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!
Leo’s Picks:
Redneck #1 ($3.99) – Donny Cates is very much a writer with a huge upward trajectory right now. He’s already got another Image book out right now that’s selling pretty well, and now here he comes with a Skybound book that looks to be a whole hell of a lot of fun. I had the chance to talk with Donny at ECCC about “Redneck”, and also a chance to read the first issue a while back, and I’m enamored with the book. Vampires trying to break the cycle of violence that their blood begets is a great story, especially when it’s set in rural Texas and drawn by Lisandro Estherren. I’m all in on this book.
God Country #4 ($3.99) – The Donny Cates shill train continues! “God Country” has been a very good book so far. With solicit text that is just “Emmett Quinlan goes to Hell”, I’m so down for whatever happens this issue.
Royal City #2 ($3.99) Jeff Lemire is probably my favorite creator out there when he’s writing and drawing his own stories. There’s a certain magic to his books when he’s pouring all of himself into them. “Royal City” is something of a spiritual successor to “Essex County”, but also a bit of Jeff exploring how his own life could’ve been different through the main character of Patrick. I can’t wait to see what he does.
Curse Words #4 ($3.99) – Wizord goes to Los Angeles! While “Curse Words” has been great so far, this issue worth picking simply on the strength of the Tradd Moore variant – Tradd’s Albrecht Durer inspired cover shows just how much of total art monster the guy really is. It’s insane.
Invincible #135 ($2.99) – With each issue, “Invincible” gets that much closer to finally ending. I’m on record as saying this is the best of Kirkman’s books and I continue to stand by that as this big finale actually feels worthwhile and meaningful so far. The recent movie news is nice, but I just really want this book to end in a way that does justice to the decade of stories that came before.
Total: $18.95
Nick’s Picks:
Black Hammer #8 ($3.99) – Just caught up with this magnificent comic. Lemire and Ormston have taken character types from various eras of comics, fleshed them out into a diverse group of fully formed people, and stripped away the heroics so all that are left are their melancholic broken personalities. Now that the character origins are done, I’m excited to see the small town drama heat up.
Sex Criminals #18 ($3.99) – What could have been a one-note dirty joke has evolved into a thorough, mature examination of sex’s role in many different people’s lives and in society as a whole. 18 issues in and the Fraction/Zdarsky duo is still finding new things to say. Plus, the jokes are actually funny. Who knew?
Super Sons #3 ($3.99) – The perfect team-up between writer, artist, and characters. An absolute joy on all fronts.
Ms. Marvel #17 ($3.99) – I’m a few issues behind on this book, but it’s been living proof of what diverse writers can bring to the table. Just as interesting as the superheroics have been the little moments with Kamala’s Pakistani immigrant family. Every arc has also examined a modern issue without getting preachy, so I’m looking forward to what this arc has to say, whatever that may be.
Archie #19 ($3.99) – Veronica is back! Mark Waid’s been killing it on this title. Just the right mix of drama to keep things interesting with small comedic moments to keep it a fun to read. Pete Woods did a great job with his first issue, so I’m looking forward to his art in this one too.
Continued belowTotal: $19.95
Matthew’s Picks
Batman #21 ($2.99) – I was adamantly against “Before Watchmen”, and I think this is stupid, but I am curious. Morbidly curious, but curious none the less. Ugh. Damn you, King and Williamson.
Nick Fury #1 ($3.99) – I really liked what Robinson did with Scarlet Witch, and ACO’s art looks dope. And inspired by old school Steranko Fury books to boot? This is very likely worth the investment.
Royal City #2 ($3.99) – Lemire’s first illustrated ongoing in a while, and I of course can not even consider passing this by. You should not either. (“Moon Knight” #13 and “Black Hammer” #8 are also out from Lemire this week, as well as his OGN “Roughneck”, but comics are expensive, yo.)
Royals #2 OR US Avengers #5 ($3.99) – You should be buying all of Al Ewing’s Marvel books, but because we are on a budget I am forced to only let you choose one. Choose wisely.
Shaolin Cowboy Who’ll Stop The Reign #1 ($3.99) – Any opportunity to buy a book with Geof Darrow art is an opportunity you need to take.
Total: $18.95
Matt Lune’s Picks:
Redneck #1 ($3.99) – I mean, that title. I love a good pun and I’m frankly amazed that no one has used that one before. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Donny Cates didn’t come up with the idea of Hillbilly vampires just so he could call it “Rednecks.” I’m not picking it up just for that though, Cates is a compelling creator and Lisandro Estherren’s art looks detailed and suitably gory.
