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:
Sheltered #15 ($2.99) – I don’t know how many people were reading “Sheltered” each month, but I will, with some confidence, say that it wasn’t as many as the book deserved. For my money, “Sheltered” has one of the best books of the last couple years and it’s sad to see it go. Brisson and Christmas consistently delivered each month and created probably the least likable teenager in fiction since Prince Joffrey. This issue wraps it all up and those last two panels are everything I wanted from the ending. If you haven’t been following along, get caught up and read this comic.
Southern Cross #1 ($2.99) – Just throwing out Becky Cloonan and Andy Belanger on a book together is probably enough to get many to read “Southern Cross”. Even beyond that, it looks to be a sci-fi book with the right kind of horror and I’m all in.
The Surface #1 ($3.50) – I like pretty much everything that Ales Kot has done, most everything Jordie Bellaire colors, and really dig Langdon Foss’ art. “The Surface” is a no-brainer, really.
Hellbreak #1 ($1.00) – When was the last time you bought a new comic for $1? If you are my age, probably never because I think they were still at least $1.50 when I was born in ’91. The point is, “Hellbreak” is only a single dollar for the standard cover and features a killer creative team of Cullen Bunn, Brian Churilla, and Dave Stewart. It’s “Hellboy” meets Ocean’s Eleven and you can’t tell me that doesn’t sound like tons of fun.
Total: $10.48
Keith’s Picks:
Action Comics #40 ($3.99) – I am not looking forward to reading Greg Pak and Aaron Kuder’s interpretation of Bizarro. It is bound to be truly horrendous.
Detective Comics: Endgame #1 ($2.99) – This one-shot by Brian Buccellato and Roge Antonia involves “a small band of teenagers”. There have been hints that these Endgame one-shots will serve up clues as to what will transpire in June, so maybe this is a glimpse of what we’re to expect in the “We Are Robin” book by Lee Bermejo.
Southern Cross #1 ($2.99) – Having already read this debut issue, I can highly recommend the stunning opener of “Southern Cross”. Both story and art are breathtaking. Becky Cloonan writes a mystery in space that is brought to operatic life by artist Andy Belanger and colorist Lee Loughridge. It’s one of the best first issues of 2015.
The Surface #1 ($3.50) – “The Surface” solicit promises that this series will be a mind-bender and, naturally, it comes from the genius mind of Ales Kot. A story about three hackers in love residing in an Ebola-free Africa sounds pretty intriguing. I’ve seen some of the art by Langdon Foss (with colors by the always-wonderful Jordie Bellaire) and he may end up becoming one of my new favorite artists.
Howard the Duck #1 ($3.99) – As a child, I loved the Howard the Duck movie. With Chip Zdarsky writing and Joe Quinones on art, I have a feeling that adult Keith will find the comic book version of 2015 much more enjoyable.
Total: $20.46
David’s Picks:
Southern Cross #1 ($2.99) – I’m going to be totally honest: I have no idea what this comic is about. However, it’s Becky Cloonan and Andy Belanger doing their thing, and it looks oh so pretty. So I’ll try it out.
Howard the Duck #1 ($3.99) – Let’s get weird! Let’s get weird! Let’s get weird! Zdarsky and Quinones doing their duck thing should be an odd and fun adventure that is certainly worth a first look.
Ninjak #1 ($3.99) – Matt Kindt and Clay Mann is a really, really good team, especially on a Ninjak book. Why? Well, Mann’s a great visual fit to the lithe, stealth based warrior, and Kindt has shown an affinity and proclivity for working with the character. Looking forward to this one.
Continued belowShutter #10 ($3.50) – One of my favorite books right now, the last issue of Joe Keatinge and Leila del Duca’s Image series was crazy and promised an unknown but exciting future. Looking forward to what that means for the book in this issue.
Tuki Save the Humans #3 ($3.99) – New Jeff Smith comics are always a treat, and this comic has been excellent so far (although I could be reading it online for free, I just like print more because I’m a sucker).
Total: $18.47 – a trio of exciting new releases and two current favorites? Banner week
Matt Garcia’s Pick:
Shutter #10 ($3.50) – At the end of the last issue, Kate Kristopher and her evil half-sister got sucked into an alternate dimension portal to try to figure out stuff about Kate’s mom, and, by extent, dad. I’m guessing we’re going to explore this further and, as always, I can’t wait.
The Surface #1 ($3.50) – Langdon Foss did that crazy Get Jiro! graphic novel a few years ago and Ales Kot is always good for some interesting stories. Also, Foss is from Colorado and you gotta show support for when the local peeps make it to bigger projects.
Southern Cross #1 ($2.99) – Becky Cloonan continues to channel her favorite geeky things with this thriller that takes place on a spaceship heading toward a distant mining community. I could see this going full-Alien pretty quickly. Andy Belanger also kills it with his space visuals.<
Star Wars #3 ($3.99) – Now that the initial Marvel Star Wars books have come out, this one clearly stands out as the best of the bunch. Plus, I really dig how Cassaday does the lightsaber battles.
East of West #18 ($3.50) – Hickman and Dragotta are going crazy and, quite frankly, it’s a wonderful thing to see.
Total: $17.48.
Jess’ Picks:
Copperhead Vol 1 ($9.99) – “Copperhead” is seriously amazing. First, it’s a science fiction – western, which you never see in comics. Second, it’s lead character Clara, is amazingly well developed. Third, it’s got some seriously great art by Scott Godlewski. I love this book so, so, SO much.
Sheltered #15 ($2.99) – All good things must come to an end. I’m sure the only people buying this are those who have been reading since the beginning so I’m going to suggest to you to buy the trades. This series is really special in the way that it does the whole end of the world thing. It’s nothing like anything that’s existed and Christmas’ art is fantastic.
Thor #6 ($3.99) – I’ve been a fan of Aaron’s “Thor” since he took over and he’s never stopped doing great things with this world and these characters. The big reveal is coming soon and probably not a moment too soon since things are beginning to fall apart for many of these characters.
Total: $16.97
Matt Dodge’s Picks:
Batman: Arkham Knight #1 ($3.99) – The majority of video game comic tie-ins unnecessary would be kind, but things took a turn for the better last year with the “Injustice” comic. The Arkham game series has been critically acclaimed, and with the superbly talented Peter Tomasi penning the script, this is one game tie-in that is actually worth checking out.
Justice League United #10 ($3.99) – Jeff Lemire has built upon his now-considerable resume by combining DC’s B-list characters into fun and dynamic team on a series of exciting adventures. As the latest arc comes to a rousing end, there’s every indication that another exhilarating adventure is about to begin.
Star Wars #3 ($3.99) – Jason Aaron is one of the best writers working in comics today, and it’s easy to see why Marvel would choose him to launch their flagship “Star Wars” series. Aaron has successfully captured the tone of the classic film and its iconic characters. Combined with John Cassaday’s beautiful artwork, this series fills just as epic and exciting as the films.
Howard The Duck #1 ($3.99) – Chip Zdarsky’s work on “Sex Criminals” is genius, and his artwork has just as much humour and wit as the written words. Regardless of what Zdarsky and Joe Quinones do with this infamous character, it definitely won’t be boring.
Total: $15.96
