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:
Legacy of Luther Strode #1 ($3.99) – I haven’t read this issue yet, but I already know this is going to be good. Tradd Moore has leveled up big time since the last volume of “Luther Strode” and is making what previews I have seen look absolutely gorgeous. Justin Jordan will, surely, bring the same great pacing and action that the previous volumes have had. This is the beginning of the end of “Luther Strode” and it looks like it will be awesome.
Rebels #1 ($3.99) – I am a sucker for a good historical fiction comic and Brian Wood seems to have really found a groove for them, if “Northlanders” was any indication. With Andrea Mutti’s stellar art helping to tell the story, “Rebels” looks like it could be a winner.
Five Ghosts #16 ($3.50) – “Five Ghosts” continues to be one of the more underrated books, in my opinion. Barbiere and Mooneyham consistently deliver a quality issue month in and month out.
Kaijumax #1 ($3.99) – I did an interview for “Kaijumax” a couple of weeks ago and I absolutely love the book. It’s a weird combination of Godzilla movies, Ultraman, and prison dramas, but it works so well somehow. Plus, there’s a Mothman kaiju covered in prison tattoos.
Birthright #6 ($2.99) – “Birthright” continues to be something special as it heads into the next arc. Williamson and Bressan are crafting an absolutely gorgeous comic that switches from fantasy world to real life family drama with ease. This is truly a special book.
Total: $18.46
Jess’ Picks:
Birthright #6 ($2.99) – I love “Birthright” so much. The arc ending cliffhanger had me anxiously awaiting the return of this series so Wednesday cannot come soon enough. Our world and Terrenos are beginning to blend together and this is going to force Brennan to make some tough choices when it comes to what he knows about his brother. “Birthright” is a great fantasy story with family drama at it’s center but not in a weird Game of Thrones and that’s what help make it such a refreshing addition to the fantasy genre.
Rat Queens #10 ($3.50) – “Rat Queens” again already? This will take some getting used to but it’s sure a great feeling. This issue wraps up the second arc and sets up where we’re going next. I have always been a big fan of this book but now that this is running regularly, I feel like I’m rediscovering the series all over again. Stjepan Sejic’s art goes a long way in regards to this because he’s one of the most talented artists in the game right now. Not a great time to jump in but you can’t go wrong getting the first trade.
Saga #27 ($2.99) – The last issue of “Saga” was another big cliffhanger but we might be going a little deeper into the past with this one. The solicit simply states “Poor Marko” and with that cover I’m leaning towards believing that this issue will go into his childhood a bit more. I have no idea what to expect from this but it’s “Saga” and there’s never a time I won’t include it on my pull list.
Copperhead #6 ($3.50) – “Copperhead” #6 is the start of a new story arc which means if you really want to get into it, this might be your best bet if you don’t want to drop $10 for the full first trade. You should but I get wanting to save a little money. “Copperhead” is space western that takes a look at women in power, imperialism and police relationships in a small community in a unique and new way. Scott Godlewski’s art is what Saturday Morning Panels was made for. His designs are stellar and the facial expressions he creates are off the charts. Please buy “Copperhead”, science says it’s great.
Continued belowTeen Dog #8 ($3.99) – I am so sad that “Teen Dog” is over. This is what all “all ages” comics should strive to be. It is straight forward enough for kids to get into but more than funny enough for adults to laugh with. I feel like my pull list will be missing something without “Teen Dog” in it and that cover gives me all the feels.
Total: $16.97
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Five Ghosts #16 ($3.50) – The wait between each and every one of these issues is borderline excruciating. Luckily, this is one of the most solid, thrilling, and fun series being put out right now.
Help Us! Great Warrior #3 ($3.99) – Some of the best designed monsters, some pretty dope page layouts, some great jokes, and a wide plethora of characters are only a few of the things that makes this a sweet and engaging series.
Nameless #3 ($2.99) – Reading Grant Morrison, especially when he’s going for the more incomprehensible stories, is a blind blast. I think you can also tell that Burnham and Fairbairn are having the best time of their lives drawing it too. I would wonder what this series will finally be about, but I think it’s much more fun to sit back and watch it unfold.
Southern Cross #2 ($2.99) – Becky Cloonan and Andy Balenger amp up the intensity as more mysteries and conspiracies start to form aboard the “Southern Cross.” Great images and a strong sense of atmosphere help make this creepy and, at times, heart-pounding.
Kaijumax #1 ($3.99) – I honestly don’t know much about this, but everything I’ve seen looks awesome. And we always need more giant monsters in our lives.
Total: $17.46
Keith’s Picks:
Convergence: The Question #1 ($3.99) – Greg Rucka is back writing characters he so brilliantly brought to life in the Bat-classic “Gotham Central”. Seeing Renee Montoya as the Question again is going to be a treat and hopefully bodes well for Renee’s prominence (hopefully) in the Bat-books when she returns in the pages of “Detective Comics” in June.
Nameless #3 ($2.99) – The third issue of “Nameless” ratchets up the horror even more and the Morrison/Burnham/Fairbairn triumvirate dare anyone to say this miniseries won’t be the best of 2015.
Descender #2 ($2.99) – With the first issue of “Descender”, you could tell that Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen were unveiling a labor of love. Nguyen’s lushly haunting visuals and Lemire’s soon-to-be-tear- inducing story promise a personal story reminiscent of Lemire’s classic “Sweet Tooth”.
Rebels #1 ($3.99) – With the beginning of the new ongoing series “Rebels”, my monthly Brian Wood fix is about to be satisfied once again. Wood ended “The Massive” beautifully, and it’ll be interesting to see where he takes this Revolutionary War-era set series. I’d wager that “Rebels” will not be a stuffy history lesson.
All-New Hawkeye #2 or Howard the Duck #2 ($3.99) – Take your pick! Both first issues of these series were well executed and instantly drew me into their worlds. I’m new to Hawkeye comics and read a few of the classic Howard the Duck comics, yet anyone can pick those first issues up and enjoy them. Also with “Descender” and “All-New Hawkeye”, Jeff Lemire demonstrates his brilliant storytelling skills.
Total: $17.95
Drew’s Picks:
Copperhead #6 ($3.50) – The sci-fi western premise for this series could’ve lent itself to some massive, galaxy shattering stories. Fortunately, Jay Faerber knew there were already too many of those types of stories on the comic shelves and has been delivering a plot that’s far more grounded, but still engaging. Every aspect of this series is gelling, from the writing to the coloring, and I’m really looking forward to what happens next.
Edward Scissorhands #6 ($3.99) – Until this I read the first issue, I had no idea I wanted this comic. Now? I’m wondering why it took so long to make it, and if the other sequel comics to decades-old movies could be as good. If you haven’t been keeping up, the first arc was about Edward’s brother, a similar creation who had hands, but no heart. This starts a new arc, and I’m actually not sure what it’s going to be about. In the meantime, I may have to look into the “Bill & Ted” book…
Continued belowX #24 ($2.99) – This comic never got more than ankle deep, but by gosh it was fun to read. The lead character was on a non-stop mission to remove crime from his city, but he was too busy taking care of business to get bogged down with being grim or “serious.” The constant excitement earned it the top spot on my to-read pile every month. I only realized last month that this is the final issue. Here’s hoping there’s a satisfactory conclusion, and that X will be back soon in the second phase of Project Black Sky.
Deep State #5 ($3.99) – This comic has been heavy on plot development and light on character, but it’s been interesting enough to hold my attention. It made the cut this month, but it’ll lose it’s spot if it doesn’t start making me care if the cast survive.
Total: $14.47
