Back issues.

One thing I was taking into consideration is it better to buy back issues or get graphic novels. I know comic books from the golden age keep their value but what I am talking about is the current comic books coming out. Do current comics keep the high prices that comic book store mark them up to a dollar more, 10 dollars more, or even sometimes 50 more than cover price a month after they are out? Is it really worth it? Unless you are a die hard fan for that character is it really feasible to buy it? Then if you really are a die hard fan would it really bother you to buy a graphic novel? You would probably come out cheaper even if you do have the other issues in the book. The reason why I ask this question is I have come to a crossroads, I have been looking at filling in my runs and I have been thinking about filling in my runs with Essentials or Showcases. I mean all I want to do is read these stories and have them in my collection. Do I want to say I have all the issues or do I want to say I have all the stories? Some stories I just love reading on a monthly basis. Well, that is just my thoughts have a good weekend.