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 1 ($14.99) – I love “Ghost Fleet”, Donny Cates, and Daniel Warren Johnson. It is great to see “Ghost Fleet” collected into its first trade now that the series has finished out its run. It’s big rigs and explosions and supernatural mysteries all presented in a helluva good looking comic. You really can’t go wrong.
We Can Never Go Home #3 ($3.99) – This continues to be possibly my favorite current series as the tale of teenage runaways, superpowers, romance, crime, and music continues down its path. Rosenberg, Kindlon, and Hood should all definitely be big names after this series and I hope it catches the attention of a lot of people.
Total: $18.98
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
It Will All Hurt #1 ($8.00) – Farel Dalrymple’s “The Wrenchies” was an odd, unnerving, fascinating, and strangely beautiful book; originally published on Study Group Comics, this equally odd companion tale finally sees print, in oversized, Golden Age format glory. Seriously, don’t miss this.
Strange Sports Stories #4 ($4.99) – I found myself emjoying this series much much more than I anticipated. It actually might be one of the stronger anthologies Vertigo has put out. This issue comes with a story by Paul Pope and that’s literally enough for me.
Batman #41 – New Gotham. New Batman. New arc. LET’S DO THIS.
Gotham Academy #7 $2.99 – Everything was starting to settle down at Gotham Academy, until Damian Wayne suddenly enrolled. Guest artist Mingjue Helen Chan steps in for the next chapter in this DC school adventure.
Total: $19.97
Keith’s Picks:
Batman #41 ($3.99) – We all know who the man is behind the new Batsuit and I look forward to seeing where Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo take this veteran Bat-character. I don’t know if I’ve been in the minority about liking the new suit, but I think it fits the story based on the Free Comic Book Day tease. We all know Bruce Wayne will be back, so we might as well enjoy the sure-to-be-zany trip that Snyder and company have in store for us.
Detective Comics #41 ($3.99) – Renee Montoya is back and that is a great thing indeed.
Catwoman #41 ($2.99) – Genevieve Valentine has been writing a crime kingpin Selina Kyle that has been a fascinating ride so far. Valentine is back this month (as well as Selina in the Cat-costume) and is joined by a new artist for the series. David Messina’s art is just as stunning as Garry Brown’s was in the previous issues.
Starfire #1 ($2.99) – The DC Sneak Peek of this new series starring the princess from Tamaran was one of the best stories of the bunch. Judging by that sneak, Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner seem to be taking this book in a different tone than their “Harley Quinn”. Instead of pure madcap mayhem like that book, “Starfire” seems to mix more depth with the fun.
Constantine: The Hellblazer #1 ($2.99) – I was very pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the DC Sneak peek of this book. The story by Ming Doyle and James Tynion IV teased how far they are going to go with Constantine and it seems pretty far. He’s a pretty terrible person and, judging by that short story, they are going to mix horror and comedy in a gleeful fashion. I’ve always enjoyed the books I’ve read with Riley Rossmo’s art and he is a great choice for this book and character.
Earth 2: Society #1 ($2.99) – Here’s to hoping that writer Daniel H. Wilson can flex his muscles more with this book and these characters in deeper ways than he did with the “Earth 2: World’s End” weekly series. The preview for this series seemed intriguing and the art by Jorge Jimenez is unique and gorgeous.
Continued belowTotal: $19.94
Brian’s Picks:
Batman #41 ($3.99) – This issue is a game changer, and no one in comics right now has a higher percentage of doing big stories well than Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo. I trust in them!
Constantine: The Hellblazer #1 ($2.99) – This looks like the perfect combination of talent and character – RIley Rossmo’s art stole the show in the preview, and I wouldn’t bet against it having some jaw dropping moments month in and month out. Let the rehabilitation of DC’s dark side start right here.
Starfire #1 ($2.99) – If this comic were just blank pages, it would be better than what Scott Lobdell was writing over in “Red Hood and the Outlaws,” so this is already a win in my book.
Birthright #8 ($2.99) – Josh Williamson is sneakily one of the most consistent creators in comics – each of his books never dips below “good,” and “Birthright” has never dipped below “excellent.”
X-O Manowar 25th Anniversary Special #1 ($3.99) – What do you get the Manowar that has everything?
Total: $16.95
Mark’s Picks:
B.P.R.D. 1946–1948 ($34.99) ― I get questions about when the next B.P.R.D. omnibus will be coming out all the time. Well, the next one comes out this Wednesday. This volume Collects “1946,” “1947” and “1948,” as well as two short stories, in glorious hardcover. These stories stand alone really well too, so I’d totally recommend this to newcomers, plus it fleshes out several characters in “Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.”
Oh, and it has a huge sketchbook section full of material from Paul Azaceta, Gabriel Ba, Fabio Moon and Max Fiumara.
I’m quite impatient to get this one on my bookshelf.
Total: $34.99 – Yeah, I went way over budget, but it was definitely worth it.
