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!
Pathfinder #1 ($3.99) – In case you didn’t know, Jim Zubkavich writes a damn fun fantasy comic published by Image Comics called “Skullkickers.” Is there really any reason to believe that “Pathfinder” won’t be as entertaining of a read simply because it’s a licensed comic? I didn’t think so. People joke that “Skullkickers” is more like a game of Dungeons & Dragons than any actual Dungeons & Dragons comic, so let’s see what happens when Zub works with an actual Dungeons & Dragons spinoff.
Daredevil #17 ($2.99) – Say what you will about Mark Waid’s work on “Daredevil,” the one thing that you can’t say is that it doesn’t have a host of great artists attached to it. This issue, though, is the cherry on top: when you have a book full of artists whose artistic styles are often described as “retro” or “classic,” who better to have on board than the Doc himself, Mike Allred? Allred is unquestionably one of the finest sequential storytellers in this industry, so you know this is going to be one groovy ride. Don’t even worry about it if you haven’t been picking up the rest of “Daredevil,” as a guest one-shot like this is sure to be accessible to newbies. Then, after reading it, you can worry about not picking up the rest of “Daredevil.” Plus: Stilt-Man! Yes!
Wonder Woman #12 ($2.99) – As I have probably said before, “Wonder Woman” is one of, if I am recounting correctly, two original New 52 comics that I am still following because of sheer enjoyment, along with “Animal Man.” True, that says a lot more about the quality of the other fifty titles than it does about this one, but believe me when I say “Wonder Woman” is one of the best superhero comics Brian Azzarello has done. Annoying clever wordplay aside, he has crafted an entertaining and exciting, albeit divisive, Wonder Woman story that has brought many lapsed fans of the Amazon warrior back to the series. And, of course, Cliff Chiang is doing just what you’d expect him to: making incredibly alive and beautiful pages of comic art.
Fatale #7 ($3.50) – Been a while since we’ve seen this one on the stands, hasn’t it? No problem. Any Ed Brubaker/Sean Phillips collaboration is worth waiting for, doubly so when they are working on something creator owned, be it “Criminal,” “Incognito,” or this newer gem. Hell, Phillips is reason enough to buy pretty much any comic, but these two are one of those titanic teams that just scream “Buy me!” to anyone who knows what’s good for them.
Captain Marvel #2 ($2.99) – I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical of this series at first. Not that I didn’t like the costume (love it), the idea of renaming Miss Marvel (love it), or think Kelly Sue DeConnick could do a good job (love her); there was just a lot of hype surrounding this book, and it seems to me that the more hype a Big Two book is hyped, the more likely I am to be disappointed. The first issue of “Captain Marvel,” however, was a pleasant surprise, and did not let me down in the slightest. Sure, my hopes weren’t as high as some people, but that’s fine. Bring on issue two!
Saga #6 ($2.99) – As everyone says: It’s “Saga.” Come on.
Total: $19.45
Revival #2 ($2.99) – I absolutely love this series. It’s one of my favorite debuts of the year. Seeley and Norton are bringing their A-Game, and this new version of not-zombie zombies is a welcome breath of fresh air in a market saturated by boring “oh no, more zombies” comics. If you haven’t picked up the first issue, you missed a fantastic debut — and if you did, get ready for even more awesome.
Continued belowWalking Dead #101 ($2.99) – Speaking of zombie comics, the King of Zombie Comics has a new issue out this week. Now, this series has admittedly been in a lull for a while now, but issue #100 sufficiently raised the stakes once more to the point that I’m more excited for this series than I have been in a long while. While it’s slightly a rehash of an earlier storyline (at least in terms of the repeated mantra of “zombies aren’t the worst problem in this comic”), I’m very much looking forward to more Lucille, should she grace the pages of this issue. Bring on the emotional devastation!
Saga #6 ($2.99) – The first arc seemingly ends, and BKV and Staples close with one of the strongest issues to date. Every issue of “Saga” is great, of course, but this is the first issue that really nails the balance between the wide cast of characters and the importance of family to the entire plot. It’s a wonderful mash-up, and it makes me very excited for the second arc.
Pigs #8/Butcher Baker, the Righteous Maker #8 ($2.99 each) – FINALLY, am I right? It’s been a long wait for both these two issues, but it is very worth it.
Captain Marvel #2 ($2.99) – Yeah Kelly Sue! Yeah Dex Soy! Yeah Carol Danvers!
