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:
Silver Coin #1 ($3.99) – Michael Walsh’s anthology series from different writers launches with Chip Zdarsky. I almost forgot about this title and I was kicking myself when I realized. If you’ve read any of Walsh’s “The Sleep Stories”, then I guess you have a very vague idea what to expect. I’m looking forward to Walsh and Zdarsky toying with my expectations in “Silver Coin.”
Beasts of Burden: Occupied Territory #1 ($3.99) – This is my jam! Oh, I’ve missed “Beasts of Burden” so much. I’d preorder the hardcover now if I could. Benjamin Dewey returns on art duties, which is fantastic to hear. I know there’s more “Autumnlands” coming up, so I don’t know when he’ll be back for more, but I’m hoping he’ll have a long run on the series. This particular arc is a flashback to World War II, which is such a huge departure for the series, I have no idea what to expect. Just the way I like it.
Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters #2 ($3.99) – As much as I enjoyed the first issue, there wasn’t enough meat on its bones. I guess, I’ve really gotten used to kids and YA comics being graphic novels. A monthly floppy just feels odd for that market. That aside, I cannot wait to get this one. This is Chris Samnee doing the book he was born to do.
Fire Power #10 ($3.99) – A double dose of Chris Samnee this week! And it’s another creator-owned project, which makes it extra awesome.
Bliss #6 ($3.99) – This book totally wasn’t on my radar and then Caitlin Yarsky was announced as the ongoing “Black Hammer: Reborn” artist, so I looked her up and found “Bliss,” which seems like something I’d really enjoy.
Total: $19.95. Hey, I still have five cents to hit the town with.
Johnny’s Picks:
The Silver Coin #1 ($3.99) – Michael Walsh is an artist that can be relied on to tell MORE of the story with his art- what I mean to say is that more than many working he can depend on his art to tell the story when the words are insufficient. Through precise gesturing, body language, modest-but-effective layouts, and smart “camera-work,” in my opinion he ranks right up there with some of the best – I’m reminded of Sean Phillips or David Lapham when I see Walsh’s stuff – and I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us with his new creator-owned supernatural horror miniseries.
The Girl From the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún GN Vol. 10 ($12.99) – This exquisite manga is nearing its conclusion, and while I’m a couple volumes behind in my reading, I usually grab each new volume as it arrives. Written and illustrated by Nagabe, the slow, deliberate pacing of the series not only heightens the mystery at its core, but accentuates the relationship building between the two main characters, a small girl and her warden/protector, a well-dressed demon known only as Teacher. A wonderful series you should all try and get your hands on if you enjoy fantasy books.
Space Riders Vortex of Darkness #3 ($3.99) – Alexis Ziritt comics just scream “HEAVY METAL” to me- invoking not only the music genre, but the magazine and the movie, too. Full of trippy day-glo colors, scantily clad heroes, over-the-top violence, and the ever-present dark void of space reminding us that Death is ready to swallow us whole in an instant, Space Riders is the comic you would have loved to have found hidden in your older brother’s room growing up, a totem of immature maturity, and a damned fun time.
Continued belowTotal: $20.97
Kate’s Picks:
Silver Coin #1 ($3.99): It always makes me happy to see Chip Zdarsky back in my pull list, and Image is doing fascinating things with horror anthologies (“Ice Cream Man,” “Haha”), ensuring that each of them has its own identity and tone.
Create-a-Comic One Shot ($3.99): Now this is a fun activity, especially if you have kids on spring holidays from school. If you ever wondered just how easy (or hard) it is to make a comic, this Scout one-shot from their all ages imprint Scoot gives you the opportunity.
Maker Comics Build a Robot ($12.99): We’ve been watching Discovery Channel’s Battlebots of late, and this is a fun way to go behind the scenes of how robots are made. One of the contestants this past season that made it to the playoff round was a pair of 11 year old kids, so this may provide inspiration for one of the next generation of robot fighters.
Total: $20.97
Christopher’s Picks:
Beasts of Burden: Occupied Territory #1 ($3.99) – I haven’t read any of the previous “Beasts of Burden” books (sorry), but the setting of immediate post-war Japan is fascinating, and who doesn’t love talking animals? So I’ll be happily diving in here.
America Chavez: Made in the USA #2 ($3.99) – Who is targeting America and her adoptive family? Maybe we won’t find out this issue, but in any case it should flesh out the main character as well as the first issue, and hopefully give us another fun, unexpected team-up.
God of War: Fallen God #2 ($3.99) – The first issue of this interquel was a slow but psychologically evocative start, so all I can say is: bring on the Exodus!
Transformers: Beast Wars #3 ($3.99) – Nyx got herself captured? Well that was a bit careless.
Total: $15.96
