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!
Mark’s Picks:
Cojacaru the Skinner #1 ($3.99) – When she was first introduced in “Joe Golem: Occult Detective―The Conjurors,” Crina Cojacaru was only a young girl. Now, centuries later, Crina has become something else entirely. I won’t say more, but it’s great. Peter Bergting returns to Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden’s Outerverse, and what a bloody return it is. This story takes place four months after the events of “Lady Baltimore: The Witch Queens,” and while you don’t have to read that book (or “Joe Golem”) to enjoy this, you’ll get more out of it if you do.
Lady Baltimore: The Witch Queens #2 ($3.99) – My favourite character from “Baltimore” gets her own series and it’s awesome. I thought the first issue threw a lot at me, but the second issue introduces so many more characters. This may be a new series, but it functions more like a sequel, so if you haven’t already, I’d recommend reading “Baltimore” first, otherwise this might be a bit overwhelming.
Ultramega #2 ($7.99) – Issue #1 was sixty pages, issue #2 is forty-four, so by this point “Ultramega” is already as long as your average trade paperback. James Harren’s story is big and the comic format matches that. There were quite a few comics I had on my list this week, and cutting it down to under $20 was tough, but even though this comic fills the slot of two other comics, it unquestionably had to be on my list. It’s absolutely worth it.
Monstress #33 ($3.99) – I’m picking this up because it’s “Monstress.” Are there people out there that still don’t know how great this series is?
Total: $19.96. It was a tough week to stay under $20. I couldn’t miss any of these.
Johnny’s Picks:
Orphan & The Five Beasts #2 ($3.99) – Issue one was just about everything I expected- James Stokoe’s art has never looked better, the story was as big and audacious as a mythical story should be, and yet I was still surprised and charmed by how much I enjoyed the comic. Funny, action-packed, and outrageously violent, this is a must-read for fans of wuxia films from the Shaw Bros. era.
The Many Deaths of Laila Star #1 ($3.99) – Filipe Andrade has such a unique and interesting line, I’ve been waiting for him to find the right project for me to get super excited about (I mean, Captain Marvel and Rocket Raccoon are fun, but…c’mon, let’s see something he can really inject more of himself into), so this collaboration with emerging super-writer Ram V. about the mortal manifestation of Death living (and dying?) in Mumbai seems just what I was hoping for.
Ultramega #2 ($7.99) – I’m a James Harren fan now. It took this title to really cement me on him, but I’m a believer. While known for his body horror and grotesque imagery, I feel like with Harren every horrific image serves a purpose, and driving home the danger of this world’s Kaiju, the shocking violence of the first issue was perhaps just a prelude for the devastation to come. Count me in.
Way of X #1 ($4.99) – What was only hinted at during the initial “Dawn of X” duo-series finally gets its due. The mutants have formed their own nation, their own government, their own society – the last pillar to be explored now seems to be – by what values should this new mutant nation adopt to keep them together. What glue will bind them? Superhero books can often trip over themselves when discussing religion, but in the right hands, this delicate subject might find some interesting new avenues to explore…especially when fan favorite Nightcrawler acts as the centerpiece to this discussion, and this book.
Continued belowTotal: $20.96. Two weeks in a row I’ve blown the cap. I’ll make it up to you all next week, I promise!
Christopher’s Picks:
Godzilla: Monsters & Protectors #1 ($4.99) – Godzilla, but for, y’know, kids! Sometimes the gritty, destructive take on the Big G gets a bit wearying, and as Godzilla vs. Kong showed, it works to reconfigure the conceit for his younger fans. I like that the premise has an environmental bent to it, and Erik Burnham & Dan Schoening are amiably cartoonish creators, so it has my skreeonk of approval.
Captain Marvel #28 ($3.99) – Carol Danvers and Stephen Strange are an item now?! Get out! What an unlikely pairing – that’s why I’m so intrigued to read the next chapter of Kelly Thompson and co.’s ongoing.
Specter Inspectors #3 ($4.99) – This is a very spooky and engaging comic.
Total: $13.97
Kate’s Picks:
Lady Baltimore: The Witch Queens #2 ($3.99): One issue in, and I want this as a movie with Jodie Whitaker stat.
Godzilla: Monsters and Protectors #1 ($4.99): Just in time for Earth Day, here’s a story that combines the King of the Monsters with an environmental message. As Godzilla was created in 1954 as a metaphor for nuclear destruction, this series harkens back to his (its?) roots.
Women of Marvel #1 ($5.99): Who run the world? GIRLS.
Total: $14.97
