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!
Mark’s picks
“Hellboy Winter Special 2018” ($3.99)— I love these annual “Hellboy Winter Specials” and this one is the best one yet. There are three tales in here: ‘Happy New Year, Ava Galluci’ from Mike Mignola and Ben Stenbeck—everything these two do to is fantastic and this is no different; ‘Lost Ones,’ a nice little epilogue of sorts to “B.P.R.D.: Vampire” from Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá, and a teaser for whatever they’ve got in store for us next; and ‘The Empty Chair,’ a “Lobster Johnson” tale from Tonci Zonjic. More like this, please!
“Head Lopper” #10 ($5.99)— Andrew MacLean and Jordie Bellaire working together makes for a comic that’s an absolute pleasure to read.
“Black Hammer: Cthu-Louise” ($3.99)— This issue reunites the “Plutona” team, Emi Lenox and Jeff Lemire. I do hope Emi will be doing more than just this one-shot in the Black Hammer Universe though. This was too much fun.
“The Quantum Age” #5 ($3.99)— Man, this series is getting ridiculously epic. This isn’t just an interesting side story like all the other “Black Hammer” spin-offs. “The Quantum Age” is essential reading. The last pages in this one are so awesome…
“Giant Days” #45 ($3.99)— Getting “Giant Days” twice in one month is pretty great.
Total: $21.95.
Kevin’s Picks:
New Talent Showcase 2018 #1 ($7.99) – The group of people in this one-shot put out some really wonderful things this last year and are on track to keep it up. Phillip Kennedy Johnson had that excellent “Aquaman Annual” with Max Fiumara, Mags Visaggio’s “Eternity Girl” with Sonny Liew was my favorite miniseries of 2018, Domo Stanton is doing great work on “House of Whispers,” and Amancay Nahuelpan, Aneke, and Max Raynor have done great one-shot and fill-in work so far. This is a great group of talent, and the last few years of these one-shots have been fun, if not varied in quality. DC has been killing it in these specials recently though, so I imagine this will be par for the course. Either way, buy this, support an upcoming class of comic creators, and read some fun one-off stories.
Miles Morales: Spider-Man #1 ($3.99) – This is one of those Marvel books I have been patiently looking forward to since it was announced. Saladin Ahmed’s Marvel career has been a joy to watch, and every book that he’s touched has been some of my favorite of the year. That Marvel Young Gun Javier Garron is no slouch either! Mostly, I am excited to see what a post-Bendis Miles Morales title looks like, especially with the corporate synergistic timing of launching this book ahead of Into the Spider-Verse on Friday! All that being said: Make Mine Miles!
Justice League Dark #6 ($3.99) – This second arc of “Justice League Dark” is everything I want out of a magical DC book. ‘The Witching Hour’ looms large in the background, but this arc just keeps bringing in so many different characters and concepts. We just keep building and building this rich corner of this rich universe.
Avengers #11 ($3.99) – So. Thor and She-Hulk. I have SO many questions. I guess that’s why I’m buying this comic?
Unstoppable Wasp ($3.99) – And finally, Marvel’s best book comes out again this week so you all best be buying some Nadia glory!
Total: $23.95. Went a little over, but again this list could have been SO much longer. December is looking to be a HUGE month for good comics.
Vince’s Picks:
Goddess Mode #1 ($3.99) – Over the course of their first issue, Zoë Quinn and Robbi Rodriguez build a beautiful, futuristic world and juggle a lot of dense storylines pretty deftly. There’s a point about halfway through the issue where a metaphorical switch gets flipped and the book becomes more high octane. By the end, you’ll be wishing the next issue were right there waiting for you.
Continued belowThe Batman Who Laughs #1 ($4.99) – Whether you’re a fan of The Batman Who Laughs as a character, or think you have seen enough of him, you’re not prepared for this issue. It’s not what you expect. If you were a fan of Snyder and Capullo’s “Batman” run, this is one to check out, because the tone is right along those same lines.
Head Lopper #10 ($5.99) – Pure, unadulterated barbarian comic booking. One of the easiest books on the shelf to throw my support at.
Miles Morales: Spider-Man #1 ($3.99) – Saladin Ahmed is one of Marvel’s very best writers. Miles is in good hands.
Total: $18.96
Kate’s Picks:
Giant Days Early Registration ($14.99) – Did you know “Giant Days” started as a webcomic? See the early days of Daisy, Susan, and Esther at university in this new collection of creator John Allison’s self-published “Giant Days” stories. This is one of those few series that I have read religiously from the beginning, even when I wasn’t into comics as much as I am now. The slice-of-life gentle humor and emphasis on friendship makes me come back week after week for more.
Black Hammer Cthu-Louise ($3.99) – Three words: Lovecraftian Teenage Angst. That’s all I think you need to know.
Total: $18.98
