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:
Warlords of Appalachia #2 ($3.99) – Even beyond how nicely some of the jabs in this book line up with the current political climate, “Warlords of Appalachia” had an interesting first issue. It features an America at war with itself and reluctant heroes in Kentucky who start to try to change things. Also, any comic that manages to incorporate the Blue People of Kentucky into the narrative is one I’m willing to check out.
Chew #60 ($5.99) – I remember when I first started getting back into comics and I found “Chew”. It was on around issue 10 or so then, and it immediately became one of my favorites. Cut to several years later and this book is finally coming to an end. Many look to “Chew” as one of, if not THE book, that really helped to start Image on the path to being the juggernaut that it is today and that’s a hell of a big thing. It will be sorely missed.
A.D After Death #1 ($5.99) – Scott Snyder is probably one of the most lauded creators in current comics, with Jeff Lemire not far behind him. The two together on a book is definitely something worth checking out. This might need a fact check, but I’m pretty sure this is also the first time Lemire has drawn a creator owned series written by someone else, maybe the first time he’s drawn someone else’s writing period, so that alone is a big deal.
Goddamned #5 ($3.99) – I’ve given up on ever getting a regularly released Jason Aaron book at Image, but those books are often so worth the wait. I’ve also kinda forgotten what’s happened in “Goddamned” so far, so a reread might be in order.
Total: $19.96. A couple of $6 books throws things off, but this should be well worth it.
Greg’s Picks:
The Jack Kirby Collector #69 ($10.95) – While it is taking up a huge chunk of my list this week, I think it’s worth giving this magazine a spotlight. And not because issue 69 of this periodic periodical (bi-monthly? quarterly? annually?) has a theme particularly near or dear to my heart. But rather that the strength of TJKC’s examination of Kirby’s work & influence (and most of Twomorrow’s output in general) almost always turns up something I didn’t already know. And for over 20 years of putting out page after page after page of Kirby analysis & artwork, that’s saying something. Every issue of TJCK is a jumping-on point, and learning something new about the King is never a bad thing.
Usagi Yojimbo #159 ($3.99) – The solicit copy lists this as a ‘new, self-contained issue’, which feels kinda redundant when talking about “Usagi Yojimbo”. While Sakai has done issues that were part of longer storylines (although those tend to only run 2-3 issues when they are used), I can’t think of an issue about the life, times, friends, and foes of his samurai rabbit creation that ISN’T self-contained. Or at least self-contained enough to be understandable on its own. “Usagi Yojimbo” is another series that you can (and should) jump on at any time. And if this pitch doesn’t do it for you, I’ll try again in six weeks when issue #160 comes out…
Deathstroke #7 ($2.99) – Not sure how effective each single issue of this series is at being successful jumping-on points, but Christopher Priest’s handling of Slade the Killing Man is damn successful as being good comics.
Continued belowTotal: $18.93
Jess’s Picks:
Dept. H #8 ($3.99) – As a follow up to “Mind MGMT”, “Dept. H” has been stellar. It’s a smart murder mystery that’s turned into a whole lot more and I’m really excited each time we get to a new issue. Who know what secrets come out next?
Deathstroke #7 ($2.99) – I can’t believe I like a Deathstroke book. I’m so mad at DC for this but I’m glad to have it.
Harley Quinn #8 ($2.99) – Yes, I read “Harley Quinn”. Yes, it’s crude and ridiculous but it’s kind of fun. To see a top selling book like this feature a non heterosexual, kind of anti-hero who lives by her own rules is pretty gratifying. This week’s issue has Harley and Ivy going on vacation together which will inevitably be sweet.
Wonder Woman #11 ($2.99) – This has been one of the most enjoyable Rebirth titles and has lived up to what was promised. I’m eager to see how this first arc ends.
Kingsway West #4 ($3.99) – I’m not a huge fan of westerns but this has really proven to be a great read. This is the last issue of this miniseries that mixes a lot of sci elements with the western genre and features atypical characters for this kind of story.
Total: $16.95. It’s a weird, superhero heavy week for me. If nothing catches your eye, you can always buy “Hot Damn” with the full $20.
