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:
East of West: The World ($3.99) – Oh, “East of West”, you are my little gentleman. I’ll take you to foggy London town.
Teen Dog #4 ($3.99) – “Teen Dog” and “Lumberjanes” are the leaders of the pack for me when it comes to backing up my vote for Boom! Studios as the #1 publisher of 2014. They had an amazing year, and produced these two books, which I read near the top of my stack on the weeks that they come out. The method to their madness is far different from any other comic publisher right now.
Batgirl #37 ($2.99) – This continues to be just what I’ve always wanted. Don’t ever change, Batgirl.
The Valiant #1 ($3.99) – A creative team and a concept to die for. The word “Watchmen” is getting thrown around. I’m sure that’s more regarding its aesthetic sense than anything resembling its quality or historical impact, but you know what? I like that aesthetic. I can’t wait to see what Lemire, Kindt, and Rivera do with it.
Total: $14.96
Keith’s Picks:
Batgirl #37 ($2.99) – A doppelgänger Batgirl loose in Gotham City? That sounds pretty fun and wacky to me! Since the new creative team came onboard, they have transformed “Batgirl” into an infectiously gorgeous and intelligently written book with a unique voice and style. Judging by this month’s cover, we’ll have to add the adjective “glam” to the book’s description.
Green Lantern Corps #37 ($2.99) – After falling behind on the Lantern books, I’ve been keeping up with the enjoyable “Godhead” storyline that has been running through all the titles. I’ve been looking forward each week to the battle between the Lanterns and the New Gods. “Green Lantern Corps” has been an excellent read and features the art of Bernard Chang, who has always been one of my favorite artists.
East of West: The World ($3.99) – The cover of this one shot describes it as being a sourcebook, atlas, encyclopedia, timeline, and apocrypha. Jonathan Hickman and Nick Pitarra have created a breathtaking world in the ongoing “East of West” series and it will be helpful (as well as awesome) to see the world fleshed out in such a detailed way. Plus I’m a sucker for guidebooks (I used to devour those DC Comics “Who’s Who” books as a kid).
Southern Bastards #6 ($3.50) – One of the best new series of the year also graced us with the presence of one of the best comic book villains: Coach Boss. In this issue of “Southern Bastards”, we get to find out why Coach Boss is such a bastard.
Total: $13.57 – You can use the leftover money to go toward the purchase of the “Superman For All Seasons Deluxe Edition” hardcover ($29.99), which is one of the greatest Superman stories ever told (ranked just below “All-Star Superman”). It’s also one of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s best works. Give it to yourself as an early Christmas present and I dare you not to be moved to tears by the poignant story and gorgeous artwork.
David’s Picks:
East of West: The World ($3.99) – I love world building, and this one-shot looks like the best kind of world building from the team of Hickman and Dragotta. Looking forward to seeing what they accomplish here.
Shutter #7 ($3.50) – It’s back! One of my absolute favorite new titles of the year returns, and I’m excited to see what Leila del Duca and Joe Keatinge have in store for us next.
Continued belowSouthern Bastards #6 ($2.99) – The first issue of the Coach Boss arc was an ode to great fictional villains throughout history, and I don’t know where the arc will go as a whole, but I’m excited to find out!
Thor #3 ($3.99) – Jason Aaron’s second featured book on this list, the book has been a heck of a lot of fun so far, and Russell Dauterman and Matt Wilson have combined to make it a gorgeous book as well. More of this.
Batgirl #37 ($2.99) – Batgirl! Batgirl! Batgirl! There’s a reason why the people behind this book are crushing in our 2014 in Review feature so far, and you can see it by simply reading this book.
Total: $17.46 – a rock solid week of favorite comics
Matthew Meylikhov’s Picks:
Bitch Planet #1 ($3.50) – Kelly Sue and Val’s new book is going to surprise a lot of people in the best of ways with its razor sharp wit, unflinching feminist mantra and killer artistry. It’s a carefully crafted comic, and it shows at every level. Fuck the patriarchy. Read “Bitch Planet.”
