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!
Jason’s Picks:
”Dead End Kids” ($9.99)‒ I read the original release of “Dead End Kids” on a whim and absolutely loved it. Hopefully, word gets out on this series as it was amazing and I feel more people should read it!
”John Constantine: Hellblazer” #5 ($3.99)‒ I’ve only read some “Hellblazer” in the past, so I’m no expert. Nonetheless, Issue four was one of my favorites, so I’m excited to see how the story ends.
”Far Sector” #5 ($3.99)‒ When “First Sector” first came out I honestly wasn’t too excited about it, yet I can’t help but look forward to it each month now.
Total: $17.97. I surprisingly have a lot of DC Comics this week!
Vince’s Picks:
Amethyst #2 ($3.99) – Issue #2 of “Amethyst” really won me over. Not that it was that different from the first installment, but I think I appreciate more the wavelength that it’s operating on. It’s light fare compared to the surprisingly dense, spiraling plotting of the original series, but I think that actually makes it better. It’s irreverent in its sense of humor, but it no less encompasses all of the great characters and elements of Gemworld. Most importantly, it’s absolutely gorgeous to look at.
Love & Rockets Magazine #8 ($4.99) – “Love & Rockets” is one of the few all-time comics classics we’ve got left. Any chance to pick something up from it is an occasion to celebrate.
Road to Empyre: The Kree Skrull War #1 ($4.99) – We’re on the road to Empyre. Come on inside.
Giant-Size X-Men: Nightcrawler #1 ($4.99) – Alan Davis makes his return to the merry world of mutants with Jonathan Hickman following up his gorgeous and intriguing issue of “X-Men” wherein Nightcrawler entered a mysterious shrine built for him on Krakoa, observed the brutal crucible resurrection ritual, and thought about starting his own religion. In one issue, Nightcrawler’s ‘Dawn of X’ story became the one I am most fascinated by and excited to follow.
Total: $18.96
Kevin’s Picks:
“Immortal Hulk” #33 (#750) ($5.99) – An anniversary issue, and perhaps another major turning point for this psychoanalytic, psychedelic, horror-tinged, politically-savvy, LSD-inspired, Marvel Masterwork. You won’t wanna miss. And besides, how often do you get to turn #750?
“Road to Empyre: Kree/Skrull War” #1 ($4.99) – I’m lukewarm on “Empyre” which starts next month, though Al Ewing and Valerio Schitti mean I have to check it out. A lot of that, for me, is my lack of pre-Modern Era Marvel knowledge, so I’m picking up this issue to do my due diligence in educating myself and you should too! Mattia De Iulis and Javier Rodriguez are two of my favorite Marvel artists, and here they are together in one book!
“X-O Manowar” #1 ($3.99) – Excited for Valiant’s flagship character to get relaunched. While the premiere issue was delayed a bit, I am excited for what Dennis “Hopeless” Hallum and Emilio Laiso are bringing to the book. This is the perfect time to dive into this universe, and the perfect season to catch up on back issues.
“Hellions” #1 ($4.99) – And lastly, the black sheep of Dawn of X launches. Can’t say I have a familiarity with most of these characters, but I’m curious after HoXPoX what Sinister’s long game is so this seems like a must, at least for the first issue. I’m giving all these books a try as this status quo continues to shine on.
Total: $19.96. Plus more Dawn of X as “Wolverine,” and “X-Men” continue this week if you’re interested!
Mark’s Pick:
“Kairos” ($19.99) – Originally published as three volumes in French, the English edition of “Kairos” from First Second will collect the story in one volume. If you haven’t already seen it, check out the trailer for the comic here. I saw the interior pages before I knew there was a trailer, but even still, it was immediately obvious that writer and artist Ulysse Malassagne is an animator—his panels move. I mean, the opening scene just has a car driving up to a cabin, but already there’s energy in the panels. You can feel the scenery whipping past. Purely on an art level, I have to pick this one up—but also, First Second has never been a publisher to disappoint.
Total: $19.99. It’s one of those weeks again, where I’ll be going way over the limit. I’m also picking up “Folklords” #5, “Monstress” #27, “Sex Criminals” #28, “Lazarus Risen” #4, “Witchfinder: The Reign of Darkness” #5, and “Baltimore” Omnibus Volume 2
