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:
Egos #1 ($2.99) – Something about the graphic design and the far-future concept of this one caught my eye from the word go. I’m pretty excited about the prospect of reading a new Image series from a couple of creators that I don’t know what to expect from.
Alex + Ada #3 ($2.99) – I love the pace of this title. Above all else, Luna and Vaughn have created an atmosphere for this comic that is carefully crafted and consistent. Really pleasant stuff.
Rat Queens #4 ($3.50) – Each issue of this title reveals its full potential to me, more and more. What started as a nicely honed appropriation of sword & sorcery tropes mixed with hard liquor has revealed a sweeter core over the course of three issues. This is just a really terrific comic and that fact is only going to make itself more apparent as time goes by.
Velvet #3 ($2.99) – I found the solicitation to this issue really intriguing: “You all know the story: a beautiful woman seduced by a secret agent into revealing secrets and helping him on his mission…but what happens to them once the agent is gone?” That tells me something pretty important about what Brubaker & Epting are doing here. “Velvet”, thus far, has been a tightly plotted and visually gorgeous espionage story, but it hasn’t done that one big thing that makes you stand up and take notice that, whoa, everything I thought I knew was wrong. It sounds like it might be headed in that direction now.
Total: $13.47
David Harper’s Picks:
B.P.R.D. #115 ($3.50) – I’m confident in saying that this “Reign of the Black Flame” arc may end up being the best arc in any comic this year. I’ve read two issues from it already, and it is amazing. James Harren art, Mike Mignola and John Arcudi bringing some premium death and destruction…this is simply fantastic.
Amazing X-Men #3 ($3.99) – So far, this is the type of X-Men story I love to read. Just straight up fun adventures that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Alex + Ada #3 ($2.99) – One of the sneaky best comics right now. A futuristic tale of personal exploration with incredible Jonathan Luna art. You should be reading this.
Velvet #3 ($2.99) – Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting telling a simply spectacular spy story. Really enjoying this so far.
Miracleman #1 ($5.99) – I’ve ALWAYS wanted to read this, and finally, I get to do so. Really wish it wasn’t $5.99, but what are you gonna do?
Total: $19.46
Matt’s Picks:
Miracleman #1 ($5.99) – I gotta say, I’m extremely curious about how Marvel is going to pull this off (if at all). I’m iffy on the new colors just because I’m used to the Epic colors that I’ve already read, but you never know. This could be great. And at the very least it’ll introduce a brand new audience to this awesome book. Couldn’t come at a better time, as I think we all need a reminder of how awesome Alan Moore is right now.
Amazing X-Men #3 ($3.99) – Jason Aaron writing the X-Men is not a thing that you can pass up on under any circumstances, I’m afraid. I’m sorry. You just can’t. Not allowed.
Rat Queens #4 ($3.50) – I find that I really like this book but always forget that I really like and love supporting it. It’s a lot of fun, up there with Skullkickers to me in terms of irreverent celebration of DnD fantasy. Definitely worth a grab while you’re in your shop.
Continued belowProphet #42 ($3.99) – My darling Prophet comic is going away. We must support it now while we still have it. (I mean, it’s going away on its own terms, but still. Never forget.)
Velvet #3 ($2.99) – Last but not least, I am really digging what Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting are putting down with this here book. Best give it a read before all the cool kids are talking about the awesome trailer for the movie adaptation they just saw. (And if you don’t get that reference, then I don’t know what to do with you).
Total: $20.46 – Dig two quarters out of that couch of yours, ya dingus
Zach’s Picks:
Miracleman #1 ($5.99) – The asking price is a little steep, but what comic book fan hasn’t at least given some thought to the day that he or she could read this lost treasure? My better sense says wait for the trade, but this is just too tempting.
Superior Spider-Man #25 ($4.99) – The oversized finale to the Superior Venom arc comes on the heels of a certain spoilery Spider-announcement. Considering we may be counting down Otto’s final superior days, take this opportunity to enjoy one of the most surprisingly great stories of last year, this year.
Green Lantern Corps #27 ($2.99) – This is by far my favorite of the Green Lantern books and one of the New 52’s most underrated gems. The art, the quirky cast, everything about it is just great. This issue sees Van Jensen taking over full writing duties, and I for can’t wait to see him let loose.
Skyman #1 ($2.99) – I’m all kinds of intrigued by Dark Horse’s “Project Black Sky.” This miniseries is the latest piece of that puzzle. I know literally nothing else about it, other than the fact that it’s written by Joshua Hale Fialkov. That’s enough for me.
Total: $16.96
Brian’s Picks:
B.P.R.D. #115 / Dark Horse Presents #32 ($3.50 / $7.99) – Mike Mignola owns this week – not only do you get the start of a JAMES FREAKING HARREN arc on “B.P.R.D.,” but you get the conclusion of “Hellboy Gets Married” in “Dark Horse Presents,” along with a boatloat of other great stuff (like work from Steve Lieber, Fred Van Lente, Patric Reynolds and Jame S. Rich). Who needs other comics?
Total: $11.49 – Treat yourself to some pizza with the leftover. You love pizza, don’t you?
