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:
Deep Roots #1 ($3.99) – This looks to be a fascinating new series from Vault Comics, by Dan Watters and Val Rodrigues, about the rise of nature against the progression of man. The deep roots of the title look to fighting back against the concrete cities of humanity, and the solicit references a clash between “myth and man, science and fiction,” which sounds exciting.
The Prisoner #1 ($3.99) – I loved this show when I first saw it, and have watched it plenty of times since, so to see it return in comics form is great. It’s worth the money alone for that amazing Mike Allred cover, which I think I’ll buy three of.
Thanos Annual #1 ($4.99) – I’m so sad to see Cates and Shaw’s run on Thanos end so soon, but we’ve got one final hurrah with this annual, that seems to be exploring the relationship between the Mad Titan and the breakout character of 2018 – Cosmic Ghost Rider.
Aliens: Dust to Dust #1 ($3.99) – I’m a little bit of a sucker for Aliens comics. The pinnacle for me was last year’s “Aliens: Dead Orbit,” by James Stokoe, and Dark Horse are certainly throwing top talent at the franchise, with Gabriel Hardman promising to reexamine why we fear the aliens.
Total: $16.96
Mark’s picks:
“Goldie Vance” – Volume 4 ($14.99)— So a little while back “Goldie Vance” #13 was solicited and then promptly unsolicited, when the series switched from ongoing singles to a series of original graphic novels. As someone who’s always prattling on about how trades free up storytellers, I’m very curious to see what the team does with this one. Volume 4 has Jackie Ball back as writer joined by newcomer Elle Power on art. I just saw a preview of her pages, and she’s perfect for this series.
“Harrow County” #30 ($3.99)— Oh god, the end is way too close for comfort. Still, I am somewhat placated knowing that there’s a collection of giant-sized library editions in the pipeline. (Tyler Crook’s artwork truly deserves the deluxe presentation.) If you haven’t checked out this series yet, you really should. Since it first came out in May 2015, it’s consistently been the book I look forward to most.
Total: $18.98. Only two books, but I’m very happy with this haul.
Kevin’s Picks:
The Mighty Thor #706 ($3.99) – I cried a lot through this whole run, most recently at #704, so I’m bringing tissues to this beautiful finally. I have loved all of the Jane Thor saga, and I will be so sad to see it end, but I can’t be mad if Aaron and Dauterman end it as phenomenally as they’ve crafted it.
Doom Patrol #11 ($3.99) – Fucking finally.
X-O Manowar #14 ($3.99) – Aric is back on Earth just in time for another war to start!
Archie #30 ($3.99) – Prom night! It really seems like Mark Waid is wrapping up a lot of plot points he began back in 2015 when this book launched, and I’m all here for this fun-filled romp. And of course however Archie ruins the night.
The Flash ($2.99) – The moment two years in the making! Wally and Iris finally meet just in time for “Flash War” to begin next month! Williamson and co. have really built a new Flash mythos over the last two years and it’s been a lot of fun. Now grab the popcorn and watch them tear it all down.
Total: $18.95
Nick’s Picks:
Continued belowSilver Spoon, volume 2 ($14.99) – A slice-of-life comedy about an agricultural high school, this series seems on the surface to be the polar opposite of Arakawa’s most famous work, “Fullmetal Alchemist.” But read a bit deeper and you’ll find she imbues this series with the same layered character interactions and deeper themes of death, perseverance, measures of success, and predestination, using the cut-throat farming world as a microcosm of Japanese culture. All that, AND some lowbrow jokes about where chicken eggs come from! Excited for where volume 2 can take us.
Doom Patrol #11 ($3.99) – Is this book coming out so late that the entire crossover this issue leads into has been concluded for months? Sure. But do I forgive Way and Derington? As long as this series keeps up its love affair with the wild potential of the medium — that is to say, as long as we keep getting characters like 50% Chad and situations like pregnancy via falling out a window — absolutely.
Image Firsts: Curse Words #1 ($1.00) – Image must have noticed that they didn’t have any new number 1s releasing this week, for the first time in what seems like years. So what do they do? Re-release about a dozen prior number ones. “Curse Words” has been a blast, insane and visually stimulating but with enough of an emotional core to get me to love even the hardest fantasy bits. If you’ve slept on this book, here’s a low-risk chance to try it out!
Total: $19.98.
Kate’s Picks:
Crossroad Blues: A Nick Travers Graphic Novel ($14.99): I had heard about this on this week’s episode of Robots From Tomorrow and once I read the solicit, I was intrigued. I’m a sucker for southern mystery, and it’ll get me in the mood for a conference trip to New Orleans in June.
Ice Cream Man #4 ($3.99): The more this series goes the route of The Twilight Zone, the more I like it.
Fear Diaries ($1.99): You can’t beat the price point of Alterna Comics, and the newsprint makes you feel like you’re reading comics the way your parents or grandparents did. The stories, though, are refreshingly modern, like this one of a good vs. evil battle, but with toys. No doubt you may have enacted a similar story with your own toys as a child.
Total: $20.97
Ken’s Pick:
Bloodborne #3 ($3.99): This book is better than it has any right to be. Kot, Kowalski, Simpson & Bidikar have crafted something so special and have a deep appreciation for the source material you’ll go mad. Best just go out and read it. It’s for your own good.
Total: $3.99
