Buying comics can be an expensive hobby. A lot of fans simply can’t afford everything they’re interested in, due to rising prices and the over-saturation of the market with superhero titles.
That’s why we’re here. Every week, the Multiversity staff is asked “What would you buy this week if you couldn’t go over $20?” and shares their reasons why, in order to help others who might have similar tastes make their own decisions in buying comics on a budget. Be sure to leave your own picks in the comments!
Leo’s Picks:
Ghost Fleet, Vol 2 ($14.99) – This is the year Daniel Warren Johnson shows how ridiculously talented he is and it started with “Ghost Fleet”. While the story with writer Donny Cates didn’t receive enough love on the direct market to finish out its run in print, Dark Horse was kind enough to let “Ghost Fleet” finish out digitally before giving it the trade treatment. This trade, in particular, collect the issues that never saw print, so this is the only chance to get them in print, presumably. If you haven’t read them already, I highly suggest you get this trade, along with Volume 1, and read the hell out of it.
Southern Bastards #11 ($3.50) – Look, we all knew this was going to happen. I can’t not pick “Southern Bastards” and the recent one-shot style stories about various other residents of Craw County have been ridiculously good. If this issue, presumably about an earlier mentioned character in Piney Woods, is as good as the issues about Esaw and the Sheriff, then we’re in for a treat.
Total: $18.49
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Last Man Volume 3: The Chase ($9.99) – This manga-inspired French comic has been a blast so far. Prepare yourself for more exciting action.
Paper Girls #1 ($2.99) – Look, I’d be all excited about this because a new BKV book is always worth paying attention to. But that this is drawn by Cliff Chiang makes it beyond anticipated. I don’t even care what it’s about, because with this team…totally aces.
8House: Yorris Part One #4 ($2.99) – A new section of the 8House universe. A new set of mysteries thrown at us. A new creative team contributing to this massive world-building proect.
Hip Hop Family Tree #2 ($3.99) – Ed Piskor is turning in literally one of the most important book in comics right now.
Total: $19.96
Kevin’s Picks:
Doctor Strange #1 ($4.99)– This is a book that is long, long overdue from Marvel. While Daredevil is my favorite all time, Doctor Strange is #2. Coming from a magic and circus background, the good Doctor appealed to me in a lot of different ways. He is a very complex and compelling character who is getting his due before his big movie launch. Jason Arron is a perfect fit for him this time around. My hope is that Arron can do for Strange that he did for Thor(s), making something truly special.
Survivor’s Club #1 ($3.99)– I am a huge fan of Vertigo books. To me, they were the original Image Comics in a lot of ways. After Karen Berger left things seemed destine to meander. “Survivor’s Club” is the first of many new books to launch in the coming months and it looks like a winner. Hopefully this is the start of a nice renaissance from Vertigo.
Jughead #1 ($3.99)– Here we have another Archie book being brought into the modern world. The solicit text for this one does not give a lot away, which is totally fine. The talent involved sets the bar very high, but obtainable. Kudos to Archie corporate for taking a chance on a book like this. Although I do truly wonder if they know who Chip Zdarsky is and what he is known for.
Codename Baboushka: The Conclave Of Death #1 ($3.99)– I am a big fan of Antony Johnston’s non-Wasteland work. “The Fuse” is an awesome space crime thriller and “Umbral” was a total mind-fuck of a book. Now he sets his sights on a female James Bond from Russia..,if you are drooling that is fine, I am too. Putting the Bond archetype in the female form is something comics have been missing. Sure we have Black Widow, but there is only so much Marvel will let her do. This has the potential for a huge following from both males and females, which is something I am all for.
Continued belowPaper Girls #1 ($2.99)– There really is nothing better when two awesome creators get together and make a book. Brian K. Vaughan needs no introduction whatsoever. His credentials speak for themselves. Cliff Chang on the other hand, is now becoming a household name after his incredible “Wonder Woman” run. All of the elements are in play for another smash Image hit!
Saints #1 ($2.99)– When I read that Sean Lewis of “This American Life” fame was going to be involved in a comic, I said “sign me up.” Add in the fact he is going to be tackling some “Preacher” style territory with his first story…wow. Let’s see how well this one stands out into a crowded landscape.
Total: $22.94 – A tiny bit over this week for all-new #1’s. It is a bummer that “Doctor Strange” is priced so high, but it will be worth it. For those unwilling to take the jump, “Ei8ht” is being released for $17.99, “Injection” Volume 1 for $9.99 and “Bitch Planet” Volume 1 for $9.99.
