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!
Prophet, Vol. 1: Remission ($9.99) – So you missed out on getting the first few issues of Brandon Graham’s relaunch of Extreme Studios’ “Prophet?” Have no fear, for one of the most bang-for-your-buck trades I’ve seen in a while is here. For ten dollars, you get six issues of this series, or 136 pages of content (admittedly, including the non-comics pages). That’s a fraction over seven cents a page. Sure, that’s a cent per page more than your average Dark Horse $25 omnibus, however, those comics are shrunk down in size. There is no shrinking, no black and white, no lower quality paper in this paperback: just good comics at a great price. And isn’t that what this column is all about?
Unwritten #40 ($2.99) – Another month, another issue of “The Unwritten,” another $3 spent, another smile on Walt’s face. You know how it is.
Batman Incorporated #3 ($2.99) – While I love Morrison’s Batman-related work — his work on the main title was the first comic I began regularly following on a monthly basis — I was very disappointed with the previous issue of “Batman Incorporated.” Then again, I try to pretend that the fiasco that was ‘The Resurrection of R’as Al Ghul’ did not happen, and considering that issue completely shattered that mental defense of mine, it is wholly possible that I was unfair to the issue. It will take more than that to get me to drop one of my favorite comic runs of all time.
Mind MGMT #4 ($3.99) – Here’s another one that I am putting on my list despite some reservations. No, I don’t get it either; “Mind MGMT” is incredibly well put-together, with an engaging plot and tip-tip storytelling, and I even gave it a very positive review. Why, then, do I feel like I don’t love it as much as other people, as if I am missing something? I couldn’t tell you, but I will keep buying it until I figure out why — and hopefully beyond that, as I will probably realize the answer is “Because I am dumb.”
Total: $19.96
Mind MGMT #4 ($3.99) — Matt Kindt’s creator owned spy-series is an expected triumph — Kindt has produced amazing work throughout his career, and this is no different. Plus, buy it in single issues, as the backmatter will not be collected in trades!
Batman Incorporated #3 ($2.99) — As was recently announced, as of January, this will be Grant Morrison’s only ongoing at DC for now; hopefully, that means that his Batman epic will get the time and dedication it deserves, instead of sharing time with his less-than-stellar “Action Comics” run. Plus, Matches Malone!
Justice League Dark/I, Vampire #12 ($2.99 each) — The Dark corner of the DCnU has been its strongest thus far, and these two books have both made a believer out of me. JLD is the best team book DC has going right now, and “I, Vampire” has, as I’ve recounted before, made a guy who doesn’t like vampires put a vampire book near the top of his read pile. Plus, both have some of the best art of the New 52.
The Flash #12 ($2.99) — Much like “Green Lantern,” this consistently great series gets unfairly overlooked a lot because it is just so consistent, month to month. The Rogues being set up as the next major arc is a very exciting proposition, and Manapul on art is always worth a couple of bucks.
Total: $15.96
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Mind MGMT #4 ($3.99) – There’s something about books written and drawn by the same guy that gives them a higher quality. With all the material packed between (and on) the covers, this book is hands down the best value on the stands today. Throw in the promise of some mysteries finally being revealed, and this one is a no brainer.
Planetoid #3 (2.99) – There’s something about books written and drawn by the same guy that gives them a higher quality. The last issue ended with a twist I did not see coming, and I’m excited to see what happens next.
Rachel Rising #10 (3.99) – There’s something about books written and drawn by the same guy that gives them a higher quality. The previous issue shed light on several the central villain and history behind the plot, and I have no idea what will happen this issue. In an industry permeated with rehashed tropes, “Rachel Rising” is a refreshing story.
Punisher #14 ($2.99) – There’s something about books written and…no, wait. Nevermind. Rucka doesn’t do the art for the Punisher, but that’s ok because he’s telling a gripping, gritty story which too few people gave a shot. The series is ending with a bang in October, and I won’t miss a page until it’s over.
Green Lantern: New Guardians ($2.99) – The ring thief has been revealed, and while it wasn’t a complete shock, I am ready to read the motives behind the move and see where this book is going in the next year.
Total: $16.95 – Put the extra money under the couch cushion for the next time you have an expensive week.
Mind MGMT #4 ($3.99) – You buy this book & you read it 2-3 times for maximum rewards. It’s the best $3.99 value in comics.
Planetoid #3 ($2.99) – I’m continually amazed at what Ken Garing is doing in his writing/art solo affair.