Batman #21 ($2.99) – I don’t know what it is but I am all-in for this whole Rebirth/Watchmen business. Normally I’m super cynical of these types of Events, but (epic screwing-over of Alan Moore aside) I think DC are doing fascinating things with this concept and taking it in a fun, unpredictable direction. No one can say they saw this coming or that they know exactly what will happen next, so for that reason I’m on board.
Black Hammer #8 ($3.99) – The first of two Jeff Lemire books for me this week, and I look forward to “Black Hammer” every month. Slowly uncovering the mystery of why and how these characters are trapped in this small town is so intriguing, and I’m enjoying how Lemire is deconstructing these analogs and pushing them to their limits in a way that explores the core concepts of the heroes they’re all based on.
All-Star Batman #9 ($4.99) – Scott Snyder is a lucky writer to get to work with all these amazing artists (although it’s less luck and more exceptional talent,) and this second arc of “All-Star” has seen some fantastic collaborations. This issue sees Jock return to bookend his opening issue of ‘Ends of the Earth,’ as well as Francesco Francavilla finishing his back-up story ‘The Cursed Wheel.’ Ask anyone, that’s a stellar lineup.
Royal City #2 ($3.99) Jeff Lemire returns to both writing and illustrating an ongoing series, and last month’s first issue was a slow-burn, thoughtful character study about a family dealing with grief in different but entirely similar ways. Its quiet pace and deeply raw emotions drew me in right away, and I’m eager to see where Lemire takes these characters.
Total: $19.95
Justin’s Picks:
All-Star Batman #9 ($4.99) – Scott Snyder on Batman is one of the few things that will get me to break that $5 price point (having Jock on art is an added bonus). I love what he’s been doing with this series and it’s the only Batman I’m getting after dropping off all the other Rebirth Bat books. They just don’t compare.
Black Hammer #8 ($3.99) – This is my favorite thing Jeff Lemire is doing right now. I’m not a huge fan of Lemire doing work-for-hire superheroes, but this book with his own creations has been amazing. Now that we finally found out how the titular Black Hammer fits into the story and his daughter is stuck there too, it’s even more riveting.
Continued belowInvincible #135 ($2.99) – I just finished binge reading this whole series. It’s bittersweet to have just caught up for the ending, but I’m really excited to see how Kirkman wraps things up. Each issue of this last arc gets crazier.
Royal City #2 ($3.99) – The first issue was pretty confusing right up until the end. I’m excited to see how Lemire uses that storytelling device now that we all know what’s going on.
Superman #21 ($2.99) – This is the longest I’ve ever stayed with a Superman ongoing. Tomasi and Gleason are at the top of their game and this arc got off to a great start last issue with Batman and Robin paying a visit to the Kent farm. I don’t know many other books that could pull off bad milk as a plot catalyst.
Total: $18.95
Ramon’s Picks:
Sex Criminals Erica Henderson XXX Variant #18 ($4.69) — I will always pick “Sex Crimz”, plus a variant cover from Erica Henderson? I’m sold, take all my money!
God Country #4 & Redneck #1 ($3.99 each) — “Buzzkill”, “Ghost Fleet”, “Paybacks”. Donny Cates had been under the radar for enough time, now I hope for him the best of successes in his career, he’s a great guy and an awesome writer. Soar Donny! Soar!
Generation Zero #9 ($3.99) — Why is this ending so early and abruptly? Well I know it´s because of the low sales, but dang it! Van Lente was just starting to tell the story of the team and it was awesome! Long Live the ZerØes.
Archie 19 ($3.99) — Come, on, you love Archie and you can’t deny it, Mark Waid is doing wonders with the gang from Riverdale.
Total: $20.65 but my LCS gives me the Crimz on the regular price, so, below $20. Also, if you are a trade-lover you should go for “Hellboy Into the Silent Sea” ($14.99), “Harbinger Renegade Vol. 1” ($9.99), “Cage!” by Genndy Tartakovsky ($12.99), and just because I love this format: “Riverdale Digest #1” ($5.99).
Ken’s Picks:
Tokyo Ghoul vol. 12 ($8.99): There’s only three volumes left now (at least until we get “:Re”, but Viz still hasn’t announce a release date) and here we have the bit of calm before the colossal storm.
Batman #21 ($2.99): The “Watchmen” meta plot is the veritable shit in the punchbowl of the DC Rebirth, a thing no one asked for and most would appreciate it just being fished out already. The ethics of DC’s treatment of this work and Alan Moore aside, the majority of good works in DC Rebirth could still be done without this plotline barring little tweaks. So why am I recommending? Well, like a train wreck, you just can’t look away and “The Button” is supposedly bringing Jay Garrick back so whatever begins the reconstruction of the Flash Family a little quicker, eh?
