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:
Four Eyes: Hearts of Fire #1 ($2.99) – It’s been roughly a bajillion years since the last volume of this, but, man, if I’m not psyched for more “Four Eyes”. The first volume is so beautiful and well-written, so I can only hope Kelly and Fiumara keep that up with this new one.
Interceptor #1 ($3.99) – Donny Cates is on something of a hot streak lately, launching books that a ton of fun and reviewed very well, even if they don’t always sell the best. Hopefully, “Interceptor” is just the former and not the latter. Any book with a couple of humans in power armor fighting against a planet full of vampires is pretty cool by me.
Paper Girls #4 ($2.99) – I’m not sure I actually know what’s going on in “Paper Girls” and I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. I’m leaning more towards good, as it’s something different and unpredictable, but I do know that it looks great regardless of anything else.
Total: $9.97
Vince’s Picks:
Midnighter #8 ($2.99) – For my money, the best book DC is putting out. Why? Because Steve Orlando is one of the most exciting writers in comics right now, they put good artists on it (even when doing fill-ins), and because it lays out a mission statement and tackles it with gusto 100% of the time. We don’t know what goes on behind the scenes at DC, but from an outsiders perspective, the sexy, violent “Midnighter” never shies away from doing what it wants to do.
Archie #5 ($3.99) – “Archie for Dummies” has been a comedic blast – and exactly the kind of comic that a relaunch should aspire to be.
DC Comics Bombshells #8 ($3.99) – DC’s second-best book happens to be one of those “digital first” deals, but if you’re not already reading it weekly, don’t let that stop you from buying the floppy collections in print. A “what-if” title that puts DC’s most exciting female characters front and center, with female creative teams to boot!
Paper Girls #4 ($2.99) – I’m still not sure what “Paper Girls” is about, but I know that I love every glorious Cliff Chiang page from it.
Interceptor #1 ($3.99) – Taking a flier on this one in an effort to support the Heavy Metal launch. EiC Grant Morrison gets his freak on (hopefully).
Total: $17.95
Mark’s Picks:
Invader Zim #6 ($3.99) ― K.C. Green (Gunshow) is the guest artist on this issue as both writer and artist, doing three Zim stories. This is Invader Zim, so there’s no way I wasn’t going to pick up this issue, but this sounds like something a little different, which should be fun.
Paper Girls #4 ($2.99) ― I was sold on this title right from issue one. This one is automatically on my list when there’s a new issue.
Four Eyes: Hearts of Fire #1 ($2.99) ― OK, I’ll admit it. I know nothing about this one. I’m going in based purely on Mike Romeo’s recommendation and Max Fiumara’s art. (Have you seen the way that guy draws? He’s incredible.)
Joe Golem, Occult Detective #3 ($3.50) ― I really liked this issue of Joe Golem. There’s a sequence in there where Patric Reynold’s really gets to show his stuff and it is stunning. If this is any indication of where this series could go, it’s very promising.
Giant Days #10 ($3.99) ― I’m a little late on this title. I just picked up the first collection last week, and I really dug it. Looking forward to more.
Continued belowTotal: $17.46
Kevin’s Picks:
Swamp Thing #1 ($2.99)– It is always interesting when an original creator goes back to the character that made them famous. Len Wein, although known for other works, is the godfather of “Swamp Thing.” While the last run of “Swamp Thing” in the New 52 was very good, I can’t help but feel let down by only a 6 issue run here. However short this run might be, I expected it to be another excellent addition to “Swamp Thing” lore.
The Sheriff of Babylon #2 ($3.99)– I reviewed issue #1, that was one of the best single issues I had read all of 2015. Where can issue #2 go? I expectations are sky high for this follow up issue for sure. But, Tom King is a master craftsman who brings his A game to everything he does. Add in the amazing art from Mitch Gerads and pitch perfect covers from JP Leon, you have the book that everyone wants to read. My hope for 2016 is that “The Sheriff of Babylon” gets more eyes on it for people to enjoy this incredible book.
Bitch Planet #6 ($3.99)– “Bitch Planet” returns after a short hiatus to kick ass once again. Where it goes from here remains to be seen, but rest assured this is going to be a book people will talk about again.
The Fade Out #12 ($3.99)– Sadly, “The Fade Out” is coming to an end. But what a ride it was. Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips have created another amazing series into their incredible catalog of works. Issue #11 ended with a HUGE cliffhanger and did not fully reveal the core mystery. I can guarantee, this is going to be a doozy of a finale.
Paper Girls #4 ($2.99)– The mystery has deepened and the Girls are taking things to another level. “Paper Girls” is simple in setup and wonderful in execution. The 80’s nostalgia and the sci-fi elements are perfectly balanced for a coming-of-age book for everyone. Sure, there are a few curse words here and there, but nothing you don’t hear on TV these days. This is a book that will be in contention for the best of 2016.
Total: $17.95 – An amazing start to 2016 with some great books you can sink your teeth into. If that is your thing, not that there is anything wrong with that…
Keith’s Picks:
Swamp Thing #1 (of 6) ($2.99) – The two-part Swamp Thing miniseries was one of the best stories to come out of last year’s “Convergence”. That was mainly because of Kelley Jones’ art. Writer Len Wein and Jones reunite again to give us another Swampy miniseries and Jones’ preview pages look spectacular.
The Fade Out #12 ($3.99) – One of 2015’s best series comes to a close with this week’s final chapter. The team of Brubaker and Phillips have proven once again with this series that they are one of the best comic book duos in comics’ history.
Paper Girls #4 ($2.99) – With its first three issues, writer Brian K. Vaughn and artist Cliff Chiang have created a unique world that focuses on paper girls in the 1980s. The addition of weird occurrences has only made this seemingly simple book much more complex and intriguing.
Action Comics #48 ($3.99) – Vandal Savage is one of DC’s best villains (who just happens to be appearing in a little show debuting this month) and last week’s “Superman” annual set up a promising story arc that begins with this issue of “Action Comics”.
Batman and Robin Eternal #14 ($2.99) – This weekly series continues to get better and better with each issue. Mother is a frightening new villain and the history of old and “new” characters (such as Cassandra Cain) is beautifully and seamlessly being built by the creators of “Batman and Robin Eternal”.
Midnighter #8 ($2.99) – Spyral is back in this issue! Does that mean more Dick and Midnighter fun?
Total: $19.94 – It’s a pretty loaded start to 2016!
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Age of Reptiles: Ancient Egyptians ($14.99) – Forget Jurassic Park III and Jurassic World, because this return to prehistoric mayhem from Ricardo Delgado is the dinosaur story we’ve all been waiting for.
Archie #5 ($3.99) – Veronica Fish takes over the art duties of this genuine, heartfelt, goofy, fun, and altogether engrossing series.
Total: $18.98