Matthew’s Picks:
Chew #60 ($5.99) – Wow. End of a fucking era. Remember when this book first started and literally changed the game for creator owned comics? Chew was the gunshot that started the modern Image revolution, and it’s bittersweet to see it now ending. Good on you, Chew; you’ve done well.
Wonder Woman #11 ($2.99) – The conclusion of “The Lies.” Something is revealed, maybe. Stuff happens, probably. Wonder Woman continues to be great, definitely.
Ultimates 2 #1 ($3.99) – The Marvel surprise of the relaunch. This book has been incredible, and I can’t wait to see where it goes for Season 2.
Snotgirl #4 ($2.99) – Despite a shoddy release schedule, this book has been pretty alarmingly charming.
The Goddamned #5 ($3.99) – And speaking of shoddy release schedules, “The Goddamned” is back. Guerra and Aaron are a stellar team; honestly I’m just happy to be reading this book at all again, rather than lamenting the delay between issues.
Total: $19.95 – Read comics instead of talking to your parents about politics this Thanksgiving
Vince’s Picks:
Deathstroke #7 ($2.99) – DC Comics’ best mainline “Rebirth” title. I’ll keep saying this over and over again until everyone is buying and reading and talking about it. Where to begin? Christopher Priest, first of all, has a clear vision for making Slade Wilson a compelling character that you want to read every month without overdoing any sentimentality or sympathy. He may show pockets of honor here and there, but he is not a good guy. He’s not an anti-hero. He’s a villain. And the art has been on-point too, with Joe Bennett & Carlo Pagulayan (this week it’s Pagulayan) doing some of the best, cleanest work of their careers. To top it all off, the great Larry Hama does layouts sometimes, which adds a pinch of flavor to the book that shows a thoughtfulness a “Deathstroke” book has rarely been afforded before. Please, do not miss out on this.
Super Powers #1 ($2.99) – It’s an Art & Franco DC book. We all likely know exactly what we’re gonna get, but it’s gonna be fun.
A.D. After Death – Book One ($5.99) – It’s probably inarguable that Scott Snyder is one of the top 10 most popular writers in modern comics, and Jeff Lemire isn’t far behind as far as well-earned critical praise in concerned. So to have the two of them come together for a mysterious project that combines a bunch of different mediums and genres that they’re well-suited for? Well, at the very least you’re going to peek at the first issue, aren’t you?
Continued belowTotal: $$11.97
Matt’s Picks:
A.D. After Death #1 ($5.99) – Snyder’s slew of superhero work last year often rendered him stale and his work by-the-numbers. He blends prose and comics in this, a collaboration with Jeff Lemire, about people dealing with never having to die again. If nothing else, it’s gorgeous to look at.
Super Powers #1 ($2.99) – Art Baltazar and Franco. Man, I don’t think this book needs anything else to sell it.
Star Wars: Han Solo #5 ($3.99) – I’ve felt like Marvel has really dropped the ball on these “Star Wars” comics recently. The Han Solo series has been entertaining and intriguing, and Marjorie Liu has demonstrated a tight control over the action. Will there be any lasting consequences? Probably not because there’s a canon to adhere to. Was this an interesting series that hopefully finds a strong ending? We can only wait to see….
Total: $12.97.
Mark’s Picks
Harrow County #18 ($3.99) — This issue is a major gamechanger. Don’t miss it.
Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: 1954—The Unreasoning Beast ($3.99) — Patric Reynolds takes some time off “Joe Golem, Occult Detective” to do a “Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.” one-shot. As impatient as I am for the next “Joe Golem,” I’m really glad he did this book. Set in a single location on a single night, this is a smaller story, but Reynolds has an affinity for this material and makes it sing. This is a great issue.
Lake of Fire #4 ($3.99) — We’re getting close to the end of this series now and things are getting crazy. At this point, I’m just enjoying the ride.
Total: $11.97.
Ken’s Picks:
Ninjak #21 ($3.99): An underflying book at Valiant with all their launches, but a nice reliable one. This serves as prelude to the next so you may want to take a gander.
Deathstroke #7 ($2.99): Again. This is DC’s best book right now. That really is a testament the skills of this creative team in portraying a flesh out villain but still acknowledging that he is a villain.
The Flash #11 ($2.99): While this book has some structure problems and some annoying dialogue choices, it’s still one of the more optimistic books at DC. And I really need that now.
Total: $9.97
