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!
Vince’s Picks:
“Arya” #4 ($3.99)— “Arya” is such a fascinating title, as it’s kind of an anthology, though you wouldn’t really know that from reading about it. I must admit that even though I’ve read all three issues thus far, I may even be incorrectly describing it myself. I can tell you this: each issue is full of cute art and stories that mix and match aspects of geek culture (role-playing, video games, familiar fantasy elements etc…) with a sense of wonder and exploration.
“Eternity Girl” #2 ($3.99)— For my money, “Shade the Changing Woman” and “Eternity Girl” scratch the exact itch I want from a line like Young Animal. That is to say, I want my offbeat superhero-adjacent comics to be existential and emotional smorgasbords. As a chronically depressed individual, “Eternity Girl” #1 had me feeling feelings.
“New Super-Man and the Justice League of China” #22 ($3.99)— Every month I cry a single tear because it’s one month closer to “New Super-Man’s” eventual cancellation. I know it’s coming, DC, just please be gentle.
“Exiles” #1 ($3.99)— Saladin Ahmed seems to be exercising all the goodwill he gained writing the excellent “Black Bolt” solo title by crafting the most bonkers X-Men-related team since, I don’t know, “X-Statix”? Buy it for the excellent creative team of Ahmed and Javier Rodriguez, and get to read about a Chibi Wolverine as a delightful bonus.
Total: $15.96.
Matt Lune’s Picks:
“Crude” #1 ($3.99)— The cover alone to this is gorgeous. I’m always down for a new Steve Orlando joint, and joining him is Garry Brown for a book that looks like Death Wish, John Wick and Taken all rolled into one.
“Oblivion Song” #2 ($3.99)— The first issue of Robert Kirkman’s new book had enough of a unique hook to keep me around for issue 2, and with Kirkman’s promise that we have no idea where this book is going, I’ll probably be around for a while.
“Immortal Men” #1 ($3.99)— The New Age of DC Heroes keeps on rolling, and while it’s been a little hit or miss in terms of quality books, this one has a great team behind it in Tynion IV, Lee and Williams, and a fun hook about the secret history of the DC Universe.
“Domino” #1 ($3.99)— It’s so good to see Gail Simone back on a Marvel book, and while Domino wouldn’t be my first choice, whatever Simone puts her hand to I love, so I’m looking forward to Domino winning me over.
“Exiles” #1 ($3.99)— It’s been far too long since we explored the multiverse with a team of misfit mutants. Saladin Ahmed can do no wrong as far as I’m concerned, and the team he’s put together looks ridiculous in the best possible way.
Total: $19.98.
Justin Beeson’s Picks:
“The Dead Hand” #1 ($3.99)— I’ll give anything Kyle Higgins does a try, and this Cold War era story sounds interesting.
“Heathen” #7 ($3.99)— This series by Natasha Alterici doesn’t come out on anything resembling a regular schedule, but when it does it’s always on the top of my reading pile. This is a great story rooted in Norse mythology featuring gods, demigods, mermaids, and of course Vikings.
“Oblivion Song” #2 ($3.99)— Kirkman definitely knows how to introduce a brand-new, intriguing world, and this book is no different.
“Sleepless” #5 ($3.99)— This is probably the best fantasy series being released right now. The world and central conceits feels fresh and new.
“Thanos” #18 ($3.99)— As a rule, villain stories generally aren’t very interesting to me . . . until Donny Cates started writing Thanos. I’m sad to see it end, but it was a perfect self-contained story that will be worth revisiting again in the future.
Continued belowTotal: $19.95. It feels odd not to be pulling anything from DC this week. I can’t remember the last time that happened.
Kevin’s Picks:
“Eternity Girl” #2 ($3.99)— I got to talk to Mags Visaggio this weekend at C2E2, and I am more excited for this series than ever. After a great debut I can’t wait to see what her and Sonny Liew have coming from this philosophical, depressive, comic history inspired series.
“Captain America” #700 ($5.99)— Chris Samnee will be missed at Marvel, but he’s going out with a bang in an anniversary issue.
“Exiles” #1 ($3.99)— “Black Bolt” was great, and if Saladin Ahmed can take any of that energy and transfer it into this multiversal romp we may have another winner on our hands.
“Ninja-K” #6 ($3.99)— The first arc was really captivating and the premise of this series is really cool. Valiant continues to pump out solid work.
“The Immortal Men” #1 ($2.99)— Alright look, Jim Lee may not have even drawn this whole issue…or likely any of the issues coming after, but Tynion is doing the work of his life at DC right now and if he brought even a little of his prowess writing teams from “Tec” at the moment then this series might be redeemable. I’ll give them one issue to convince me.
Total: $20.95. I’m a little bit over, but with a lot of ends and beginnings as spring starts and summer is lurking around the corner this may be the new norm.
Mark’s picks:
“Sleepless” #5 ($3.99)— I find this title a little awkward to read month by month, not because of any fault in it, but because all the intrigue that’s at the heart of the tale is not something you can simply step away from for a month and expect to return without some diminished momentum. I just did a reread of #1–4, and it works so much better reading in one sitting. So if you’ve overlooked this one, check it out.
“Gideon Falls” #2 ($3.99)— I absolutely loved the first issue of this series. It hooked me straight away, so there’s no way I won’t be picking up this one.
Total: $7.98. A small week for me this time. Truth be told, I have my eye on a that “Art of Edena” hardcover, which will utterly demolish the $20 budget.
Ken’s Picks:
“Detective Comics” #978 ($2.99)— We’re reaching the end of Tynion’s tenure on this series and he’s certainly picked a good story to go out on so far. Let’s see how he sticks the landing.
“The Flash” #44 ($2.99)— Conversely, Williamson is making his build up to Flash War here and he’s got all the potential of hitting it out of the park. Here’s hoping!
Total: $5.98. A light week, but with some choice selections.
