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!
Happy #1 ($2.99) – Here we have Grant Morrison on his first creator-owned book since “Joe the Barbarian” and, perhaps even more important, Darick Robertson on the first issue of his post-“The Boys” career. Two huge names, and yet it’s only $2.99. The only possible reason I can think of for not picking up issue #1 and deciding from there on whether to follow the rest is that you prefer collecting miniseries in trade. Sure, I can tell you right away that this is very much a “your mileage may vary” read, but, in the words of Gob Bluth, “Come on!”
Skullkickers #18 ($3.99) – It’s one of the most fun comics coming out these days as interpreted by some of comics’ top talent. John Layman and Rob Guillory of “Chew.” Justin Jordan and Tradd Moore of “The Strange Talent of Luther Strode.” But even more intriguing is the short story by Aubrey Sitterson and Ivan Anaya. Could this contest-winning submission be the first step into a new career by these one-time fans? I’m excited to find out — and I’m sure they are, too.
Adventure Time #8 ($3.99) – Come on and grab your friends. I’ve said really everything that needs to be said about this series, and so have Matt, Ned, and a large portion of the comic-reading population. Get this comic.
Mind MGMT #5 ($3.99) – Matt Kindt’s espionage book is one of the most unique books coming out right now, and that’s in an age blessed with a variety of different comics. “Mind MGMT” may not be flashy, but it doesn’t need to be; Kindt wields the supernatural with an expert’s subtlety and grace, resulting in a finely crafted comic that appeals to a broad base of readers. “Mind MGMT” is one of the many reasons Dark Horse is causing Image to sweat once again.
Batman Incorporated #0 ($2.99) – Chris Burnham writing? Color me intrigued — and color me sold when you add in that the art in this issue is done by the fabulous Frazer Irving.
Total: $17.59
Mind MGMT #5 (3.99)- Get on the bandwagon! Even if you don’t think the concept or story is the best thing ever, this book is a must buy just for the sheer quality and quantity of content. It’s not just a comic – “Mind MGMT” is art.
Punisher #16 (2.99) – Rucka’s run comes to a close, and that’s sad. Pick this and the coming ‘War Zone’ mini up and hopefully the sales will warrant a return.
Rachel Rising #11 (3.99) – Do you like horror? Do you like comics? Do you like strong female characters? If you answered yes to any of these, buy this book.
Red Lanterns #0 (2.99) – In a heavier week, this wouldn’t make my list. I dropped the title months ago, but I’m interested in the ‘Third Army’, so I’m giving this zero issue a shot.
Mind MGMT #5 (3.99) – Yes, this book is in my picks twice. No, that’s not a mistake. Some content in the single issues won’t be collected in trade, so the early issues of this title will be hot in a couple years as new readers come in. A second copy won’t put my daughter through college, but it may still be a decent return.
Total: $17.95
LP ($4.00) – We’ve done a lot of promo for it (and will have more on the site before the day is done), but the best independently-created/independently-released comic of the year is out this week in the form of “LP” by Curt Pires and Ramon Villalobos. I can’t express enough how enthusiastic I am about this book, so just trust me when I say you’re going to want a copy of this book so you can say you were there before Pires and Villalobos became the biggest name in comics (or something similar). Check it out right here and grab what is sure to be one of the hottest indie releases of the year.
Continued belowHappy #1 ($2.99) – New Grant Morrison creator-owned with Darrick Robertson. I’ve read it. You’re going to want to.
Batman Inc #0 ($2.99) – Speaking of Grant Morrison, new Morrison “Batman” with Frazer Irving! Fun stuff.
B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: The Return of the Master #2 ($3.50) – The BPRD series is consistently one of the best creator-owned books on the market. To not be reading it is to have open disdain for all the good that comics stand for. You don’t hate comics, right?
The Punisher #16 ($2.99) – Rucka’s “Punisher” run is repeatedly ignored and underrated by others in favor of other, lesser works of comic fiction. Don’t miss out on this amazing run as things come to a dramatic conclusion.
Journey into Mystery #644 ($2.99) – Finally, Marvel’s best title continues it’s incredible final storyline with a dramatic and intense story of fire, fire and more fire. Watch it all burn.
