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:
March: Book Two ($19.95) – “March: Book One” was one of the most acclaimed books of last year, and a stunningly moving look at a historical topic that has been oft-discussed but never quite like this. The Civil Rights Movement will exist in some shape or form for as long as we’re all alive – it’s just the focus that might change over the years. Still, the same things that were being fought for then, are still being fought for – or struggled with – today, which makes works like “March” eternally relevant and weighty. Do yourself a favor and pick these books up. They’re quality comics, you might learn something, and the subject matter is eternally vital.
Total: $19.95
Keith’s Picks:
Batman and Robin #38 ($2.99) – I was a bit leery about Damian having superpowers but am willing to give the superb creative team of writer Pete Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason a chance to impress me. It’s possible for them to regale us with fun and emotional stories that now include a “Super” Robin.
Batman Eternal #42 ($2.99) – After being introduced in the pages of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s “Batman”, Harper and her brother Cullen have been more than welcome additions to the Bat-family. In this issue, Harper suits up as the hero Bluebird. Now we only need Cullen to recuperate and join the crusade against crime. As an added bonus in this issue, Joe Quinones is on art duties.
Justice League #38 ($3.99) – “The Amazo Virus” storyline continues in this issue, with Batman becoming “the last Leaguer standing” to be infected. We just know he’ll be the last one infected and the first one cured. He’s the goddamn Batman.
Batman/Superman #18 ($3.99) – Greg Pak writes the best current Superman of the New 52 in the pages of “Action Comics”. In this issue of “Batman/Superman”, he continues to chronicle the super friends’ fine team-up to unravel the mystery of the Man of Steel’s “Joker”.
The Wicked + The Divine #7 ($3.50) – The first issue of the new year for one of the best new series of 2014 is guaranteed to impress!
Total: $17.46
Matt Dodge’s Picks:
Powers #1 ($3.99) – The long running series from Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming gets the re-numbering treatment ahead of its television adaptation. The book has been a premiere example of a creator-owned series from one of the biggest names the business. Hopefully it will be good for new and old readers alike.
Batman and Robin #38 ($2.99) – Damien Wayne is back, and he has superpowers now. Peter J. Tomasi is one of most underrated creators at DC, and hopefully he can make the return of Damien from the dead seem only a little bit silly.
Justice League #38 ($3.99) – The virus that was swept through the League finally infects Batman. Boy, with Damien back from the dead Batman sure is having a rough week.
Fantastic Four #642 ($3.99) – It’s the beginning of the end for the Fantastic Four. Again. It seems like classic team has experienced a fall in prestige over the past few years, but hopefully this can be an appropriate swan song for the Marvel’s first family.
Total: $14.96
Leo’s Picks:
Burning Fields #1 ($3.99) – Michael Moreci, Tim Daniel, and Colin Lorimer killed it on Curse last year. After reading the first issue of Burning Fields, I think this could be another big win for the team.
Continued belowGoners #4 ($2.99) – Goners continues to be one of my favorite books that seems to be flying under the radar. Jacob Semahn and Jorge Corona continue to build the story of the Latimer children and the weight of their family history. Things are only getting stranger and more dangerous, but I’m all in.
Drifter #3 ($3.50) – Ivan Brandon and Nic Klein are crafting one of the more interesting sci-fi comics out there with Drifter. This is the issue where we really see where humans fit into this new, yet battered, world.
Total: $10.48
Zach’s Picks:
Justice League #38 ($3.99) – Since its launch “Justice League” has always been my big super hero guilty pleasure. It’s always at the top of my stack, even when it’s not necessarily the book I want it to be. Since “Forever Evil,” however, the book has been on a major upswing. This is especially the case for the “Amazo Virus” arc. Johns continues to push characters like Lex Luthor in exciting new places, and I for one can’t wait to see what happens in this penultimate issue.
Batman and Robin #38 ($2.99) – Damian is back! With super powers! I just cannot be cynical about this, it’s just too fun and too awesome. Just one look at that gorgeous Patrick Gleason cover, and I’m sold.
Autumnlands: Tooth and Claw #3 ($2.99) – I used some of my holiday free time to give this book a look, and was I glad I did. “Autumnlands” is a fantastic blend of various high fantasy tropes, and at just two issues already feels wonderfully and wholly realized. The quality of art and storytelling is second to none, and the book’s story book nature contrasts brilliantly with its dark tone. In a time when the comic market is flooded with fantasy titles, “Autumnlands” stands out as a true must read.
Fantastic Four #642 ($3.99) – I’ll be honest, I haven’t payed a lot of attention to Robinson and Kirk’s “Fantastic Four” run. That’s not because of any perceived lack of quality or poor conception (ok, the red suits did turn me off), but rather the woe of too many books and too little time. However, as the team moves into their final arc, “The End is FOURever,” I can’t help but be reminded of the fantastic hype surrounding Jonathan Hickman’s “Three” arc. There’s just something about a big Fantastic Four story that gets me excited like none other. Plus, Leonard Kirk is turning in some fantastic work. Here’s hoping these guys close the book out with an epic bang.
Total: $13.96
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Lumberjanes #10 ($3.99) – Lumberjanes continues its arc of summer camp fun and I’m all aboard for it. Even if everything turns all Camp Chippewa, I’d still be all about this series.
The Wicked + The Divine #7 ($3.50) – It’s a new WicDiv blah blah blah; Gillen and McKelvie have a great partnership that continues to get stronger blah blah blah. Those are givens, but I’m digging the inforgraphics that have started popping up.
Rumble #2 ($3.50) – If you can’t get behind crazy monsters and giant swords, then I’m not sure we can be friends anymore.
Total: $10.99
