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:
The Rattler GN ($14.99) – “The Rattler” is a very cool graphic novel. Originally exclusive to the successful Kickstarter campaign ran by the creators Jason McNamara and Greg Hinkle, “The Rattler” comes to Image. It’s a horror story that deals with loss and longing and the things we’re all too selfish to give up on or selfish enough to use as excuses. I highly recommend the book and want to point to this interview http://www.multiversitycomics.com/interviews/mcnamara-and-hinkle-bring-the-horror-of-the-rattler-to-image-interview/for anyone interested but unsure. Seriously, buy “The Rattler”.
Shadow Glass #1 ($3.99) – I honestly don’t know a whole lot about this book, but that cover looks pretty great and the concept seems pretty interesting. Any book with John Dee (the actual occultist, not the dude from “Sandman”) is worth checking out.
Birthright #15 ($2.99) – I just really like “Birthright”, y’all.
Total: $21.97. A little over, but it’s worth it for “The Rattler”.
Vince’s Picks:
Batman #50 ($5.99) – So, in this case, comics aren’t cheap, but I think Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have earned it. This is the end of their last major arc, my friends, and while we’ve still got a couple of issues left before DC Rebirth (and the promise of more Snyder, but most likely sans Capullo, to come), this might be our last time to revel in their event book-style comic synergy. You can debate the merits of each arc, but I don’t think there’s any debate that for the last 5 years, Snyder and Capullo’s “Batman” has felt like the most important and vital book that DC had to offer. If the ‘New 52′ is remembered as something of a down-note in the annals of DC Comics’ history, well, it cannot be said that this particular “Batman” series had anything to do with it.
Rocketeer at War #2 ($3.99) – The IDW Rocketeer revival of the last several years has produced some pretty darn good comics. “Rocketeer at War” is no different, capturing the feel and making good on the legacy of Dave Stevens’ highly influential character.
Circuit-Breaker #1 ($2.99) – A miniseries that skips right past World War III (aka Trump’s War) and shows us a world ravaged by World War IV. There’s the promise of rampaging Japanese robots and – whoa, wait – Kyle Baker on art duties? Folks, this one is a slam dunk.
Total: $12.97
Keith’s Picks:
Batman #50 ($5.99) – This humongous issue is the conclusion to the “Superheavy” storyline and brings back our Bruce. It was a nice change of pace to have the Commish as Bats, but I can’t wait to see what Snyder and company have in store for Batman leading up to and into “Rebirth”.
Grayson #18 ($3.99) – “Grayson”’s new writing team of Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing come aboard for the title’s remaining issues with artist Roge Antonio. With a “Nightwing” title debuting in July, it’ll be interesting to see how Dick is going to untangle himself from the grip of Spyral.
We Are Robin #10 ($3.99) – Duke has quickly become one of my favorite Bat-family members mainly because of Lee Bermejo’s writing on this book. Hopefully Duke will have a pivotal role in the family after the conclusion of this series.
Klaus #4 ($3.99) – Grant Morrison and Dan Mora have made Santa Claus into a credible superhero with this miniseries so far. Each issue has been an action-packed Christmas present.
Total: $17.96 – And speaking of presents… As you can see, this week is (predictably) Batman-centric. With the one-two punch of “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” and “Batman” #50, this week is definitely my nerd Christmas.
Continued below
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Star Wars #17 ($3.99) – Luke Skywalker gets to fulfill a lifelong dream: piloting the Millennium Falcon. I’m sure it’ll end well. Maybe not for him, but hopefully for us the readers
Batman #50 ($5.99) – Ohhhhh shit, it’s all come to this. Snyder and Capullo conclude their ‘Superheavy’ story, their last major arc before this Rebirth thing. It’s easy to get jaded from the way mainstream corporately owned superhero factories produce their work, but Snyder and Capullo’s run has been it’s own staggering and fascinating work. Proof that if you let the storytellers you hire tell the stories they were hired to do and not force events and crossovers on them, the results will be something cool.
The Spire #7 ($3.99) – By now, if you’re not reading “The Spire” from Si Spurrier and Jeff Stokely, you’re probably not going to jump on at the penultimate issue. But it’s been a consistent piece of character development and world building. If it catches your attention, just remember: Boom! trades kind of suck and I’m sure your LCS can get you the back issues.