Sex Criminals #9 ($3.50) – “Sex Criminals” always manages to surprise me in the weirdest of ways; this issue is no exception. Fans of Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie should be sure not to miss this issue, either.
Shutter #7 ($3.50) – The return of Joe Keatinge and Leila Del Duca’s “Shutter” is a welcome one, as the second arc kicks off with a bang — or more specifically, a giant angry fucking dragon tearing up the sky itself to get a shot at our heroine. Are any pictures taken in this issue? Guess you’ll have to pick it up to find out!
Southern Bastards #6 ($2.99) – Everyone loves a bastard, and this book now currently stars the biggest bastard of them all with Coach Boss. But after being such an unlikable monster in the first arc, is there any redemption for him? Or at least perhaps an explanation? This issue begins to answer that as the Jasons² unfurl another dynamite issue of their new series.
Supreme: Blue Rose #5 ($2.99) – Ellis and Lotay’s “Supreme: Blue Rose” has sought the unattainable and found… something that’s quite hard to define. But, I would reckon that’s the point. It’s a beautiful series, confusing and lush with visuals that bend reality left and right as we inch ever closer to the revelation of what has become of Ethan Crane. It’s certainly a story worth following.
The Valiant #1 ($3.99) – Jeff Lemire and Paolo Rivera join Valiant mainstay Matt Kindt for the opening salvo of what may just be the best event of 2015. Valiant is about to reinvent themselves here, and it’s not a comic you should even remotely think about missing. “The Valiant” sets up a fantastic journey through a tremendous universe, and the first issue comes with the highest of recommendations to the Valiant expert and neophyte alike.
Total: $20.47 – Welcome to my pull list, Valiant. Hopefully you’ll enjoy your stay amongst all the Image books.
Matthew Garcia’s Picks:
Shutter #7 ($3.50) – Everyone shut up. “Shutter” is back. More family drama! More slightly off-kilter alternate realities! More crazy adventuring! And, most importantly, more Leila del Duca!
Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland #3 ($3.99) – Thus far, this book has been absolutely gorgeous to look at, with Gabriel Rodriguez killing it on the Slumberland set pieces. Shanower’s script has basically served to give Rodriguez cool things to draw, though I can’t decide if the Nemo here is a little shit because it’s his character arc or if Shanower’s just writing a normal kid or something.
Rocket Raccoon #6 ($3.99) – A Saturday morning cartoon in comic book form, “Rocket” has been ridiculously fun since it started, and Marvel couldn’t have chosen anyone better than Skottie Young to spearhead it. I think Young’s kicking off the next arc in the series with this one, and I hope he’s able to maintain that momentum and spirit.
Howtoon: ReIgnition #5 ($2.99) – Bizarre future worlds. Feral kids. Scared scientists in zeppelins. Awesome science projects. Here’s an educational comic that has only a modicum of interest in being an educational comic.
Continued belowPrincess Ugg #6 ($3.99) – With a strong sense of humor and a passion for mystery, Ted Neifeh’s “Princess Ugg” has been charming since it started. Even if the story feels like it’s sometimes stalling, the art has been more than consistently gorgeous to make up for it.
Total: $18.46
Alice’s Picks:
Shutter #7 ($3.50) – It’s back! Finally, it’s back! I thought the wait for this utterly fantastic book to come back would feel like forever, but just like that it’s back before I even noticed. Joe Keatinge and Leila del Duca created a world so vibrant in its originality and imagination that in just six issues, they have me hooked forever. I can’t wait to die back into this world as see where they go next.
Bitch Planet #1 ($3.50) – Spoiler alert: I already know how great “Bitch Planet” #1 is. Oops. Sorry, I kind of ruined the mystery there, but, c’mon, it’s a book about a female prison in spppaaaaAAACCCE! written by Kelly Sue DeConnick and illustrated by Valentine DeLandro. How could it not be great?
