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:
Deathstroke #50 ($4.99) – This is the final issue of Christopher Priest’s ‘Rebirth’-defining run for the many facets of Slade Wilson. Priest helped craft Deathstroke into a more 3-dimensional character than he’s ever been before, somehow without sacrificing any of his edge. How did he do it? Somehow Priest told a meta-story across 3 years of changing DC continuity, played well in and around all of it, and came out the other side with the most consistent book in cape comics for the length of its run. It felt like the kind of book that might never happen again, so while we still have time to do so, let’s cherish it.
20XX #1 ($3.99) – A new Jonathan Luna project is something I’m always super down for.
Annihilation Scourge: Nova #1 ($4.99) – I really appreciate that Marvel is doing another Marvel Cosmic Annihilation-centric story, while not feeling the need to do a ton of miniseries and drag it out too long. A series of one-shots focused on different characters seems perfect for getting in and out of a concept. And with Matthew Rosenberg on the Nova book, it’s sure to be a good time.
Marauders #3 ($3.99) – Pound for pound, my favorite of the ‘Dawn of X’ titles. Kate Pryde has stolen my heart. Matteo Lolli has been a revelation on art, fitting in extremely well with the clean aesthetic that the HoX/PoX artists laid down a couple months ago.
Total: $17.96
Kevin’s Picks:
“Die” #10 ($3.99) – Already to the end of the second arc, and boy does this book keep adding twists and turns and more British literary inspirations than you can shake a stick at. There is not a prettier book on the stands. I love this series.
“Excalibur” #3 ($3.99) – Marvel’s best book with Dawn of X on the cover. Rictor’s in the preview for this one finally, and I know people have been clamoring online for that!
“Justice League” #37 ($3.99) – This book just continues being bonkers. Only 3 issues left before this run ends and the story moves on to “Year of the Villain: Hell Arisen.” With Jorge Jimenez back this issue on art, can this team come in to stick the landing, or will the stakes continue to get ramped setting the stage for bigger things in 2020? Can’t wait to find out.
“Daredevil” #14 ($3.99) – Marvel’s best book that doesn’t have Dawn of X on the cover.
“X-Men” #3 ($3.99) – How do you build on a love affair between two islands? We’ll find out this issue.
Total: $19.95
Brian’s Picks:
“Deathstroke” #50 ($4.99) – If you’ve been at a dinner party with me, follow me on Twitter, see me in the supermarket, or flew over my timezone in the past 4 years, you’ve likely heard me talk about how “Deathstroke” is quite possibly the best comic series of the decade. Pound for pound the best ‘Rebirth’ title by a country mile, this book will be missed for so, so many reasons. Fare thee well, Priest and co.
“Marauders” #3 ($3.99) – This is the ‘Dawn of X’ title that speaks to me the most from a few different angles: the art, the fun, the liberation plot. Kitty Kate Pryde is also the first character from this run to truly surprise me, which goes a long way to making this the first book I read every week.
“Batman Universe” #6 ($4.99) – Oh, what a few years can do. “Brian Bendis-penned Batman title made exclusively for Walmart” sounds like a joke a friend would write about what I don’t want in a comic. And while the Waltons can still go fuck themselves in the ear once for every non-unionized employee they steal from, this comic has been such fun. The one downside of this is that, with Alfred dead, when Bendis gets his extended Bat-run, we won’t have the amazingly sassy Alfred from this.
Continued belowTotal: $13.97
Jason’s Picks:
”20XX” #1 ($3.99)‒ I had no idea what “20XX” was about, honestly, I had no idea it existed. That was until I noticed our local comic shop was having a signing with the creators. Something that never happens here. Surprised I looked into the reason why, it turns out “20XX” is based in Anchorage Alaska! The place I was born/raised and live! This may not seem like the biggest deal, but, I can’t remember the last time such a big comic was based around Anchorage Alaska!
”The Butcher of Paris” #1 ($3.99)‒ Can’t say much on this one. But, the few things I’ve seen for it comes across as interesting!
”Green Lantern : Blackstars” #2 ($3.99)‒ Grant Morrison, enough said.
”Batman: Universe” #6 ($4.99)‒ So far the previous five issues have been my favorite of a Batman story so far. If issue six follows through on the amazing tale, and concludes it in a grand manner, “Batman: Universe” may end up being my favorite Batman story!
Total:$16.96. I’m really sad to see “Batman: Universe” to end. But, that means going forward I’ll have a few extra dollars for other comics!
Erik’s Picks:
“Batman” #84 ($3.99) – As someone who jumped in “Batman” for ‘City of Bane’ and the set-up of “Batman/Catwoman,” I’ve always been really confused as to why Thomas Wayne, the Flashpoint Batman, is involved with Bane. It looks like we’ll get some background into Thomas’s decision to try and stop Bruce from being Batman.
“20XX” #1 ($3.99) – “Alex+Ada” got such rave reviews from a few of my favorite comic book podcasters, so I’ve always been interested in trying a Jonathan Luna book. I saw a couple interior pages and I’m really intrigued with this world.
Total: $7.98
