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!
Matt Lune’s Picks:
Now #2 ($9.99) – The time of comics anthologies is now, as there are plenty of them coming out over the next year. This is “Now” from Fantagraphics, the book with an entirely appropriate name as these are the comics creators very much of the moment. Brand new and emerging talent from all over the world, wrapped in a ludicrously good cover from Christian Rex Van Minnen.
Abbott #1 ($3.99) – Since its announcement at NYCC last year I’ve been looking forward to ever since. Saladin Ahmed can do no wrong in my eyes, and being joined by the “Beautiful Canvas” artist Sami Kivela is the cherry on top. A hard boiled detective piece set in the 70’s, with dark occult forces creeping at the edges, what’s not to love?
Kid Lobotomy #4 ($3.99) – IDW’s Black Crown imprint is off to an amazing start with the mind-bending and compelling “Kid Lobotomy” series. It’s awesome seeing Tess Fowler on a regular book again, and Peter Milligan’s scripts have been wild and inventive like nothing else on the shelves.
Sherlock Frankenstein #4 ($3.99) – The expansion of the “Black Hammer” universe has been excellent so far with this series, and it’s a great proof of concept that will see more series of its kind branching out and developing this burgeoning universe.
Total: $21.96 – A little bit over, but worth it for that Fantagraphics anthology.
Kate’s Picks:
Comic Book History Of Comics: Comics For All #2 ($3.99) – I love comics history, and these one-shots are excerpts from The Comic Book History of Comics with some new material. Even if you’re read the original work, pick these up for the bonus features.
Sex Criminals #21 ($3.99) – They’re back! But no sex, which means no crime either. So what happens now? No doubt Fraction and Zdarksy will still make this interesting (and still something I can’t read at work).
Now #2 ($8.99) – I really thought the first “Now” was a one shot deal, but with the second issue due out this week (and my love of short fiction), I’m making it a priority to catch up on the first one. This was also a top pick from our Robots from Tomorrow podcasters this week.
Total: $16.97. If I had extra in the budget I would pick up the trade of “Time & Vine” ($24.99), not just because it was a great series, but for sentimental reasons as well: this was the first ever comic I reviewed for Multiversity.
Mark’s picks:
“Monstress” #13 ($4.99)— Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda’s “Monstress” is back! This is quite simply one of the best comics out at the moment, and I’ve really missed it. I’m continually blown away by Liu’s worldbuilding—this is a world I love explore through the characters—and Sana Takeda’s art is nothing short of breathtaking. Plus this issue is extra long, which is awesome.
“The Altered History of Willow Sparks” ($19.99)— OK, I know I’m going over budget, but I’m curious about this one (plus it doesn’t hurt that it’s an OGN, a format I love). I must admit, the core plot mechanic is reminiscent of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s “Seconds” (which I enjoyed), however I can see how it could rapidly evolve into something quite different. This one’s definitely worth a look.
Total: $24.98. It’s a big week and I’ll be buying much more than is listed here, but I wanted to draw particular attention to these two.
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Kent’s Picks
The Chronicles of Corum: The Knights of the Sword HC ($24.99) – The work of Michael Moorcock is a giant blindspot of mine. So the comic recreations seem like a reasonably entry point. And this outing seems a little less dense a mythology than the whole Elric cycle, High fantasy, vengeance, ethereal planes. But let’s face it though, this one is all about seeing some early, early artwork from Mike Mignola. The fact Kelley Jones is in on the fun just sweetens the sauce.
Total: $24.99
