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!
Kyle’s Picks:
“Copra” #1 ($3.99) – Hmm, is that a knock on the door? “Hello, sir, have you read the good book?” You mean like The Bible? “Fuck no, Copra, you idiot!” Michel Fiffe’s Copra returns with its debut at Image comics. Picking up where the series left off to now hopefully huge crowds of people. Inspired by books like “Suicide Squad” and 80s/early 90s comics this series tells one of the best team driven stories I’ve read in comics. Michel’s art is unique with splotches of ink mixed with color pencils and high fashion inspired designs. I’m sure you know about it already, so just buy it.
“Bizarre Adventures” #1 ($4.99) – I’m a sucker for anthology comics. More stories, more writers, more art! I’m not excited about $4.99 but it is more stories, more writers, more art, I guess. Anyway, Jed McKay and Chris Mooneyham doing a pulp style Ulysses Bloodstone story. I’m in. Becky Cloonan drawing Dracula and Werewolves. I’m in. Then they go and not even mention Aaron Conley drawing a Black Goliath story in the solicits. I’m in, but get the fuck out of here.
“Spider-Verse” #1 ($3.99) – Cut and paste what I said above anthologies but now its $3.99, still has Jed McKay and art from Juan Frigeri, Art Adams, Stacy Lee, James Harren, Dike Ruan and more! What the more is Sheldon Vella. Marvel, come on with this. Stop burying the lead on this books.
“House of X” #6 ($4.99) All hail Hickman. I could go into how great these X-men books are but these are supposed to be short. I don’t know the last time I have been more invested and excited about a series like I have been with these X-books and it is only the start. It’s insane.
Total: $17.96. Yay! I did it. Under $20…..(also go buy the new “Grendel” and “Strange Skies Over East Berlin”, eat that, CSBC!)
Kate’s Picks:
“Ruby Falls” #1 ($3.99) – I have been a fan of Flavia Biondi since I read her graphic novel “Generations” and I’m thrilled she’s making her American comics debut with this series. With sharp writing from Ann Nocenti, this looks like an intellectually cool comic that you can give to friends to dispel that myth that “comics are just for kids.”
“Dead Eyes” #1 ($3.99) – Remember “Dead Rabbit?” (The comic, not the bar in Manhattan. Which I’ve been to, actually.) Well, it’s back with a new name. And I’m glad, I enjoyed this in its first go-round.
“Tales of the Night Watchman: Final Kill” #1 ($3.99) – This Brooklyn-based indie comic is coming to wider distribution for the first time. Learn all about monster fighting baristas and Brooklyn. Hipsters need not apply.
“Strange Skies over East Berlin” #1 ($3.99) – The Cold War kid who was hard to kill under her desk in an air raid drill is a sucker for a period piece of an era she vaguely remembers but wants to learn more about. Also, aliens. (Bonus points if you figure out the musical reference buried in here.)
Total: $15.96
Kevin’s Picks:
“Runaways” #25 ($3.99) – This book is still great, and with it heading in the direction toward “Doc Justice and the J-Team” I am even more excited to see how this new dynamic complicates all our favorite relationships.
“Justice League” #33 ($3.99) – This book is big and beautiful and just still tons of fun. I love it.
Daredevil” #12 ($3.99) – My monthly installment of “Sad Boiz” by Zdarsky and Chechetto.
Continued below“Marvel Comics” #1001 ($4.99) – While I can’t say that I universally loved “Marvel Comics” #1000, and while I can’t say I entirely understand why we needed an issue #1001, I will say I’m excited for “Incoming” and 2020 and whatever else lies ahead for the Marvel Universe, which I think means I am picking this up.
“House of X” #6 ($4.99) – So, um, what happens when one of these series ends?
Total: $21.95. So I’m a little over, but there’s a lot of fun and excitement this week so I’m cool with it.
Mark’s Picks:
“Avatar: The Last Airbender―Imbalance” Part 3 ($10.99)— No one’s surprised by this. I always have “Avatar” on my list when a new one comes out. That said, I love this installment. Not for the big, flashy reasons, but because of dozens of small ones that add up to a really satisfying comic. This is fantastic work from Faith Erin Hicks and Peter Wartman.
“Joe Golem: Occult Detective―The Conjurors” #5 ($3.99)— This wraps up the novel adaptation, and I suspect the ‘Occult Detective’ arc of “Joe Golem.” This is very much the end of one era and set-up for the next, whatever form it may take.
Total: $14.98. I promised I’d keep it under $20 this week, so here it is, true to my word. Unfortunately, I didn’t notice Dark Horse had “Avatar: The Last Airbender―Team Avatar Tales” coming out this Wednesday until after I’d made my foolish promise.
Vince’s Picks:
“Nancy” by Olivia Jaimes – Volume 1 Hardcover ($14.99) – The latest creative run of the classic Nancy comic strip is full of slyly ironic humor, an earnest millennial mindset, and plenty of meta-textual goodies peppered throughout. Periodical comic strips have somewhat fallen out of the public consciousness, but Nancy is worth checking out.
“Copra” #1 ($3.99) – Michel Fiffe’s incredible creator-owned mercenary epic relaunches at Image this week. Pick it up. The art is bonkers. Fiffe is a huge talent that has stayed true to himself for a long time.
Total: $18.98
