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!
Leo’s Picks:
Locke & Key: Small World #1 ($4.99) – Perhaps you remember this little book written by Joe Hill and drawn by Gabriel Rodriguez. It was kind of a big deal while it was being published. It’s long since ended and the story is done, but Joe and Gabriel are coming back to the world of “Locke & Key” to tell stories set outside the storyline of the original series. Getting the chance for two fantastic creators to come back to one of the best books of the last decade and tell a new story is just great on so many levels. I can’t wait to check this out.
Briggs Land #5 ($3.99) – I continue to remain a sucker for Brian Wood books. I think this one is pretty plain to see that it’s being written with the TV adaptation in mind, especially as Wood is working on the first script(s) concurrently with the book. Not sure if that’s a good thing or bad thing yet.
Dead Inside #1 ($3.99) – It’s John Arcudi and Toni Fejzula making a crime book together. A crime book about investigating crimes in a prison. I’m definitely down for this.
Black Hammer #6 ($3.99) – We all already know “Black Hammer” is really good, yeah? Even with that in mind, each issue gets better. The way Lemire and Ormston both embrace and subvert superhero tropes, while crafting a genuinely touching story for these various characters, is impressive. The way each issue so far has been both a character vignette and advanced the overall story has also been impressive to read.
Total: $16.96. Maybe Grandma sent you a Christmas early and if so, take that $20 and go buy the fourth volume of “Manifest Destiny”. Lewis and Clark travel through the Louisiana Purchase and have to fight sasquatch. You know you wanna read it.
Mark’s Picks:
Dead Inside #1 ($3.99) — I’ve had the pleasure of reading the first two issues of this series. It was something I liked up until a certainly point and then it sunk its hooks and there was nothing I could do. I already consider it one of the stand-out titles I’ve read this year. Plus it’s very satisfying to see Toni Fejzula pushing the storytelling in his work. He really knows how to bring out the psychological aspects of the series.
Locke & Key: Small World ($4.99) — I really miss “Locke & Key,” but at the same time I would never want the main storyline to continue because it ended just right. These smaller stories about the history of Keyhouse are a nice way to revisit the series without taking away from the ending. If you haven’t read the series before, pick up this one-shot and see what you think, but I’m betting you’ll come away wanting to track down the first six volumes.
Lake of Fire #5 ($3.99) — This has been a fun book, though to be honest, I’ve been enjoying it more for the art than the story. I hope it goes out on a high note.
Southern Cross #10 ($3.99) — I’m waiting until #12 to read #7–12 in one go, but it’s getting really difficult. With Becky Cloonan writing this one, I know I’m going to love it. Plus, just look at the stuff Andy Belanger is doing on this series.
Total: $16.96. I had to bump a title to make room for “Small World,” but Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez are worth it.
Matthew’s Picks:
Divinity III #1 ($3.99) – The “Divinity” minis have been some of my favorite Valiant content. I adored the first two books. I’m highly anticipating the third.
Locke & Key: Small World ($4.99) – One of the best comic books of the past decade comes back for one small outing. Definitely a can’t miss.
Mighty Captain Marvel #0 ($3.99) – I’ve been following the adventure of Carol Danvers since Brian Reed won me over with his tremendous 50-issue series. I haven’t missed a step yet, but I’m tentative to the future; this is a make or break issue for me, and I’m hoping it continues Carol’s upward path to fame and stardom.
Ultimates v2 #2 ($3.99) – One of my favorite Marvel books that I’ll never stop pounding the table for with excitement. If you’re not reading this, you’re missing out. (“Ultimates” v1 justified “Civil War II”. “Civil War II” didn’t even justify “Civil War II”!)
Justice League vs Suicide Squad #1 ($3.99) – I was really hesitant to put this on my list, but honestly, I’ve really loved everything Josh Williamson has done this year. I’m not into events, I don’t care about either team…but I trust Josh Williamson to deliver an entertaining story. So, why not.
Total: $20.95
Brian’s Picks:
Dead Inside #1 ($3.99) – John Arcudi is one of my favorite writers, and so I’m incredibly excited for this new series. Plus, Toni Fejzula (“Veil”) is doing the art for the book. Many moons ago, I interviewed Greg Rucka about “Veil,” and he said that Arcudi had showed Fezjula’s work to him, and that Arcudi was a real “hawk” when noticing art talent. So, it makes sense that they would, eventually, work together.
