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!
Johnny’s Picks:
Ghost Cage #1 ($5.99) – It’s been a hot minute since we’ve been blessed with Nick Dragotta’s presence on our weekly comic book racks (outside the random pages for X-Men during the Hellfire Gala), and this creator owned project with writer Caleb Goellner is just the kind of book we need to make up for lost time. Dragotta is no stranger to flexing his manga influences, but in “Ghost Cage,” with some wonderfully detailed widescreen panels and exquisitely expressive characters, those influences are in full force. I’m going to list a couple other books here, but I promise you this is the one I’m dreaming about.
Devil’s Reign X-Men #3 ($3.99) – I haven’t the slightest idea what is going on in the larger Marvel Universe to warrant this tie-in (Kingpin is Mayor of NYC, maybe?), but I’m here for this really thrilling character study of Emma Frost, one of my favorite X-Men being written really well, and maybe even surprisingly so, by Gerry Duggan. Duggan gets Emma in a way that few writers do, and paired with artist Phil Noto, this book was such a pleasant surprise in the middle of a frivolous crossover event.
NOW #11 New Comics Anthology ($12.99) – Ariel Lopez, Josh Simmons, E.S. Glenn, and Ivana Filipovich are just a few of the stellar creators I’m looking forward to reading in this issue as the “NOW” anthology enters its sixth year. While I think there are other great anthologies being made, this Fantagraphics Eisner-winning gem seems the most consistent.
Saga #57 ($2.99) – Aside from the outrageously cringey ending to the return issue, this is still one of the comics I look forward to the most on my pull list. Fiona Staples is an absolute marvel, and her character designs for the cadre of new folks hanging around Hazel and her family are second to none.
Total: $25.96 – looks like I’m about 6 bucks over. But don’t use that as an excuse to not get “Ghost Cage”! In fact, if you have to get just ONE book this week, snag that one.
Christopher’s Picks:
Godzilla vs. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #1 ($3.99) – Do I really have to explain why? It’s the Power Rangers, and they’re fighting Godzilla! Teenage Mutant Ninja who? This is the PR crossover I never knew I wanted, which is wild considering those teens fought giant monsters all the time.
Stranger Things: Kamchatka #1 ($3.99) – Michael Moreci and Todor Hristov’s new entry in the Duffer Brothers’ canon is taking opportunity to explore the Soviet side of events, and life under the evil empire. I can’t imagine the creatives realized how sadly topical this comic would be when it came out, but that’s Stranger Things for you: everything old is new again…
Total: $7.98
Kate’s Picks:
Count Crowley Amateur Midnight Monster Hunter #1 ($3.99): Your favorite midnight monster show host turned monster hunter is back to do some more hunting!
The Nib #11: Food ($14.95): The universal language of love, family, even just sheer existence, is found through the stomach. There’s something on the menu for everyone in this installment.
Total: $18.94
Mark’s Picks:
Chivalry ($19.99) – “Chivalry” is one of my favourite Neil Gaiman short stories. And considering this comics adaptation is being handled by Colleen Doran who previously adapted “Snow, Glass, Apples” (an absolute triumph of an adaptation for which she deservedly won an Eisner), this is an absolute must-get book.
Total: $19.99.
