What makes you buy a particular comic?

[CoreyPledger]

I guess that's the difference though, some people like the art, and to me the art is essential, but for the most part, I'm always looking for a story that drags me in and keeps my attention. Bad art can ruin some stories for me, but I always want something, no matter who's doing the work, that really snags my brain and makes me want more.

[Selkirk]

has to be the penciller...without the nice lines all we have is something rather ridiculous(could be argued that with the nice lines all we have is something rather ridiculous...but still they are nice to look at ).

[InkDrop]

1. Penciller ( The whole art team really )
2. Characters
3. Writing
4. Foil-Stamped-Glow-In-The-Dark-Limited-Edition-Embossed-Cover-Polybagged-With-Scratch&Sniff-Limited-Run-Poster-And/Or-TradingCard.
5. Storyline (disregarding all of the above) If I'm really into a storyline I will follow it across a plethora of books.

[cbikle]

Pretty much buy books based on who's writing them, although I'm more likely to give a new writer a shot if his book's art is done by Alex Roth or Mike Allred.

For me, the art has to be glaringly good or bad to play into the equation.

[NickRocks]

If Frank Miller or JRJr is involved

[jeremy dale]

Above and beyond the obvious "all are great choices" generic answer, for me it's the artwork. If it's done well and catches my eye, I'll give it a chance. Great writing? Sometimes that'll lure me in, but it'll keep me if the artwork is great. Great art? I'm a sucker every time, even if the plot is little more than 'splosions and fightin'.

[Spidey]

A multiple choice option for the poll would have been handy, but it is mainly for the neat art. Most of the time however, it's due to a nice combination of writing and art.

[penciljack]

Multiple choice answers are too easy!

[Bruce Lee]

Since I buy a lot of old comics, I'd have to say nostalgia! lol. In days of old, the character alone was enough to get me to buy a comic. Then again, in days of old, comics were a helluva lot cheaper. 50 cents was a lot easier to risk than the current $3-$4 comic book prices. Now after decades of comic buying, I'm a lot more selective.

I need the whole package to make me truly happy, but the artwork is the thing that has to always be top notch if I'm going to put down my money down on a book. The story can be written by a genius, and I still won't buy it unless the accompanying artwork is up to snuff. If I wanted a book just for the story alone, I'd buy a novel and get a lot more bang for my buck. The artwork matters with me, big time.

[amadarwin]

The single most compelling reason is the art. The artist doesn't necessarily grab me first, because I notice the ART first. THEN I'll look at the artist, if I'm not familiar with the style. Quite a few times, I've grabbed books off the shelves from artists whose style is similar to one I like. Then I read a few pages to see if the dialogue and premise grab me. I barely ever check the writing credits though. If those pages grab me, then it's sold. Only after digesting it multiple times will it warrant another go for a consecutive issue if worthy.

The only exception to that quite possibly is Powers. I NEVER picked that book up. EVER, well, mostly. Oemings art just kills my eyes. Only recently did I buy the first TPB because of the hype it's always gotten. And I loved it. Still don't like Oemings art though.