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:
Extremity #1 ($3.99) — I first found Daniel Warren Johnson and his webcomic “Space-Mullet” years ago and instantly knew that this guy would one day be a big deal in comics. Not only is he an insanely talented artist, but he can write captivating stories. In the years since I first found his stuff, he’s went on to work with Dark Horse, DC, and Marvel on various books and now we see him finding a home at Image/Skybound with his first monthly creator-owned book. “Extremity” looks to be all the stuff Dan does so well – machines, badass action, heartfelt story – and I can only hope that everyone checks it out and falls in love with his work like I have.
Flintstones #9 ($3.99) — It still amazes me that a Flintstones comic is one of my favorite books every month, but 2017 is a wild year. This one sees Fred lose his job and some of Bedrock’s elite give in to greed. As always, I’m sure it’ll not only be a great story, but also fantastic satire. Plus, you can get a Rob Guillory cover.
Royal City #1 ($4.99) — I am a fan of pretty much everything Lemire has done and am stoked to see him back writing and drawing a book of his own again. “Royal City” shows every indication of being a spiritual successor to Lemire’s first hit, “Essex County”, and that is something I’m very much down for.
Nailbiter #30 ($3.99) — “Nailbiter” is ending and that’s sad, but it was a great run. Very much looking forward to how it all wraps up.
Total: $16.96
Vince’s Picks:
All-Time Comics: Crime Destroyer #1 ($4.99) — Fantagraphics is one of those publishers that has such a good track record for comics curation that I’m excited about almost anything they put out. That said, this feels like completely new territory for them. A shared superhero universe? I’m not going to be against them, especially not with art from someone like Herb Trimpe.
Animal Noir #1 ($3.99) — Animals as an allegory for human behavior isn’t exactly an “original” idea, but that doesn’t mean there still isn’t room for plenty of satire to be had. And Izar Lunacek’s offbeat artistic sensibilities are definitely something I’d love to see applied to this kind of material.
Royal City #1 ($4.99) — Jeff Lemire isn’t trying to avoid the comparisons – “Royal City” looks and sounds like every bit the stylistic and thematic follow-up to “Essex County” that we’ve been waiting for.
Midnighter and Apollo #6 ($3.99) — For the foreseeable future, one of the best runs in cape comics this decade (Steve Orlando & Midnighter) comes to an end. Orlando knows how to dial up the emotional stakes when it comes to the titular duo – and I’m sure there won’t be a dry eye in the house.
Total: $17.96
Matthew’s Picks:
The Flintstones #9 ($3.99) — On a flight home from Florida this past week, I binge-read the first 8 issues of this series — and holy shit, it’s great. Like, REALLY great. Time to get on the hype train, kids.
America #1 ($3.99) — America Chavez gets her own series, Joe Quinones on art… yeah, feels like something worth giving a shot.
Nailbiter #30 ($3.99) — The end. Hope it goes out with a bang.
Royal City #1 ($4.99) — Jeff Lemire’s new self-illustrated ongoing. Lemire had a great 2016, and I’m looking forward to what comes out of this latest ongoing.
Stuff Of Legend v5 – A Call To Arms #1 ($3.99) — Last but certainly not least, “Stuff Of Legend” returns after a long hiatus. I feel like I need a refresher course personally, but I do love this series.
Continued belowTotal: $20.95 — Can you spare an extra $0.95?
Matt’s Picks:
Animal Noir #1 ($3.99) — One part “Dungeon,” one part Zootopia, and one part The Nice Guys, this anthropomorphic noir bears some intriguing and enveloping cartooning and some honestly tense storytelling.
Adventure Time #62 ($3.99) — Um, Mariko Tamaki is taking over the writing duties. I mean, that’s all you really need to know.
The Once and Future Queen #1 ($3.99) — In this modern retelling of the Excalibur, a chess prodigy pulls the fabled sword from the stone and hijinks ensue. Judging from the preview, this color work is spectacular.
Riverdale ($4.99) — Have you been watching Riverdale? It’s crazy. I mean, there was a scene where Kevin’s dad told him about being careful when cruising and everything. Anyway here’s a one-shot tie-in comic that might be a lot of fun, especially because it’s being written by CCO Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and illustrated by Alitha Martinez.
Total: $16.96
Brian’s Picks:
Death of Hawkman #6 ($3.99) — This miniseries has been a ton of fun – not terribly consequential to the overall DC line, but not everything needs to be, does it?
Nailbiter #30 ($3.99) — The end of an incredible run – good job, Josh and Mike.
Faith #9 ($3.99) — I often forget to include “Faith” in my CSBC, because it is so consistent and fun, and isn’t always the flashiest book. But damn, this book is great.
Superman #18 ($2.99) — The start of a crossover that will finally answer the “who is the fake Clark Kent?” question. (Hint: we are hoping it is Superboy Prime).
Total: $14.96
Mark’s Picks:
Baltimore: The Red Kingdom #2 ($3.99) — I’m going to be entirely predictable this week. Top of my list is “Baltimore.” This wasn’t a particularly showy issue—it’s clearly laying groundwork for future issues—but it does so in a way that builds interest, but I can’t really say more than that without ruining it. Damn, I’m going to miss this series when it’s gone.
Giant Days #24 ($3.99) — I will always pick up this book, but Lissa Treiman’s cover for this one really made me sit up and pay attention. I’m genuinely curious to see what’s going on here.
Invader Zim #19 ($3.99) — I enjoy this comic, but I especially enjoy issues written by Eric Trueheart (writer of the infamous “Zim Eats Waffles” episode). I hear this issue is either intense or in tents. Or both. Anyway, I’m sure it either will or won’t make sense when I read it.
Paper Girls #12 ($2.99) — I’ve seen a lot of websites recommending this comic as a way to get their Stranger Things fix. Fair enough. Me personally, it’s the comic I use to get my “Paper Girls” fix.
Total: $14.96
