I've got an Epson C64 Printer and for the first time in 18months I need to BUY ink ( the missus used to get Epson carts free from work !!)

Firstly, How sodding expensive is it ! bejesus I nearly passed out in PC World, they wanted £20 just for a black ink cart.

Are the compatibles any good ? or are they all pants ? or are only some good ?

Anyone found somewhere cheap for ink ? Good / Bad stories ?

Look forward to some replies. I'm out of Black ink and so am near desperation ( but not stupid enough to spend silly money in pc pants !)