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:
Loose Ends #1 ($3.99) – We all know I love “Southern Bastards” a whole hell of a lot, so seeing Jason Latour write a Southern crime romance comic that takes place in the Carolinas, south Florida, and, apparently, Baghdad is pretty much an instantly appealing thing. That Latour is partnering with Chris Brunner, who drew an issue of “Southern Bastards” that was really good, is just icing on the cake. I’m always down for more quality Southern comics.
Warlords of Appalachia #4 ($3.99) – Speaking of Southern comics, here’s another one that takes place in the South, though a very different version of it. Given the weirdness of the last few days of US politics, “Warlords of Appalachia” could end up being weirdly prescient. That aside, it’s remained an intriguing concept and pretty well executed by all involved. I think it could’ve stood to be more than four issues and gave itself a little more room to breathe, though.
Ether #3 ($3.99) – I’ve been absolutely in love with the first two issues of this, so I’m really hoping this book keeps it up. Matt Kindt has a knack for coming up with ideas that are both endlessly fascinating and also very touching. David Rubin is making the world of “Ether” just gorgeous to look at, giving each page such life.
Total: $11.97. Only a few books, but some good ones.
Mark’s Picks:
Dead Inside #2 ($3.99) — Issue #1 was great, but issue #2 is better. It’s fantastic to pick up a book like this that I click with immediately. John Arcudi’s writing is excellent, and Toni Fejzula’s art takes it to a whole other place. Based on the strength of the first two issues, I’ll be picking up this entire miniseries for sure.
Avatar: The Last Airbender—North and South #2 ($10.99) — I’m really digging this latest arc. Katara’s been on the backburner for a while, so it’s great to have her take the lead here. Plus with the recent announcement of “The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars” coming in June, I’m really in the mood to dive into this universe again.
Harrow County #20 ($3.99) — This issue may be closing off a small two-issue arc, but the repercussions of this story are going to be felt in the future in a big way. Tyler Crook’s art is stunning as always (and bathed in plenty of red), and the mythology Cullen Bunn is building here is simply too much fun. It’s awesome to see this series 20 issues in and still firing on all cylinders.
Hellboy Winter Special 2017 ($3.99) — I always enjoy the short stories set in the Hellboy Universe, so to see the Winter Special become an annual title is very exciting. This is a book I had to pick up, even though I’ve gone over budget.
Total: $22.96. It took a while to get this list down to just these four. This is a pretty great week for comics.
Matt’s Picks:
Kamandi Challenge #1 ($4.99) – So many comic creators have been chomping at the bit to revamp Jack Kirby’s classic character. And DC seems to have finally found a fit, by letting a bunch of artists and writers have a go at him. Didio himself helps kick it off, along with Keith Giffen, Dan Abnett, and Dale Eaglesham. To be honest, I’m not entirely expecting anything new or innovative with this series, but a bunch of references and allusions to the last boy on Earth (and nods to Kirby himself) are fun enough to keep your attention.
Continued belowOdyssey of the Amazons #1 ($3.99) – Even though the movie will probably be a dumpster fire, the best thing to come from it is this increased exposure of the Amazing Amazon and her world. Long before Diana even enters the scene, a group of Amazons set off on an adventure into Norse territory. I know this interest in Wonder Woman won’t probably last beyond the film, but I’m taking everything I can get.
Arclight #4 ($3.99) – The solicit promises astral projection and blood magic, but neglects to mention the cryptic storytelling or gorgeous artwork. This wraps up the “Arclight” story (formerly of “8House), making it the best time to get all those comics and give the story one deep go.
She Wolf #5 ($3.99) – Rich Tommaso’s surreal werewolf story is back! Tommaso’s a magnificent cartoonist and it’s exciting to see where he’s going to take his next arc. Er, season. Whatever it’s called.
Total: $16.96.
Matthew’s Picks:
Deadpool #25 ($5.99) – Not since Joe Kelly’s legendary run has this book been so good. Heck, v2 of Gerry Duggan’s run is actually better than the first volume, and that had Brian Posehn as a co-writer. I don’t know how to compliment this any more, to be honest.
Shutter #26 ($3.99) – This book is getting into some pretty special and dark territories. “Shutter” is the Image book that really captures the heart of what I love about Image Comics, more so than any other title they’re publishing right now.
Justice League vs Suicide Squad #6 ($3.99) – I suppose we can stop being surprised this was so fun and just go all in for the finale, huh?
Wonder Woman #15 ($2.99) – Always buy “Wonder Woman.”
Total: $16.96 – We’ve been running this ship at the edge lately. Use your remaining $3 for a cup of coffee or something.
Brian’s Picks:
Hellboy Winter Special 2017 ($3.99) – Despite being dead for some time, it is always nice to see Hellboy pop up in these specials, especially when we get stories featuring folks like Liz and Abe.
Deathstroke #11 ($2.99) – One of the best books anyone is publishing anywhere. This issue looks particularly interesting.
Back to the Future: Biff to the Future #1 ($3.99) – Buy it, butthead.
Loose Ends #1 ($3.99) – Jason Latour has been doing some great writing at Marvel; it is rare nowadays to see someone break in as a writer in the Big 2, and then move to creator owned work. But that is exactly what Latour has done – I’m excited to see him break out here.
Kamandi Challenge #1 ($4.99) – The combination of creator talent, underused character, and fascinating structure makes this a must buy.
Total: $19.91
