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:
American Carnage #1 ($3.99) – Between this and “Border Town”, I’m very impressed that DC Comics has allowed their new Vertigo relaunch to be this socio-politically current and vital. At a time when the big two companies are playing it relatively safe with their mainline cape comics, it would be just as easy for DC to play it down the middle at all levels of their publishing. While there are complexities to be found with “American Carnage”, like “Border Town”, there is no mistaking who the bad guys are. Bryan Hill crafts a 3-dimensional hero and a wolf-in-sheeps-clothing villain situation as deftly as I’ve seen in a while. Do not miss this one.
Love & Rockets Magazine #6 ($4.99) – Come on, it’s “Love & Rockets”
Go-Bots #1 ($3.99) – I’m not going to pretend I have some deep-seeded nostalgic love for the “Go-Bots” franchise. I was a Transformers kid, and even that was before my time. Any positive recollection I have of Go-Bots must surely be secondhand information. That said, whoever is letting Tom Scioli go buckwild with these toy franchises is probably not being compensated enough. Scioli spins nothing but gold.
East of West #40 ($3.99) – One step closer to the end of “East of West.” I will be slowly savoring every remaining issue.
Total: $16.96
Kevin’s Picks:
West Coast Avengers #4 ($3.99) – Kelly Thompson, Stefano Caselli, and Triona Farrell are having a ton of fun with this book and it shows. The character dynamics in this book are beautiful and positive, building on continuity, not burdened by it, and really bringing something unique to the Marvel Universe. I love this book and the reign of Kelly Thompson at Marvel.
Justice League Dark #5 ($3.99) – Picking up on ‘The Witching Hour’ is our second arc of “Justice League Dark” which looks to center on Detective Chimp. Again this book has some awesome character interactions, and while the recent crossover fizzled out a little bit, this book still has a ton going for it filling in the magical corner of the DCU in a way that hasn’t been done in a long time. Let’s see what happens when we’re unburdened from crossover land.
American Carnage #1 ($3.99) – Bryan Hill and Leandro Fernandez ‘s Vertigo book debuts this week, and its one of the ones I have been looking forward to the most. Seeing the way Hill has described his research process for this book on Twitter, and just his desire to know and understand racism and white supremacy makes this seem like it’s going to be a deepy emotional, intriguing ride.
Shuri #2 ($3.99) – Nnedi Okorafor is going to run the Marvel Universe in a few years and Leonardo Romero is one of the best artists at the company at the moment. This series had a great debut, brought context to the “Black Panther” title, and looked gorgeous. Let’s keep it going.
Archie #700 ($3.99) – I have been outspoken about my love for the “Archie” relaunch from Mark Waid and various artists. It’s now over, with Nick Spencer and Marguerite Sauvage taking over the title. I’m no Spencer lover or apologist, but his “Amazing Spider-Man” has been solid, so this book is getting a chance from me this week.
Total: $19.95
Mark’s picks
“Crimson Lotus” #1 ($3.99)— John Arcudi takes on a miniseries focusing on one of the Lobster’s most dangerous (and my personal favorite) foes. The Crimson Lotus (AKA Yumiko Daimio) has made surprisingly few appearances in Mike Mignola’s Hellboy Universe, but when she does appear, it is always a treat. The Crimson Lotus seems to coax visually arresting scenes from the artists that draw her, so I can’t wait to see what newcomer Mindy Lee (2016’s “Bounty”) does with this title.
“Black Hammer: Age of Doom” #7 ($3.99)— This issue has Randall Weird embracing the, er, weirdest aspects on the Black Hammer Universe. A while back, I made the comment that I feel like “Black Hammer” heralds the Postmodern Age of comics. This issue makes a great argument for my assertion.
Total: $7.98. A cheap week, you might say. If only. The deluxe hardcover of “Injection” is out so… Yeah, I suck at staying under $20.
