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:
The Multiversity: Thunderworld #1 ($4.99) – Cameron Stewart, a.k.a. my favorite working artist in comics today, finally gets to show his installment of “The Multiversity” to the world. My face right now is the same as that grinning Captain Marvel pictured on the cover.
Lumberjanes #9 ($3.99) – My admiration for this book, its content, and everything it represents knows no bounds.
Rocket Salvage #1 ($3.99) – Bachan is one underrated comic talent. His work on “Imagine Agents” sneakily hit me right in the feels in ways I never expected it would. I’m not sure what sort of tone “Rocket Salvage” is going to try to hit, but I know Bachan is going to nail it, no matter what.
McBain (One-Shot) ($3.99) – Not only is this a fine opportunity to give Bongo Comics a bump, but it’s also an excuse to do a McBain quote to urge you to get to your local LCS and pick this up. “Up and at them!”
Total: $16.96
David’s Picks:
Rumble #1 ($3.50) – John Arcudi and James Harren kick off their new Image series in style, as this mad mash up of Conan, modern times and big monsters and violence is certain to be one hell of a thing.
Drifter #2 ($3.50) – I really, really enjoyed the first issue of this, as it’s my type of dirty sci-fi. However, I must admit, I am partial to the fact an interview I did with the art team of Nic Klein and Tom Muller will run in the back. Neat!
The Multiversity: Thunderworld #1 ($4.99) – I don’t love The Multiversity like everyone else, but this is Cameron Stewart drawing Captain Marvel. And yes, I am calling him Captain Marvel because screw you Shazam, you ain’t my guy.
Alex + Ada #11 ($2.99) – Best book best book best book best book! I voted it in as my favorite ongoing of 2014 (it’s a 15 issue maxi series, so that’s where it classifies), and I highly doubt it slows down here.
The Wicked + The Divine #6 ($3.50) – The return of the Mack! The return of the Mack! I know that has nothing to do with this comic, but it’s a comic about pop gods. If anyone was a pop god, Mark Morrison was.
B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth #126 ($3.50) – This week is a special one, as we’re blessed with not one, but two issues drawn by James Harren with Dave Stewart colors. Oh happy day!
Total: $21.98 – weeks like this are why I’ve saved up in previous CSBC’s
Keith’s Picks:
Batman #37 ($3.99) – “Endgame” has been a wild ride so far, with a surprising twist in the last issue that definitely promises to haunt Bruce in horrifying ways. The Joker has always been my favorite villain and Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have deepened my love for the character in “Death of the Family” and now this storyline. The Crown Prince of Crime is a crafty little devil. This is the book I look forward to the most every month and I doubt the “Batman” team is going to disappoint with a story that Snyder has promised will change the direction of Batman and his family forever.
Batman and Robin #37 ($2.99) – I’ve enjoyed Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason’s run on this title and, if Damian must come back, I trust him in their hands. With “Batman vs. Darkseid” promised in this issue, I couldn’t be more excited to see how “Robin Rises” ends. The combination of Batman and Apokolips has worked surprisingly well and I can’t wait for the final chapter of this very fun and emotional rollercoaster next week.
Continued below
The Multiversity: Thunderworld #1 ($4.99) – Grant Morrison’s opus continues with his visit to Earth-5 and, like the previous issues of this miniseries that has already become an instant classic, we must all prepare to be amazed once again. Captain Marvel (not Shazam) and his world are guaranteed to look breathtaking with Cameron Stewart on art duties. I’m definitely going to go through withdrawals when “The Multiversity” ends.
Wytches #3 ($2.99) – I have no doubt Scott Snyder is going to prove why he’s a master of horror once again when he continues where he left off with last issue’s shocking ending. This is the best new series of 2014 not only for Snyder’s superb storytelling ability, but for the exceptional work that artist Jock and colorist Matt Hollingsworth have lovingly put into “Wytches”.
Annihilator #4 ($3.99) – This has been Morrison’s year (and Scott Snyder’s, as evidenced by my picks this week) and “Annihilator” has been the overlooked gem. Frazer Irving deserves as much credit as Morrison for creating a book that conveys a haunting dreaminess that compels us to question reality and life itself. It’s Morrison, again, at his best.
Total: $18.95 – This is Grant Morrison and Scott Snyder’s world and we just live in it.
