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!
Jason’s Picks:
”The Plot” #2 ($3.99)‒ Everything Vault Comics has released has been amazing. Honestly, they are taking the Comic Industry by storm! Trust me, I’ve been preaching the good word of Vault Comics since I picked up one of their titles. Plus, “The Plot’s” first issue was an amazing horror start, so consider me in for the long run!
”Fantastic Four: Grand Design” #1 ($5.99)‒ Absolutely adored Ed Piskor’s “X-Men: Grand Design”, so it makes me happy Marvel is continuing this series with on of my favorite characters—Tom Scioli. Any time Scioli names on the list, I check it out.
”The Last God” #1 ($4.99)‒ DC’s “Black Label” feels like it’s been just Batman title, after Batman title. With “The Last God” it seems they’re stepping out of their comfort zone and trying their hands at a High Fantasy series.
”Excalibur” #1 ($4.99)‒ Magic and Mutants? Not much more needs to be said!
Wow, 4 cents off? Pretty proud of myself! But damn, there are even more amazing comics releasing this week!
Total:$19.96
Kevin’s Picks:
“Death’s Head” #4 ($3.99) – It’s a Tini Howard week at Marvel, but instead of starting with the obvious (which if you look down two slots you’ll find), do yourself a favor and get the last issue of one of the best Marvelous miniseries of 2019. Howard and Kei Zama have been doing some inventive work with Death’s Head bringing in “Young Avengers” heartthrobs Billy and Teddy. This is one for the year end lists friends.
“The Sandman Universe Presents: Hellblazer” #1 ($4.99) – I’m a little behind on the Sandman Universe titles, but I am determined to read original sad, smoking, nihilistic Constantine.
“Excalibur” #1($4.99) – Alright so back on my Dawn of X soapbox. They’re all still good, and with the announcement of two more books over the weekend, the X line is getting fatter and juicier than a Thanksgiving turkey. Or at least the not dry turkeys. Dry turkey is bad. Anyway, this and “Fallen Angels” are actually the debuts I’m looking forward to the most. Ready for those sad Apocalypse vibes and more magic than you can shake a turkey leg at. (Yes I realize I’ve got the wrong holiday for the week).
“Runaways” #26 ($3.99) – Haven’t forgotten about this book. It’s still a gem with a shakeup coming soon!
Total: $17.96. I’m out of money, but “Silver Surfer: Black” ends and “The Last God” begins this week so splurge if you want and are crummingly not giving candy to kids or spending money on copious amounts of booze. There, I redeemed myself.
Brian’s Picks:
“DCeased” #6 ($4.99) – I did not want to like this book. I felt it was, at best, a “Marvel Zombies” rip off, and wanted to steer clear. However, the first issue hooked me and, here we are, and I can’t wait to see how this incredibly emotional miniseries wraps up.
“Excalibur” #1 ($4.99) – We have a Mutant Island. We have a Mutant Pirate Ship. And now, we have a Mutant Captain Britain. Everything is coming up Mutant.
“Fantastic Four Grand Design” #1 ($5.99) – My favorite Marvel characters are the Fantastic Four. My favorite cartoonist working today is Tom Scioli. This is a wonderful, wonderful surprise in my life.
“Hellboy and the BPRD: Long Night at Goloski Station” #1 ($3.99) – Matt Smith on Hellboy? C’mon now.
Total: $19.96
Mark’s Picks:
“Giant Days: As Time Goes By” ($7.99)— I’m reviewing this one, so I had to read it early, and boy was I ever a reluctant reader. After this issue, “Giant Days” is over and I didn’t want it to end. It’s an oversized issue and yet I still want more. Just a few more pages. Or maybe another issue. No, let’s make it an OGN… John Allison, Max Sarin, what a journey this has been. I know I shall regularly revisit the Sheffield Three.
Continued below“Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: Long Night at Goloski Station” ($3.99)— Mike Mignola consistently writes fantastic one-shots. Every time, it’s always at least very good. With that in mind, ‘Long Night at Goloski Station’ is exceptional, even against other Mignola one-shots. There’s a group of regular Mignola collaborators (think Duncan Fegredo, Ben Stenbeck, and Richard Corben) that elevate a book every time, and I get the feeling we could add Matt Smith’s name to that group. This issue is masterful.
“Manor Black” #4 ($3.99)— This may bring the miniseries to an end, but Cullen Bunn, Brian Hurtt, and Tyler Crook are far from done with “Manor Black.” This is a gothic soap opera, after all. Cliffhangers are simply part of the deal.
Total: $15.97
And because I’m a filthy cheater, here’s Mark’s Extra Pick:
“The Sixth Gun” – Volume Six (Deluxe hardcover $59.99 / Gunslinger edition $80.00)— Normally, when a big expensive volume like this comes along, it’s the only thing on my list, but I couldn’t in got conscience skip any of the issues mentioned above. And likewise I couldn’t skip this, the final deluxe collection of “The Sixth Gun.” Simply put, these are the best designed comic collections that I own. Designer Keith Wood absolutely knocked it out of the park. I love getting a new one and exploring all the little details. Plus, Brian Hurtt goes to town on the gunslinger editions, with a dust jacket cover free from any trade dress, complete with a thematically matched slipcover. The special features aren’t just numerous, but incredibly varied. (Hell, Volume Five included a scenario for “The Sixth Gun” RPG.) Most importantly though, the stories are exceptional. This volume collects ‘Dust to Dust,’ my favorite of “The Sixth Gun” spinoffs and the most heartbreaking; ‘Valley of Death,’ A.C. Zamudio’s debut work in this universe before she became the ongoing artist on “Shadow Roads”; and ‘Boot Hill,’ which brings the story of Drake and Becky to an end—it’s among my favorite endings for any story, comic or otherwise.
Erik’s Picks:
“Joker: Killer Smile” #1 ($5.99) – If this was literally any other creative team, I would hesitate about picking this up, but you really can’t go wrong with Jeff Lemire, Andrea Sorrentino, and Jordie Bellaire.
“Hellboy and the BPRD: Long Night at Goloski Station” #1 ($3.99) – Mike Mignola said this story is inspired by old Westerns which really piqued my curiosity. This one-shot is also Matt Smith’s first Mignolaverse comic!
“Batman Annual” #4 ($4.99) – Love to hate him or hate to love him, I’m intrigued to see what King describes as his “Batman story for people who just want to read a Batman story.” No Lee Weeks Space-Bat story, but we’re still getting Jorge Fornes and Mike Norton with Dave Stewart.
“Aquaman Giant” #1 ($4.99) – Another week, another DC Giant to check out. This time around, a brand new Aquaman story from Steve Orlando and Daniel Sampere with a killer Liam Sharp cover!
Total: $19.96
