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 #16 ($3.50) – On the eve of the new year, and with so little else to choose from (take a flier on “Abigail and the Snowman” – it’s Boom! and it’s Roger Langridge) I’m going to celebrate with what I have voted for as my #1 comic of the past two years: “East of West.”
You hear it from me all the time – this is all the best aspects of Jonathan Hickman’s writing in one book, with very few of the indulgences. It hits on all the themes he loves to play with. It’s extremely accessible and has an aesthetic with mass appeal, while also having a lot of moving pieces going on and some big, loud philosophical ideas. Not to mention some of the most unique art and sci-fi design work month in and month out from Nick Dragotta.
Pick up a copy this week. Pick up however many variants you can reasonably afford. And pick some up for your friends as a late holiday present.
Total: $3.50x (x = the number of variants you pick up. Didn’t think I’d make you do math, did you?)
Matthew Meylikhov’s Picks:
All-New Miracleman Annual #1 ($4.99) – A long lost comic written by Grant Morrison, plus the first new Miracleman story in a few decades from the creative team of “X-Statix”? Look, you may not see what all the fuss is about the character and that’s fine, but this is a pretty damn big issue to send us into the new year with, all things considered.
X-O Manowar #31 ($3.99) – I recently got all caught up with “X-O Manowar” as part of a massive Valiant reading session, and let me tell you, this book is awesome. Criminally underrated and wonderfully smart, Valiant has really impressed me with their superhero comics. Every time I pick up a new one I kick myself for not having been on board with the title sooner, and I’m certainly all-in on “X-O.” Issue #30 was the start of a new arc, so now is as good a time as any to check it out.
That Trade You Wanted Someone to Get You as a Holiday Gift but Didn’t End up Getting (Upwards of $11.02) – It’s a light week with barely any comics, and I’m sure there was some book you really wanted that you didn’t get this holiday. Treat yo self.
Total: $20 – And as of now, I will not be doing any more Multiversity content until 2015. Hope you folks can survive the wait easily enough.
Keith’s Picks:
Batman Eternal #39 ($2.99) – This is the first book I read from my pile every week and it has not failed to impress this long-time Batman lover. Even my cousin, who has never read comics before, has become a Batman fan and comic book reader because of this series. This issue’s solicit sounds like it’s going to have enormous turning points to end the year with some fireworks. I predict that the villain mentioned in the solicit is not the big bad, but is instead someone (or a group of people) that haven’t been mentioned in the series so far. The issue is at least guaranteed to look mighty pretty with art by Ramón Pérez.
East of West #16 ($3.50) – “The Apocalypse: Year Two” begins with this issue of Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta’s unique story of the end times and the various factions controlling a tumultuous world. I wouldn’t recommend jumping into the story here, but it seems like us non-trade-waiting readers are ready for the usual Hickman brilliance to blow our minds.
Continued belowTotal: $6.49 – This is one of the lightest weeks I’ve seen in a while. I’d grab the newest issues of the weeklies “The New 52: Futures End” and “Earth 2: Word’s End” as well if you’re so inclined. They have been pretty fun reads (especially “Futures End”). And if it’s a trade you’re hankering for, I’d get the fourth trade paperback of “The Massive”, which is an amazing book that just ended its run last week.
David’s Picks:
East of West #16 ($3.50) – There’s an enormous amount of covers you can pick from for this issue – which kicks off the second year (ish) of the book – but for me, I’m going with the Endless Nation. There’s just something freaky cool about those guys. Either way, one of the best comics around looks to continue doing its thang on the heels of the beginning of the apocalypse.
Not S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 ($4.99 FREE) – Hey Marvel. Do you want me to try out your new book? Yeah? I bet you do. How about you don’t charge $4.99 for it and then I’d do that. Instead, I’ll do with it what I continue to do with the TV show: pass on it. #HotTake #ColdHardFacts #ClaimsFeaturingATemperatureOfAModerateLevel
Total: $3.50 – the end of the year is always a small week, but this is absurd
James Johnston’s Picks:
All-New Miracleman Annual #1 ($4.99) – This week is a bit short but seriously Grant Morrison is writing a new Miracleman story. For Marvel. Not only is this the one of the most hyped comic/writer pairings but it’s letting Morrison do exactly what he wants – get put in charge of two of his biggest rival’s most important title. In addition to returning to his dreaded Marvel, Morrison is being put in charge of Alan Moore’s most beloved creation. Either Morrison does everything in his power to outshine Moore a la “Pax Americana” or he just takes a massive dump over everything. On one hand, great comic. On the other, the ultimate cosmic prank that could bury the Moore/Morrison rivalry for good or bust it wide back open. This may not be as good as it’s hyped up to be, but it has the potential to be noteworthy, whether for better or for worse.
East of West #16 ($3.50) – One day I’m going to record a video of me screaming “EAST OF WEST!” into the sunrise and we’ll link to it whenever there’s an “East of West” week.
Total: $8.49
Leo’s Picks:
There are literally 12 books coming out this week, if you count trades. 12. We’re not working with a lot here, guys.
So: Massive Vol. 4: Sahara ($19.99) – I’m behind on The Massive and desperately want to catch up. I may as well put some of this Christmas cash down on a trade.
Total: $19.99. I didn’t have a whole lot of options here.
Matthew Garcia’s Picks:
East of West #16 ($3.50) – A new arc starts, with the Nations at war with each other and the great Beast on the loose. This might be my favorite Hickman thing ever, and that’s in no small part thanks to Nick Dragotta’s fantastic artwork. I’m hoping it gets crazier and crazier with each issue.
Abigail and the Snowman #1 ($3.99) – It’s about a 9-year-old girl who becomes besties with a yeti. Yeah, sounds like a blast.
Total: $7.49. Spending that cash cash cash.
