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!
Matt Lune’s Picks:
Calexit #3 ($3.99) – “Friends don’t let friends fight Nazis alone.” The staggered release schedule of this series might have dropped it off the radar of some folks, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that “Calexit” has taken its finger off the pulse of modern politics.
Hungry Ghosts #4 ($3.99) – This creepy food-based anthology series has been really entertaining, from the framing narrative of folks telling horror stories at a dinner party, to the individual tales of terror. It’s a shame it’s coming to an end, but the meal has been eaten, it’s time for the guests to leave. Whether that’s in a taxi or a body bag remains to be seen.
Venom #1 ($4.99) – Continuing his mission to take over the world, Donny Cates turns his writing talents to the Lethal Protector himself. With a movie coming out this year, as well as riding on the back of several successful event series, Venom’s star is rising high, so a new number 1 and a new creative team is enough to draw me in for a look.
Justice League: No Justice #1 ($3.99) – “Dark Knights: Metal” was the best comic book event of last year and several years before it too, and with last week’s “DC Nation” #0 teasing the absolutely bonkers new direction of DC’s biggest heroes (a Superman/Starro Fastball Special, anyone?) I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes.
Lois Lane Triple Threat YA Novel ($9.95) – This isn’t a new comic series, (although we’re well overdue an all-ages “Lois Lane” series) this is a Young Adult prose novel by Gwenda Bond, which looks at a younger Lois in a long-distance relationship with her online friend known only as SmallvilleGuy. Now he’s moving to Metropolis, can true love blossom?
Total: $16.96 – Sure, that rises to $26.91 when you include the Lois Lane novel, but that’s not a comic, so I’m still technically under budget.
Kevin’s Picks:
“Justice League: No Justice” #1 ($3.99) – “Metal” was just the beginning and this look wacky and fun and I’m ready for full Justice League: Unlimited DCU time.
“The Flash” #46 ($2.99) – Also “Flash War” looks like it’s going to be an absolute blast and a culmination of the Wally West stuff from the last 2 years. DC is really kicking off that summer fun time this week.
“Runaways” #9 ($3.99) – I recently caught up on this, and I have to tell you, this is one of the best books Marvel is pumping out right now. Kris Anka is an amazing artist, and I am ready for more Runaways family.
“Eternity Girl” #3 ($3.99) – The first two issues kicked me right in the feels. Mags Visaggio and Sonny Liew are crafting something weird, horrifying and special.
“Detective Comics” #980 ($2.99) – Only two more issues left in James Tynion IV’s run on this book and I am not ready to say goodbye. This has been my favorite Rebirth book. It’s been fun watching come together and the character’s fall apart at the end.
Total: $17.95
Mark’s picks:
“B.P.R.D.: The Devil You Know” #6 ($3.99)— Pickin’ this up. Definitely pickin’ this up! The less I say about this the better. Just… don’t miss this one.
“Isola” #2 ($3.99)— Issue #1 was fantastic (and I thoroughly enjoyed reading last month’s PanelxPanel “Isola” articles afterward), so I don’t see any reasonable reason why I wouldn’t pick this one up. I especially love the pacing—very “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind”-esque (the comic more than the film).
Continued below“Sleepless” #6 ($3.99)— I’m pretty happy with how this arc wrapped up. Looking forward to its return in September.
“Southern Bastards” #20 ($3.99)— The series warps up its fourth arc, which means another hardcover is on the way! It also means it’s reached halftime.
“Barrier” #2 ($3.99)— OK, I must admit, I’m a little disappointed this didn’t go the way of “The Private Eye” and end up in a nice hardcover volume or at least a trade paperback, but I’m glad it is still getting a physical release. If you’re unfamiliar, “Barrier” was originally published digitally through Panel Syndicate in a pay-what-you-want model. Being digital only, it’s formatted for a computer screen, in landscape, so it’s a different reading experience. Me personally, I’ll relish the chance to read it without looking at a computer screen.
Total: $19.95. Still got 5¢ left over. That’s goin’ in the bank!
Kate’s Picks:
Hungry Ghosts #4 ($3.99) – Combining an ancient Japanese game with culinary arts, this was one of the more creative series I have read in a while. This issue is the final one, and I will be sad to see it go.
Eternity Girl #3 ($3.99) – I continue to love anything Magdalene Visaggio puts out, including this miniseries that looks at mental illness from a very different perspective.
You Are Deadpool #2 ($3.99) – The first issue of this was so much fun – – Deadpool’s take on the “choose your own adventure” genre. While I can’t pick up the story until issue #4, I know I’ll get to this one eventually, so I do have to keep it on my pull list.
Nuclear Winter ($9.99) – I have to be crazy to want a graphic novel with the word “winter” in the title after the winter we had in the northeastern US, but surviving your early adulthood years has to be interesting when you’re in perpetual winter. The solicit also promises that this is perfect for fans of Giant Days, of which I am one, so consider me sold.
Total: $21.96. Just a little over, but clever budgeting means you have wiggle room for moments like these, right?
Nick’s Picks:
Nuclear Winter ($9.99) – While I’ve never read the webcomic, I’ll always read whatever Boom Box chooses to publish. This collection includes new lettering and modified colors, and looks to be an offbeat, character-centric good time. Despite the literal nuclear winter, of course.
Hunt for Wolverine: Adamantium Agenda #1 ($3.99) – Tom Taylor has a talent for making any story concept accessible and enjoyable, and RB Silva’s art has a soft, dynamic, fun style that really connects with me. I’m not all-in on the Hunt for Wolverine stuff, but if there’s one mini I have a chance of loving, it’s this.
New Super-Man and the Justice League of China #23 ($3.99) – Yang is a modern master. So much great character work, Eastern philosophy, and cultural bits are packed into each issue. Holding out hope this book lasts a while longer.
The Flash #46 ($2.99) – I’m a mark for anything Wally West. His whole 247-issue run as Flash is one of my favorite comics runs ever, so if nothing else, especially with Scott Kolins on art, “Flash War” should provide some great fan-pleasing moments!
Total: $20.96. Those 96 cents are rationalized because, uh… Free Comic Book Day just happened? Yeah, let’s go with that.
