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!
Matt Lune’s Picks:
Orphan Age #1 ($3.99) – I’ve no idea how people keep finding new ways to tell apocalypse stories, but here’s another one from Ted Anderson, Nuno Plati and Aftershock comics. The title is so apt (one day every adult on the planet dies, leaving the world to children) that it makes you wonder if they thought of the pun and worked backward, but either way, this looks great.
Faithless #1 ($3.99) – Another book that feels led by the title, or rather, in this case, the tagline: “Faith is bored as hell. And Hell has noticed.” That sounds like something you say to yourself while you’re falling asleep, write it down feverishly and then build a book around it. Again though, like “Orphan Age,” this looks like another interesting debut, from Brian Azzarello, Maria Llovet and with Paul Pope on covers.
Fairlady #1 ($3.99) – The solicit throws a lot at you here. Firstly, this is a high-fantasy/private detective story, and you don’t get too many of those. Second, it’s compared to “Fables,” “Rat Queens” and Magnum P.I., which are all excellent things to be comparing yourself to. Thirdly, this looks to be tackling a complete story in every issue, which is always refreshing in this era of decompressed storytelling (plus it adds to the procedural feeling of the series). Finally, and most importantly, “Fairlady” looks like it’ll be using high-fantasy and private detective tropes to tell a story about sexual discrimination in the workplace. Phew!
Ghostbusters 35th – Real Ghostbusters #1 ($3.99) – If you’re a Ghostbusters fan of a certain age (or have since watched it on Netflix) then you’d have loved The Real Ghostbusters. The late ‘80s/early ‘90s cartoon was formative for my love of the franchise, and seeing that version of the characters reappearing in comics always brings a smile to my face.
War of the Realms: Journey into Mystery #1 ($3.99) – It blows my mind a little bit that the McElroy brothers are writing comics now. They were on the radar thanks to their graphic novel adaptation of their D&D podcast The Adventure Zone last year, but to now be writing a mini-series for Marvel? That’s something else. Still, I’m a massive fan of pretty much everything those good, good boys do, and I really enjoyed last week’s “War of the Realms” #1, so this is win-win for me.
Total: $19.95
Kate’s Picks:
Catwoman #10 ($3.99) – I found the Creel family story to drag on longer than it probably should have. This issue looks to kick off a new arc with them out of the way, and Catwoman looking to consolidate her power in Villa Hermosa. This is Catwoman doing her best, and I can’t wait to see it.
Marvel Tales Thanos #1 ($7.99) – I wasn’t all that sure what to expect from these “Marvel Tales” series when I picked up the Black Widow installment a while back, but I found them to be a fun romp through Marvel’s history, and in the case of the Black Widow one, some surprises as you chart her evolution through history. And on the brink of Avengers: Endgame there’s no better time to brush up your Thanos.
Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor #6 ($3.99) – This new arc is kicking off quite nicely with a bit of history and a bit of flesh eating aliens. Based on the previous issue, this is reading more like the TV show, which will be great for fans new and old.
Total: $15.97
Kyle’s Picks:
When I Arrived at the Castle ($15.00) – Emily Carroll is the go to name in comics to me when it comes to horror. Only her and Junji Ito are creator’s whose work truly bothered me in the best way possible. Her artwork is simple and beautiful and always just filled with a touch of the unsettling. The only thing you need, and I mean NEED to buy/read this week. Probably all month honestly.
Cold Blood Samurai #1 ($3.99) – Buuut if you have to buy something else why not try this book? I wouldn’t suggest putting that as a pull quote on a book. Serious TMNT meets Usagi vibes. The solicitation mentions the comics ” tells of the futility of war and the desire for peace by Gaijin, a foreign salamander in a Japan of frogs invaded by lizards.” I was really impressed by Ludovica Ceregatti’s art in the previews. Drawing samurai frogs could go bad really easily and she makes it look great.
Total: $18.99
