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. Follow the cut to see everyone’s picks for the week.
Batman Incorporated #8 ($2.99) – Six issue streak! It does still exist! Morrison’s radical [kinda] new take on the Bat-Man finally continues, this time with an adventure with Barbara Gordon in cyber-space. Awesome? I think so. I’m sad that Chris Burnham, one of my new favorite artists, isn’t onboard for this issue, but I think I’ll survive. Hail Hy– er, Leviathan!
American Vampire #18 ($2.99) – Four issue streak! The Ghost War comes to a close in this issue. And with some of the teasers we’ve been getting, it looks like the finale is going to have major repercussions. More importantly, though, is that this is one of the most consistently well-done comics on the stands, and deserves every award it has won. Here’s to many more.
Gates of Gotham #5 ($2.99) – There’s something very late ’90s about this series, and when you’re talking Batman that’s a pretty good thing – for me, at least. It’s been a fun ride so far, and has convinced me to pick up Kyle Higgins’ Nightwing once it starts. Just in case, though, let’s see how this ends before making any commitments.
Punisher #2 ($2.99) – Two issue streak! The first issue of this new series wasn’t exactly great, but it showed a lot of promise in terms of picking up the pace. I’ll give it another shot. Knowing Greg Rucka, it’ll get better to the point of becoming something great.
FF #8 ($2.99) – Eight issue streak! Similarly, the last few issues of FF have been letting me down. I doubt I’ll drop it, since I will buy more or less anything with Jonathan Hickman’s name on it, but I will make empty threats until it gets better – which will hopefully be soon.
Ultimate Comics: Ultimates #1 ($3.99) – Speaking of buying anything with Hickman’s name on it, we have this. I will admit that I’m hesitant to pick up a title that costs $3.99 and ships more than twelve times a year, but… well, shit, did you see that preview? This is going to be fantastic.
Total: $18.94
Matt’s Picks:
Ultimate Comics: Ultimates #1 ($3.99) – The first of the new Ultimate relaunch featuring Hickman and Ribic. Uhm, yeah, just buy it. K? K.
Batman Inc #8 ($2.99) – I can assure you that, as far as “finales” go, this probably won’t be a good finale. However, it’s still Morrison.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 ($3.99) – Next month, IDW is planning to release an Ultimate Collection Hardcover of Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird’s original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic. This is something I have been waiting for for a long time, and upon hearing that Kevin Eastman would be co-writing a new series that is as much of a reboot as reboots go, I’m actually fairly interested in hopping on board with this. We’ll see if this pays off.
FF #8 ($2.99) – And now we return to our regularly scheduled programming.
Daken: Dark Wolverine #13 ($2.99) – Rob Williams has been on fire lately. Putting Moon Knight in this book, to me, feels like Williams is saying, “Hey, Matt, I heard you had a space in your pull. Let me help you fill that void in your life with this neat little book.” Yes, sir! (Now some more Captain Britain, please?)
Continued belowCaptain America and Bucky #621 ($2.99) – It was a tough choice for last place, but Brubaker has been absolutely 100% killing it on Captain America as of late. I’d hate to miss out right now at one of the book’s highest points.
Total: $19.94
Josh’s Picks:
American Vampire #18 ($2.99)> – Easily one of the best books Vertigo puts out month in and month out not only due to the immensely satisfying vampire violence, but the intense attention to historical detail. Having one’s fiction take the extra step and actually attempt to fit into the world as we know it is a sign of immense writing talent, and Scott Snyder has that in spades.
FF #8 ($2.99) – There is nothing to not like about Jonathan Hickman’s work on this book and if you disagree then you are a fascist.
Intrepids #6 ($2.99) – The closest thing to a Golden Age classic that I’ve seen released in my lifetime, this book oozes Eisner-esque plot quirks and art and is a damn fun ride to be on. Volume 2 can’t come faster.
Ultimates #1 ($3.99) – More Hickman goodness, although I refuse to list this book by its actual title due to the excessive use of the world “ultimate”, however with an artist like Esad Ribic helping to pick up the threads laid for this book during Ultimate Fallout makes this a crazy must-buy.
Daken: Dark Wolverine #13 ($2.99) – The first four issues of Rob Williams’ run on this book featured the son of Wolverine stumbling around Los Angeles tripping his eyes off on a drug that can inexplicably affect him despite his healing factor and Taskmaster. This issue features Moon Knight. In other words, this another book you will only dislike if you like Hitler.
Captain America & Bucky #621 ($2.99) – Easily the wild card pick of the week, I am not totally sold on this book’s out of but still sort of in continuity Bucky-centric story, but the inevitable reveal of how Bucky somehow survived his (second) death has yet to be revealed. Once it does, this book will probably make more sense and until then you’ve gotta love those smooth, smooth Chris Samnee pencils.
Total: $18.94
