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!
Mark’s Picks:
“Frankenstein Undone” #1 ($3.99) – “Frankenstein Underground” was a fantastic miniseries, but also a story I was genuinely disappointed was only a miniseries—it finished and I wanted more. So “Frankenstein Undone” is something I’m pretty excited about. If you saw the April solicitations we ran last week, you probably would’ve noticed some details that mean certain characters are likely going be involved in this series, which indicates “Frankenstein Undone” is going to have some HUGE revelations in store for us. Plus, Ben Stenbeck’s on art, and that alone makes this title a must get.
“Monstress” #25 ($3.99) – Whenever a new issue of “Monstress” is out, it’ll always be on my list. Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda’s is one of the most fully realised I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
“Sex Criminals” #26 ($3.99) – I’ve been waiting for this one for a while. I’m glad it’s back for one final arc to wrap everything up.
“Witchfinder: The Reign of Darkness” #3 ($3.99) – I’m really enjoying this arc. Chris Roberson really clicks with Sir Edward Grey, and he’s really putting him through the wringer this issue…
“Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier” ($12.99) – I literally just found out about this one, so it wasn’t supposed to be on my list, but I read the preview and it was really cute and now it kind of has to be on the list.
Total: $28.95. Sometimes you read a good preview that blows the budget.
Erik’s Picks:
“Almost American Girl” TPB ($12.99) – I started following Robin Ha’s work when I picked up her graphic novel/cookbook “Cook Korean!” a couple of years ago. As I read more about the creator, I found out we had a lot in common including places we’ve lived and a shared cultural background. I’m really excited to read her graphic novel memoir about growing up in Huntsville, Alabama, a place I consider my home.
“Protector” #1 ($3.99) – I don’t know much about this comic, but I’ve checked out a couple of preview pages and am willing to try this book out. How can you say no to that James Stokoe cover?
Total: $16.98
Vince’s Picks:
“Green Lantern: Blackstars” #3 ($3.99) – This Grant Morrison/Xermanico interlude series has tried to jam a lot into 3 issues, but I think the ending is fairly satisfying, if not a little convenient, with that typical brand of Morrison meta magic. As always, Morrison has an undeniable angle on the essential nature of Hal Jordan as a character, and solves the central conflict of the series in a heady way. Xermanico flexes on some very weird design-work, too. It’s not an easy book, and it’s not for everyone, but it’s also one of the most unpredictable and unexpected things DC is putting out right now.
“New Mutants” #6 ($3.99) – It may just be a coincidence, but the ‘Dawn of X’ titles seem to really be hitting some big plot beats with their 6th issues. “Marauders” and “Excalibur” both had massive, series-changing twists at the end. I wonder if “New Mutants” will be the same, or if the 2 rotating arc structure of the book will prevent that from happening. Either way, ‘Dawn of X’ has mostly been a big home run.
Total: $7.98
James’s Picks:
“Frankenstein Undone” #1 ($3.99) – The original “Frankenstein Underground” was a really compelling series that felt perfectly “Hellboy”-adjacent. I couldn’t be more excited to see Stenbeck, Mignola and Allie journey once more into the wonderful world of Frankenstein (If your first impulse is to correct me on that, then go rethink some life choices).
Continued below“Doctor Strange: The End” #1 $ ($4.99) – I didn’t have much interest in all of Marvel’s “The End” one-shots until I saw that Leah Williams was writing the last adventure of Doctor Strange. This one of my favourite writers penning one of my favourite characters and she’s already proven that she has the voice of Stephen Strange mastered after “What If? Magik.”
“X-Men” #5 ($3.99) – After the magic that was HOXPOX, I didn’t really mesh with the first three issues of “X-Men.” I don’t know if it was the smaller scope or seemingly arbitrary fight scenes, but it wasn’t my jam as much as HOXPOX or “Marauders.” But then “X-Men” #4 came along. It was everything I wanted out of the series, and with R.B Silva returning for issue #5 I am buzzing with excitement.
“Sex Criminals” #26 (3.99) – “Sex Criminals” is back and it’s ready to climax (not sorry). Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky have spent the last six-ish years building up one of the most sincere yet satirical series on shelves and I really can’t believe that we get to see Jon, Suzie, Myrtle and the gang again, even if it’s just for one last ride.
Total: $12.96. If you’re feeling risque, pick up the Jason Latour “Sex Criminals” variant cover for a cool $4.69, I promise it’ll be worth digging through the couch for.
Kate’s Picks:
“Sex Criminals” #26 ($3.99) – Eighteen months is a long time for foreplay, but at last, we’ll be getting to the climax of Jeff and Suzie’s story.
“Persona 5 Vol. 1” ($9.99) – Based on the video game of the same name, this manga is finally getting an English translation (it was first published in 2016). I’ll be curious to see if it is as slick and cool as its source material.
Total: $13.98
