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:
Southern Bastards #14 ($3.50) – It feels like we’ve waited forever for this issue, and maybe we have, but finally getting to see Roberta Tubb come home to Craw County is going to be something special. In much the same way that her daddy caused a stir in Craw County, Roberta is surely going to stir something things up. I can’t wait to see what the aftermath looks like.
Kaijumax Season Two #1 ($3.99) – “Kaijumax” was one of the most interesting books last year. Zander Cannon is an underappreciated gem of a cartoonist and deserves all the hype that the first season of “Kaijumax” got. I can’t wait to see how the weird monster stories and prison stories mesh in this new season.
Satellite Falling #1 ($3.99) – I honestly don’t know too much about this book, but it looks and sounds like a pretty interesting comic. I’ve spent $4 on worse things.
Total: $11.48
Mark’s Picks:
Southern Bastards #14 ($3.50) — Oh boy. I’ve been waiting for this since the end of issue 4. Roberta Tubb’s here.
Harrow County #12 ($3.99) — This latest issue has guest artist Hannah Christenson on board. It’s very different… and yet I love it. Normally when a guest artist deviates too far from the established look of the series I disengage from the story, but not here. Christenson’s linework has a way of evoking physical movement (such as wind blowing through a character’s hair), the sense of something outside the panel, and a character’s emotional state at the same time. It’s perfect for this story where characters can feel something they can’t see. I could go on, but there really isn’t the space for it here. Needless to say, I enjoyed the issue.
Abe Sapien #33 ($3.50) — The series ends at issue 36, so things are getting pretty crazy now. There’s a number of geek-out moments in this one. Honestly the less you know about this issue, the better. Just read it.
House of Penance #2 ($3.99) — It’s a good week for Dark Horse and horror comics. I haven’t read this issue as of writing this, but I was already sold after the first issue. By the way, I love the covers on this series. I just had to mention that.
Total: $14.98. It’s way outside the budget, but I’d also like the Korra statuette… which incidentally is not a comic.
Vince’s Picks:
Kaijumax Season 2 #1 ($3.99) – Zander Cannon’s love-letter to kaiju/mecha stories makes a triumphant and welcome return. Cannon is quite the artist talent who I feel has ridden under the radar for too long now. If you have any love for big robot anime or Godzilla-type movies, check this out and give Cannon another deserved fan.
Action Comics #52 ($3.99) – My streak of recommending ‘Super League’ continues, though not as effusively as I was at the start. Still, if you’ve been craving a Superman story since Morrison left “Action Comics” and Pak & Kuder’s rougher-edged Superman didn’t do it for you, I think this is the best story since.
Starfire #12 ($2.99) – I have to say, after dismissing it after a couple issues, I really came back around on “Starfire.” It’s no coincidence, considering the writers, but it really does remind me of the great pre-New 52 “Power Girl” series – and not just because of the healthy amount of cheesecake. The secret weapon of the series, however, has been the art. Emanuela Lupacchino was the obvious breakout talent, but Elsa Charretier is a name that people should remember. Anyone that’s pining for the Bruce Timm style should look no further, because Charretier is on that wavelength and it’s incredible.
Continued belowSatellite Falling #1 ($3.99) – The Dan Jurgens-endorsed “Satellite Falling” is another entry in IDW Publishing’s creator-owned line of books – a line that’s been somewhat overlooked due to their exemplary ability to put out licensed comics that are actually good. Writer Steve Horton (who previously caught my eye with “Amala’s Blade” from Dark Horse) and artist Stephen Thompson (recently seen on various DC books) are promising weirdness. I know I’m in.
Total: $18.95
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Pop Gun War: Gift ($14.99) – An early Farel Dalrymple (“The Wrenchies”, “Omega the Unknown”) collection finally comes back to print courtesy of Image Comics. Young Sinclair gets a pair of wings and flies around his New York neighborhood, watching the comings and goings of the people all around him. It’s funny and sad and, like with most of Dalrymple’s work, astounding to look at. The second series is currently being serialized in “Island,” which also returns this week and should also be on top of your pull.
Kaijumax Season 2 #1 ($3.99) – This book, this book is insane in all the best ways. The prison-monster-drama-kind-of-parody returns and I’m looking forward to another session of Zander Cannon’s kaiju-mayhem.
Total: $18.98
