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 and the B.P.R.D.: Her Fatal Hour and The Sending ($3.99) – Featuring not one, but two stories, this extra-long issue is definitely one to pick up. It’s also the debut of artist Tiernen Trevallion, and if this issue is anything to go by, it won’t be his last. Trevallion brings so much enthusiastic energy to his work, which is a perfect fit for these stories, since both skew a little more towards the ridiculous in the best possible way. This is coupled with the usual brooding atmospheric stuff, plus a bunch of references to past stories for long-term “Hellboy” readers. Don’t get me wrong, it’s perfectly accessible for new readers, but fans will get an extra kick out of it.
Fire Power #6 ($3.99) – I’ll be catching up on the #1–6 arc (‘Home Fire’) all at once. I enjoyed the first arc original graphic novel, but it was really carried by Chris Samnee’s art. In this second arc I’m hoping the story and characters come to life.
Total: $7.98. ’Tis a light week.
Johnny’s Picks:
Far Sector #9 ($3.99) – An absolutely dynamite series I’m still gushing about. Gorgeous visuals by Jamal Campbell, an intriguing detective/police-work story that doesn’t feel gross in the year 2020, and a compelling lead character in Jo Mullein, Green Lantern of the titular sector. As we round the bend to the climax of the series, I really hope we see more of Jemisin in the DC Universe, and more of Jo. Maybe even a novel, or series of novels? Sign me up.
The Union #1 ($3.99) – Veteran writer Paul Grist only has a few Marvel issues under his belt, but what he does have is a very long-lived and acclaimed run of self-published titles, my favorite of which is “Jack Staff,” a character very similar in appearance as Marvel’s Union Jack. All this to say, I’ve been a fan of Paul Grist for a long time, and I’m excited to see him work his magic on some of Marvel’s underserved characters, these British-based heroes that AREN’T Captains Britain and Avalon (where are they, anyways?). Partnered with another capable veteran in artist Andrea De Vito, I’m locked in for this five issue mini.
Total: $7.98
Kate’s Pick:
Covid Chronicles ($9.99) – It’s been nearly a year since the disease that would become COVID-19 was first discovered in China. And while science has learned quite a bit about it in that year, and with vaccines on the horizon, pandemic fatigue is real. These cartoons, which first appeared on the NBC News website in those first months of the pandemic spreading in the United States, will do well to remind people that COVID is still here, and still needs to be taken very seriously.
Total: $9.99. I’ll add an honorable mention for Noah Van Sciver’s “Please Don’t Step on my JNCO Jeans,” if you’re looking for some Chuck Klosterman-esque reading.
Vince’s Picks:
Lumberjanes: End of Summer #1 ($6.99) – The monumental “Lumberjanes” series comes to an end with a one-shot, oversized special. It can’t really be understated how much moxie this series has had, from its humble beginnings as a planned limited series, to the wild wave of enthusiasm that carried it as an ongoing title pretty steadily for 6 years. It’s a warm blanket of a comic that I’m looking forward to wrapping myself in again.
Total: $6.99
