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:
Chew: Demon Chicken Poyo #1 ($3.99) – The last in a trilogy of one-shots about the weirdest character in an already weird book, this comic is sure to be fun. For an added bonus, John and Rob use the tagline of the Constantine movie in the solicit text for this issue, so that’s something.
Joyride #1 ($3.99) – “Joyride” is from the same team that brought “Hacktivist” to the comic pages. They come back to finally do something creator-owned and it honestly sounds like a lot of fun. Rebellious teenagers, space ships, an oppressive Earth, and a premise that sounds like a blast.
Invincible #127 ($2.99) – Y’all bear with me here, but I think “Invincible” is the best Kirkman book. It never ceases to do interesting things, despite being around for over a decade. Now we’re getting an arc of “Invincible” with original artist Cory Walker while Ottley rests up, so this is definitely a treat.
Total: $10.97
Vince’s Picks:
East of West #25 ($3.50) – Hey, remember me? I was the “East of West” guy. Well, I still am, even though I don’t write anymore. That’s a “me” thing – it’s got nothing to do with the book, which is still among the very best books being published today. “Year Two” is coming to an end, but any issue is a fine issue to jump on board (provided you then go back and buy all the trades, because god damn this book is just too good).
Action Comics #51 ($3.99) – ‘Super League’ Part 3 happens here. If you’ve been reading this column the last couple of weeks, you’ll know that I’m totally on Tomasi’s wavelength when it comes to Superman. He’s doing right by our boy in blue. I’ll likely mention it every week, as I can’t think of a good reason to not pick up all 8 issues of the crossover. Paul Pelletier continues ‘Super League’s’ superlative art streak, too.
TMNT #57 ($3.99) – I feel like this is a constant narrative, but we don’t talk about the new TMNT books enough. They’re tremendous. And they’re an incredible showcase for Mateus Santolouco, who I’ve watched do his thing since the early interiors on *sniff* “Dial H.” Pours one out for “Dial H.”
Dungeons & Dragons #1 ($4.99) – This is such a perfect fit. I have 100% confidence that Jim Zub can write a D&D book and not forget to put in some sensible chuckles.
Total: $16.47
Drew’s Picks:
Dept H #1 ($3.99) – Matt Kindt is unquestionably one of the most innovative comic creators working today. During his run on “MIND MGMT”, he repeatedly pushed the combination of words and pictures to the limits. There is no way I’d miss his new outing, and you shouldn’t either. If you skipped out on “MIND MGMT” because you didn’t hear about it in time, don’t make the same mistake twice.
Criminal Special Edition ($4.99) – For various personal reasons, the original “Criminal” will always hold a very special place in my collection. You probably don’t have that same connection to it, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late. This is a stand-alone story that will be equally enjoyable for old fans and new readers alike.
Lazarus Source Book #1 ($3.99) – I’m not 100% certain what will be in this book, and I anticipate at least a little bit of buyer’s remorse after I bring this home. Still, it’s “Lazarus,” and a mediocre issue of it is still way above average.
Black Eyed Kids #1 ($1.99) – I’ve wanted to try something from Aftershock since they solicited their first book, but none of their titles jumped out at me until I saw this one. With “Rachel Rising” ending, I’m on the hunt for a replacement horror comic, and this one sounds like it may fit the bill. Considering the discounted cover price, there’s not much of a reason to pass this up.
Continued belowSimpsons Comics #228 ($2.99) – Bongo is often overlooked, I think, because they deliver humor so reliably that they’re taken for granted. Not all the jokes land perfectly, but there are enough of them to make me laugh out loud at least once per issue. Any time one of their books come out, I always save it for last because after I make my way through a stack of heavy reading, it’s always nice to end on a lighter note.
Total: $17.95 – Solid winners all around.