Total: $19.46
Prophet #29 ($3.99) – Whacked out sci-fi and gorgeous art. Something truly weird and special from a major comic book publisher. Even Image Comics doesn’t often go this deep off the beaten path of storytelling. It’s wonderful.
Mind MGMT #5 ($3.99) – Matt Kindt’s one-man-show continues to be book that not only demands your extra time and effort, but deserves it too. Densely packed psychological sci-fi goodness.
Batman Incorporated #0 ($2.99) – Grant Morrison writing the origin story of Bruce Wayne’s international band of vigilantes. How could this be anything but one of the most insanely fun books on the stands this week?
Talon #0 ($2.99) – James Tynion IV comes highly recommended by Scott Snyder. Snyder’s Court of the Owls has been the most popular and important addition to DC Comics in the post-Flashpoint world. Anyway you slice it, this book deserves a good, hard look by anyone who enjoyed the strong canon that Snyder has been adding to Batman’s corner of the world.
Happy #1 ($2.99) – Grant Morrison writes a hyper-vulgar script. Darick Robertson draws some seriously grave images right alongside a goofy anthropomorphic cartoon animal. Sounds too weird to fail, right? Well, good news – I can tell you the first issue is definitely worth picking up!
Total: $16.95
B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: The Return of the Master #2 ($3.50): I’ve already read this issue and man, is it a killer. B.P.R.D. is on one hell of an upswing after a turbulent few months, and this issue might be the best work Tyler Crook has ever done. I can’t wait for people to read it.
The Sixth Gun #25 ($3.99): Another issue I’ve already read, and this continues the really solid start the first issue of “Winter Wolves” had. Bonus points because Brian Hurtt is CRUSHING on this arc. Plus, a mummy and Kirby Hale action.
Invincible #95 ($2.99): What a heartbreaking issue. Cory Walker is the standout here, as the Robot and Monster Girl story takes a truly tragic turn. If you’ve been a long time fan of this book, you can’t help but really feel this issue. All that, and there is some hellaciously awesome violence!
Happy! #1 ($2.99): I haven’t read this issue like many of my other MC brethren, but an Image book from Grant Morrison and Darick Robertson? I’d be a fool if I didn’t try it out.
Wolverine and the X-Men #17 ($3.99) – Mike Allred on a Doop-centric issue of Wolvie + X-Men? TAKE MY MONEY MARVEL!!!!
Total: $17.46
Adventure Time #8 ($3.99) – You’ve heard it from me every month: best all-ages comic on the stands. Buy it. Read it. Love it. This month’s backup is by Frank & Becky of Tiny Kitten Teeth.
Batman, Incorporated #0 ($2.99) – Find out how it all started in the New 52!
Happy #1 ($2.99) – Grant Morrison and Darick Robertson, do I need to say more? I’ve already read this issue, and it being Morrison, I’m already confused. All I know is I liked it!
Continued belowMars Attacks #4 ($3.99) – The invasion has begun, the incompetent president is on the run, chased by Martians with ray-guns, man this comic is a lot of fun!
Prophet #29 ($3.99) – Another comic that has me confused as hell! John Prophet (the non-cloned version) is getting closer to Earth, where all hell is going to break loose. Also, a stunningly beautiful cover by Fil Barlow that I just might frame.
Total: $19.95
Gil’s Picks
Avatar The Last Airbender: The Promise Part 3 TP ($10.99) — Man, I love Avatar: The Last Airbender. The canonical bridge between the original series and the sequel series Avatar: The Legend of Korra fits the tone of the cartoon pretty perfectly. This book tells us about the formation of the very city where our new hero Korra lives as well as give us an idea of where our old heroes ended up. Spoiler Alert: Katara and Aang are TOTALLY a thing.
And they’re flipping adorable.
If you’re a fan of ATLA you really can’t go wrong in picking this up.
Superman #0 ($2.99) — I bet this entry shocked you to your very core. Not only is it Superman related, but it’s also set in the past before Krypton was destroyed. I love peeking into life on this planet, even if the last thing Superman needs is ANOTHER origin story. Beyond all that business, it also has art from the indomitable Kenneth Rocafort. I’m cautiously excited.
Happy #1 ($2.99) — Grant Morrison and Darick Robertson? I’m on board.
Total: $16.97
