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!
Brian’s Picks:
2000 AD Prog #2252 ($3.99) – I don’t know why I don’t operate under the assumption that 2000 AD is always in my picks, as it is one of the absolute best comics released each week, and also a stupid good deal. Right, Dan Abnett and Mark Harrison are three chapters into the second book of “The Out,” which is maybe my favorite comic anywhere right now. It is absolutely worth your time and energy to track it down.
Are You Afraid of Darkseid? #1 ($9.99) – Yes, the price is too high. Yes, half the stories aren’t really horror stories. But these are fun anthologies, and DC should be celebrated for them, so let’s go with it.
Dirtbag Rapture #1 ($3.99) – Christopher Sebela is one of the most underrated comic writers out there, and so I’m happily going to check out his new Oni series.
Total: $17.97
Mark’s Picks:
The Me You Love In The Dark #3 ($3.99) – I’m really enjoying the simmering pace of Skottie Young and Jorge Corona’s story. A major part of it is Ro falling in love with the Not-Ghost and the trust they form, and it takes time to make us believe that. The serialization works in its favour too, for as months go by for Ro, so do they go by for us.
Last Flight Out #2 ($3.99) – I recently picked up #1 of Marc Guggenheim and Eduardo Ferigato’s series, and I’m intrigued by using a global exodus from Earth as a means to explore a parent and child relationship. The first issue shows a lot of promise coupled with an effective ticking clock to keep the momentum up.
Fire Power #16 ($3.99) – I’m still waiting on the Volume 3 trade, which collects #7–12, so there’s not a lot I can say about this series that isn’t hideously out of date. Good news, though, it should be arriving this week. Anyway, even if I’m not up to date, I keep hearing good things from people who are and whose opinions I value. Looking forward to catching up.
Lucky Devil #3 ($3.99) – From Cullen Bunn and Fran Galán. The less you know about this title the better. You’ve just gotta go along for the ride—it’s a good one.
Total: $15.96
Kate’s Picks:
Are You Afraid of Darkseid? #1 ($9.99): Submitted for the approval of the Midnight Society, it’s this one shot of spooky stories, because it is spooky book season. (Obviously this is not any sort of Are You Afraid of the Dark? crossover, but wouldn’t that be cool if it was?)
Show Me History: Gandhi the Peaceful Protestor ($12.99): One of the best courses I took in college was on the government and politics of South Asia, focusing on the Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh). Of course, we watched Richard Attenborough’s 1982 epic film on Gandhi’s life in class, but for the young humans in your life who can’t take a 3 hour epic, this should do.
Total: $22.98
Johnny’s Picks:
Discipline ($27.95) – It took only one comic to put me over the cap this week, but with good reason. Cartoonist Dash Shaw is consistently one of the most interesting artists of this generation. From his outstanding graphic novels like “Cosplayers” and “Doctors,” to his short story appearances in a variety of anthologies, and certainly his forays into the world of animation, as with films like Cryptozoo, Shaw never fails to impress and surprise me. This original graphic novel from New York Review Comics centers on an Indiana Quaker who, despite his culture’s pacifism, enlists in the Union Army during the Civil War to fight against the evils of slavery. Told through letters between family members and in a style evocative of illustrators like Winslow Homer, this novel promises to be quite memorable.
Total: $27.95. With apologies to your wallets!
