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Comics Should Be Cheap! (1/7/2015)

By | January 6th, 2015
Posted in Columns | 22 Comments

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:

Lady Killer #1 ($3.50) – Joëlle Jones’ art gets my money every time. She could draw a 20-page study of nothing but, like, fire hydrants and I would check it out.

Usagi Yojimbo: Senso #6 ($3.99) – “Senso” has been every bit as good as “Usagi Yojimbo” deserves in his 30th year of existence. Somehow, a seemingly non-canon story has managed to hit me right in the heart on more than one occasion. There’s a lot of history with this group of characters, and so much of that is used in a miniseries that could have been a fun affair. Of course, coming from Stan Sakai, it was something much more.

ODY-C #2 ($3.99) – Consider this the front-runner for Multiversity Comics’ “Trippiest Ass Comics of 2015.”

The Fade Out #4 ($3.50) – Perhaps the most densely packed, richest experience that Brubaker and Phillips have given us. I love the period. I love the style. I love the grit. I love the willingness to get grim, ugly, and honest.

Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1 ($3.99) – The latest in Marvel’s recent quest to fill out their line with terrific and varied solo character series with outside-the-box, yet fitting creative teams. They have more than a handful of these circulating already, which is great, because their overall direction of the line, as delivered through their recent “event” comics, is doing very little for me.

Total: $18.97

Leo’s Picks:

Feathers #1 ($3.99) – I really dig Jorge Corona’s work on “Goners”, so I’m 100% down with him telling his own all-ages story with “Feathers”. The story of a small, feathered boy trying to learn about the world and making his first friend in the process sounds like something worth reading to me.

Ghost Fleet #3 ($3.99) – Things are heating up in Don Cates and Daniel Warren Johnson’s “Ghost Fleet”. Each issue is more action packed than the last and the storytelling and art only keep getting better. Definitely worth checking out.

Roche Limit #4 ($3.50) – There’s not a whole lot that Michael Moreci does that I don’t like, but I *really* like “Roche Limit”. Paired with Vic Malhotra, Moreci is making one of the coolest sci-fi stories out there right now.

Total: $11.48. A light week for me, but I’m sure there’s plenty that I’m missing.

Keith’s Picks:

Roche Limit #4 ($3.50) – This was one of the best new books of 2014 and is deserving of more attention. Writer Michael Moreci and artist Vic Malhotra have created a compelling sci-fi story set on a colony in space. Although the premise may sound familiar, the “Roche Limit” team weave a compelling mystery through a world that already feels very much alive. I’ve never read anything with Malhotra’s art and its deceptive simplicity displays an amazing sense of nuance.

The Fade Out #4 ($3.50) – The first new comic book day of 2015 is blessed with Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’s murder mystery set during Hollywood’s heyday. Make sure you get the single issues of this series. Not only is it worth reading monthly, it also contains cool extras that won’t be found in the collected editions. Yay for single issues!

Action Comics #38 ($3.99) – The Ultrahumanite faces the Man of Steel! The villain has the distinction of being Superman’s first supervillain from way back in 1939. I’m very interested to see how the top notch team of writer Greg Pak and artist Aaron Kuder transform the character for the 21st century.

Green Arrow #38 ($2.99) – Green Arrow and Green Lantern team up in this issue! Although I didn’t grow up with the classic Denny O’Neil/Neal Adams run of “Green Lantern” where the two heroes would team up, I have fond memories of reading the back issues as a child. I still have them! It would be a beautiful thing if, after “Convergence”, DC released an ongoing title featuring the two emerald hued heroes.

Continued below

Green Lantern #38 ($2.99) – Although “Godhead” was an awesome epic that ran through all the Lantern books, it will be nice to see Hal Jordan back on Earth and dealing with more (probably) intimate and lower key dilemmas. Maybe there will be a Green Arrow cameo?

Detective Comics #38 ($3.99) – The introduction of the New 52 version of Anarky in
“Detective Comics” #37 was a very small part of the story and I’m looking forward to seeing the character fleshed out more in this issue. I trust Alan Grant and Norm Breyfogle’s (my thoughts are with my favorite artist and I hope for his speedy recovery) classic character in Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato’s more than capable hands.

Total: $20.96 – After mentioning a bit of history for some of this week’s picks, it is another reminder of this medium’s richness and why comic books are one of my greatest loves.

Greg’s Picks:

Usagi Yojimbo: Senso #6 (of 6) ($3.99) – Yeah, it’s the last issue of a miniseries. But: (1) it’s been a fantastic miniseries, (2) if you’re smart you’ve been buying the singles because the trade will probably be 6×9 instead of the standard comic trimsize of 7×10, and (3) we get to see Usagi Gundam vs Martian Tripod action. That’s right…a giant samurai rabbit robot suit. That’s the 21st century equivalent of gorillas in comics. You HAVE to pick this book up now!

Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1 ($3.99) – You’d be nuts not to try this! (Fingers crossed I’m the only person making that joke in this week’s column…)

The Fade Out #4 ($3.50) – Is it still Brubaker/Phillips/Breitweiser? Then it’s still on my list.

Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers #4 ($3.99) – Only two more issues of this slice of Kirby Kraziness as only Casey and Fox can bring us with their own squad of galactic rangers. Dynamite is stretching out from its base with titles like this and…

Shaft #2 ($3.99) – As far as you can get from Kirby Krackle is Ernest Tidyman’s African-American detective. But I’d rather take a King-drawn punch to the face than miss this surprisingly good translation of the baddest of bad muthaSHUTYOMOUTH from the prose pages to the panelled ones. So good you won’t even need to queue up any Isaac Hayes because it’ll already be playing in your head from page one.

Total: $19.46

David’s Picks:

Operation S.I.N. #1 ($3.99) – I don’t know why, but this book – which looks at the story of characters like Peggy Carter and Woodrow McCord – seems like a hell of a lot of fun. Kathryn Immonen and Rich Ellis are a great team, and this book is going to rule. Probably.

Lady Killer #1 ($3.50) – I actually really don’t know that much about this book, but it’s Jamie S. Rich and Joëlle Jones. Their work together has always been great, and a new book from them is something I really am excited about.

Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1 ($3.99) – While I feel like Squirrel Girl getting an ongoing series is bizarre, the team of Ryan North and Erica Henderson is enough to get me to try the book out at least once.

Deadly Class #10 ($3.50) – I touted this book a lot over our 2014 in Review segment, and Remender, Craig and Loughridge are likely going to kick 2015 off with a bang.

Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. #2 ($3.50) – I loved the first issue of this. Loved loved loved. I really can’t wait to see where this mini goes, and the more Maleev, the better.

Total: $18.48 – A killer week with top books and exciting number ones

Alice’s Picks:

Lady Killer #1 ($3.50) – Okay, so I love Joelle Jones. Her work with Cullen Bunn on the two “Helheim” series has been fantastic and her chapter for “Adventures Of Superman” was a real stand out for me. So hearing that she was going to be writing and illustrating a series in which a housewife from the 60s is also a hired killer was something that really piqued my interest. This is going to be really, really good, trust me.

Continued below

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1 ($3.99) – I don’t think I’ve eaten up a comic book so blatantly pandering to me the way I have with this one and I am totally okay with that. I don’t know Ryan North’s writing as much as I want to outside of the Young Avengers/The Hood team-up he wrote for “Original Sins” (featuring an artist who really needs a breakout series, Ramon Villalobos), but with that setting the tone for what to expect and knowing and loving Erica Henderson’s work, I can’t wait to pick this up. Please, for all that is good, let it last more than six issues.

Operation S.I.N. #1 (3.99) – While I admit that the first half of the second seasons of Agents Of SHIELD is leaps and bounds ahead of where it was this time last year, I’m still not fully on board with the show right now. But you know what I was on board with? Those flashbacks with Peggy Carter. Know what else I’m super on board with? Agent Carter‘s premiere on Tuesday night. Can you guess why I’m excited for this book? Actually, it’s mostly because it’s being written by Kathryn Immonen and I love her work, but also because Peggy Carter’s in it.

Action Comics #38 ($3.99) – I have a lot of… opinions on Superman in the New 52. Y’all should know that by now. But still I keep coming back to Greg Pak and Aaron Kuder on “Action Comics”. It’s not perfect. In fact, I liked their arc before ‘Doomed’ much more than I’m liking the current arc, but you know what? They’re still the only two creators in all of comics right now on a Superman book that feels close to who Superman should be. For that, I keep giving that one extra issue and there’s always just enough to keep me coming back. Like I said, this horror-themed arc hasn’t been my favourite, but it’s still the best Superman book out there right now.

ODY-C #2 ($3.99) – Apparently it wasn’t for everyone, but I dug the hell out of the first issue of “ODY-C”. Mostly because of Christian Ward’s art that blended sci-fi and fantasy to create this kind of psychedelic space opera aesthetic that wouldn’t feel out of place accompanied by some Pink Floyd, but also because of Matt Fraction’s writing. For most of his time at Marvel, I think Fraction has been shackled by conventions of writing something like “Invincible Iron Man” in the very structured way Marvel wanted it, leading to it feeling very uneven to me. When he was, boy, was he on, but the majority of it felt like he was being held back. I don’t get that sense here. This is the same Matt Fraction that kicked conventions in the face with “Casanova” and I am so glad he’s back.

Total: $19.46

James’ Picks:

God Hates Astronauts #5 ($3.50) – The main villain is named “King Tiger Eating a Cheeseburger”. If you’re not already reading this, you’re dead to me. And to your family too.

