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:
Vertigo Quarterly: Black ($7.99) – The other three issues of this anthology have been pretty stellar. Choosing colors as a theme was interesting, to say the least, and it’s been fun to see creators explore the colors. With “Black” wrapping up the series, this should be good. Of particular interest to me is that there’s going to be a “Sweet Tooth” story, written and drawn by Jeff Lemire, in this issue. Be still my beating heart.
The Dying and the Dead #1 ($4.50) – $4.50 is a hefty price tag for a single issue comic, but we have to consider that it’s ~60 pages, written by Hickman, and drawn by Ryan Bodenheim. It’s a really damn good comic, too. It’s certainly worth that $4.50.
Turok Dinosaur Hunter #11 ($3.99) – This is the penultimate issue of the series, but I’ve loved every bit of it. Dinosaurs, Mongols, Native American tribes in North America, “Dragon Knights” from England. This series truly hit a bunch of seemingly weird alt-history concepts and tied it all together in a great way. It’ll be missed.
Umbral #12 ($3.50) – “Umbral” has flown under a lot of people’s radars, I think, but it’s been one of the most consistent books from Image. Antony Johnston excels at worldbuilding, as always, and develops a great fantasy story along with Christopher Mitten’s fantastic visuals. Definitely something more people should give a look.
Total: $19.98
Keith’s Picks:
The Multiversity Guidebook #1 ($7.99) – With the solicit promising an “80-page mountain of MULTIVERSITY”, this promises to be the Bible of the DC Universe. I have been salivating with anticipation for this book since it was first announced at San Diego Comic Con. Not only is it Grant Morrison exploring every nook and cranny of the Multiverse, it also satisfies my itch for “Who’s Who”-type books. I hope that Morrison’s exhaustive history of the Multiverse’s 52 worlds leads to some stupendous titles related to his “Multiversity” saga after this spring’s “Convergence” epic.
Batman #38 ($3.99) – This issue promises “no more funny stuff” and sports another creepy cover by artist Greg Capullo. “Endgame” has escalated issue by issue, with Scott Snyder and Capullo giving us another definitive Joker story after their equally disturbing “Death of the Family”. Snyder says this storyline is going to change the Bat-status quo at the end of the arc and it definitely seems, so far, to be heading that way.
Aquaman #38 ($2.99) – Monsters, intrigue, and more monsters have defined writer Jeff Parker and artist Paul Pelletier’s run of “Aquaman” so far. With the return of Arthur’s mother, our hero appears to be headed for a family fight that is going to get him in hot…water. This title doesn’t get enough attention and has retained the same exquisite quality as Geoff Johns’ epic run.
Mind MGMT #30 ($3.99) – One of my favorite titles is (sadly) nearing its end and it sounds as if there is going to be some explosive revelations. We’re finally going to discover who and what the Eraser is all about and probably how it will effect Meru, who is one of the best heroines in comicdom.
Total: $18.96 – It’s a pretty packed week, with these books being just some of the cream of the comic book crop.
Jess’ Picks:
Sex Criminals #10 ($3.50) – This book is always a must for me. Delays have taken away some of the momentum but I know when I open this, I’m going to laugh my ass off. I’m excited to see what kind of role “Ms. Kincaid” will have going forward especially now that we’re near the end of the arc.
Casanova: Acedia #1 ($3.99) – Casanova is back baby!!! The concept behind this feels very new reader friendly so I feel safe with this recommendation. Casanova Quinn is suffering from amnesia so we’ll no doubt see plenty of flashbacks to catch people up. “Casanova” is Matt Fraction’s best work and it’s been a long time since he’s written this character. However, with the kind of work he’s done the last couple of years, I have no doubt that this will be great.
Continued belowAlex + Ada #12 ($2.99) – Often times I find myself complaining about the lack of romance comics in the market. “Alex + Ada” stops me in my tracks by being everything I want from a romantic storyline. It’s part Her, part Bicentennial Man but it’s all heart with excellent art. You’d have to be a monster not to be moved by this series.
Effigy #1 ($2.99) – Have I told you lately how much I love “Revival”? Cause I do. Tim Seeley is a great horror writer. He gets how to balance scares/gore with character development. It’s a big win for Vertigo that they have this book. A former child star returns to her town and finds a body on an ancient burial ground. The situation ends up resembling something directly out of the TV show she starred on. It’s like Perfect Blue but with more of an examination of fame.
Mind MGMT #30 ($3.99) – I’m heartbroken that “Mind MGMT” is coming to an end soon however I will enjoy whatever time we have left in this world. Meru has really come into her own as a hero and threat. This issue is going to give us the full story of the Eraser and that backstory is supposedly going have an impact on what happens in the future. Needless to say, I am hyped. Oh and look at that cover. Top notch work.
