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:
The Adoption – Volume 2 ($4.99) – The second half of Zidrou and Arno Monin’s diptych available on ComiXology. This book wasn’t on my radar at all, then I stumbled onto it and it’s superb—Monin’s art just sucks you in. There’s a bande dessinée–sized hardcover containing both volumes coming at the end of December if you’d prefer to read a physical copy, but I have to recommend the digital just because it’s such a cheap way to check this out, and I know this kind of book is often a hard sell for mainstream audiences. That said, so far everyone I’ve recommended this too has loved it, so, you know, get it.
Remina ($22.99) – A new Junji Ito book is always a treat, but this one especially so. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy his short stories, but for me, the longer saga-like horrors work for me so much more. There’s always that inevitable, inescapable pull at their heart, which I cannot get enough of. No one does existential horror better than Junji Ito.
Total: $27.98. I’m also picking up “Barbalien: Red Planet” #2, “Decorum” #6, and “Head Lopper” #14, but wouldn’t you know it, they blow the budget even more than it’s already blown. . .
Vince’s Picks:
Amethyst #6 ($3.99) – Amy Reeder’s vibrant take on “Amethyst” comes to an end here, but hopefully it’s not the last we see of Gemworld for the foreseeable future. Her take was gorgeous to look at from the jump, but I really warmed to the story as it went along, and it ended up being – for my money – a more spirited take on this world that even the original run.
Post Americana #1 ($3.99) – a light-hearted little “fall of empire” joint from Steve Skroce. Now that everything in this country has been fixed forever, I’m looking forward to reading a story that I’m sure won’t inspire any thoughts of dread or irony within me.
Psychodrama Illustrated #3 ($4.99) – Gilbert Hernandez. Nuff said.
Total: $12.97
Johnny’s Picks:
Barbalien: Red Planet #2 ($3.99) – A thought-provoking spin on DC’s Martian Manhunter, Barbalien is one of the many wonderful characters inhabiting Jeff Lemire’s “Black Hammer” universe of books. Set during the AIDS crisis of the 80’s, Barbalien/Mark Markz exists as both a closeted gay man and an illegal alien (and is also a police officer), and this series tackles the prejudices and conflicts at the intersection of all these issues. Paired with Gabriel Hernandez Walta on this series, there is a melancholic straightforwardness to the story that heightens the drama, turning the volume down on the superheroics, but highlighting why we read these books in the first place – to connect to the beautiful humanity within these characters. Cannot recommend highly enough.
X-Force #15 ($3.99) – Won’t lie, with all the “X of Swords” hubbub recently, I have very much lost the thread of the before-times with our favorite Krakoan Black Ops team. Nevertheless, I remember it to be a fun and often gory time, thanks to the dynamite duo of Ben Percy and Joshua Cassara. Add a splash of Omega Red, as this issue does, and I can’t wait to dive back in!
Total: $7.98
Kate’s Picks:
The Expanse #1 ($4.99) – It’s not the first attempt at comics from the Syfy/Amazon series (that was a 2018 series that explored the pre-Rocinante life of the crew). But this ties right into the TV series, which sees its fifth season drop tomorrow, with a story picking up right on the events that ended the fourth season. Plus it’s a story about my favorite badass Chrisjen Avasarala. What’s not to love?
Tales from the Dark Multiverse: Crisis on Infinite Earths One-Shot ($5.99) – Hands down this is the best of all of the DC events, so I’m keen to see this spin on things.
Total: $10.98. Honorable mention goes to Z2’s “Ludwig van Beethoven – The Final Symphony: A Beethoven Anthology” a stunningly beautiful celebration of the 250th anniversary of the composer’s birth.
