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:
The Fuse #13 ($3.99) – Johnston and Greenwood are making one of the most underpraised comics out there. Where there’s a huge talk of making comics more diverse, “The Fuse” has one of the most diverse casts in comics and it’s effortless. Beyond that, this is probably one of the best procedural comics I’ve read, only made better by the weird world that is The Fuse. Definitely a book worth hunting down a couple of trades and getting caught up on.
Arcadia #4 ($3.99) – Coming seemingly out of nowhere, Alex Paknadel and Eric Pfieffer surprised the hell out of me with the first couple issues of “Arcadia”. This is one of the more interesting sci-fi comics I’ve read lately, touching on some really interesting ideas in some interesting ways. It’s definitely a series worth reading.
String Divers #1 ($3.99) – I honestly know very little about this book, but “String Theory” and “robots” used in conjunction with one another is enough to get me interested.
Kaijumax #5 ($3.99) – “Kaijumax” has basically everything you’ve ever wanted, if you wanted rapping kaiju, human/kaiju relations, prison dramas set on Monster Island, Ultraman as a prison guard, and a whole lot more weird things that somehow work super well. This is easily the biggest surprise to me of the year, that something with such a seemingly ridiculous concept could turn out to be so good.
Total: $15.96
Ken’s Picks:
Phonogram: The Immaterial Girl #1 ($3.99)– “Phonogram: The Singles Club” is still my favorite Gillen/McKelvie/Wilson production. More so than either “Young Avengers” or even the current darling “WicDiv”. I read that at the absolute perfect time in my life for it to really sink in. Finally seeing it return is like a reunion with old, incredibly pretentious, friends.
Secret Wars #5 ($3.99)– After the PR nightmares Marvel has had this last month, as well as their seeming contempt for LGBT characters in main roles, I put a stop on all of my Marvel pulls except one, “Secret Wars”. That’s because Jonathan Hickman’s saga that he has crafted since “Fantastic Four” is one of the few Big 2 books in modern times that truly deserves the word “Epic” to describe it. Plus, after the terrible “Fantastic Four” movie, it is worth noting that Hickman has perhaps the greatest characterizations of Reed Richards and especially Doom in the franchise’s history.
Gotham Academy #9 ($2.99)– Precious Mystery Club Babies continue to be Precious.
Constantine the Hellblazer #3 ($2.99)– Tynion, Doyle, Rossmo and Plasencia have been crafting a wonderfully weird and queer world for old John. While Rossmo is taking the next three issues off to work on “Rasputin”, Vanessa Del Rey joins in. Check out the issue of “Zero” she did with Ales Kot, it’s fantastic.
Descender #6 ($2.99)– Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen complete arc one of their sci fi story about a sweet, kind-hearted robot boy being thrust into a dark world. Joy!
Total: $16.95
Kevin’s Picks:
Batman #43 ($3.99)– Scott Snyder’s take on the Dark Knight has proven to be wildly entertain has it has been shocking. This issue we get to meet the mysterious Mr. Bloom who has all the makings of a soon to be classic villain.
Skullkickers #100 ($3.99)– The end is here and I am sad. But for fans like me trying to figure out what happened between nonexistent issues #34-#99 will help fill the void.
Kaijumax #5 ($3.99)– Zander Cannon has created a book that is as whimsical as it is heartbreaking. A high concept idea that is masterfully executed. Yes I am talking about monsters in prison, why it took this long I will never know.
Continued belowConstantine: The Hellblazer #3 ($2.99)– Issue #3 in what has turned out to be a very welcome return to form. Hopefully the excitement from the previous two issues continues…
Beauty #1 ($3.50)– Every time Image releases a new #1 I wonder if this could be the next “Walking Dead” success story. Do I think this is the book, no I do not. But I have a good feeling about this being another sci-fi tinged story Image has come to be known for.
Total: $18.46 – A nice mix of stories with awesome art for this week!
Keith’s Picks:
Batman #43 ($3.99) – The new villain, Mr. Bloom, is guaranteed to be as unique and fascinating as anything Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have created so far. Each month just solidifies the fact that this is the best book being released today and is already an instant classic Bat-run.
Constantine: The Hellblazer #3 ($2.99) – This is one of my favorite titles to be released post-“Convergence”, with James Tynion IV and Ming Doyle giving voice to a classic character and making him their own. Riley Rossmo was the biggest attraction for me with this book, but I’ve heard good things about guest artist Vanesa Del Rey.
Justice League United #12 ($3.99) – The conceit behind this book is a thrilling one. Bringing together various heroes and villains in order to battle a threat is a genius idea. Last month’s issue was Jeff Parker and Travel Foreman’s first and it brought out my inner child with gusto. Plus it’s nice to see Foreman back on a book after his gorgeous work on “Animal Man”. He is definitely a unique and versatile artist.
All-Star Section 8 #3 ($2.99) – It’s too bad this isn’t an ongoing book. Garth Ennis and John McCrea are having a lot of fun gifting us with funny words and wacky pictures.
Grant Morrison’s 18 Days #2 ($2.99) – Morrison describes this book as being set during a “techno-mythic super-war.” The first issue was epic and cinematic in scope, with gods and goddesses scheming against one another. Jeevan Kang’s art is superb in its simplicity and grandeur.
Descender #6 ($3.50) – Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen wrap up their first arc of this series featuring an adorable robot that is sure to feature action, heart, and conjure a tear or two.
Total: $20.45
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Shutter #14 ($3.99) – Literally one of my favorite series right now. Never miss an issue.
King Tiger #1 ($3.99) – It’s like a 70s kung fu flick: all sorts of ridiculous, all sorts of colorful, all sorts of silly. I honestly don’t know much about it beyond a preview but it looks cray entertaining.
Kaijumax #5 ($3.99) – Shiz got real in the last issue. Expect the fallout from that to carry through.
Harrow County #4 ($3.99) – Between this and “Sabrina” I’m not sure how I can sleep at night anymore.
DC Bombshells #1 ($3.99) – Spinning out of the cover series, this is actually a super fun book and finally making its way to print.
Total: $19.95
