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!
Vince’s Picks:
Wonder Woman #35 ($2.99) – I kind of feel like making this my only pick for CSBC this week, but I won’t. I just feel so strongly about this run. My belief is that it’s the best thing DC has done, every single month, since the New 52 began. I believe it’s the one title that delivered on the actual promises that the New 52 was making to us. I believe it had the best, most carefully curated art team (fill-ins and everything) in monthly Big 2 comics. And I believe that, aside from gimmick months with over-expensive cover trickery, it was $2.99 the entire time. It was incredible. And I’m terribly sad that it’s over.
Dark Gods #1 ($3.99) – It’s a Justin Jordan-written comic book. I don’t care what it is, or whether the premise really interests me or not, I’m going to give its first issue a try.
Roche Limit #2 ($3.50) – The first issue was the best thing that the ascending Michael Moreci has written so far. This one’s a lock on my pull list.
Wayward #3 ($3.50) – This book isn’t getting talked about enough, but it’s weird and definitely good. If I’m being honest, it hits an Otaku sweet spot that’s hidden deep inside me.
And Then Emily Was Gone #4 ($3.50) – Don’t you dare forget about this creepy little gem.
Total: $17.48
Keith’s Picks:
Southern Bastards #5 ($3.50) – It’s finally here: the next issue of one of the best new series of 2014. After the two Jasons ended their first four issue arc with a shocking ending, we finally get to see how this series may drastically evolve. We also get some background on Coach Boss, who is one of the meanest bastards ever to reside in the pages of a comic book.
Wonder Woman #35 ($2.99) – I made a mistake a few weeks ago in thinking that issue #34 was the last chapter in Azzarello and Chiang’s Wondy run. That just means I get to savor another Azzarello/Chiang jam before they ride off into the sunset and hopefully leave our demigod in good hands.
Swamp Thing Annual #3 ($4.99) – Speaking of endings… Judging from the solicit for this annual, it seems like Charles Soule is beginning to wrap up his epic “Swamp Thing” run. With Etrigan the Demon making an appearance, it’s sure to be a rhymin’ good time! Soule, like Scott Snyder before him, has put his stamp on Swampy and I hope beyond hope that DC doesn’t cancel this book and they instead hand over the reins to yet another dynamic creative team.
Justice League United Annual #1 ($4.99) – “Justice League United” has been a fun team book since issue one because of Jeff Lemire’s ability to write compelling characters. Let’s see if he can infuse his magic into the Legion of Super-Heroes with this annual, which serves as the beginning of The Infinitus Saga.
Saga #24 ($2.99) – This is a deservedly beloved series and hasn’t let me down yet. Vaughn and Staples throw us heartbreaking and surprising curveballs, but never for the sake of shock alone. They have brought humanity to a sci-fi setting for twenty-three issues and I have faith this week’s “saga” will be just as breathtaking as the last.
Total: $19.46
Drew’s Picks:
MIND MGMT #27 ($3.99) – I’ve said a lot about “MIND MGMT” since it debuted two and half years ago, and I’ve said it just about everywhere I could casually slip it into the conversation. I know my continuous harping has convinced at least one person to try it (and love it), but the sales numbers are proof positive that I haven’t convinced everyone yet. Instead of repeating how good Matt Kindt is at writing words and painting pictures, I want to make clear that they’re not the reason “MIND MGMT” is so great. Kindt combines the two in ways I’ve never seen before. He’s doing things I didn’t know could be done in a comic book. If you haven’t checked this out, you’re really missing something special.
Continued belowPreviews #304 ($4.99) – This isn’t technically a comic book, but this is far and away one of the best values I buy at the comic shop every month. For the same price as some comics, this magazine occupies my attention for a much longer period of time. Plus, at least a third of my pull list is made up of titles I wouldn’t have been aware of otherwise (and which my shop wouldn’t have ordered if I didn’t specifically request them). If you don’t already, pick up a copy and browse the green section. You never know when you’ll find your new favorite comic.
Simpsons Explosion #1 ($9.99) – Hey, look! A new Bongo Annual! Sure, ten bucks sounds high, but when you consider this has three times the regular page count and a perfect bound spine, that’s a very fair price. Plus, the Bongo seal guarantees it’ll be quality storytelling. I’ll be saving this one for last.
Total: $18.97
David’s Picks:
Tuki Save the Humans #2 ($3.99) – Sure, I could be reading this online, but I’m loving the binge read I get from the print edition of Jeff Smith’s webcomic. It’s soooo good, you guys.
