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:
Colonel Weird: Cosmagog #1 ($3.99) – OK, yes, I am aware that last week every single book I listed was a Jeff Lemire book, and this is yet another Jeff Lemire book, but c’mon this Colonel Weird. Drawn by Tyler Crook. And young Randall Weird has a little Tintin quiff, which makes me so goddamn happy it’s difficult to put into words. I could not be more excited about this book.
Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: The Return of Effie Kolb #2 ($3.99) – Speaking of books I am ridiculously excited about. . . This issue was awesome. I don’t want to spoil it, but Hellboy fans you simply must pick this one up. Zach Howard did such a good job on this arc. You can bet I’ll rant spoiler-filled praise in my Wednesday review.
Lazarus: Risen #5 ($7.99) – Greg Rucka mentioned in an interview I watched recently that this is the series he’s most proud of, and yet I don’t think enough people are reading it. Especially now, in the quarterly format, each issue is such a substantial and satisfying chunk. There’s at least 44 pages of comics, and a short prose story (with accompanying illustrations by Michael Lark), plus a whole bunch of other extras. The creative team have put together an excellent package here.
Old Haunts #5 ($3.99) – Laurence Campbell’s art is the big draw for me here. I’ve had a few friends mention that I should be reading this, and now that the arc is complete, I’m going to binge it.
Total: $19.95. And, yeah, I’m totally picking up the “Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Lost Adventures and Team Avatar Tales” library edition too because I don’t see why any reasonable person wouldn’t.
Kate’s Picks:
Sex Criminals #69 ($3.99) – There’s only one number that this series has to end on, and we know what it is. I never thought back at issue #1 that a series about orgasms and bank robberies could be so full of heart, but 68 issues later, it captured mine. Besides, it was never about the bank robbery anyway.
Adler #5 ($3.99) – After a bumpy start, this steampunk girlpower series comes to its conclusion, and it looks to be a relatively smooth but still exciting one. I hope to see more of this world in other forms — the layered storytelling that the authors set out to do just didn’t seem to work well for the floppy format. Maybe some graphic novels?
A Quick and Easy Guide to Consent ($7.99) – I love Oni Press’s “Quick and Easy Guide To” series as it breaks down concepts that come across as buzzwords to the unfamiliar in mainstream media in an accessible and fun way. Difficult and confusing topics made easy: what’s not to love?
Total: $15.97
Vince’s Picks:
Blue in Green ($17.99) – From the stellar creative talent behind “Grafity’s Wall”, an affecting tale about (among many other things) making art in a challenging environment, comes another tale about making art and how it can be an all-consuming occupation. Ram V has quickly become one of my favorite writers for the way he explores the wayward avenues of the human psyche, whether he’s talking about relatively realistic people, or Catwoman and Doctor Fate. Anand Radhakrishnan’s living, breathing worlds are also meant for exploring just as deeply. I can’t wait to find up what these two have had up their sleeves since putting out one of my favorite stories of 2018.
Continued belowTotal: $17.99
Johnny’s Picks:
Colonel Weird: Cosmagog #1 ($3.99) Jeff Lemire teaming with Tyler Crook seems like a very sensible (and long overdue!) match. Combining forces on perhaps my favorite Black Hammer-verse character Col. Weird, a character who is equal parts Marvel & DC Strange (Dr. and Adam, respectively) and we have the makings of something..uhh…weird? I honestly can’t think of a Black Hammer title I [i]haven’t[/i] enjoyed, and this book looks to continue the trend.
X of Swords Stasis #1 ($4.99) – Stais is a GREAT name for an “event” series title that, at halfway through, feels like it’s treading water. I have been a HiXman (I just made up that portmanteau and I’m fully aware it stinks, but I’m sticking with it) from the jump, and certain titles are just as good (if not better) than the main X book, but this event series has been padded out to 22 unnecessary issues. Whatever happened to “Tie Ins”? Anywho, I’ve bought and paid for 10 issues at this point- too late to turn back now! On the bright side, the Pepe Larraz interiors will look gorgeous, I’m sure.
Total: $8.98
Christopher’s Picks:
Ironheart: Meant to Fly ($12.99) – Eve Ewing and Luciano Vecchio’s “Ironheart” unfortunately passed me by, but here’s a chance to read all 12 issues, for a surprisingly low price — a splendid way to catch up before starting her “Champions” run.
Stranger Things: Science Camp #2 ($3.99) – Is there really a serial killer on the loose? And how did Dustin meet Suzie? Maybe we’ll find out this week.
Total: $16.98
Jason’s Picks:
John Constantine: Hellblazer #11 ($3.99) – It honestly makes me sad to write about “John Constantine: Hellblazer” each month because that’s one month closer to it being over. I haven’t loved an ongoing comic from DC Comics in a long time, so I’m immensely sad to see this end. Nonetheless, if you haven’t read the series, you absolutely need to!
Total: $3.99
