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!
Mark’s Picks:
Ultramega #1 ($7.99) – It feels like a lifetime since we last had a James Harren book, so this is just all kinds of awesome. A huge debut of a creator-owned series with Harren and Dave Stewart working together again. What’s not to love here?
Orphan and the Five Beasts #1 ($3.99) – James Stokoe’s also launching a creator-owned book this week. We are clearly being spoilt.
Head Lopper #15 ($5.99) – You know the drill. An issue of “Head Lopper” comes out, I must pick it up. Andrew Maclean and Jordie Bellaire are always worth it.
Invader Zim Quarterly: Zim’s Greatest Plan ($5.99) – OK, this issue was great. The comic timing was perfect, the concept was perfectly attuned to the feeling of the show, it’s the “Invader Zim” comics at their best. I wouldn’t have crammed it into my overloaded list if it wasn’t exceptional.
Total: $23.96. Also picking up “Snow Angels” #2.
Kate’s Picks:
The Expanse #4 ($4.99): I can’t think of a better character to get her own mini-series in comics than the politically astute but morally and emotionally complicated Chrisjen Avasarala. (Plus any artist would have a creative field day bringing her wardrobe to life!) We just finished up the penultimate season of the show this past weekend, and I cannot wait to see how her story comes to an end on both TV and in the comics.
Superman Red and Blue #1 ($5.99): DC has had some interesting success with these miniseries that use a limited color palette, so I’m curious to see how this latest one holds up.
Invincible #1 ($3.99): Not a typo – Image is re-issuing the very first issue of Robert Kirkman’s series in anticipation of the debut of the animated series on Amazon Prime later this month. An excellent way for fans to get a primer on the series before it drops.
Total: $14.97
Johnny’s Picks:
Head Lopper #15 ($5.99) – My favorite fantasy series on the stands. Creator/Writer/Artist Andrew MacLean always brings the thunder, the same heavy-metal mentality of 70’s and 80’s fantasy comics, but with his own signature artistic style, which is somewhere between Mike Mignola and Sergio Aragones. Each issue is a chonky boy, a quarterly oversized dose- chock full of swords, sorcery, unforgettable characters and impressively choreographed fights. Well worth the extra buck or two for an issue.
Orphan and the Five Beasts #1 ($3.99) – James Stokoe is one of my favorite working creators, so I’m at the front of the line whenever something new of his drops. His style mixes dynamism with incredible detail, and his character designs are often cartoony without being too silly. This book appears to mix the best of Wuxia films with a grindhouse feel, full of pulse-pounding action and beautifully over-the-top violence. Should be a blast!
Total: $9.98
Brian’s Picks:
Orphan and the Five Beasts #1 ($3.99) – James Stokoe is an insanely talented cartoonist, and his work is bombastic and often bursting at the seams. He could be writing/drawing almost anything, and it would find its way into my reading list, but then I saw some preview pages for this, and holy crap. I cannot wait to dig into this.
Ultramega #1 ($7.99) – If you take my entire entry from above and replace the last name of “Stokoe” with “Harren,” you’ve got my “Ultramega” write up as well. These two are beasts, and we are not worthy.
Nightwing #78 ($3.99) – This book was one of my most anticipated ‘Future State’ titles, and this first issue didn’t disappoint. Tom Taylor steps into Blüdhaven like a pro, and Bruno Redondo’s art perfectly captures the last of the Flying Grayson’s grace and agility.
Total: $15.96 – If the two dope action books by cartoonists aren’t enough for you, “Head Lopper” #15 should also find a way into your pull list.
