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:
Five Ghosts Deluxe Edition HC Vol. 1 ($34.99) – I really like “Five Ghosts”, guys. I’ve read the series since the first issue, since before it was ever an ongoing, and have loved each and every issue. I think it’s one of the more underrated Image titles, as it’s solid each and every issue but doesn’t get near the love it deserves. Barbiere and Mooneyham have certainly shown a lot of love for this book and it shows with each and every page. Now that the first twelve issues are collected in a fancy hardcover, complete with extras, it’s like a dream come true. I’m way over my $20 this week, but, damn it, it’s worth it.
Total: $34.99. Let’s just pretend all the extra money I have from weeks past is making up the difference here.
Keith’s Picks:
We Are…Robin #1 ($3.99) – This new series by writer Lee Bermejo and artists Jorge Corona and Rob Haynes has an awesome premise that I’m surprised hasn’t been explored before (if my memory serves me well). A group of teenagers is inspired by Batman’s sidekick instead of Batman himself. Last month’s sneak peek seemed to predict the book’s focus on today’s plugged in youth culture and a flock of Robins who look out for each other as they help defend their city.
Superman # 41 ($3.99) – I’ve never read anything by Gene Luen Yang but I’ve only heard good things. John Romita, Jr. and Klaus Janson are remaining, thankfully, as the artistic team on “Superman”. We’ve been promised that this issue will begin to show us Clark Kent’s outing and its ramifications. Like the Bat-books, the Man of Steel’s titles have been of the highest quality in both story and art. I doubt this issue of “Superman” will disappoint.
Grayson #9 ($3.99) – The sexiest superhero in all of comicdom returns this month. Will Dick’s new Spyral partner match him in both the looks and smarts departments?
Batgirl #41 ($2.99) – After the impeccable first arc by Brenden Fletcher, Cameron Stewart, and Babs Tarr, it seems like this creative dream team are going to top themselves with this issue and beyond. Babs (the hero) has her own Oracle and now has to deal with the new Batman…who also happens to be her father. Action, fun, and relationships defined “Batgirl”’s previous issues and those characteristics are guaranteed to be amped to the battiest degree.
Aquaman #41 ($3.99) – Writer Cullen Bunn and artist Trevor McCarthy, judging by last month’s sneak peek of “Aquaman”, appear to be giving the title a new and darker tone. His relationships with Mera and his kingdom are not the only changes being made by Bunn and McCarthy. Arthur Curry is also given a new suit, which looks regal and appropriately imposing.
Total: $18.95
Mark’s Picks:
Rumble – Volume 1: What Color of Darkness ($9.99) ― John Arcudi and James Harren’s creator-owned book about a scarecrow warrior god. How could anyone not pick this up? Plus it’s Image, so the first volume is extra cheap.
Frankenstein Underground #4 ($3.50) ― You know I’ll always recommend the Mignola books, but this one is extra special, especially if you like poking around in the vast history of the Hellboy Universe.
Fight Club #2 ($3.99) ― This comic sequel to Chuck Palahniuk’s novel (not the film adaptation). It’s a dense read. When it’s all done, I’ll be sitting down to read the novel then the comic collection back to back.
Total: $17.48.
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Grayson #9 ($3.99) ― Helena is in charge of Spyral! Batman has gone dark? What’s this little bird going to do? Seriously people, I think this series is top notch and well worth a look — even with a price jump.
Continued belowAnnihilator #6 ($3.99) ― Holy crow, it’s finally come out. Probably the most Grant Morrisony book in a long time, Fraser Irving has also turned in some memorable and mind-altering artwork. Also, we finally get to see how it ends.
Effigy #6 ($3.99) ― Tim Seeley and Marley Zarcone wrap up the first arc of their murder mystery series. It’s been funny and terrifying and interesting.
Kaptara #3($3.50) — Zdarsky and McLeod sent our heroes off into the world at the end of the last issue, and now they encounter their first obstacle, the wizard Melvon. Zdarsky’s humor might be all over the place, but McLeod turns in some truly great imagery.
Adventure Time #41 — Hastings and Sterling are finding their groove and still producing one of the most interesting licensed comics right now. (Plus, “Adventure Time” has the best covers.) Look for some Peppermint Butler sweetness for this upcoming arc.
Total: $19.46.
Brian’s Picks:
Grayson #9 ($2.99) – “Grayson” is one of the two or three best comics DC is publishing, and it does so in an unconventional way: almost entirely in one-shots, from a super-spy perspective, full of sex and humor and acrobatics. It is the most fun you’ll have with a superhero comic all month.
Frankenstein Underground #4 ($3.50) – With the non-stop freight train that is “B.P.R.D.,” it can be hard to remember that other things are going on in the Mignolaverse. This is going on; this is worth your time.
Rumble, Vol 1 ($9.99) – If you somehow slept on this when it was coming out in singles, rectify that right now.
Total: $16.48
