressed style, but I don’t even mind; every issue of the new “Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man” has been a treat that reminds me why Bendis is famous, even when his Avengers books try their very best to make me incredulous. Miles has become an increasingly complex character, and I can’t wait to see how the situation with his uncles resolves…
…twenty issue from now.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe ($2.99) – Because why not?
Total: $19.94
Earth 2 #3 ($2.99) — This is, perhaps, the best book DC is putting out each month, and it is still ramping up to its eventual purpose, which is to say, be a Justice Society book. I’ve been digging through my long boxes and trades lately to get my JSA kick, so this is a very welcome development.
Continued belowHe-Man and the Masters of the Universe #1 ($2.99) — Chalk this one up to morbid curiosity and a fantastic creative team. Can brilliant creators make a licensed comic based on a weird toy line worth reading? I’ll let you know later this week!
Worlds’ Finest #3 ($2.99) — The second issue was bad, real bad. Hands down, one of the most inessential comics I’ve read this year (and I’ve read “Suicide Squad” and “Catwoman”). But I believe this book has potential to be really good – let’s hope #2 was a clunker, and the series as a whole isn’t.
The Infernal Man-Thing #1 ($3.99) — I have very little experience with this character, but the preview art looks amazing, so I’m going to give it a shot.
Mind MGMT #2 ($3.99) — It’s a funny thing, reading “Mind MGMT” and “Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E.” – despite both being written by Matt Kindt, and both having espionage elements, they couldn’t be more different in their goals. One is about taking archetypes that you know and love and tweaking them to be something new, and the other is to completely change the way you read modern comics. While “Frankenstein” is fun, “Mind MGMT” is great.
Batwing #11 ($2.99) — I have been thinking this for awhile, but the “Batman” #10 reveal confirmed it: “Batwing” is the best Bat-book on the market. Really.
Total: $19.94
Avengers vs X-Men #7 ($3.99) – Finally! Issue six, in my book, was the first time this series lived up to any type of positive expectations I had. I really dug it and it left me wondering where they would go from there. Well, here we are and I am still looking forward to seeing where this goes. Hopefully this issue will continue the one issue streak of good stuff.
Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #1 ($3.99) – So far I have enjoyed all of the Before Watchmen books to one degree or another. This is the one I am probably most excited for. Two of my favorite creators on one book! Len Wein and Jae Lee! While Ozy may be one of my least favorite Watchmen characters and I am thrilled to let these two creators convince me that I should think otherwise.
Danger Club #3 ($2.99) – This is an awesome book and you should be reading it. Such a simple statement but so full of truth. By far one of my favorite Image books on the market wether it’s new or already established and ongoing. If you aren’t reading this book you’re no friend of mine.
Earth 2 #3 ($2.99) – JSA! JSA! JSA! Oh and the cliffhanger we were left with last issue was something wasn’t it? Wouldn’t it be interesting if after all of that marriage business they just killed off Alan’s love interest?! The fact that we can’t be sure that this won’t happen speaks volumes. A book where you don’t know what is going to happen for sure before it hits?! Awesome. I’ll take two.
Sweet Tooth #35 ($2.99) – The sad march to the end of this series continues. I truly will miss this book as it will leave a huge hole in the first week of every month for me. In the meantime I am going to cherish every awesome issue until the last and I really do recommend you do the same.
Justice League International #11 ($2.99) – Booster Gold! Guy Gardner! O.M.A.C.! (Saying that every month will never get old and I will do it forever! Wait…this book is being canceled? Fuck. I guess i’ll just do it for a couple more months…)
Total: $19.94
Action Comics #11 ($3.99) — I just want to see how this tie-in to AvX pans out. And yes, I plan on making this joke as much as possible no matter how unfunny it is.
Animal Man/Swamp Thing #11 ($2.99 each) — Hey look, more love for the Red, Green, and Rot! Is anyone surprised? I sure hope not. I will say this though: while everyone talks about Snyder’s “Batman,” his Swamp Thing is better, and Lemire’s work on “Animal Man” is his best company-owned work for DC. SO THERE, SUCK IT NERDS.
Continued belowDanger Club #3 ($2.99) — The best new book coming from Image since Saga. OK, so they premiered in the same month. That’s just more proof as to how awesome Image is doing lately.
Earth 2 #3 ($2.99) — Alan Scott’s boyfriend is DEEEEEEEEEAD! Whoops, spoiler! If only he had a Robin to slap though. Let’s see how the Alan Scott becomes the Green Lantern for the first time (all over again).
X-Factor #239 ($2.99) — More X-Factor love. Again, this isn’t very surprising if you know my track record, but if you need more reasoning it’s one of the books not affected by the massive event this summer and it’s good to boot!
Total: $18.94
Haunt #24 ($2.99) – I love this book. Joe Casey and Nate Fox are absolutely killing it, and all delays aside, the book manages to be a whole train full of awesome. If you need more evidence, the issue features Still Harvey Tubman driving a train into a fire demon while singing the Marines’ hymn. Consider yourself sold.
Morning Glories #20 ($2.99) – I’ve read this issue, too. That’s all I’m allowed to say about that. It’s on my list, though, isn’t it?
Mind MGMT #2 ($3.99) – Matt Kindt knocked it out of the park with the first issue, although that should be a surprise to absolutely no one. It just so happens that I’ve read this issue as well, and I can confirm that it stays awesome.
Punisher #13 ($2.99) – Greg Rucka’s run on the Punisher has very quickly become my favorite run on the Punisher. It’s absolutely fantastic, and if for whatever reason you aren’t reading it, please stop being so rude to yourself.
The Cape: 1969 #1 ($3.99) – The original Cape one-shot was rather astounding. “The Cape” mini-series from IDW last year was all kinds of fun. You’re telling me that I get to read more comics set in the same world, that tells the origin story of the titular fabric? Sign me up.
Danger Club #3 ($2.99) – Last but certainly not least, Danger Club is all kinds of excellent. So buy it.
Total: $19.94