Southern Bastards #5 ($3.50) – The Jasons return with what’s next in the story of one small town in Alabama, and I really can’t wait, even though I know my huge hope that Earl is still alive will likely not happen.
Wayward #3 ($3.50) – If you’re not reading Jim Zub and Steve Cummings’ latest collabo, you’re missing out. This is my favorite thing Zub has ever done so far. It’s really quite good.
Saga #24 ($2.99) – One more time, I want to give this book a ton of props for this one fact: in a time of $3.99 and $4.99, one book that wouldn’t lose readers from boosting its price stays at $2.99. Much love for that.
Total: $14.98 – I’m saving my money for some impulse buys, but this is a pretty damn good start
Leo’s Picks:
Southern Bastards #5 ($3.50) – If you follow me on Twitter or halfway know me, then you know Southern Bastards is my jam. The Jasons are making a fine comic and it’s all the better with my own childhood in a small Alabama town. This issue is where the book finally starts to live up to its name and be all about the bastards.
Roche Limit #2 ($3.50) – The first issue was fantastic. I have a really good feeling that Moreci and Malhotra will continue to deliver.
Rasputin #1 ($3.50) – Alex Grecian and Riley Rossmo reunite for another comic. Instead of Bigfoot, we see their take on the Mad Monk Rasputin. History Nerd Leo loves this. Comic Nerd Leo loves it even more.
Black Science #10 ($3.50) – Black Science is a good comic. You should be reading it too.
Archer and Armstrong #25 ($4.99) – A&A is one of my favorite Valiant titles, so seeing a big issue where various writers and artists get to play in that world a little bit is pretty cool. You’ve got everyone from Justin Jordan to Ray Fawkes to Joe Eisma to Michael Walsh and a whole lot more.
Total: $18.99
James’ Picks:
Deathlok #1 ($3.99) – Again, the short-story in that Original Sin comic or whatever was really good. I think Deathlok is a great versatile character and I’m really excited to see what they do with him here.
Southern Bastards #5 ($3.50) – I need this comic to have a stronger fan base so I can start a column that’s mostly me talking about shipping the star-crossed pairing of Earl Tubb and Coach Boss.
AXIS: Carnage #1 ($3.99) – I was really surprised by the Hobgoblin tie-in so hopefully the Carnage one will live up too. If not, well…
and here’s some filler text because James didn’t have enough picks and otherwise the images would overlap and look ugly so pretend you never saw this if you saw it…
Total: $11.48
Brian’s Picks:
Wonder Woman #35 ($2.99) – Fare thee well, best “Wonder Woman” arc of all time. You will be sorely, and surely, missed.
Sundowners #3 ($3.50) – Tim Seeley is straight up killing it all over the comics world right now, but this might be my favorite work he is doing. Jim Terry continues to impress with his nuanced work on the book, as well. Why aren’t you reading this?
Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers #3 ($3.99) – Every week needs at least one bat-shit insane title, and this is that one for this week. A book overflowing with ideas, this is a fun ride for the art alone – mix in one of the most Kirby updates of a Kirby property, and you’ve got a real winner.
Southern Bastards #5 ($3.50) – The Jasons, man. They are doing some incredible stuff together. Nothing die-a-beats this book!
Roche Limit #2 ($2.99) – The first issue was a stunner, and this perfectly matched creative team looks to keep the mojo going.
Total: $17.46
Matthew Garcia’s Picks:
Tuki Save the Humans #2 ($3.99) – Jeff Smith is an old master and any work he puts out is worth finding. Sure, this was first serialized online and so it’s printed in that awkward horizontal format, but it’s still gorgeous and the story’s still intriguing. Also, no one, except maybe Paul Pope, is as boss with a brush.
Wonder Woman #35 ($2.99) – Azzarello and Chiang bring their massive and spectacular run to a close. They’re ending it on their own terms and have given Diana this amazing and exceptional treatment. This has also been the best title any of the superhero companies have put out and has finally given Wonder Woman a story as legendary as herself.
Adventure Time #33 ($3.99) – Ryan North, Shelli Paroline, and Braden Lamb are sadly leaving this title, and here we are in the middle of the last arc. I think it’s best they end it now while they’re on top rather than keep going until this becomes another groggy licensed tie-in. Because this comic has gone off to achieve its own greatness.
Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland #2 ($3.99) – The first issue provided some gorgeous visuals and a spirit that evoked the Winsor McCay originals. Shanower knows “Little Nemo” has never been about the story, but more about the set pieces and series of events Nemo gets caught in. Nemo — who’s not really Nemo but oh well — has made it to Slumberland and I’m sure Gabriel Rodriguez will have plenty of room to explore. This title has been great to showoff his intricate and fabulous draftsmanship.
Total: $14.96 – I was going to use this as a place to complain about the price of all-ages comics but I’m stoked for this lot, so whatevs.
Matthew Meylikhov’s Picks:
Adventure Time #33 ($3.99) – Now that I know we’re counting down the days until North/Paroline/Lamb leave us, I wouldn’t dare miss a single issue of this wonderful all-ages series. Come on, grab your friends.
Wonder Woman #35 ($2.99) – Lets all light a candle for the end of Azzarello/Chiang et al’s run on this book. Absolutely stunning work, and finally a modern definitive run that we can hand to people when they ask why Wonder Woman is the best.
Southern Bastards ($3.50) – The bastards are back, and doing what they do best.
Guardians of the Galaxy #20 ($3.99) – What happened to Richard Rider? Time to find out.
Saga #24 ($2.99) – I am still on the Saga hype train and make a habit of not missing issues. I would advise you to do the same.
Rasputin #1 ($3.50) – Riley Rossmo and Alex Grecian reunite. If that’s not a good enough reason for you to check this out, then keep in mind that the majority of this issue is Riley Rossmo drawing a man fighting a bear. And it’s great.
Total: $20.96
Matt Dodge’s Picks:
Southern Bastards #5 ($3.50) – The first arc of “Southern Bastards” ended with a shockingly brutal moment that changed the entire course of the series. The world created by the Jasons Aaron and Latour is violent and compelling, and it’s now clear that the stakes are very real.
Continued belowMen of Wrath #2 ($3.50) – That brutal moment in “Southern Bastards”? There’s one of those one every page of this book. Just a warning.
Justice League United Annual #1 ($4.99) – The Legion of Super-Heroes were a mainstay of the pre-New 52 DC Universe, one that sadly got canceled after the reboot. Jeff Lemire’s “Justice League United” has such a fun and adventurous tone that the Legion will fit right in with this new group of heroes.
Wonder Woman #35 ($2.99) – Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chang have one of the only team from the start of the New 52 that has lasted this long. They stayed true to their vision of the character from the start, and never wavered in the face of editorial pressure or a million crossovers. They have created one of the most definitive and distinct Wonder Woman runs of recent memory. Grab the last issue, even if just to say that you were there.
Total: $14.98
Zach’s Picks
Wonder Woman #35 ($2.99) – All good things must come to an end, and this week sees the conclusion of the Brian Azzarello, Cliff Chiang, and a number of other artists’ stellar run on “Wonder Woman.” The level of attachment I have to this run is usually reserved only for long running creator owned books, which should say something about how special this book has been. Through the highs and lows of the New 52, “Wonder Woman” has remained a constant reminder of how great DC’s characters can be. Congratulations to all who have been involved on this book, you’ve done well.
Justice League United Annual #1 ($4.99) – Jeff Lemire. Legion of Super-Heroes. Please please please please be good.
Southern Bastards #5/Black Science #10/Saga #24 ($3.50/$3.50/$2.99) – I’m two or three issues behind on all of these books, but we should all know by now that these are three of the best books on the stands. It would be shame not to give this Image Triple Whammy its due. Plus, it’s time to say goodbye to “Saga” once more as it goes into hibernation for the winter. Sweet dreams, “Saga,” see you in 2015!
Total: $17.97 – This week is absolutely stacked.
Greg’s Pick:
Stray Bullets v1: Innocence of Nihilism TPB ($19.99) – Don’t think of this as one comic for 20 bucks; think of it as 7 comics for 20 bucks. Because that’s what it is, really. Each of the issues reprinted here is a standalone crime story done by one of the best crime cartoonists working a pen today. We talk about it here on CSBC, on Multiversity Comics, on Robots From Tomorrow, on everywhere we can…because its true. And if you were avoiding every other “Stray Bullets” issue despite the standalone nature because you wanted to read it from the beginning? This is it. (And BTW, “Stray Bullets” #1 is one of my all-time favorite single issues of a comic ever. So there’s that). If you were holding off on the Uber Alles Edition for something more manageable? This is it. If you were holding on to your original “Stray Bullets” TPB? eBay that puppy and get this because this collects the first seven issues while that collects the first four. More bang for your buck. And there are no shortage of bangs, literal or figurative, in this book.
Total: $19.99