Justice League Vs Suicide Squad #1 ($3.99) – DC’s first major event of ‘Rebirth’ begins here, under the pen of Joshua Williamson, who is currently writing the excellent “The Flash” ongoing series. Jason Fabok, late of “Darkseid War” is drawing the first issue, before passing the baton to a number of DC’s biggest names. Don’t sleep on this event – I have a feeling that the repercussions will be felt across most of the entire ‘Rebirth’ line.
Grand Passion #2 ($3.99) – James Robinson’s long delayed “Grand Passion” is finally off and running at Dynamite, and the first issue was a great introduction. I look forward to seeing the romance side of the comic get even more pronounced.
Divinity III: Stalinverse #1 ($3.99) – The “Divinity” saga has been really interesting so far, and the third installment, which sets the world in a “Red Son”-like alternate reality looks like a lot of fun.
Hook Jaw #1 ($3.99) – I love a comic that isn’t about one of the typical subjects. A shark? Sure, I’ll give that a try.
Total: $19.95 – I would’ve recommended the “Power Man and Iron Fist” Christmas annual, but $4.99 for an annual makes my blood boil.
Matt’s Picks:
Gumballs #1 ($3.99) – IDW presents this anthology series from cartoonist Erin Nations. I’ve seen a preview of this and the work is so clean and honest. These are some of my favorite types of comics.
Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye #3 ($3.99) – This has so far been my favorite Young Animal book. The story keeps turning everywhere and the action gets more ridiculous.
4 Kids Walk Into a Bank #3 ($3.99) – It’s worth noting every time a series this good has an issue coming out.
Ether #2 ($3.99) – Talk about a debut! And now the meat of the story kicks in, as two strong creators — Matt Kindt and David Rubin — continue to open up their odd but fascinating world and odd but fascinating characters.
Animosty #4 ($3.99) – What I’ve appreciated most about this book has been its willingness to take chances. It’s playing all its cards early and because of that is forcing itself to come up with new twists, turns, and developments. It’s becoming one of the coolest dystopian books on the stands.
Total: $19.95.
Vince’s Picks:
Aquaman #13 ($2.99) – This is the good Dan Abnett book of DC Rebirth. And it’s very good. If you liked Johns’ New 52 “Aquaman” run, this is like that only with some very key tweaks to Arthur’s personality and his surrounding cast that make it much better.
Locke & Key: Small World #1 ($4.99) – Wait, what? How did I miss this? “Locke & Key” is back, baby! It’s good again! Auwwwwwwwooooo (wolf howl)
Nightwing #11 ($2.99) – If you’re nostalgic for the era of the Batman line where Marcus To was doing regular interiors for them, the current arc of “Nightwing” will transport you right back there.
Gamora #1 ($3.99) – Gotta admit that the concept of this book does almost nothing for me, but I gotta get my Marco Checchetto fix any way I can get it.
Total: $14.96
Greg’s Picks:
DHP #29 ($4.99) – Big week for Dark Horse! Checking back in with DHP just as Francesco Francavilla’s ‘Black Beetle’ returns. Add that to Carla Speed McNeil, Levitz & Hamilton, and more, and I think it’s safe to say his anthology is back on a bit of a hot streak right now!
Black Hammer #6 ($3.99) – Lemire & Ormston are really pushing some Bronze-ish super-buttons with this book, but in ways only someone steeped in that era might recognize. To everyone else, this is just good comics, which is the way to do it.
Ether #2 ($3.99) – Gonna try this one out this week. Kindt & Rubin look like a pretty good team!
Usagi Yojimbo #160 ($3.99) – As if I’d pass up the samurai rabbit. Pretty sure Stan Sakai would give me a call to make sure I was still alive if I missed an issue.
Doctor Strange #15 ($3.99) – Although if I was having the type of time Aaron and Bachalo have been giving Stephen Strange lately, I might not be in any shape to read comics. Did you Satanna tried to kill our resident Sorcerer Supreme last issue with demon bacon from (literally) Hell’s Kitchen? You read that right: demon bacon. From a hellfire-roasted pig. And for everyone you says ‘death by bacon’ is the way they’d want to go…trust me, it ain’t!
Total: $20.95
