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:
Leonide the Vampyr: Miracle at The Crow’s Head ($3.99) – On her own, Rachele Aragno would already have my interest for a new book, but to have her teaming up with Mike Mignola makes this issue utterly unmissable. I’ve read the story already and I love it. I’m very impatient for the next installment in December. Go in knowing as little as possible and enjoy.
Shock Shop #2 ($3.99) – Cullen Bunn reunites with Danny Luckert (who previously worked together on “Regression”) and Leila Leiz (who worked with Bunn on “The Last Book You’ll Ever Read”) for a pair of thematically connected stories that unfold over four issues. A big part of the appeal here is Bunn, who absolutely loves writing horror, carving out a series that can essentially function as his horror playground. That playfulness is key, with the narrator working out of a haunted comic shop, and the comic presented in a flip-book format (as in you finish one story, then you read from the back cover for the second story).
Basilisk #12 ($3.99) – Another Bunn title, this time with Jonas Scharf. This is the final issue of “Basilisk.”
The British Paranormal Society: Time Out of Mind #4 ($3.99) – After the cliffhanger in issue #3 back in July, it’s good to finally get the last issue of this miniseries. This is meant to be the first arc in a series, so I’m curious to see the direction Mike Mignola and Chris Roberson take this series. Will there be loose threads at the end here? Or will they tie things up so the next arc can dive into a whole new series?
Total: $15.96. I’ll also be picking up the “Tales from Harrow County – Volume 1” library edition, which would utterly obliterate the CSBC budget.
Brian’s Picks:
Night of the Ghoul #1 ($4.99) – It is horror season ’round the world, and this Scott Snyder/Francesco Francavilla joint is the perfect way to kick off a month of horror.
Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #5 ($4.99) – While this event has been, at times, frustrating, there is a lot of very, very good comic booking happening within its pages.
Dark Ride #1 ($3.99) – Remember how I said it was horror season? This series fits that bill as well.
Total: $13.97
Johnny’s Picks:
Kaya #1 ($3.99) – I wasn’t the biggest fan of the concept for “Deadly Class,” so I never stuck the entire series out, despite my love for Wes Craig’s crisp, angular artwork. With “Kaya,” Craig is on both writing and art chores, ditching the neon-soaked 80’s vibe of “Deadly” and making a sparse fantasy comic that looks to borrow from tales like “Lone Wolf & Cub.” A girl with a magical arm has to get her brothe (who also happens to be a prince) to safety amidst the perils surrounding the fall of their homeland. Though I’m a sucker for the fantasy genre, Wes Craig’s love for this project really seems to jump off the page, and I think my excitement will be well-rewarded.
Image Firsts Neo Noir: The World of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips #1 ($1.00) – If you’re talking GOAT-ed artistic partnerships of the modern comics era, you’re putting Brubaker and Phillips on the Rushmore, that simple. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, Image is giving you a primer this week for the low-low of a single buck! It appears that this might just be a smattering of selections from their many various Image Comics projects, so I’m not sure what’s inside except that it’s surely full of crime, gray morality, and evocative imagery. Best dollar you’ll spend this week!
Continued belowTotal: $4.99
Christopher’s Pick:
Victory. Stand! Raising My Fist for Justice ($17.95) – Tommie Smith’s retelling of his life story — written with Derrick Barnes, and depicted by Dawud Anyabwile — and the Black power salute he gave at the Olympics looks to be a powerful example of how graphic novels can make history come alive for readers young and old. For those unaware, it is Black History Month in the UK, and this will be a read I will gladly donate to a local library.
Total: $17.95