Total: 17.94 – If I didn’t know any better, you’d think I was sponsored by Image or something, right? And, if you’re feeling extra saucy, that sexy Invisibles Omnibus is out this week. Only $150 in stores, or $94.50 on Amazon if you’re on a budget.
Before Watchmen: Rorschach #1 ($3.99) — Initially, this was the only “Before Watchmen” title I was really amped for, but we’ve seen a surprisingly high quality line thus far. I’m still excited for this book, but Azzarello didn’t knock “Comedian” out of the park like I hoped he would. Still, Lee Bermejo = a buy.
Birds of Prey #12/ Nightwing #12 ($2.99 each) — The Bat-books are a weird little corner of the DCnU. You’ve got some really great books, some really bad books, and very few in the middle. Both “Birds of Prey” and “Nightwing” are in the first category, and I feel that people just aren’t appreciating how good they’ve been on both sides of the creative process. Travel Foreman and Eddy Barrows have both done far better on these titles than I expected they would, and the writing has been solid to great thus far.
The Shade #11 ($2.99) — Kudos to DC for letting James Robinson finish this series, when most (including me), assumed it would be shitcanned early. Also, Frazer Irving. Wow.
Supergirl #12 ($2.99) – Though we are podcast buddies, MC Editor in Chief Matt and I don’t agree on a ton of comics. But we both feel this is the best Super-family book on the shelves. And Matt is the biggest Grant Morrison fanboy alive. That’s high praise. Give this book a chance, and marvel at Mahmud Asrar’s gorgeous pencils.
Captain Marvel #2 ($2.99) – This book completely sold me out of the gate. Dexter Soy has a unique style that I really dig, and it shouldn’t have taken Kelly Sue DeConnick this long to write an ongoing at one of the Big Two. Good lord, this is a great comic.
Total: $18.94
Shade #11 ($2.99) – Why stop now with only 2 issues to go in James Robinson’s stellar maxi-series? If you haven’t been reading this one, I’m sure it will be packaged down the road in a nice-looking hardcover. And you should buy it, dammit. Those that have been reading know that Robinson is writing his cleverest scripts since “Starman” and has been saddled with a boatload of artistic spoils throughout. Cully Hamner, Darwyn Cooke, Javier Pullido, Jill Thompson, and now Frazer Irving have all lent their talents to this book. Not a bad apple in the bunch.
Wonder Woman #12 ($2.99) – A Cliff Chiang issue? Shut up and take my money.
Continued belowFatale #7 ($3.50) – I was slow to pick up on the greatness of Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips’ latest paranormal noir effort. I stuck with it and now I’m of the opinion that it could end up being their finest work, depending on where they take it. Like the title and the issue covers suggest, it’s a “Femme Fatale” story, but with left-field stuff like supernatural suspense thrown in for good measure.
Saga #6 ($2.99) – Duh.
Daredevil #17 ($2.99) – Eisner-winning book gains Mike Allred for an issue. This is even more of a “duh” than Saga #6. Allred should slip right into this universe and all advance word says that it lives up to the hype.
Revival #2 ($2.99) – Issue #1 delivered on all of the promise of its hype and creative team. The first issue was so good, I dare not spoil the many fun surprises within. It’s in line with “The Walking Dead,” which makes it an easy recommendation for fans of that book, even though they do lots of different things as comic books. It seems like a cliche to compare them, but hell, anything to get more people to pick up this book. Fun Fact: The book takes place in co-creator Tim Seeley’s (and my own!) hometown. Nostalgia-gasm.
Total: $18.45
Daredevil #17 ($2.99) – I don’t always read superhero comics, but when I do, I prefer “Daredevil.”
Extermination #3 ($3.99) – In the last issue, a former superhero with a healing factor was being used as a renewable food source by a psychopath in charge of one of the last groups of humans left alive in the alien apocalypse. This comic is out there!
Fatale #7 ($3.50) – Brubaker and Phillips are killing it once again. This is one of those comics that will be worth reading more than once or even twice. It’s definitely worth your money.
Saga #6 ($3.50) – If there is anyone in CSBC who hasn’t picked this book, it’s only because they know everyone else is probably going to be picking it anyway, and they only have $20 to work with. The fact is, comics can’t get any better than this!
A Valiant book (Bloodshot #2 or Harbinger #3) ($3.99) – I am greatly enjoying the Valiant re-launch. These are the lesser two of the four, but that is like saying a ribeye is less than a flat iron – it’s still a damn steak!
Total: $17.97