Ant-Man #1 ($4.99) – We’re huge fans of Nick Spencer here at Multiversity, especially with that “Morning Glories” book everyone’s talking about. Spencer’s done some work for Marvel (the black-ops “Secret Avengers” and utterly delightful “Superior Foes of Spider-Man” stand out) but they never seem to stick. And with Ramon Rosanas on art, I think it’s fair to say this is going to be one of the more fun Marvel titles of the new year. Plus, due to recent events in Spencer’s “Avengers World” involving a certain deceased character, my personal hype train for this book could not be higher.

Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1 ($3.99) – Ryan North absolutely slayed the Young Avengers story in “Original Sins” so hopefully he’ll maintain that same energy for “Unbeatable Squirrel Girl” with Erica Henderson whose cartoony artwork seems to be a major fit for the titular nutcase. Expect to see this one all over the tumblrs.

Operation S.I.N. #1 ($3.99) – I am one of four people in the world who was in love with “Original Sin”, though it certainly left a lot to be covered. One of those mysteries was Woodrow McCord – an old ti met alien hunter who had been watching over the world for decades until he passed the mantle onto a crazed Nick Fury. Naturally, I wanted this man to be in every subsequent comic I read but, alas, he was already dead. Thankfully, we’re getting a follow-up from Kathryn Immonen (!) and Rich Ellis (!!) where McCord teams up 1950’s Russia with Hayley Atwell and Dominic Cooper. This mini-series is already my everything.

Continued below

Avengers: No More Bullying #1 ($1.99)

My greatest hope is that this one-shot features the evil Avengers from “AXIS” kicking elementary school kids in the teeth. I have specific tastes.

Total: $18.97

Matthew Meylikhov’s Picks:

Birthright #4 ($2.99) – I really enjoyed Joshua Williamson’s 2014, so it feels right to start 2015 with a bit of Williamson based hype. “Birthright” has been great so far, a very intriguing and twisted high-fantasy series that feels like it could go anywhere at this point, so I’m eager to see what he and Andrei have planned for the world’s unluckiest family as the latest issue arrives.

Ant-Man #1 ($4.99) – Sometimes you see a creative team on a company-owned property and it feels “right,” and Nick Spencer writing Paul Rudd Scott Lang feels very right, especially after “Superior Foes of Spider-Man.” I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve seen of Rosanas’ art as well, so even with a high price point for the first issue (which I imagine will turn people off, even with the slightly larger page count, but alas) I am excited to see if an ongoing series for “that guy who talks to ants” can be justified as much as a film could.

Hawkeye vs Deadpool #4 ($3.99) – I got caught up with this little series (#0, #1-3) over the holidays, and I have to say: this comic is brutally funny and very well put together. Duggan is on point with the characterization and the humor and Lolli is doing some incredible work bringing it all to life with great slapstick, personal moments, violence and more. I’m really excited to read the finale.

Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1 ($3.99) – Ryan North did a fantastic job over on the “Adventure Time” comic in making it fun and weird and personable and honest and emotional and a top pick every week it came out. With Erica Henderson here on “Squirrel Girl” I really can’t imagine that we won’t be getting more of that, so Make Mine Squirrel.

SiP Kids #2 ($4.99) – Wait, there’s a second one?!

Total: $20.86 – Surely you have some money leftover from all those comics you didn’t buy last week, right?

Matt Dodge’s Picks:

ODY-C #2 ($3.99) – This sci-fi adventure from Matt Fraction and Christian Ward is off to a great start. With dense dialogue and trippy psychedelic visuals it’s clear that this series will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but readers who stick with the book will find it to be a rewarding and densely layered piece of fiction. The smaller monthly installments will give readers the chance to pour over the tiniest details, and examine the pages again and again. The adventure is just starting, so now is the perfect time to jump on board.

Ant-Man #1 ($4.99) – With the Ant-Man movie hitting screens in just seven months it’s only natural that the character be given his own ongoing series once again. Thankfully Marvel has a pretty good track record of keeping these semi-film tie-ins series relatively distinct and unique. Ant-Man’s recent appearances in “Daredevil” and “FF” have shown that the character has plenty of potential for a fun and exciting series, which hopefully will remain true to his existing history, and will not shoehorn in a bunch of film elements.

Lady Killer #1 ($3.50) – I’m a sucker for dark comedies and secret assassin stories, so a series that mashes these two elements together sounds right up my alley. It’s a very interesting premise and I’m more than willing to give the first issue a chance.

Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1 ($3.99) – Because why the heck not?

Total: $16.47

Matthew Garcia’s Picks:

Feathers #1 ($3.99) – Boom!, I think, has been doing exceptional work putting out accessible, imaginative, and exciting all-ages titles. Looks like the trend’s going to continue with “Feathers,” from Jorge Corona. The art looks fantastic, the story sounds intriguing, and the solicit liberally throws comparisons to The Legend of Korra and Mignola, so my interest is piqued.

Hellboy and the BPRD #2 ($3.50) – Hellboy is awesome. The BPRD is awesome. The Mignolaverse is awesome. I don’t think you’d need any more prodding.

Total: $7.49


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