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:
Klaus and the Crying Snowman #1 ($7.99) – The God of All Comics, Grant Morrison, and Dan Mora team up again for a holiday tradition unlike any other. Of all the entries in the “(historical figure) the (unlikely profession)” genre of fiction (“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter”, this is by far the most satisfying. I guess that’s because the creatives involved are absolute masters of the craft.
American Carnage #2 ($3.99) – Speaking of masters of their craft, “American Carnage” has me marveling over how much Bryan Hill has grown as a writer in such a short amount of time. More than any other comic he’s written, you see him avoiding common narrative pitfalls with ease and never falling back into cliches. A work of daring and important content, but executed very deftly and carefully. And beautifully moody to look at, thanks to Leandro Fernandez.
Aquaman #43 ($3.99) – Kelly Sue gives “Aquaman” a kick in the pants by leaving him stranded without his memories. If you think you’ve read a “hero forgets who he is” story before and are thinking about skipping this, then you’ll miss out on the way Kelly Sue brilliantly navigates the edges of Arthur’s loss by filling it in with interesting new characters and character beats that feel fresh and true, even as the “character” at the center is effectively absent. Robson Rocha turns in the best work of his career, too, and it’s not even close. A gorgeous and exciting start of what’s sure to be a memorable run.
Tank Girl: Action Alley #1 ($3.99) – Yes, it’s me, your resident “Tank Girl” mark, recommending another one of these.
Total: $19.96
Matt Lune’s Picks:
Klaus and the Crying Snowman #1 ($7.99) – This series. Grant Morrison and Dan Mora have been returning to their badass Santa Claus every year for the last four years now, and I cannot get enough. What started as a 12-part “Santa: Year One” style story has been reduced to annual specials, but each and every one is a treat.
Betty & Veronica #1 ($3.99) – With both Riverdale and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina shining a light on the Archie-verse brighter than ever, I can’t get enough. So the latest new series to star Archie’s forever-girls is something I’m bound to check out.
A Walk Through Hell #6 ($3.99) – This is one of the most effective and disturbing horror books coming out at the moment, and while Garth Ennis might not be everyone’s cup of tea, if you’re a fan of visceral gore and unsettling imagery, then this is for you.
Seasons Beatings #1 ($4.99) – Look, I’m a sucker for a holiday special, ok? This may be terrible, it most likely will be entirely skippable, but maybe…just maybe…it’s a book I’ll come back to again and again every Christmas.
Total: $20.96
Mark’s picks
“Avatar: The Last Airbender—Imbalance” Part 1 ($10.99)— It’s back! And I’ve got to say, I feel a bit strange about this one. On one hand, I really loved what Gurihiru and Gene Luen Yang did with the series, and I’m still sad to see that era come to an end; over a thousand pages from the same creative team. But Faith Erin Hicks is among my favorite comics creators, and like me, her favorite “Avatar” character is Toph, so I’m obviously excited to see what she does with these comics. And Peter Wartman’s art is such an excellent match for this world. If you’ve read “Stonebreaker,” then you know he can handle both the big and small aspects of “Avatar.”
Continued below“Beasts of Burden: Wise Dogs and Eldritch Men” #4 ($3.99)— This arc may have come to an end, but don’t worry, I hear Evan Dorkin and Benjamin Dewey already have another planned.
“Gideon Falls” #3 ($3.99)— For me, this is the stand-out new series of 2018. If you haven’t read this book from Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino yet, I strongly urge you to do so.
Total: $18.97
Kate’s Picks:
ExorSisters #3 ($3.99) – Nothing like bringing an ex into the mix to make the lives of the Harrow sister just that much more interesting. Especially if he’s coming from Hell.
Becoming Andy Warhol ($18.99) – Here in New York City, we have a new Andy Warhol retrospective (the first in the US since 1989), which I’ll be trying to see during my holiday vacation. This looks to be an excellent primer before I head over there.
Total: $22.98. A little over, but that’s what holiday bonuses are for, right?
