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:
Southern Bastards #7 ($3.50) – The Jasons are making the biggest bastards in Craw County, Alabama, seem halfway likable, and I love it. This second arc is about as different from the first as you can get, but damn if I’m not along for every minute of it.
Critical Hit #4 ($3.99) – Matt Miner and Jonathan Brandon Sawyer wrap up “Critical Hit” with this issue, and things are never going to be the same.
Five Ghosts #15 ($3.50) – The third arc of “Five Ghosts” ends and brings yet another great chapter to the book. Frank Barbiere and Chris Mooneyham continue to craft one of my favorite Image comics and certainly one of the best pulp books being made right now.
Total: $10.99. A pretty light week for me, honestly.
David’s Picks
Southern Bastards #7 ($3.50) – Jasons, don’t do it! You’re making me care for Coach Boss and it’s making me soooooooo upset. You guys are killing me. VILLAIN!
Shutter #9 ($3.50) – MY PRECIOUSSSSSSS (I am watching Lord of the Rings right now). Keatinge and del Duca are crushing it, and I can’t help but include this every time it’s up.
Thor #5 ($3.99) – I’ve really, really enjoyed the Goddess of Thunder, and while there’s no Russell Dauterman (who has been amazing), Jorge Molina teaming with Jason Aaron is plenty good for me as Odinson attempts to figure out who the new Thor is. I’m in.
The Walking Dead #137 ($2.99) – It’s return to being a tremendously great book is still going strong, and I’m even more excited after rereading the first compendium thanks to Image’s Humble Bundle.
Darth Vader #1 ($4.99) – I don’t think I’ve ever really wanted a Darth Vader solo story really, but if I’m going to get one, Kieron Gillen and Salvador Larocca #1 is a hell of a team to give us one.
Total: $18.97 – not a big week, but a good one
Keith’s Picks:
Batman: Dark Knight, Dark City ($16.99) – If Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s “Zero Year” epic whetted your appetite for more Riddler stories, then look no further than this collection of classic issues of “Batman” and “Detective Comics” that feature the Prince of Puzzles. I read these stories written by the great Peter Milligan when I was a young kid back in the 1990s and have fond memories of his extremely short run with Batman. It’s nice to see these issues reprinted, which feature such favorite artists as Jim Aparo and Tom Mandrake and colorist extraordinaire Adrienne Roy.
Southern Bastards #7 ($3.50) – Jason Aaron and Jason Latour did the impossible last issue: made us feel sorry for Euless Boss. Although he’s still a bastard, it’ll be interesting to see the continued exploration of Boss’ past in this month’s chapter.
Total: $20.49
Vince’s Picks:
Help Us Great Warrior #1 ($3.99) – Another good webcomic get by Boom! Studios, Madeleine Flores’ “Help Us! Great Warrior” is about to be introduced to a wider audience. I’ve been impressed with the success and quality of comics that Boom! has put out thus far. Since I’m already familiar with the unwaveringly adorable “Help Us!”, I couldn’t be happier to find it here.
Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers #5 ($3.99) – I don’t blame comic fans, in general, for finding Joe Casey’s “Captain Victory” impenetrable. Perhaps something like this will never be able to succeed. However, for fans of Jack Kirby’s extended library, this book is a must. As loving a tribute as there is.
Transformers Vs. G.I. Joe #5 ($3.99) – Just bugnuts insane – and contains everything missing from the other “G.I. Joe” and “Transformers” comics right now.
Continued belowDarth Vader #1 ($4.99) – Marvel’s “Star Wars” resurgence hasn’t bowled me over, but it is a solid story being told with some very delicate and beloved characters. I can’t complain. I find myself getting into the property again, despite my better judgement that says “leave it in the ’70s and ’80s where it belongs.” Ah well, how does the saying go? Fool me once, twice, three times a lady?
Total: $16.96 – comics are no longer cheap
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Shutter #9 ($3.50) – Clever, imaginative, intense, and wonderfully drawn, this is one of the books I look forward to most each and every month.
All New Ghost Rider #11 ($3.99) – Felipe Smith takes over the art duties for the new (and maybe final?) arc of “All New Ghost Rider.” This series has resonated with me more than I imagined a friggin Ghost Rider book ever could.
Five Ghosts #15 ($3.50) – If you can’t get behind this genre-bending, unapologetically pulp adventure comic, then I am sorry because you are 100% missing out.
Help Us Great Warrior! #1 ($3.99) – The preview from the “Boom! Box Mix Tape” was one of the most charming entries in that anthology and the webcomic itself has been consistently cute and entertaining. Plus, there’s giant monsters and girls with swords and that’s a recipe for amazing, so I’m gonna give this a try.
Total: $14.98
Jess’ Picks:
Harley Quinn Valentine’s Day Special ($4.99) I think what Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner and Chad Hardin are doing on “Harley Quinn” has been absolutely delightful. It’s always one of the first books I read and anytime I need a laugh, it’s there. The other plus of this series has been the very standalone quality of each issue. It’s not heavy in continuity which is probably part of why it’s such an awesome series. Last year’s Valentine’s Day centric issue happened while this book was still very young so I’m expecting big things from this year’s special.
Secret Six #2 ($2.99) The first issue wasn’t as well received as it could have been. I thought it was a fine debut with a solid premise so I’m back for more. “Secret Six” also gives me a place to look at sexy Catman so there’s that.
Morning Glories #43 ($3.50) It’s been a while since I had some new “Morning Glories” in my hands so I’m pretty excited for this. It’s a new story arc to what might be my favorite ongoing series.
Darth Vader #1 ($4.99) Darth Vader is the baddest man in the galaxy. He’s a character who’s been explored pretty heavily by a lot of different people over the years. He’s arguably the most popular villain in pop culture but what really appeals to me is his complexity. It’ll be important for Kieron Gillen to understand how his brain works but I think he’s up for the task. Bring on the second Star Wars book.
Total: $16.47
Brian’s Picks:
Transformers Vs. G.I. Joe $5 ($3.99) – I can’t think of a book that is more proud of being a comic book than this: Scioli puts more care and fun into one panel than many artists do in their entire career.
Southern Bastards #7 ($3.50) – Image puts out a ton of great books each month, and yet, this is the one I reach for first. The Jasons are that good at this.
Batman Eternal #45, The New 52: Futures End #41, Earth 2: World’s End #19 ($2.99 each) – This is a slow week for comics, but DC’s weeklies are rapidly approaching their end: enjoy them while they’re here, because you’ll miss them when they’re gone.
Total: $16.46
Zach’s Picks
Weekly Shonen Jump ($19.99) – Admittedly, I’m far from the first person at Multiversity Comics to espouse Weekly Shonen Jump. However, as a recent convert, I just can’t resist the opportunity to recommend this anthology. With weekly issues containing 8-10 serialized stories, over 200 pages of content, it’s one of the best deals you’ll ever find in comics. Whether it’s goofy teenage romance, intense culinary battles, prepubescent attorneys or treasure hunting pirates, you’re sure to find something to enjoy each week. Most importantly, this is the last week to pick up a one-year subscription for the unbelievably low price of $19.99. That’s around $0.40 an issue, less than a penny a page! Don’t make any excuses, just take the plunge and thank me later.
Total: $19.99