Circuit Breaker #1 ($2.99) – Renegade robots of a raging militia have been sweeping across the world, farting on Asimov’s rules of robotics. It’s up to one fighter to make a stand, even though she’s starting to question her purpose and programming. From Kevin McCarthy and Kyle Baker, the preview and premise do make it seem intriguing.
Total: $16.96 – Don’t forget the old school heroics at play in the collected edition of “Wonder Woman: War of the Gods” from George Perez.
Mark’s Picks:
Invader Zim #8 ($3.99) — Unless something goes hideously and horribly wrong, I’m always going to pick up “Invader Zim”. I love that writers and artists that worked on the show are making the comic too. This issue is written by Eric Trueheart, the guy responsible for episodes like “Bad, Bad Rubber Piggy”, “Walk for Your Lives”, and “Zim Eats Waffles”. Guys, Trueheart wrote “Zim Eats Waffles”. That is all you need to know.
I do want to point out, Nickelodeon restricts access to this comic depending on the region of the world you live in. Want to buy this on Comixology? You better live in the right country. I only buy singles digitally, so I guess I’m waiting for the trade…
Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: 1953—Beyond the Fences #2 ($3.50) — I always pick up the Mignola books. How could I not? That said, even by the usual high standards for these books, this is a great issue. Chris Roberson has a genuine love for this universe and it shows, and Paolo Rivera’s art is fantastic.
Avatar: The Last Airbender—Smoke and Shadow #3 ($10.99) — Technically this came out last week, but it wasn’t due until next week, so I completely missed it. I hope you’ll forgive me for bending the rules. I don’t think this final part was as strong as the two that preceded it, but I still enjoyed it. Plus, it’ll help tide me over until Michael Dante DiMartino and Brittney Williams’s “Legend of Korra” comic comes out. (This is also a Nickelodeon book, so the same stupid regional restrictions apply.)
Total: $18.48
Jess’s Picks:
Harley Quinn #26 ($3.99) – After the turning point in “Harley Quinn” #25 where she very literally broke free of being associated in any way with The Joker, I’m really excited to see what this team has planned for her next. This book is a ton of fun and has really reinvented the character in a positive way.
Ringside #5 ($3.99) – This has been the wrestling comic I’ve always wanted. It’s been a multifaceted look at life as a wrestler at different stages and hasn’t shied away from making important criticisms of the business. This is the end of the first arc so look out for the first trade very soon.
Shadow Glass #1 ($3.99) – I don’t know anything about this book or it’s creator outside of the cover and solicit text but it seems interesting. It’s got magic, the occult and some very stylish art work.
Continued belowThe Death Defying Doctor Mirage: Second Lives #4 ($3.99) – One of the best things about Valiant is that they do these short miniseries that tell one story without getting bogged down in continuity issues and filler issues. The problem is that they are short miniseries. There hasn’t been a third Doctor Mirage miniseries announced but like “Faith”, I’m sure there will be because of the response.
Total:$15.96
Brian’s Picks:
Batman #50 ($5.99) – The conclusion of a nearly 5 year run – something that is unheard of in the modern era of comics – Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have built up a not-insignificant chunk of Bat-mythology. Some of the elements of their run – the Court of Owls, Zero Year, Super Heavy – will remain as part of the conversation surrounding Gotham for many, many years. Kudos, gents.
Grayson #18 ($3.99) – On the other hand, this is the unfortunate side effect of creators moving on up in the world. Tom King, Tim Seeley, and Mikal Janin are off the book that they made great just a few short issues before the end of the series. While this is a reality that will allow for all three to do big things in ‘Rebirth’ (hopefully), it is still a bit of a bummer. That said? I’m willing to give this creative team (writers Jackson Lanzing and Colin Kelly, artist Roge Antonio) a shot – prove me wrong!
Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. 1953: Beyond the Fences #2 ($3.50) – While my passion for the Mignolaverse has waned a bit in the past year, this is a fun trip through the past, and a young Hellboy is quite the guy with whom to spend some time.
Circuit Breaker #1 ($2.99) – Kyle Baker artwork gets a look, it’s a simple as that.
Total: $16.47
