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!
Godzilla: The Half-Century War #1 ($3.99) – I know what those of you who don’t know the particulars of this series are thinking: “Gee, Walt, $3.99 for a Godzilla comic? Isn’t that a bit much, especially for this column.” If you have such doubts, I have two words that will change your mind: James Stokoe. There, I thought that would help ease the sting.
Conan the Barbarian #7 ($3.50) – Becky’s back, baby (what can I say, I’m a sucker for consonance). While James Harren did an outstanding job during the previous arc, it is hard to not be left pining for the glorious team that is Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan. Having worked together since the early years of their respective careers, the two creators have a wonderful synergy that is exciting to see in action, no matter what the genre. The latest volume of “Conan the Barbarian” has been a great success among Cimmerian newbies, and if you haven’t been reading it yet, now is as good a time as any to start.
The Massive #3 ($3.50) – Issue #1 was awesome. Issue #2 was awesome. Is issue #3 going to be bad? I find it unlikely. Wood and Kristian Donaldson are yet another awesome creative pair who have been working together for some time, and it shows. Both have refined their craft over the years, and the result is this excellent work of comics brilliance. Plus: Rafael Grampa variant!
Punk Rock Jesus #2 ($2.99) – As much as I love Sean Murphy’s art, I won’t hesitate to admit that I was a bit unsure about this mini before the first issue was released. I’m not at all religious, but it seemed a bit too much like a “trying too hard” concept. Then I read issue #1 and all my doubts were swept away. Don’t forget, kids: black and white is awesome.
American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares #3 ($2.99) – I have been a bit unsure of 2011’s Multiversity darling Scott Snyder’s mainstream output so far this year, but this mini has been getting back to the roots of why I came to love his work. Plus, Dustin Nguyen drawing the hell out of some vampires doesn’t hurt matters.
Total: $16.97
GI JOE Cobra Command vol 3 ($19.99) – IDW’s GI Joe stories are crazy entertaining, and I look forward to every new volume.
Creep #0 ($2.99) A new murder mystery miniseries from Dark Horse? Sign me up.
Total: $22.98 – Eat a cheap lunch or look under the couch cushions for the extra money. You won’t regret it.
Batman #12 ($3.99) — Beck Cloonan is sitting in for Greg Capullo, and while I will miss Greggers, Becky is a fine replacement for a month.
Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #12 ($2.99) — Matt Kindt continues to be one of the most interesting creators working today, and while this is no “Mind MGMT,” it is still a super fun book.
Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #2 ($3.99) — Jae Lee’s art in #1 was worth the price of admission alone; throw in Len Wein getting what makes the character tick, and this is one of the three (so far) worthwhile Before Watchmen books.
Fantastic Four #609 ($2.99) — Better enjoy Hickman’s “Fantastic Four” while you can.
Total: $13.96 — This is a pretty light week.
Batman #12 ($3.99)/Conan the Barbarian #7 ($3.50) – Two times the Cloonan this week? You better believe it, buster. If you’re in the mood for some good looking comics, look no darn further.
Continued belowGodzilla: Half Century War #1 ($3.99) – Speaking of good looking comics, holy crap! James Stokoe draws the ever loving heck out of Godzilla in this book! You don’t have to like the King of Monsters to be down with this comic; you just have to love damn good art.
It Girl and the Atomics #1 ($2.99) – Mike Allred’s “Madman” is back — er, well, kinda sorta. The universe is back, the characters are familiar and the creative team is that of those who adore Allred’s seminal creations. If you’re looking for a ginchy time this week, get on down to Snap City with the return of It Girl!
Adventure Time: Marceline and the Scream Queens #2 ($3.99) – What time is it? Rock and roolllll tiiiiimmmeee!!! \m/ \m/ \m/ PB and Marceline go on tour! Hijinks ensue! Will Marceline’s fries get eaten again?? Only one way to find out.
Total: $18.46
Daredevil Annual #1 ($4.99) — I like Marvel’s new practice of having crossover arcs in their annuals. Last year’s “Escape from the Negative Zone” was a lot of fun and it set up “AvX!” Who knows what this one will lead in to?
Punk Rock Jesus #2 ($2.99)– Sean Gordon Murphy knocked this book out the proverbial park last month and I cannot WAIT to see where it goes from here. I’m looking forward to more punk rock in the coming issues.
Spider-Men #4 ($3.99)– Hands down the best book starring Peter or Miles, and it stars both! How about that!
X-Men Legacy #271 ($2.99)– Rogue is stuck in mega Limbo or something and she has to get out! I gotta see where this is going
Total: $14.96
Archer and Armstrong #1 ($3.99) – The Valiant re-launch has been extremely well orchestrated. I’ve enjoyed all that I’ve read so far, and I’m looking forward to Fred Van Lente’s take on this, the last of the “Summer of Valiant” relaunches.
Atomic Robo: The Flying She-Devils of the Pacific #2 ($3.50) – If the title alone doesn’t convince you, I’m not really sure what will…
Conan the Barbarian #7 ($3.50) – Brian Wood is one of the best things to happen to comics – and one of the worst things to happen to my wallet! He keeps making me care about titles I stopped caring about a long time ago. Case in point: Conan the Barbarian. I came for Becky Cloonan’s amazing artwork, and stayed for Brian Wood’s masterful interpretation of an all-too-often one-dimensional character. Looks like I’m in it for the full run! Plus, Cloonan returns to art duties for this two-issue story arc.
The Massive #3 ($3.50) – Speaking of Brian Wood, when he’s not too busy taking over X-Men titles, Conan, and soon, Star Wars, he’s also writing this intriguing creator-owned series that looks to be every bit as good as DMZ or Northlanders.
Mouse Guard: the Black Axe #5 ($3.50) – Battling numerous delays, the next installment of David Petersen’s award-winning warrior-mouse epic is finally here!
Total: $17.99
