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:
Curse Words #2 ($3.99) – Charles Soule and Ryan Browne made a first issue that was both really grabbing and really ridiculous. If they second issue is as weird and fun and unique, I’m way down for more “Curse Words”.
The Visitor: How and Why He Stayed #1 ($3.99) – The Mignolaverse is vast and expansive at this point, so seeing a book go back to Hellboy’s origins and offer a different take on it is something that could be very interesting.
Belfry #1 ($3.99) – A horror one-shot from Gabriel Hardman sounds like something that is definitely worth buying.
Old Guard #1 ($3.99) – A new Greg Rucka Image book is always something that at least gets a glance. One with Leandro Fernandez on art gets a long, hard glance. A story about a group of immortal soldiers could easily be pretty formulaic, but these two could make it into something pretty special.
Total: $15.96
Vince’s Picks:
Revival #47 ($3.99) – It’s the end of the road for one of my favorite Image series ever, and an ode to my hometown. *sniff* I’m getting verklempt over here.
Quantum Teens Are Go #1 ($3.99) – With “Kim & Kim”, Mags Visaggio has earned a place on my patented “must buy” list of creators. I need to come up with a more clever name for that list. Nevertheless, I’ll buy anything Magdalene puts out from now on. The title of this comic alone evokes a fun ride. A story of queer-punk science fiction – *Italian chef kiss* c’mon, what sounds better than that?
Justice League of America #1 ($2.99) – I’m becoming a total Steve Orlando shill, but hey, the Rebirth issue was as good as hell. This book will make you tolerate Lobo, or maybe even *gasp* enjoy him?
Kamandi Challenge #2 ($3.99) – The opening issue was wonderful. You can really feel the enthusiasm of the creators and the editors on this project. From front cover to back cover, there’s so much to pour over here.
Total: $14.96
Brian’s Picks:
Kamandi Challenge #2 ($3.99) – If you were to ask me who is one of the most consistent and reliable writers in comics, I would say, without hesitation, Peter Tomasi. If you were to ask me who is one of the creators in comics who has gotten crazier with age, and who produces vibrant but unhinger work, I would say Neal Adams. Put them together on “Kamandi Challenge” #2, and you’ve got an absolute must read.
Quantum Teens Are Go #1 ($3.99) – Everything about this book appeals to my sensibilities. Black Mask, you get me.
The Visitor: How and Why He Stayed #1 ($3.99) – I love the Mignolaverse going deep and weird with the books that are popping up in the midst of all the ‘regular’ books being done or on hiatus. Plus, getting Paul Grist on a book should always be celebrated.
Curse Words #2 ($3.99) – Ryan Browne books get purchased – that’s all there is to it.
Revival #47 ($3.99) – Fare thee well, sweet prince.
Total: $19.95
Matt’s Picks:
Sun Bakery #1 ($4.99) – I reviewed the first issue of Corey Lewis’s anthology series when it originally appeared in April 2016, and people, this is some great stuff. Dynamic and energetic, with dizzying images and insane comicking: it may be the closest thing yet to ADD in comics-form. This one’s being released through Image, so at least Lewis is getting some higher exposure for this.
Belfry ($3.99) – Gabriel Hardman takes a break from “Invisible Republic” for this one-shot horror story. Hardman is excellent with moody, somewhat grimy artwork, so this should be something that’s truly effective.
Continued belowBlack Panther #11 ($3.99) – Ta-Nehisi Coates wraps up the story he was initially contracted for. “Black Panther” has been one strange ride, especially in the way where a talented writer is dabbling in a medium he doesn’t fully understand. It’s been boring and tedious at times, but Marvel’s allowed Coates to steer it toward his own interests. Let’s see if he can stick a landing.
Foggy Notions ($5.00) – Here’s a collection of “darkly humorous autobiographical comics” from November Garcia and Alternative Comics. Apparently most of the focus revolves around her time in San Francisco. I honestly don’t know much about this, but I’ve been looking at various pieces of her artwork online and it’s all pretty animatated and dope.
Total: $17.97
Matthew’s Picks:
Divinity III Stalinverse #3 ($3.99) – Valiant’s “Divinity” trilogy continues the trend of Valiant being great.
Flash #17 ($2.99) – I don’t have anything clever to add other than every time a new issue of “Flash” comes out I recommend reading the Flash. This time is no different.
Shutter #27 ($3.99) – Shit’s getting real now.
The Visitor: How And Why He Stayed #1 ($3.99) – I may be sore that this isn’t an issue of “Jack Staff” or “Mudman” but dammit new Paul Grist is new Paul Grist.
Wonder Woman #17 ($2.99) – As always, always buy new Wonder Woman comics when there are new Wonder Woman comics to buy.
Total: $17.95
Ken’s Picks:
Tokyo Ghoul vol. 11 ($8.99) – It hurts so good, Ishida-Sensei.
Harbinger Renegade #4 ($3.99) – The conclusion to the first arc of this new ongoing. Anyone taking over these characters from Joshua Dysart was going to prove to be an uphill battle, but Rafer Roberts has been crafting an interesting story to get the Renegades back into the fray. The book is taking a hiatus til July after this issue, so hopefully it concludes the arc with feet running.
Detective Comics #951 ($2.99) – One story arc ends, another begins. “League of Shadows” begins in earnest as Lady Shiva comes to town to visit her most-definitely-unless-Tynion-throws-a-curveball daughter, Cassandra Cain.
Total: $15.99
Mark’s Pick:
The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts ($39.99) — OK, so technically this is not a comic, but it’s being published by Dark Horse, so that kinda counts, right? Anyway, I really enjoyed “The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia” and Dark Horse always does an excellent job with its art books, so this is an absolute must-buy for me. I’m interested to see how much of this book is going to be finished art versus concept development art, especially with the older games when the concept was much more nebulous rather than standing on the shoulders on decades of development like the newer games. And it’ll be good to watch the designs develop as they’re adapted from game to game and console to console.
Total: $39.99. I know, I know. I blew the budget. But it was totally worth it.
