You love the feeling of going into a comic store, browsing the shelves and walking out with a big stack of the latest issues to dig into. The only thing that sours this experience is looking at your bank account later. You can’t afford to spend so much on comics.
Is there a way to keep up your comic addiction without going overbudget? There sure is!
Go to the Library!
You may not get the niche picks from your favorite independent comic shop, but you can at least access award-winning graphic novels like Watchmen by Alan Moore, Black Hole by Charles Burns and Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi at your local library.
What if you can’t find any copies on shelves? Check their digital catalog for e-book versions. If they don’t have any, try the app Libby. Libby works with public libraries across the country to help you access free e-books and audiobooks.
Use a Digital Subscription!
If you’re a diehard DC fan, you could sign up for a DC Universe subscription. If you’re more of a Marvel fan, then a Marvel Unlimited subscription will be up your alley. And if you take a neutral stance in the Marvel vs. DC debates? Sign up for both!
A Comixology Unlimited subscription will give you access to a rotating selection of popular titles. If some options pique your interest, and you want to continue with the next books in the series, your subscription will give you discounted rates for digital comics on Comixology.
Do you already have a subscription to Audible? Did you know that you can listen to your favorite comics? That’s right, Audible has audio adaptations of your favorite comics, like Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman series or Jim Butcher’s Spider-Man: The Darkest Hours. With the help of your monthly credit, you can add these gems to your library.
Read Webcomics!
Webcomics can scratch that itch for exciting storylines and gorgeous art without hurting your budget. You can find a massive catalog of webcomics on apps like WEBTOON. You can also go to Tumblr’s webcomic library and browse through posts from up-and-coming artists.
Go on Comic Days!
A couple of days a year, comic book shops and conventions give out free comics to customers. Free Comic Book Day takes place in May and Halloween Comic Fest takes place in October. Mark your calendars!
Host a Swap!
Do you have friends that read comics? Then, why not host a book swap where you trade your comics with each other? You can fill up your bookshelf with great stories without having to spend a cent.
Take Care of Your Budget
Blowing your budget on your comic addiction might seem like a good idea at first, but you’ll regret the choice when something goes wrong. What if you bounce a check? What if you don’t have enough to pay a bill on time? What if there’s an emergency expense you can’t handle?
In the case of an emergency, you can use your credit card to cover the expense and then pay down the balance later. Or you can look into a loan by phone as a potential solution. As long as you meet the qualifications, you can apply. You just might get approved for the loan and get enough funds to cover the emergency.
As you can see, you can enjoy your comics and stay on budget.
