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!
Vince’s Picks:
Vertigo Quarterly: Cyan #1 ($7.99) – My esteemed colleagues in this column are about to tell you about all of the wonderful creative talent that Vertigo has amassed here. I’m telling you that this quarterly anthology is about one thing: dat minimalist graphic design.
Amazing Spider-Man #1 ($5.99) – I once said on this very site that Dan Slott can keep writing Spider-Man as long as he wants. And oh look! He’s writing “Amazing Spider-Man” #1, which I no doubt believe will continue his recent trend of totally getting what makes Spider-Man great even as he navigates through aspects of modern comic book writing that are totally gimmicks, but makes them work. Costume changes, identity swaps, bringing back convoluted concepts like alternate Spider-Men and clones, etcetera. It doesn’t seem to matter what it is – Dan Slott makes it worthwhile.
Silver Surfer #2 ($3.99) – Speaking of Dan Slott. I, for one, welcome our new silver, surfboard-riding time lord.
Total: $17.97
David Harper’s Picks:
Vertigo Quarterly #1 Cyan ($7.99) – Instead of writing up why I want to buy this book, I will share who worked on it: Fabio Moon, Martin Morazzo, Jock, Joe Keatinge, Tony Akins, and many more. So, you know…read that.
Chew #41 ($2.99) – People sleep on this book, but 41 issues in, it’s as good as ever. John Layman and Rob Guillory are crushing it, folks.
Deadly Class #4 ($3.50) – I really, really love this comic. Rick Remender and Wes Craig are doing magical things here, and not to be forgotten, Lee Loughridge has created a perfect palette for this look back at the 80’s.
Southern Bastards #1 ($3.50) – Somehow I missed this when I was first doing my list, but it would undoubtedly be at the top of my list. Jason Aaron is my jam, I dig Jason Latour, and this seems right up my alley. Yes please.
Total: $17.98 – Not a lot I am amped for this week, but there are some interesting game time decisions to be made
Matt’s Picks:
Mesmo Delivery HC OR Flex Mentallo: Man of Muscle Mystery TP ($14.99) – This week, two books that I think every comic collection needs are on stands in new editions. If, for whatever reason, you do not have either, please rectify this immediately.
“Mesmo Delivery” is one of the most astounding visual feats in comics, a wonderful example of just how far the artwork takes the story beyond what simple story or words often do; it’s Rafael Grampa at his most fantastic. And you know what Grampa doesn’t do enough of? Comics! So get them while you can, where you can, how you can, and whenever you can.
And “Flex,” well, this is easily one of the most important dissections of superhero comics in the history of comics. Going through the various ages of comics and pulling them apart for all of us to see their guts. It’s beyond beautiful, thoughtful and insightful.
These are two books you need, no questions asked. If you do not have either, rectify it this week and thank me later.
Southern Bastards #1 ($3.50) – And, as far as single issues go, this is the most important new release comic of the week, hands down, no questions asked. Do not dare miss this new series.
Total: $18.49
Brian’s Picks:
Southern Bastards #1 ($3.50) – This creative team gets a buy every single time – throw in a unique, compelling, and disturbing story, and everyone wins. Perhaps the best #1 of the year thus far – it’s that good.
Continued belowThe Flash Annual #3 ($4.99) – While I didn’t love their first issue on the book, the new “Flash” creative team sold me on the ideas, if not the execution, of their run. They won’t get too many more, so I hope this impresses.
Vertigo Quarterly: Cyan ($7.99) – May I just list some of the talent involved with this anthology: Jock, Fabio Moon, Amy Chu, Joe Keatinge, Tony Akins – and you wonder why I’m buying it? C’mon, now!
Any Three of the Image $1 #1s ($1.00 each) – Your pick: “Zero,” “Alex + Ada,” “Black Science,” “East of West,” “Lazarus,” “Manifest Destiny,” “Pretty Deadly,” “Rat Queens,” “Saga,” “Sex Criminals,” “Velvet,” or “Walking Dead” – whichever three series you aren’t reading/have wanted to try, dive in.
Total: $19.48
Zach’s Picks:
Adventure Time 2014 Annual #1 ($4.99) So I just got around to watching the Adventure Time season 6 premiere, and boy am I obsessing a little bit. I guess it’s a good thing this Annual issue is coming out, featuring a young Fionna and Cake by the creative team of “Tiny Kitten Teeth.” If that sounds adorable, it’s because it is.
Vertigo Quarterly: Cyan #1 ($7.99) Who doesn’t love a good anthology? This issue is absolutely stacked with an incredible line up of creators riffing on this ever cool shade of blue. Vertigo, and DC as a whole, could benefit from more books like this, so here’s hoping it’s a success.
Batman Eternal #4 ($2.99) A Snyder/Tynion IV story, scripted by John Layman, illustrated by Dustin Nguyen, starring Batgirl. I would be afraid of the old “too many cooks in the kitchen,” but that is one incredible team. This one is going to be interesting.
Southern Bastards #1 ($3.50) – Jason Aaron teams with frequent collaborator and extraordinary artist Jason Latour to deliver this spiritual successor to “Scalped.” I have no doubt this is going to be an instant hit. In fact, I would say this is probably the biggest creator owned launch since “Saga,” without even batting an eye. That’s how serious I am when I say you should check this out.
Total Price: $19.47
