This week on Comics Should Be Cheap!, four of Multiversity’s writers pick what comics they’d grab if they could only get $20 worth of comics (I can’t even imagine what that world would be like!). For readers who are looking to buy on a budget, this is a good resource for you.
Check out our choices after the jump.
Existence 2.0/3.0 Trade Paperback ($14.99) – When Image released the first issue of Nick Spencer and Joe Eisma’s Morning Glories a few weeks back, I finally realized why I’d been hearing the name “Nick Spencer” so much: the guy is awesome. Now I’m on the hunt to read more of his work and Image is releasing a TPB of his previous work (also with Joe Eisma!) Existence 2.0/3.0 this week. Perfect timing, considering it’s a light week with nothing really pressing me to buy them.
Scalped #40 ($2.99) – Scalped is my favorite book on the market, and the current arc from Jason Aaron and R.M. Guera looks like it could be another new favorite, especially with the way the last issue ended. I can’t wait to see how Dash’s father is going to throw everything into disarray, and it’s going to be a hell of a good read if the deadly duo keeps it up to their usual standard.
Total: $17.98
Matt’s Picks
Batman #702 ($2.99) – This marks the first part of Grant Morrison’s finale to the Death of Batman story. Bridging the gap between RIP and Final Crisis, the first issue was all build up. While we know exactly how this issue will end, I do look forward to seeing what other hints are given towards Morrison’s epic Batman finale in Batman and Robin with Bruce Wayne and Dr. Hurt’s return.
Action Comics #892 ($3.99) – Action Comics has very quickly raised in ranks as total fan favorite book here at MC. Paul Cornell writing Luthor has been stellar, and Pete Woods has been killing it with his art. Throw in a back up by Lemire and this book is very much a must buy.
Fantastic Four #582 ($2.99) – Jonathan Hickman has made Fantastic Four into essential reading. This book has been absolutely dynamite, and the last issue was phenomenal. Literally, the first thing I did after reading it was e-mail everyone else at MC to let them know my mind had been blown. It’s only going to get better from here.
Invincible #74 ($2.99) – Invincible has reached it’s most important era, with the Viltrumite War in full swing and Mark’s life on the line. This is roughly 6 years of build up and pay off, folks, and I hope you’re along for the ride.
Secret Warriors #19 ($2.99) – I wrote this the last time Secret Warriors was an option for this, but the long and short of it is – this title has been great since day one, and Jonathan Hickman has been nothing short of a breakout talent at Marvel. I’ve got every issue of this book since day one, and I’ll be damned if I miss a single one.
Thor #613 ($3.99) – Kieron Gillen has been doing an overly phenomenal job with his work in Thor. The story has been truly stellar, and I’m sad to see him leave the title. While he’s still around, though, I won’t miss a damn issue and neither should you.
Total: $19.94
Astonishing X-Men #35 ($2.99) would have made my initial list if it hadn’t been delayed to hell and back. I would say that if you have the extra cash and you were trying to keep up with it when it was originally being printed, nab it.
Brandon’s Picks
Avengers #4 ($3.99) – While some people have complained about this book I’ve rather enjoyed it. I’ve found Bendis and JRJR together to be treat to my senses. I really enjoy the way this book has that classic Avengers feel. While I prefer the street level vibe that New Avengers brought for years I do appreciate what the creative team of this book has brought to the table. I have yet to feel as if I didn’t get my moneys worth with this series.
Continued belowBatman #702 ($2.99) – Grant Morrison and Tony Daniel bringing us a tale of Bruce Wayne Batman? Yes please! I mean for Odin’s sake have you seen the preview art for this issue? It looks spectacular. I really think Daniel’s Batman is one of the better takes on the character in recent years. Meanwhile, Morrison’s Batman has been rather hit or miss for me so we’ll see if this is worth more than just the art.
Invincible #74 ($2.99) – What can I really say about this book other than it, like Kirkman’s other books, is pure brilliance? This book is so money and it doesn’t even know it. If you don’t read this book please do yourself a favor and pick up the Ultimate editions of this book and get caught up.
Justice League: Generation Lost #8 ($2.99) – Probably my favorite book DC is putting out at this point in time. The fact that it is available twice a month is just crazy ridiculous. For a twice a month book this book is keeping the quality level up better than some once a month books I could easily throw under the bus, but wont.
X-Factor #208 ($2.99) – Speaking of consistent books, this book is the most consistently good X-Book on the market. PAD gives us A-List stories from what could easily be considered C-List characters in the X-Men stable. With this book you are guaranteed two things. The first is solid dialogue. The second is amazingly deep characters. So do you like these things? Then you’ll love this book as much as me.
X-Men Legacy #239 ($2.99) – While X-Factor is the best X-Book, Legacy is the best X-Men book starring core X-Men characters. It has a nice mix of older established characters and some of the newer characters we were introduced to in New X-Men and the like. To top it all of you get both top notch writing and art.
Total: $18.94
Josh’s Picks
Action Comics #892 ($3.99) – Paul Cornell has very quickly entered the “can do no wrong” category and this book is a very strong reason why. Last issue’s jaunt into Lex Luthor’s mind took a stance on the character that both honors his vast history and at the same time added several new dimensions and did it with a style and wit not seen in years. I have never been more engaged in reading a Super-title.
Avengers #4 ($3.99) – While I’m more than less getting burned out on all things Avengers, I’m still enjoying this book a lot…although it is missing a lot of the signature Bendis wit that has pervaded New Avengers as of late…I guess this is the “serious” Avengers book. Still though, I am loving all the zonky alt-reality stuff going on here…that and Hawkeye being on the team are both winners in my book.
Astonishing X-Men #35 ($2.99) – I’m gonna be honest, I forgot that this series hadn’t ended its been so long in between issues…also given the fact that they restarted it two months ago. I’m also sort of unsure whats even going on anymore…but its Warren Ellis and Phil Jimenez…and thats a solid sell.
Fantastic Four #582 ($2.99) – Easily one of the best books month in and month out. What Hickman has been doing here is nothing short of amazing and I can’t wait to see where he’s going every issue…its almost never a place I expect, but always a place that entertains me.
X-Factor #208 ($2.99) – Easily one of the OTHER best books month in month out and it has been for nearly five years now. For over 50 issues, Peter David has crafted one of the most innovative, shocking, hilarious and engaging super-team books seen this decade. He’s taken characters most people had forgotten about completely and made them first just as entertaining and then MORE entertaining than most if not all mainstream super-people…at the very least in the mutant world if not across the Marvel line. I wish this run a long, full existence.
Total: $16.95
