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!
Leo’s Picks:
Tet #3 ($3.99) – The war/crime/romance story from Paul Allor and Paul Tucker continues its way through the past and present of Eugene as he lives through the Tet Offensive and has to deal with life afterward. “Tet” is something I don’t think I’ve seen a lot of in comics lately, but it’s something I want to see more of.
The Paybacks #3 ($3.99) – I think I’ve said it before, but Donny Cates and Eliot Rahal can write some of the most fun comics there are, while still giving them the appropriate moments of seriousness. Geoff Shaw and Lauren Affe continue to bring great art to issue, making “The Paybacks” one of my favorite books every month.
Huck #1 ($3.50) – I’ll admit that I can often be a sucker for a Millar book and their snappy concepts, but “Huck” looks worth it for the Rafael Albuquerque art alone. We all know it’ll be hitting theaters in a few years, so I may as well read the comic before hand.
Total: $11.48
Ken’s Picks:
Star Wars: Vader Down #1 ($4.99)– Argh. The dreaded $4.99 strikes again. Having said that: Marvel’s Star Wars has been, surprisingly, really consistent in how good they’ve been. Now they (or at least just “Star Wars” and “Darth Vader”) are crossing over. They’ve got a great creative pedigree going for them, with Jason Aaron, Mike Deodato and Frank Martin kicking off, so here’s hoping this isn’t the beginning of the end.
Wrath of the Eternal Warrior #1 ($3.99)– I really enjoyed how “Book of Death” ended and Robert Venditti has built up quite an interesting character in the Eternal Warrior. While I am still miffed that Eternal Warrior (as well as Bloodshot) is getting a second solo book before Livewire even got one, this has been a book I’ve long been looking forward to.
Uncanny Inhumans #2 ($3.99)– I’m not apologizing for liking this book, despite the flaws it very much has. I’m not apologizing for liking what Charles Soule has been doing with Inhumans. I’m not apologizing for putting it on this list. Deal with it.
Bloodshot Reborn #8 ($3.99)– Jeff Lemire and Butch Guice’s story of “Shooty Bang Death Murder is Kinda Screwed Up in the Real World” continues as Ray continues to hunt for the rest of the Nanities as well as a killer.
Total: $16.96
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Pretty Deadly #6 ($3.50) – Holy crap, it’s back.
Star Wars: Vader Down ($4.99) – It was only a matter of time before Marvel forced the “Star Wars” titles into a massive crossover. That being said, everything about this does seem like it’s going to be a solid climax for the first year of these series.
The Mighty Thor #1 ($4.99) – Thor’s just the coolest, yo. Let’s hope the next huge Marvel event is a long long ways away so this new series has a better chance to settle in and establish itself. The price tag sucks though, because Marvel.
Shutter #17 – Leila del Duca and Joe Keatinge close out this quiet arc a little early, but the mysteries are definitely amping up and the intrigue is growing. This remains one of my favorite current series.
Total: $17.47
Kevin’s Picks:
Usagi Yojimbo #150 ($3.50)– Longevity in the comics world isn’t something totally unheard of. Batman & Superman has been around forever, so has Spider-Man and Captain America. But for a character that is not totally mainstream, it is impressive. Stan Sakai has crafted “Usagi Yojimbo” as something that everyone, any age, can fully enjoy. When I recommend a book for kids, this is usually my go to, but I always tell the parents to read it with their kids. I am a big portent of comics for everyone and “Usagi Yojimbo” fits the bill for just that. With the recent re-issues of the older stories, now as a good a time as any to jump on board.
Continued belowHuck #1 ($3.50)– Mark Millar seems like he never stops creating. I am a big fan of his work and love when he teams up with a superstar artist. Rafael Albuquerque has made a name for himself with “American Vampire” & “Ei8ht”, so this seems like an opportunity for something different. As well, recent news suggest that a film option has been sold before the book has come out. Whatever Millar is doing, he should continue to do so, since it works so incredibly well for him.
Pretty Deadly #6 ($3.50)– It is hard to believe it has been this long since “Pretty Deadly” was last on the shelves. The first arc was a thoughtful and profound meditation on life & death that was, let’s say, polarizing. I enjoyed it immensely and it spurred a lot of debate about the story and the controversy that came with it. I cannot speak to if this is new reader friendly, but I recommend the first trade from Image before you read this one.
Black Knight #1 ($3.99)– Lately, Marvel have been the kings of bringing back obscure and forgotten characters back to the forefront. For some, the “Black Knight” never went away. Myself however, I am not familiar with the character but I am willing to give it a shot. Beyond that, the idea of a sword and sorcery character in the Marvel U really piques my interest. Perhaps an epic battle with Thor is in the cards! I mean, could you imagine what Jason Aaron could do with that?
Batman: Europa #1 ($4.99)– I find the timing of this book’s release to be a little odd given how much has happened in “Batman” recently. But the Dark Knight has so many stories to tell, it is certainly ok this time around. The long delayed book seems to have a good premise with fantastic art. Let’s see if it was worth the long wait.
Total: $19.48 – Some nice variety this week and a couple of “new” favorites. Even with 2015 almost over, there is still a lot of great content coming out and on the horizon.
Greg’s Picks:
Usagi Yojimbo #150 ($3.50) – Another Usagi milestone! And having already read it thanks to the generous folks over at Dark Horse, I have to say…it’s awesome! I was going to try and write a fake-out “finally found an issue I didn’t like” intro before switching it up, but seriously, I can’t do that. Everyone says it but it’s true every time: “Usagi Yojimbo” is one of the most consistently solid and accessible books being published, and has been for 150 issues at Dark Horse, 16 at Mirage, and 37 at Fantagraphics. This issue has East meeting West with the appearance of a Western swordsman envoy looking to see the finest in Japanese culture. Will he be respectful or boorish? And if the latter, will Usagi put up with that?
Shutter #17 ($3.99) – The solicit simply reads “Shots fired”. That could mean anything, and in a book as crazy good as “Shutter”, I mean AN-Y-THING! Can’t wait to pick this up!
Thor #1 ($4.99) – I’m torn. Dauterman & Aaron really impressed me on their earlier “Thor” run. I want to buy this issue. The wraparound cover looks dope. But 5 bucks? No solicited backup like the one from Aaron’s “Dr. Strange” #1, no mention of increased page count or anything, just an extra buck tacked on for a first issue? This book is going to be worthy of your support, but I don’t think that price is worthy enough to lift my wallet.
Star Wars #12 ($3.99) – Stuart Immonen on Star Wars! Get it while it lasts!
Pretty Deadly #6 ($3.50) – The first arc left me kinda “Wha-huh?”, but I feel like the creative team deserves another shot at grabbing me like they have other people. Plus there’s a big time & setting jump between last arc & this, so maybe a change in venue will be what I need.
Total: $19.97
Keith’s Pick:
Batman: The Golden Age Omnibus ($75.00) – I know this is a pretty big ticket item, but it’s an essential book for any comic book lover’s bookshelf. If Batman is your favorite hero like he is for me, then you’ll be excited to see the Caped Crusader’s first adventures in omnibus form in such a high quality format.
Total: $75.00 – The release of this Batman omnibus is one of those times where way over the twenty buck limit is worth it. My paws have been itching for this book since it was announced and I hope DC releases more volumes that extend beyond the Golden Age.