Keith’s Picks:
Batman and Robin Eternal #1 ($3.99) – As anyone knows, I can never get enough Batman and his world. With this new weekly, every Robin comes together for an epic story that flips between the present and the past. The “Batman Eternal” weekly was a critical success and I have no doubt this one will fail us. With the emphasis on detective work, the debut of a new villainess, and the reintroduction of Cassandra Cain, I am one thrilled Bat-devotee.
Paper Girls #1 ($2.99) – I would read anything with the names Brian K. Vaughn and Cliff Chiang on it. Having them work together on a new ongoing about newspaper delivery girls solving mysteries during the 1980s sounds like a lot of fun.
Jughead #1 ($3.99) – If Chip Zdarsky and Erica Henderson can do with a Jughead book that Mark Waid and Fiona Staples have done with an Archie title, then we’re in for a surprising and delectable treat.
Detective Comics #45 ($3.99) – Peter J. Tomasi takes over writing duties while Marcio Takara is the new regular artist for “Detective Comics”. Tomasi wrote a masterful and underrated run on “Batman and Robin” for the New 52 and I’m intrigued to see him join Gordo-Bats with the Justice League. I’ve never read anything with Takara’s art but have heard only amazing things.
Omega Men #5 ($2.99) – I’m beyond thrilled that Tom King and Barnaby Bagenda are going to be able to finish their (at least) twelve issue run on this title. From the very first issue, this series has already become one of the books I look forward to the most each month. Everyone should support this book so King can continue past the promised twelve chapters!
Total: $17.95 – There are a TON of books coming out this week. There are a lot that I couldn’t fit within a twenty dollar budget (such as “Southern Bastards”, “Plutona”, “Nailbiter”, “Outcast”, “Midnighter”, and “Action Comics”), so I suggest you splurge to your heart’s content.
Greg’s Picks:
Atomic Robo and the Ring of Fire #2 ($3.99) – Almost fifty issues worth of accessible hilarious adventure stories and Atomic Robo is STILL one of the most underrated books out there. And even though this is the second issue of the mini, I’d still recommend you pick it up because this book is THAT new-reader-friendly and just THAT good.
Southern Bastards #11 ($3.50) – Another great non-issue-one jump-on point for readers. Aaron’s work with making his characters’ voices distinctive and memorable is so good they have their own gravity that pulls, literally PULLS readers into the books. And Latour can do and suggest so much with the combination of sparse linework and coloring textures that he plays in the same ballpark as Toth and Immonen without coming off as a copycat. We’re all lucky that these guys are not only southern bastards, but insanely talented ones as well.
Doctor Strange #1 ($4.99) – All that stuff I said about Jason Aaron right there? Still applies. Now add to that Chris Bachalo’s rendering and perchance to go more than a little nuts with his panel layouts or just general sense of what each page needs to stand out from the crowd. Then pour that mix into a cauldron already bubbling with the potent and rarely utilized brew of Marvel mysticism and Dr. Stephen Strange (WITH AN AXE!) and you’ve got a book that’s impossible to ignore. You might not pick it up at that price point, but you have to acknowledge its swinging-for-the-fences approach.
Continued belowStar Wars #10 ($3.99) – It’s Jason Aaron week, apparently. I could have passed this up and gone with another book by some other creator (Lord knows there’s enough talent on the stands every given week to do so), but I am legitimately enjoying the Marvel SW books in general, and this one is particular. Aaron and Immonen are doing Goodwin & Williamson-level work on this book, no question about it. The story momentum, the banter, the jaw-dropping spectacle…it’s perfect.
The Humans #8 ($2.99) – For Life. Til Deth.
Total: $19.46
Ken’s Picks:
Batman & Robin Eternal #1 ($3.99): Consider me excitesitent for this series. On the one hand: tighter story at 26 issues, plus the long long long overdue return of Cassandra Cain. On the other hand, my fears of the overuse of “Bruce is keeping secrets from his family” as well as the fears that they’ll continue to push silly ideas from Bats Eternal like Jason had a crush on Barbara or that Jason and Tim are the closer brothers. Really anything Jason Todd.
Imperium #9 ($3.99): Just in case you thought I was going to Play Against Type.
The Omega Men #5 ($2.99): Talked about in This Month In Comics, but the book got a stay of execution, so take advantage. It’s a really good series and it caused me to think Tom King could be a potential writer for “Legion of Super-Heroes” one day.
A Star Wars Book ($3.99): “Star Wars”, “Darth Vader”, “Shattered Empire”, “Lando” are all out this week. Grab one of them I guess. They tend to be really good.
Total: $14.96