Total:$17.46
Vince’s Picks:
The Unwritten Vol. 2: Apocalypse #12 ($4.99) – Good night, sweet prince. Here lies a book that we, no anyone else, has talked about enough over the years. I’ll take some of that blame too. I still remember walking into my LCS, seeing the captivating cover of the first issue and finding that it was only $1. It was love at first sight.
The Multiversity Guidebook #1 ($7.99) – The best thing that DC Comics has done since the New 52 started. And while it may have been in conception far before that reboot happened, it sounds like it will be informing a lot about the DCU proper going forward. That makes it not only essential to those following Grant Morrison’s opus to begin with, but perhaps an entertaining curio for anyone who is investing in the rest of the stuff DC is doing right now.
Gotham Academy #4 ($2.99) – This is a special little book. There’s nothing else like it at Marvel or DC Comics right now. It’s one of those mainstream titles, like Hawkeye, that I’m enthusiastic about introducing to people who don’t normally read comics. Please join me in doing that.
Alex + Ada #12 ($2.99) – The mood of “Alex + Ada” is just so perfectly balanced. The super-future aesthetics mixed with the proper dose of melancholy really makes the emotional moments hit home in an unstated fashion.
Total: $18.96
James’ Picks:
Batman #38 ($3.99) – Sam Kieth is illustrating a Batman back-up in 2015. There, you’ve already decided to purchase this comic, my job is done.
No but really, “Endgame” has completely turned me around on the Snyder/Capullo era of “Batman”. By cutting out what isn’t make “Death of the Family” work and amplifying what did by eleven, Snyder and Capullo have made the rarest of comics – one where I don’t know what will happen next. Also, Sam Kieth illustrating a back-up story about the Joker is one of the most terrifying ideas you could use for a comic.
The Dying and The Dead #1 ($4.50) – Ryan Bodenehim and Jonathan Hickman made an amazing creator owned-comic ripe with ideas while delicately balancing themes of death and empathy with gorgeous cinematic artwork and an intriguing premise. What a surprise.
New Avengers #29 ($3.99) – After the events of the last issue, I desperately need to know if there’s any chance of my bae still being alive.
Secret Avengers $12 ($3.99) – Honestly, just look at that cover.
Total: $16.47
Brian’s Picks:
Flash Gordon #8 ($3.99) – My absolute favorite series of the last year wraps up, and I am super bummed out about it. Fare thee well, perfect combination of creative team and characters.
Continued belowKing: Flash Gordon #1/King: The Phantom #1 ($3.99 each) – Hey! Those characters are back – this King Features crossover looks quite promising, and I hope that these characters can find a home in today’s comics landscape.
The Dying and the Dead #1 ($4.50) – New Hickman #1 gets bought. Every. Single. Time.
Gotham Academy #4 ($2.99) – One of the most refreshing comics of 2014 continues to be fascinating and fun. Get on it, folks!
Total: $19.46 – rob Peter to pay Paul, steal $7.99 from next week and pick up “The Multiversity Guidebook,” too
Matt Garcia’s Picks
The Unwritten Apocalypse #12 ($4.99) – I always felt like “The Unwritten” was like that cool cult movie that was somehow released by a big studio. It took all these theories and ideas about stories and narratives and literally actualized them. There’s part of me that’s sad to see it go, and part of me content to see it strongly conclude. I hope someone puts Yuko Shimizu on another book for covers quickly though.
Adventure Time #36 ($3.99) – One of the most joyous books gets a new creative team. I’m not 100% familiar with The Adventures of Dr. McNinja, so don’t know what to expect out of Chris Hasting, but Zachary Sterling some great work with the digest OGNs; from the looks of it, the comic world of Ooo looks like it’ll stay in good hands.
MIND MGMT #30 ($3.99) – Oh crap. Another arc just ended? There’s only one more to go.
Secret Avengers #12 ($3.99) – After ages, we’re finally going to see what happened to Black Widow and Lady Bullseye. Pure spy fun. This series has been reminding me of that OSS 117 series a bit.
Gotham Academy #4 ($2.99) – I could look at Karl Kerschl’s work for hours. Add an intriguing and constantly developing script from Cloonan and Fletcher and I’m like, Oh yeah, this book. This book is rad.
Total: $19.95. Stupid publishers putting out everything at the end of the month.
Zach’s Picks:
Multiversity Guideboook #1 ($7.99) – This is the book I’ve been waiting on for literally years. Actually, “The Multiversity” in general is a book I’ve waited years to read, but it’s extremely special and exciting to finally get the guide to the DC multiverse that I’ve craved since reading “52.” I’m a huge info junky and love fancy graphics, so I plan to spend hours pouring over these pages. The fantastic artwork and Chibi/Atomic Batman team-up are just icing on the cake.
The Dying and the Dead #1 ($4.50) – A new series from Jonathan Hickman, with an oversized first issue? Sold.
Danger Club #6 ($2.99) – Landry Walker and Eric Jones’ unique take on the teenage superhero instantly won me over when it launched 2 years ago, so it’s great to see the duo finally getting to finish out their story.
Price: $15.48
