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:
Skulldigger + Skeleton Boy #5 ($3.99) – Yet again it’s that time of the month when all the Jeff Lemire books come out, and as is usually the case, they’re all worth picking up. That said, “Skulldigger + Skeleton Boy” feels extra special to me, in large part because of Tonci Zonjic’s work on the title. Zonjic’s layouts alone are worth picking this one up for.
Family Tree #9 ($3.99) – The second trade collection comes out today, so now seems a good time to catch up on this series. I’m currently a full arc behind so I’m going to enjoy catching up.
Gideon Falls #26 ($3.99) – The penultimate issue. I could’ve read this series for a lot longer, but I can’t be too sad about this ending. A good ending is a lot of fun. Also, Lemire’s already started dropping hints that he and Andrea Sorrentino are not entirely done with the “Gideon Falls” world—the barn door is perhaps slightly ajar for something more in the future. . .
Total: $11.97. I should probably check out the new “November” OGN too.
Vince’s Picks:
King Tank Girl #1 ($3.99) – Here comes another Alan Martin/Brett Parson “Tank Girl” miniseries. All due respect to Martin as the co-creator of “Tank Girl”, but at least in its modern iteration, Brett Parson’s artistic rendition of this world has become my personal mental image of the property. That’s no slight to any of the tremendous artists that have worked on the character over the years, but I’m partial to Parson’s clean cartooning that also manages to capture the goofy and joyful aspect.
Electric Black Presents #1 ($3.99) & Phantom Starkiller #1 ($3.99) – I need to be upfront here. I know nothing about Scout Comics’ Black Caravan imprint, other than the solicit copy and the covers. Both of those are enough to get me to jump in and try the whole slate out. The “Phantom Starkiller” cover in particular seems like a delightful throwback to something like “Masters of the Universe” that I can’t help but be attracted to it. I’m ready and willing to be surprised by it.
Total: $11.97
Christopher’s Picks:
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Song of Glory #1 ($3.99) – I’m fascinated by the Assassin’s Creed license now moving to Dark Horse, because in many ways it feels like the publisher was the natural home of the historical franchise (‘cos, y’know, dark horse?) Anyway, I’m looking forward to getting to know Eivor before playing the game, and whether it’ll be totally historical or check in with the present day storyline.
Stranger Things: Halloween Special ($3.99) – Stranger Things is DH’s new Alien and Predator, and I’m totally cool with that: I’m also surprised it’s taken this long to do a Halloween special – should be worth the wait.
Total: $7.98
Kate’s Pick:
The Sacrifice of Darkness ($24.99) – This graphic novel is an illustration of the 2012 short story from Roxane Gay (author of Bad Feminist) “We Are the Sacrifice of Darkness” – – a story of prejudice and hopelessness, but also one of love and hope, of finding light (literally and figuratively) in the darkness. The source material itself is beautiful, and eerily relevant in some ways to our current time. Much like previous graphic retelling of The Handmaid’s Tale or To Kill a Mockingbird, the graphic novel format is going to expand this world and add even deeper emotional resonance to an already emotional story. I know I am going to get in trouble with the boss for going over budget (again) but trust me: this one is worth it.
Total: $24.99
