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:
“Norse Mythology” #1 ($3.99) – When I first heard the pitch for this series, P. Craig Russell adapting Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology novel to comics with different artists drawing each chapter, I was immediately on board. This issue has stories with art by Mike Mignola, Jerry Ordway, and P. Craig Russell himself, so there’s no way I wasn’t going to pick this up. (Looking ahead, future issues will include stories from Jill Thompson, David Rubín, and Piotr Kowalski too. Sounds awesome to me.)
“Animorphs: The Graphic Novel – Volume 1: The Invasion” ($12.99) – I really enjoyed the original prose novels of this series, and I’ve wanted to see the series adapted for a new generation for a while now. That said, there were fifty-four books in the main line, four extra-long “Megamorphs” books, and four spinoff books which ended up being crucial titles in the grand shape of the series. . . My point is, there’s A LOT to cover in this series, so I’m genuinely curious to see how Graphix and Chris Grine handle it. Since YA graphic novels generally come out annually and try to retain the same artist , “Animorphs” is going to require a different approach if it’s going to be done in less than sixty-two years. But in terms of what I want to see in this first installment, I’m hoping for an inventive adaptation that’ll consolidate the story and emphasize the best parts of the original books.
Total: $16.98. Under $20 this time, but only through lying by omission. (Did you seriously think I wouldn’t also be picking up “The World of Black Hammer – Volume 1” library edition, “Twins,” “Dracula Motherf**cker,” and “BANG!” #4?)
Kate’s Picks:
Doctor Who Time Lord Victorious #2 ($5.99) – I was more than sufficiently impressed with the series debut. Can it stick the landing and keep the momentum from this very large cross-platform even going?
Daddy-Daughter Day ($17.99) – Anyone who’s lost a parent knows that you can miss them at the most mundane of times. The messiness of American politics aside, there were times in the campaign homestretch in 2016 and 2020 where I was missing my late father, who used to talk politics with me regularly. The fact that this book, from The Dude Jeff Bridges and his daughter Isabelle, drops at a time when it really gets me in the feels. I know many folks are certainly feeling frustrations with family in our quarantine world, but for a moment, this makes you step back and remember those bonds of love that keep you together – – and that you’ll miss when they’re gone from this Earth.
Total: $23.98. Sentimentality pushes me over the budget this week, but I think when you see why, you’ll agree.
Johnny’s Picks:
Far Sector #8 (of 12) ($3.99) I’m just digging this book, you guys. I think that this has been my most consistent monthly superhero comic I’ve listed in the column since joining on. Action, intrigue, sci-fi weirdness, gorgeous art and colors, this book has it all.
We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #2 ($3.99) – BOOM! loves books with full sentences as book titles (see also: “Something is Killing the Children”), and I’m loving what I’ve seen so far of this mouthful of a comic. Writer Al Ewing and artist Simone Di Meo’s first issue took a super high concept and splashed neon on fun, wide-screen (but kinetic) layouts, and teased an intriguing plot hook that has kept me in my seat for its subsequent issues.
Continued belowNorse Mythology #1 ($3.99) To be honest I haven’t read the Gaiman book this is adapted from, but that book also didn’t have comic luminaries such as P. Craig Russell, Mike Mignola, and Jerry Ordway bringing it to four-color life. Now it does, and I can’t wait to see another Gaiman/Russell collaboration hit the stands (go check out “Murder Mystery” for another dose of their teamwork).
Marauders #13 ($4.99) Let this be my one “X of Swords” Chapter stand-in (there are 3 total this week), but do understand I plan to collect any book that mentions Pogg Ur-Pogg.
Total: $16.96
Jason’s Picks:
Far Sector #8 ($3.99) – Honestly, if you aren’t reading this amazing comic you need to! I’ve mentioned it before, but when I first heard of it I was tired
of what felt like more Green Lanterns. Then I read it and fell in love.
Norse Mythology #1 ($3.99) – The art looks amazing and I loved the novel, so why wouldn’t I pick this up?
Total: $7.98.
Vince’s Picks:
Getting It Together #1 ($4.99) – A dramedy about a handful of 20-somethings working through personal issues, as all young adults do. You’ve seen this before. Hell, the series has been compared to Friends, and even invites comparison to that show with a backmatter parody pinup page. But this isn’t Friends. In fact, it’s way better than that. No one in this book is as unlikeable as anyone in that cast. The art in this features a fantastic blend of realism in the character renderings and a subtle use of impressionism in the emotions and actions. It’s hip, artsy, yet grounded – an impressive combination.
Total: $4.99