Leo’s Picks:
The Multiversity: Thunderworld ($4.99) – I’m sure most people are still buzzing about “Pax Americana”, but “Thunderworld” was always the only issue of the “The Multiversity” that I was truly hyped for. As a lifelong fan of Captain Marvel, I can’t wait to see what Morrison and Stewart do with him.
Goners #3 ($2.99) – “Goners” continues to be an good read and this issue completely ups the stakes as the Latimer family loses one member.
Drifter #2 ($3.50) – Rough, dirty sci-fi is definitely something I want more of, and Ivan Brandon and Nic Klein are off to a great start in “Drifter”.
Manifest Destiny #12 ($2.99) – “Manifest Destiny” continues to be my favorite book that I don’t see anyone else talk about. The mix of historical fiction, fantasy, and adventure is the sort of thing that works oh so well in comics and I can’t wait to see what other sort of terrible creatures the Corps of Discovery encounters as they venture further into the wilderness.
Rumble #1 ($3.50) – I’ve inadvertently avoided basically all spoilers and previews for “Rumble”, so I pretty much only know the basic premise of the book. That said, I’m down with it based off that idea and the creative team. Should be cool.
Total: $17.97
Matthew Meylikhov’s Picks:
The Multiversity: Thunderworld ($4.99) – I think anyone who is not picking up this issue this week is probably crazy. After the intensity of “Pax Americana” the hype is probably too high for “Multiversity” to sustain itself at this point, but that’s where we come in to rally and help them get their head in the game like it’s a musical set in a high school. Grant Morrison and Cameron Stewart together again is a dish best served immediately and right now and man I really want to read this comic.
Sandman: Overture #4 ($3.99) – This book has been horrible with its delays, but then a new issue comes out and I’m reminded that the wait is worth it. Gaiman can be a very stuffy writer, the kind who clearly likes to see himself write, but what’s nice here is that the pairing of Gaiman’s words with JH Williams III’s illustrations go so well together that it creates this lush, storybook experience in the comic. It’s going to read better in trade, there’s no doubt about it, but I’ll still enjoy the ride for what it is.
Rumble #1 ($3.50) – I can’t wait to read this series. Brutal barbarian scarecrow god is a good enough pitch to get my foot in the door, sure, but John Arcudi and James Harren together on a new creator-owned series after their dynamite work together in the Mignolaverse pretty much solidifies this book a place in my pull, no questions asked.
The Wicked + The Divine #6 ($3.50) – WicDiv is back to punch you in the junk and give you feels! Who is Innana? What is Fandemonium? Is Laura now Luci? Are Kieron and Jamie going to get revenge on Chip and Matt? The answer to these questions and more lie within the pages of this comic. Also, Ammi gets a new hat.
Continued belowZERO #13 ($2.99) – Ales Kot’s “ZERO” continues to be a highlight every week it comes out for me. Smart, SF spy fiction wrapped in the work of a different artist each time creates such a unique experience within comics that it is hard to ignore. Add to that one Alberto Ponticelli cooking up some ultraviolence for this issue and we are certainly leaving 2014 with a black eye.
Total: $18.97
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Sandman Overture #4 ($3.99) – I think it’s becoming an event every time one of these actually gets released. If the book wasn’t so strong and the art wasn’t so gorgeous, the wait between issues wouldn’t be so agonizing. At least Gaiman and Williams III are giving it their all, and the final product more than definitely shows that.
Lumberjanes #9 ($3.99) – The gods have been sent home and friendships have all been restored and now it’s time to settle down with some campfire stories! Hosting a party of artists including Faith Erin Hicks, Brittney Williams, Carolyn Newark, Felicia Choo, and others, here’s another arc hopefully full of irreverence, charm, fun, intrigue, and humor.
The Wicked + Divince #6 – Here’s Laura, imbued with a new style and new powers. Peeps are also celebrity mounring Luci, and Laura’s not entirely sure how to deal. I’m also not entirely sure where this is going — except to these characters’ inevitable head explosions — but goddammit if Gillen and McKelvie don’t have me in the palm of their hand.
The Multiversity: Thunderworld ($4.99) – Grant Morrison and Cameron Stewart take us back to the glory days of Captain Marvel (we’re talking Shazam over here). Captain Marvel is a hero I like a lot even if I don’t like a lot of the stories he’s in, but Morrison understands him and, judging from the preview, Stewart understands both Captain Marvel and Morrison, so this should land solidly.
Total: $16.47
