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!
Skullkickers #17 ($3.50) – Jim Zub has been doing some strange genre blending these past few issues, but for all the fields he’s been dipping his hands in, everything still seems very well sculpted, rather than at all sloppy. And can we just take a moment to appreciate the greatness that is Edwin Huang? In only a few years, Huang’s artwork has improved in quality exponentially, and it was great to begin with. I honestly don’t understand anyone who isn’t reading this book, but I suppose there are a few misers out there who just don’t like fun.
American Vampire #30 ($2.99) – So far, ‘The Black List’ has not been as exciting for me as previous “American Vampire” arcs, such as ‘The Ghost War.’ Does that mean I’m dropping this? Of course not! Scott Snyder is still one of the top writers of the latest “generation,” and Rafael Albuquerque is still Rafael f***ing Albuquerque. Either creator could sell a book to me on their own — though Snyder’s recent DC work might make me a bit hesitant toward him — but put them together, and you should be unable to say no… if you know what’s good for you, at least.
Debris #2 ($3.50) – We have a soft spot for the duo Kurtis Wiebe and Riley Rossmo here at Multiversity Comics. Even if “Green Wake” ended too early, it was a strong indicator of good writer/artist chemistry, and the first issue of their latest series, “Debris,” was just as promising. Your opinions on post-apocalyptic fiction aren’t important when considering adding “Debris” to your list; all that matters is whether or not you like good comics. And… well, you do, don’t you?
Grim Leaper #4 ($3.50) – Speak of the devil! More Kurtis Wiebe for you! Now, this is this mini’s last issue, so this probably isn’t the best time to change anyone’s mind, but trust me, you should definitely pick up the trade for this miniseries once it hits the shelves. “Grim Reaper” is one of the more unique reads we’ve seen in comics lately, and considering the diverse comics we have seen in only the past year, that truly is saying something.
Prophet #28 ($3.99) – You listened to me last week and got that incredibly affordable “Prophet” trade, right? You want more, right? How convenient! While this issue is not the one directly following the events of ‘Remission,” you should have no problem finding issue #27 alongside this week’s issue — unless, of course, you share a comic shop with comic fans with very good taste. And, honestly, what are the odds of that?
Total: $17.48
Scam #1 ($3.99) – If you follow the #comicmarket on Twitter, you’ve seen creator Joe Mulvey and the good bros at ComixTribe running around like mad men trying to sell this thing. They even rented a freaking billboard. For a comic book. You have to admire the cahones. For that alone, these guys get my money and I seriously hope they deliver. They believe in comic books so much you can feel the electricity.
Steed and Mrs. Peel #0 ($3.99) – Mark Waid. Relaunch. Sorry, Matt, but the magic hasn’t worn off for me yet…
Popeye #4 ($3.99) – Roger Langridge has gotten the voices of the Popeye characters down to a tee and it’s been an absolute blast to read. A very slyly funny book. Sorry about all the $3.99 recommendations…
Total: $11.97
B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: Return of the Master #1 ($3.50) — If I have to tell you why to buy a B.P.R.D. title, then I just haven’t been doing my job this past year.
Green Lantern Annual #1 ($4.99) — Despite his less than stellar “Aquaman” and “Justice League” runs, Geoff Johns has still been doing good work on “Green Lantern.” And this annual seems to be a pretty important issue in the grand scheme of the book — plus, Ethan Van Sciver is one of the definitive GL artists of the last decade, so having him on an oversized issue is quite a treat.
Justice League International Annual #1 ($4.99) — The end of the story and, apparently, a major pivot point in the Justice League storyline. Plus, O.M.A.C.! As my colleague Walter once said, “Better to have OMACTIVATED and lost than never to have OMACTIVATED at all.”
Mudman #5 ($3.50) — One of my favorite books that, sadly, isn’t really a regular ongoing, schedule wise. But the delays are worth it due to the, frankly, awesome nature of the book.
Journey into Mystery #642 OR FF#21 ($2.99 each) — As much as I want you to buy “Captain Marvel” #3 this week (and if you have more disposable income, you should), both of these books are changing radically in just a few months, so pick your favorite and support the tail end of its current incarnation. (Again, if you have more disposable income, pick up all three)
Total: $19.97
B.P.R.D. Hell On Earth: The Return of the Master #1 ($3.50) – All of the B.P.R.D. titles have been building toward this moment for a while now. “It’s all going to hell in 2012,” is the claim, and this miniseries is where that happens. Don’t miss it!
Frankenstein: Alive! Alive! #2 ($3.99) – Bernie Wrightson is a living legend: co-creator of Swamp Thing, a frequent contributor to “House of Mystery” and “House of Secrets,” penciller of “Batman: The Cult,” and illustrator for one of the best editions of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” with so many more credits to his name it would be impossible to list here. This is a sequel to Mary Shelley’s original novel, scripted by “30 Days of Night”/”Criminal Macabre” creator Steve Niles. Wrightson has been hand-painting each frame for years. You will cherish this book for decades to come. (It may be delayed, I can’t tell at this point, but if so, get “Infernal Man-Thing” #3 to cover your horror fix!)
Prophet #28 ($3.99) – You’re already well aware of my (and everyone else at MC’s) love for this comic, so… ’nuff said.
Spaceman #9 ($2.99) – I admit a huge bias for sci-fi, but this may yet be Azzarello’s best writing yet! This is the final issue of this miniseries, but Azzarello and Risso have said there will be more Spaceman in the future (pun intended).
Steed and Mrs. Peel #0 ($3.99) – I never saw the “Avengers” television show, but my LCS owner has been raving about it and this comic since the solicit first appeared. Brian does not step outside the Big Two often, but when he does, I listen closely. For you X-Men fans out there, this is based on the show that inspired the Hellfire Club.
Total: $18.46
Green Lantern Annual ($4.99) – DC’s not being subtle about suggesting Hal Jordan will die in this issue. Will he? I’m going to buy it to find out. I just hope the ‘Third Army’ storyline doesn’t destroy the industry the way ‘Death of Superman’ is blamed for doing back in the 90s.
Irredeemable volume 10 ($16.99) – When issue 40 of this series came out, Matt gave it a bum review. I haven’t read the comic or his whole review yet, but I have followed “Irredeemable” since issue one. There’s no way I’m going to miss this finale, no matter how low my expectations are.
Total: $21.88 – Remember the extra money I told you to put under the couch cushion last week? Dig it out.
Continued below
Morning Glories #21 ($2.99) – Holy shnikes, you guys. You do not want to miss this issue.
B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: Return of the Master #1 ($3.50) – This is building up to be a huge story for the BPRD. If you’ve been reading the BPRD books so far, get ready. If you haven’t, you have 24 hours to catch up before shit hits the fan.
Powers #11 ($3.95) – The end of volume three of “Powers,” Bendis and Oeming’s best book, is here. Hold on to your butts!
Journey Into Mystery #642 ($2.99) – EVERYTHING BURNS. Can’t wait.
Avenging Spider-Man #11 ($3.99) – Zeb Wells is back! I love when Zeb Wells writes Spider-Man! And he’s bringing Steve Dillon with him? Count me in!
Total: $17.42
