Remember that episode of The Twilight Zone where Burgess Meredith just wants time to read? It takes a nuclear apocalypse to give him that time, and then fate intervenes. Quarantine may have its own dangers, but it’s no apocalypse. It gives everyone time to read, and to repair glasses as needed. So what are the good cheap reads right now? In this ongoing series, Superhero Hype takes a look at some of the better deals Amazon.com has running as of publication time. Please note that all deals are subject to change or sell out at any time based on supply and demand.
The Elder Scrolls: The Official Cookbook
No need to risk and arrow to the knee for a taste of Skyrim. From apple cabbage stew to sunlight souffle and orsimer venison, dine like a dragonborn by following simple instructions. At nearly half price, these tasty vittles also spare your gold. And yes, imbibers may find plenty of drink ideas for the feast herein.
Doomsday Clock Part 1 Hardcover
For readers who like to wait until the individual issues have run their course, Doomsday Clock Part 1 collects the first six issues. In this ambitious crossover between the Watchmen and DC universes, Adrian Veidt looks to clear his name by searching for Dr. Manhattan. Alongside a new Rorschach, and newcomers Mime and Marionette, Veidt will cross into the main DC timeline in search of answers. And even the world’s smartest man can appreciate a 10% discount.
Saga of the Swamp Thing Book Four
Alan Moore revitalized Swamp Thing with body horror. Then he brought in horror-horror, as the elemental no longer known as Alec Holland dealt with a conflict between Heaven and Hell. In volume 4, the battle comes to an uneasy resolution with the help of John Constantine, Etrigan, Spectre, and the Phantom Stranger. The ending is…unexpected.
The Batman Who Laughs Hardcover
DC’s newest popular villain, combining Batman and Joker, comes to the main universe to battle regular Batman. “As Batman’s closest friends, deadliest enemies, and doppelgangers from across the Multiverse get caught in the crossfire, only one question remains: Who will have the last laugh? Discover the answer in The Batman Who Laughs–a terrifying reimagining of one of comics’ greatest heroes–and villains.” And it’s 42% off as of this writing.
Uzumaki (3-in-1 Deluxe Edition) (Junji Ito)
In this bizarre horror-fantasy manga, a small town is cursed and haunted. Not by a ghost or demon, but by the secret shape of the world itself. Wrap your mind around that one, for twenty dollars and change.
The Princess Bride Deluxe Edition HC: S. Morgenstern’s Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure
Sure, just about everybody reading this can quite the movie word for word. How many know that it’s based on a book? Like the movie, the book includes an unreliable narrator who skips the “boring parts” to tell the best version of the tale. And for $16, this foil embossed edition includes 50 full-color illustrations, as well as a map of Florin and beyond on the endpages. Inconceivable? Never.
The Hobbit: Illustrated Edition
In the middle of the earth, in the land of Shire, lives a brave little Hobbit whom we all admire. Read the original book by JRR Tolkien, take the time to enjoy Jemima Caitlin’s illustrations, and still finish a lot sooner than anyone who watches Peter Jackson’s movie trilogy adaptation.
Ready Player Two: A Novel Hardcover – November 24, 2020
Everyone has strong opinions about Ernest Cline. Does he cheaply mine nostalgia for easy reference points, or is he a postmodern genius deftly commenting on today’s nerd-bro mindset? Whatever the case, most feel at least some curiosity about his Ready Player One sequel novel. With no plot information leaked so far, the prevailing assumption is that it likely involves another deep quest into the virtual reality Oasis. And preorders currently run at 34% off.
Stranger Things: Into the Fire (Graphic Novel)
What became of the other children besides Eleven who escaped from Hawkins lab? Nine got left behind, and now her siblings must race to find her before the doctors — or her delusions — break her down. Due out on July 28, this expansion of the Stranger Things universe only runs $15.59 for a preorder.
The Boys Omnibus Vol. 1 TPB
How does Garth Ennis’ original stack up to the Amazon adaptation? Read for yourself and decide which is crazier, as Billy Butcher and his gang take on the supes…for half-price. Yours, not theirs.