Ken’s Picks:
Tokyo Ghoul vol. 6 ($8.99): This may be my favorite book coming out. It certainly the one I think about the most, considering the stretch between volume releases. And after I was so enamored with volume 5, managing to create a romantic relationship between a human and a supernatural creature that didn’t make me want to bash my head into a wall, I’ve been waiting patiently for its return.
East of West #25 ($2.99): Speaking of returns. This book has had a shaky release schedule for a bit, but the quality certainly hasn’t suffered. This is the beginning of the final arc in “The Apocalypse: Year Two” and it promises to be chaotic as all hell.
Divinity II #1 ($3.99): Now, I’ve already read this and reviewed it, so you know what I’m talking about since you clearly read that review because you love my work. You know.
Uncanny Inhumans #7 ($3.99): I will admit, the last arc has been more about world building for me, but this issue’s solicit promises something major with Ahura, who I’m still shocked wasn’t killed off. Peterson’s art hasn’t been my favorite, and it looks like this book’s gonna have its momentum is going to be screwed with by “Civil War II: An Even More Obnoxious Punch-Up Between Alleged Heroes”. Still, the ideas in this book do interest me.
Total: $19.96
Mark’s Picks:
The Sixth Gun #48 ($3.99) — Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt are wrapping up the story they began six years ago… the final arc of “The Sixth Gun” begins here. Oh boy, I can’t even begin to say how excited I am for this one. I haven’t read it yet, but the second I get the chance, I’ll drop everything for it.
Dept. H #1 ($3.99) — I have a confession: This is the first Matt Kindt book I’ve read. Mike Romeo has been telling me I should read Kindt’s work because it’d totally be my thing, and so far it seems he’s right. In the back of the issue Kindt talked a bit about his influences, which included Tintin and Agatha Christie. So, Mike, it appears your recommendation was spot on.
B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth #140 ($3.50) — “Hell on Earth” is back after skipping February and March. This is the sequel to 2012’s ‘Exorcism’ arc, featuring Agent Ashley Strode, a story that I loved. So, yeah, I’ve been waiting for this arc for four years now. And it didn’t disappoint. It’s also a great stand-alone story.
Total: $11.48. Though in truth I’m buying one more item that blows the $20 budget…
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Dept H. #1 ($3.99) – We got a sneak peek of this a little while back (not to mention, the first review of the series altogether), and lemme tell you, it’s pretty great. But were we expecting anything less than a book written and illustrated by Matt Kindt?
Sun Bakery #1 ($4.99) – A new “Shonen Jump”-esque anthology from Corey Lewis? I think it’s well worth checking out!
East of West #25 ($3.50) – The conclusion to this series’s second year. It felt like a lot of wheel-spinning and a lot of setup, peppered with some genuinely awesome moments. Hopefully the next year will finally take us somewhere.
Aloha: Hawaiian Dick #1 ($3.99) – I’m on this 100% for Jake Wyatt. What a riot.
From Under Mountains #6 ($2.99) – OK, so it’s not the ideal jumping on point if you haven’t read this before, but Marian Churchland, Claire Gibson, and Sloane Leong’s series has been intriguing and mysterious and awesome to look at. This marks the halfway point, I think, for the series, so expect the pieces to start falling.
Continued belowTotal: $19.46
Keith’s Picks:
Dept. H #1 ($3.99) – Matt Kindt returns with another epic story after finishing the instant classic “Mind MGMT”. Joining forces with his wife Sharlene, Kindt is sure to enthrall us once again with his storytelling prowess. This underwater mystery sounds both terrifying and exciting.
Action Comics #51 ($3.99) – The third part of writer Pete Tomasi’s Superman saga leading up to “Rebirth” continues in this issue. The previous chapters have shown a love for this character and I look forward to seeing Supergirl gain prominence this week.
Aquaman #51 ($3.99) – Dan Abnett, current and future “Rebirth” “Aquaman” writer, has been doing a solid job on this title for the few issues he has under his belt.
Total: $11.97 – Although it’s another slow week, there’s still reason to be giddy for a new Matt Kindt title.