Unwritten #40 ($2.99) – Just a steady, steady Vertigo book. A constant buy and a constant recommendation to new comic readers. Pick up the trades and catch up to this issue.
Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom #1 ($2.99) – Mark Waid is currently enjoying “auto-buy” status on my pull list. Anything he writes is worth checking out as he is on a hot streak matched by very few writers right now. Plus, Chris Samnee on a throwback hero like the Rocketeer is a match made in comic book heaven.
Batman Incorporated #3 ($2.99) – Whatever I wrote last month before it was post-poned still applies here. Hell, your comic shop may have sold the issue anyway. (Mine did.)
Total: $15.95
Adventure Time #7 ($3.99) – I’ll refrain from throwing in a few exclamations-a-la-Finn this time, but this is a permanent member of my CSBC list. Ryan North, Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb’s comics interpretation of Pendleton Ward’s hit cartoon show has been nothing short of excellent, from the very beginning. I might even enjoy it more as a comic (heresy!)! At $3.99 for a children’s comic, you might wonder if it’s worth it–and I assure you, it is! Not only do you get a full-length installment of the main storyline in every issue, each is backed-up by standalone strips from a rotating cast of some of the greatest names in webcomics. This month, we get two backup strips by Shannon Wheeler (“Too Much Coffeee Man”) and Zac Gorman (“Magical Game Time”)!
Dark Horse Presents #15 ($7.99) – “Aliens,” “Ghost,” “Finder,” “Nexus,” “Concrete Park,” “Buddy Cops,” John Layman, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Neal Adams, Carla Speed McNeil, Michael Avon Oeming… Do I really need to keep going?
Mars Attacks #3 ($3.99) – I had reservations about this title at first, but being a sci-fi and John Layman fan, I picked up the #1 issue on a whim – boy were my doubts crushed! This is Johns Layman and McCrea at their best, mixing the best parts of the gory children’s cards and John Layman’s brand of humor with just a touch of darkness to make one disgustingly delicious stew of comics goodness! The last issue gave us the first wave of the invasion. Now, the President is on the run, and I imagine things are about to get even messier…
Continued belowPlanetoid #3 ($2.99) – Ken Garing’s space-adventure series synthesizes all of the best features of American, European and Japanese science fiction comics – the loner who takes no crap, sweeping and meticulously detailed world-building, and giant, mech-like monsters, respectively – and combines all of them into his own unique universe. A sci-fi fan like myself couldn’t ask for more!
Total: $18.96 – Man, this was a tough week, I had to leave out a few REALLY good books…
Scalped #60 ($2.99) – I do not even need to justify this. Scalped has been a fantastic comic for it’s entire run, and Scalped #59 was a nerve wracking, pulse pounding adrenaline rush with one of the best cliff hangers for a penultimate issue I’ve ever seen. Shit is going to go down, and you better be there to see it.
Unwritten #40 ($2.99) – Scalped may be gone, and with it gone that means Unwritten now holds the title of Best Veritgo Comic On Stands. Take it home with you.
Planetoid #3 ($2.99) – If you need justification of why you should be writing Planetoid, you should take a look at either the interview I did with him this week or the preview he gave us. It’s a fantastic sci-fi book, and an absolute can’t miss comic.
Mind MGMT #4 ($3.99) – Dark Horse is coming at 2012 with a vengeance, and Mind MGMT is one of their best new books. In a few years you’ll be looking back at 2012 and remembering it as the year Mind MGMT began, and you don’t want to be wondering why you didn’t pick up the first issues. Do yourself a favor.
Lobster Johnson: Prayer of Neferu ($3.50) – It’s Lobster Johnson! ‘Nuff said.
Punisher #14 ($2.99) – I was very disappointed to hear that this book was cancelled and being replaced with an epilogue mini to finish the stories. That makes me very sad in my heart. However, as long as there is a Greg Rucka Punisher comic on the stands, you can be damn sure I will buy it, and you can be damn sure that I will recommend it.
Total: $19.45
Scalped #60 ($2.99) – I’m not even going to pretend I care about other comics this week: Scalped has been my favorite comic for a long time (even if it only finished at #2 last year behind Uncanny X-Force for Best Ongoing), and I am going to be beyond sad to see it go. Jason Aaron, R.M. Guera, Jock and the rest of the team managed to create an all-time great comic, and I have no doubt in my mind that this will be a truly memorable finish. If you don’t read this comic, get on it. If you do read it, good for you. You’re one of the smart ones.