Nightwing #19 ($2.99): Back into unambiguous recommendations, “Nightwing” is The Business. Tim Seeley simply gets and sure it’s a bit “I loved Grant Morrison’s Batman run. Hope you did too” but if this arc sticks the landing, it’s gonna knock “Deathstroke” of its pillar. Speaking of:
Deathstroke #17 ($2.99): It’s good. Keep buying it.
The Wild Storm #3 ($3.99): This is a odd little book. A wonderful, well-made book indeed, but this feel like it’s going to be one you should let a couple issues come out and binge (or you know, just trade wait but “DC” and “viable trade release schedule” don’t exactly coincide).
Total: $17.95
Rowan’s Picks:
God Country #4 ($3.99) — Donny Cates is hot on his way to being one of this year’s breakout writers and Geoff Shaw is an impeccable collaborator for his balls to the walls ideas. It’s kind of sad that we’re already past halfway, but if the quality remains as consistently good as it has been in past issues, “God Country” could very be a modern classic.
The Wild Storm #3 ($3.99) — I’m waiting for the moment to come when this comic clicks for me like “Planetary” did and I know it’s inevitable. These are the characters he molded from the casts of 90’s throwaways and just having them back on an ongoing is still surreal to me.
Continued belowMirror #7 $3.99) — It’s good to have Emma Rios still on an ongoing after the ending of “Island”, and “Mirror” has been a huge project for her and Hwei Lim. Every issue is gorgeous to take in and builds on a hugely intricate and clever world.
Redneck #1 ($3.99) — Another Donny Cates book? The writer has been killing it on “God County” as previously explained, but this book seems to carry a lot of weight with it – can Cates continue his winning streak on his new ongoing series? Either way, I’m in for Lisandro Estherren’s art.
Total: $15.96. A good lot of indies and a Warren Ellis book for under $20 seems like a win to me.
Kevin’s Picks:
Batman #21 ($2.99) – I’ve been getting the bulk of the Rebirth titles and have been amazed the interest and mystery has been kept up for almost a year. While this 4-part crossover will probably be divisive to some still bitter about “Watchmen” in the DCU, I am extremely eager to see how this all plays out. I’ll be getting Mikel Janin’s variant because I’m also getting…
Batman #21 Lenticular Variant ($3.99) – Because it’s shiny and I hate myself.
Black Hammer #8 ($3.99) – When I started reading comics I went back and read things like “Crisis on Infinite Earths” and some of those zany multiversal stories. Jeff Lemire and Dean Ormston have combined those with the family dynamics that have become Lemire’s staple. Best of both worlds right here folks.
Star Trek/Green Lantern: Stranger Worlds #5 ($3.99) – I used to come home and watch Star Trek reruns most days after school. I cried when Voyager ended. While I have mixed feelings about the recent reboot, this crossover has been something special.
The Wild Storm #3 ($3.99) – Warren Ellis and Jon Davis-Hunt continue to do more with less and leave us wanting more and more and more.
Total: $18.95. Crossover, crisis, nostalgia, spies. As summer heats up this is just going to get harder.
Brian’s Picks:
Nick Fury #1 ($3.99) – I’m James Robinson fanboy #1, and so no matter who was drawing this book, I’d be picking it up. But have you seen those ACO pages? Great googly moogly – this looks to be one of the most unique looking books on the shelves. I cannot wait.
Deathstroke #17 ($2.99) – Simply put: the most consistently shocking book DC releases. Why aren’t you buying this?
Plastic #1 ($3.99) – This book sounds absolutely insane. I’m in.
Total:: $10.97 – I’m keeping it light so you can splurge and also pick up “Hellboy: Into the Silent Sea” for $14.99 and not break the bank too much.
Mark’s Picks:
Hellboy: Into the Silent Sea ($14.99) — The “Hellboy” OGNs are always something special, and this is no exception. This story is set between “Hellboy: The Island” and “Hellboy: Darkness Calls,” telling of Hellboy’s journey to England by boat. It was a gap in the narrative Mignola deliberately left for Gary Gianni to fill when he was ready, and it was worth the wait. I cannot recommend this enough. Gary Gianni is incredible.
Monstress #11 ($3.99) — I’m late to catch this train. I read the first volume of “Monstress” back in March (I think), and it blew me away. I love the characters, I love the world, I love Marjorie Liu’s writing, and Sana Takeda’s art. This is the kind of book where I just know I’ll be buying the hardcover collection when such a thing comes into existence, so I’m forcing myself to stick to digital for now. If you haven’t already, check this one out.
Total: $18.98. This was a tough week to whittle down to under $20.
Kent’s Picks
Hellboy: Into the Silent Sea ($19.99) – Secret empires can stay secret and buttons be damned – Gary Gianni is drawing Hellboy. This could be about a leisurely midnight swim, and it would still look gorgeous. And still be worth it.
Total: $19.99
