I was thinking of buying Copics but if they're not available in the US, I was thinking of getting prismacolors..
Prismacolors are probably the best alternative, I used them all throughout art school and professionally, and thought they may be expensive enough to make the wallet pocket bleed rainbows, they're damned good markers.
Yes, Copics are available in the US. Check US retailers.
Saw them at Art Media and Uwajimaya.