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!
Luke’s Picks:
Once and Future #18 ($3.99) – The combination of Kieron Gillen, Dan Mora, and Tamra Bonvillain on this series so far has been nothing short of fantastic. “Once and Future” weaves a great understanding of the Arthurian legend/s with compelling characters and wraps it in stunning, vibrant visuals. It’s an absolute no-brainer for me. Unfortunately, the series is going on hiatus until August after this issue, but it does mean if you haven’t been following it, you’ve got time to catch up.
Beta Ray Bill #2 ($3.99) – Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer’s names on a cover will sell me a book, and after “Wonder Woman: Dead Earth” last year, I had big expectations for “Beta Ray Bill” #1. It delivered in every way, underpinning a larger-than-life cosmic scale with a heartfelt story; let’s hope it continues.
Hellfire Gala Guide (Free) – As a relative newcomer to all things mutant-related, I really appreciated “X of Swords Handbook” #1 last year, and, while this freebie doesn’t appear to contain the same level of detail, hopefully it will give a greater understanding of what we can expect from the ‘Hellfire Gala’ in June.
Total: $7.98
Kate’s Picks:
Cyberpunk 2077 You Have My Word #1 ($3.99): I have been watching my boyfriend play his way through this game (and acting as unofficial fashion consultant when he gets new gear) and needless to say, I’m quite intrigued to learn more about this world. I did have a not-so-great experience with the last video game comic that I read (“Horizon: Zero Dawn”) as I felt it was written more for fans of the game than new readers to this world, so I hope this time that’s not the case.
20 Fists #1 ($3.99): Romeo and Juliet meets Fight Club? Sure, I’ll give it a try.
Big Ideas That Changed the World: A Shot in the Arm ($13.99): There’s never been a better time for a graphic novel about vaccinations than right now.
Total: $21.97. I’m sure I’ve got the overage in the spare change cup in the car…
Vince’s Picks:
Robin #1 ($3.99) – On the DC3cast (The #1 DC Comics-centric Multiversity Comics-hosted podcast on the net), my good friend Zach and I often talk about more superhero comics should crib stuff from manga. Well, between its tsundere protagonist in Damian Wayne and a full-blown tournament arc to kick off the series, “Robin” has shonen manga vibes coming out of its proverbial ears. It helps that it’s actually good, too. Come for Joshua Williamson weaving Damian in and out of the ‘Infinite Frontier’ status quo with ease, and stay for Gleb Melnikov laying down some really great martial arts tourney atmosphere.
Witchblood #2 ($3.99) – I must have missed the first issue of this, but this week the names Matthew Erman and Lisa Sterle caught my eye. You may or may not remember them from Scout Comics’ “Long Lost” from a couple few years ago. I have no idea what this one is about, and reading the solicitations doesn’t necessarily help with that, but “Long Lost” was so good that I’m giving this one a shot sight unseen, absolutely.
Total: $7.98
Mark’s Picks:
Two Moons #3 ($3.99) – If you enjoyed “B.P.R.D.: Killing Ground” or “Witchfinder: Lost and Gone Forever,” you really should be picking up this comic. Tonally, “Two Moons” feels like the child of these two stories, even if it is otherwise very different. And it looks like this series is designed to go beyond just the first miniseries, so I’m enjoying John Arcudi and Valerio Giangiordano developing a larger world. Plus Giangiordano’s art is stunning.
Continued belowPanelxPanel #46 ($3.99) – Not really a comic, but a magazine about comics. This time the focus is on Chris and Laura Samnee’s “Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters,” so right away this is a must-get issue. Editor Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou always delivers, but PanelxPanel is extra special when the topic of discussion is a comic I really love.
Total: $7.98 – It’s a small week for me, but considering how many books I had to skip last week to get in under $20, I’ll pick up a bunch of those too.
Chris’s Picks:
“The Dragon Path” ($12.99) – Ethan Young is a phenomenally talented artist, and it’s always great to see an Asian creator craft their own fantasy universe, so yes, this is an essential purchase for me this week. The synopsis reads to me like a Chinese Prince Caspian with a female Gandalf, and a dragon protector; I would’ve absolutely loved this as a kid.
“The Modern Frankenstein” #1 ($3.99) – Paul Cornell and Emma Vieceli are both excellent creators, and I can tell this is going to be an intelligent update on Shelley’s classic, from the title’s play on the original (The Modern Prometheus), to the decision to center Elizabeth (whose appearance here evokes Naomie Harris’s version in the Cumberbatch play). About time someone emphasized the romance in “gothic romance” right?
Total: $16.98 — I’d add “Beta Ray Bill” #2, but it’s a dollar over the limit.