Hexed #5 ($3.99) – Speaking of great, Boom! Studios has blown me away this year. Last week, I sung the praises of “The Woods” and this week the other three (one couldn’t be included here for space reasons, sorry “Deep State”) books I read from them are dropping together. First is a book that surprised me a lot, “Hexed”. I wasn’t sure how bringing this book back without Emma Rios on interiors would feel like anything but a pale imitation, but between Dan Mora’s superb, visceral and vibrant art and Michael Alan Nelson’s expansion on the world of “Hexed”, this is a revival I’m glad I didn’t miss. Also, look at that cover, though. You know you want in on this.
The Empty Man #6 ($3.99) – The other Boom! Studios book dropping this week that managed to make it on my list here is the end of Cullen Bunn and Vanesa R. Del Rey’s rather fantastic “The Empty Man”. This book went in a direction I really wasn’t expecting it to and I guess this issue we’ll see whether or not it paid off, but one thing is for sure: it looked gorgeous all the while. Seriously, if Del Rey doesn’t become the next big breakout artist, I will be a very, very sad person.
Batgirl #37 ($2.99) – This spot could easily have gone to “Deep State”, as I said, but I thought that was enough jerking off Boom! Studios for now. So, in its stead is “Batgirl” because, honestly? This shit is my jam. I know there are people who resent the Cameron Stewart/Brenden Fletcher/Babs Tarr headed soft reboot of “Batgirl” for throwing out a lot of what they love about the book and character for a more indie styled, hispterisation of the character, but this is entirely the aesthetic I wanted for this character. From the costume to the writing (even if it has been a bit too talk-y so far) to the art, this just speaks to me, y’know? Now if only “Supergirl” wasn’t so angry all the time…
Total: $17.97 – But this is huge week, so this barely scrapes the tip of the iceberg.
Matt Dodge’s Picks:
Batgirl #37 ($2.99) – The revamp from the new creative team has done wonders for this series. Barbara Gordon has finally been allowed to cast off the heavy shadows of Gotham, and have some adventure. This book is fun, without ever feeling fluffy.
Justice League United #7 ($3.99) – It may not get the attention the Lex Luthor and the gang over in the main “Justice League” title receive, but Jeff Lemire has created a very good book about the B-level heroes of the DCU. The reintroduction of the Legion of Super-Heroes has been handled fairly well, as just managed to avoid overloading the book with new faces. It’s fun and exciting.
Spider-Man and the X-Men #1 ($3.99) – No, it’s not Jason Aaron writing “Wolverine and the X-Men” again, but it’s always been interesting to see Spider-Man interact with other superheros. He’s been an Avenger, and one of the Fantastic Four, so why not a mutant teacher?
Continued belowBitch Planet #1($3.50) – Kelly Sue DeConnick has turned Captain Marvel into a movie-destined superhero, while remaining dedicated to her own independent work. The latest series, with artist Valentine De Landro, sounds like a throw-back to 70’s exploitation movies, but you can be sure that DeConnick will put a cool twist on the premise.
Sex Criminals #9 ($3.50) – Still Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky. Still awesome month after month.
Total: $17.97
Brian’s Picks:
The Valiant #1 ($3.99) – I’ve been trying to catch up on my Valiant reading, and while I am still quite a bit behind, I am very, very excited for “The Valiant.” The creative team is fantastic and the premise fun.
Southern Bastards #6 ($2.99) – This has, quite possibly, become my favorite book put out each month. The Jasons have their comics game on point.
Sex Criminals #9 ($3.50) – I don’t feel I can add too much to what my Multiversity brethren have already said about this book. You need it.
DC’s Three Weeklies ($2.99 each) – The most consistently fun superhero books of 2014 have been DC’s weeklies. There, I said it.
Total: $19.45
