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!
Brian’s Picks:
The Flash #754 ($3.99) – With Joshua Williamson’s run nearing its final bow, there’s no time like the present to catch up on the most consistent ongoing title to last from the start of ‘Rebirth’ until now.
Marauders #10 ($3.99) – Despite what my podcast co-host Zach says, “Marauders” is the most fun ‘Dawn of X’ title, with my favorite cast and some of the best art of Marvel’s entire line.
Smash! Special 2020 ($5.99) – This comes out digitally this week, or in print in 2 weeks here in North America. But what is this? It is one of 2000AD’s regular specials, this time focusing on British superheroes with stories from the likes of Rob Williams, Charlie Adlard, and Tom Raney. These specials always have a surprising number of hits in them, so take a chance on something new, especially during this relatively light week.
Total: $13.97
Jason’s Picks:
Heavy #1 ($3.99) – I’m a big fan of Vault Comics and I haven’t been let down by them. So, I will always check out any new comic they have.
Mirka Andolfo’s Mercy #2 ($3.99) – Much like Vault Comics if I ever see Andolfo’s name on something, I’ll buy it. Everything I’ve read of hers I’ve loved and I always look forward to her next work.
The Last God #7 ($4.99) – It took me a few issues to really get into “The Last God,” but now seven-issue in I look forward to the next release. Hopefully, issue seven keeps me feeling that way as well. Plus, Phillip Kennedy Johnson (the writer) recently posted a look at the D&D esque rulebook they are making, and it looks amazing!
Total: $12.97. Pretty good for the first week back! I get to save some money for next time as well.
Kate’s Picks:
Disaster Inc. #1 ($4.99) – Anything can be a money-maker these days, even a nuclear wasteland. If you’re in need of some dark humor, this could do the trick.
Exorsisters #6 ($3.99) – I may have to wait until the fall to see the end of the Winchester brothers’ adventures, but the Harlow sisters are back in a “what if” story. Also, they’re in hell. No amount of pie or Purple Nurples will help these ladies out of this jam.
Basketful of Heads #7 ($3.99) – The final issue of the first of the Hill House books and the one that really captured the Stephen King aesthetic. I hope we see more titles from the imprint in the future. Perhaps a graphic retelling of one of King’s stories?
Sherlock: A Scandal in Belgravia ($4.99) – East meets West as the latest of Steven Moffat’s Sherlock TV serials wraps up its manga adaptation. Overall, the series translated well to the manga format, but this one may be the best of the bunch, owing to the simplicity (well, as simple as a Sherlock Holmes can get) of the story.
Total: $17.96
Johnny’s Picks:
Doctor Aphra #1 ($3.99) – So- you picked Grand Admiral Thrawn as the greatest Star Wars Extended Universe Character in the recent Multiversity poll, only to get trounced by this “Doctor Aphra,” and you wanna learn more about her? Look no further! Spinning out of Kieron Gillen’s excellent run on “Darth Vader,” the eponymous “rogue archaeologist” Aphra gets her second series, this time with writer Alyssa Wong, and some splendid art by Marika Cresta. If you like Star Wars, and you love heists, say it with me: “You sunuvagun, I’m in.”
Continued belowThe Terrifics #27 ($3.99) – Super stoked that Gene Luen Yang has kept the ball rolling from Lemire’s run, “The Terrifics” remains full of fun ideas, great character interactions, and a perfect home for one of my favorite characters of all time (Tom Strong). Dan Mora’s art is clean and expressive, and perfect for the title.
Back Issue #120 ($9.95) – TwoMorrows gives nostalgia and fandom a GOOD name, in my opinion- a magazine dedicated to the highlighting characters and titles perhaps long forgotten to time, and with a keen focus on the creators that delivered these books into our very hearts and minds. This issue tackles some of the great futuristic sci-fi titles of the 80’s, most notably “Legionnaires,” and a character history of Mon-El. If you’ve got the spare coin, give “Back Issue” a shot!
Total: $17.93
Mark’s Picks:
Frankenstein Undone #2 ($3.99) – The review for this that’s coming out on Wednesday is about three times as long as our usual Mignolaversity reviews. There’s a lot to unpack. What a stunning way to break the comics hiatus.
Blackwood: The Mourning After #3 ($3.99) – I think this one is coming out this week, but I’m not entirely sure. I’ve got conflicting sources. Either way, definitely pick it up. Inspired by ’80s horror films, Evan Dorkin and Veronica Fish’s occult academy is well worth checking out.
Total: $7.98.
Vince’s Picks:
Aquaman #59 ($3.99) – Kelly Sue DeConnick isn’t doing anything fancy with her run through the world of Atlantis. It’s just simply some of the best classically-styled superhero comic booking on the shelves today. What I mean by that is that, once she got passed the first arc, this isn’t an arc looking to deconstruct Arthur Curry or subvert his character. Instead, it feels like an all-encompassing, additive storytelling project. A way for DeConnick to touch nearly every conceivable aspect of Arthur’s world and show why all of it is important. The number of characters and bits of lore that show up in this issue while still managing to tell a coherent story is an astonishing juggling act, but no ball gets dropped and no one gets short shrift. Robson Rocha continues to up his game to, as every new arc featuring his art feels like a new opportunity to level up.
Suicide Squad #5 ($3.99) – I’m not even talking about the property’s trademark “anyone can die” pitch when I say that Tom Taylor & Bruno Redondo’s “Suicide Squad” is a rare example of a truly surprising cape comic from the Big Two. This series has consistently surprised me through the choices that its characters are making along the way, mostly due to another rare and welcome aspect of the project: the fresh cast of new faces. We don’t yet know who all of these people are, but instead of that being alienating, Taylor confidently tugs you along in discovering who they are. Just when you think their motives are one thing, they add an extra layer. It’s refreshing stuff, and something I’ve been waiting for for what seems like forever with this title.
Outer Darkness/Chew #2 ($3.99) – I cannot stress how great it was to get that good ol’ Rob Guillory look and feel of “Chew” back for a handful of pages in the first issue of this, and it worked surprisingly well melding with “Outer Darkness”, even though the tone of the 2 John Layman works are different enough from one another. Afu Chan does a perfect job of bringing Tony Chu onto the Charon and making it all fit together.
Total: $11.97
Rowan’s Picks:
Sera And The Royal Stars #7 ($3.99) – One of the most delightful fantasy books I’ve seen for a long time and I can’t wait to dive back into it. Audrey Mok’s art style is slick and polished and reminds me of Final Fantasy in the best possible ways. This book is another win for Vault Comics.
Marauders #10 ($3.99) – It’s a popular pick, but comics coming back means more Dawn of X, baby! “Marauders” is one of the best of the bunch too, and I’m excited to see where it’s heading with “X Of Swords” on the horizon.
Continued belowBog Bodies OGN ($12.99) – Declan Shalvey can swing with the best of them as a writer, and has proved so with “Savage Town” in the past being a hit. The premise for this sounds great, and Gavin Fullerton is a great fit for Shalvey’s writing style, so I’ll be going a tad over this week to pick this up!
Total: $20.97
Chris Chiu-Tabet’s Picks:
“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Vol. 11: Necessary Evil” ($16.99) – I really enjoyed Kyle Higgins’s run on BOOM! Studios’ reboot of the original Power Rangers series, and this trade paperback release of Ryan Parrott’s first arc seems like an opportune time to return to the series – Tommy’s the White Ranger now? Lord Zedd’s the main antagonist now? What’s not to love?
Total: $16.99 – wouldn’t mind an extra issue in there BOOM!
