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:
Manifest Destiny #19 ($2.99) – It’s been a little while since the last issue of “Manifest Destiny”, but I really feel like the wait will be worth it. Previous arcs have had Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery encounter buffalotaur, plant zombies, giant frog monsters, and bird people as they work their way across the interior of America. This next arc promises that the group will run into Bigfoot – something I’m 1000% ready to read about. The weird mix of history and fantasy makes this easily one of my favorite comics.
Citizen Jack #6 ($3.99) – As we get ever closer to Donald Trump being our next President and the internment camps that follow, it’s nice to take comfort in “Citizen Jack” and the thought that it could all be just fiction.
Invincible #128 ($2.99) – Cory Walker is back for another issue of “Invincible” as Mark and the rest of the galaxy must deal with what’s happened in the 5 years that Mark was trapped in the past. In typical Kirkman fashion, it’s a bit of a soap opera twist, but it’s so damn enjoyable that you love it anyway. Plus, having Walker back for a few issues is nice, especially as it gives Ottley a chance to get ahead on coming issues.
Total: $9.97. Find one of those $10 trades that looks cool. Buy it. Extra money problem solved.
Mark’s Picks:
Bird Boy – Volume 1: The Sword of Mali Mani ($9.99) — If you weren’t already aware of Anne Szabla’s webcomic, Dark Horse is releasing the first volume in book form and I definitely recommend checking it out. I can’t wait to read it in print. Click the link and check it out.
The Sixth Gun #49 ($3.99) — Two weeks ago we had the penultimate issue of “Hellboy in Hell”, now the penultimate issue of “The Sixth Gun”… June’s going to be a tough month for me. I really love this book, and it’s been an incredible journey. If you haven’t read it yet, go pick up the first hardcover collection. It’s definitely worth it.
Dept H #2 ($3.99) — So after reading the first issue, I looked up a bit more about this series. It’s a mystery running for 36 issues, each one covering a single day. I am intrigued to say the least.
Total: $17.97. Truth be told, my real total is $65.45. This was a good week, and staying under $20 was just not possible.
Drew’s Picks:
Aether and Empire #2 ($3.99) – I don’t ususally do steam punk stories, but this is from Blue Juice Comics, and their other two series are really good. The first issue didn’t wow me as much as I expected, but the art and characters are strong enough to keep me around for a while. There’s a lot of promise here.
Dept H #2 ($3.99) – If you’re aware of Matt Kindt but aren’t excited about his new book, it’s most likely because you’re not keen on his art aesthetic. Good news! He’s still drawing this one, but it’s painted by his wife, which gives it a very different look. Now you have no excuse to check out this locked room mystery at the ocean’s floor. The room is slowly filling with water, and there’s a depth gauge on the side of every page showing you the current water level. Every issue will contain extras not available in the collections. Don’t miss out on this one.
Sabrina #5 ($3.99) – This book is so late I had almost forgotten about it. Then I saw the solicitation and I suddenly remembered how great it was. I won’t be reading this until I’ve gone back and re-read the first four, but I’m excited to do so. This is a delightfully creepy book that’s worth the wait.
Continued belowFuturama #79 ($3.99) – Everyone needs a humor comic in their buy pile. If you don’t have one yet, you cannot go wrong with something from Bongo. They’re true to their source material and packed with one type or another every third panel or so. I laugh out loud at least once every time I read one. Ads in last month’s comics from Bongo comics promised something “new and exciting” I’m hoping it’s a new line of one shot wonders from the Futurama world, but I’ll also be happy with this series going monthly. “Simpsons” is also out this week, so pick the one that suits you best and enjoy.
Black Eyed Kids #2 ($3.99) – With “Rachel Rising” coming to an end soon, I need a replacement horror comic. The promo material for this one had a strong Children of the Damned vibe, and I thought it might fit the bill. The first issue was available at a discounted price, but the story inside felt discounted too. There was enough to it for me to check out a full priced issue, but if this one doesn’t wow me, I won’t be back a third time.
Total: $19.95
Vince’s Picks:
Archangel #1 ($4.99) – I’m up for anything that William Gibson wants to do. You know him from Neuromancer, but this is his first foray into comics. If he wanted to read the phone book or something, I’d at least check that out too though.
Future Quest #1 ($3.99) – I’m interested in 1.5 of the 4 Hanna-Barbera revival books. With an unimpeachable creative team and a style and concept that seems to actually mix a bunch of these elements together in an appealing and inoffensive way (imagine that), I don’t think it’s any surprise that this book corresponds to the 1 book I’m excited about. (“The Flintstones” is the 0.5, if you were wondering. And I’m being generous with that assessment.)
Mae #1 ($3.99) – The premise sounds like a canvas for Gene Ha to do some potentially cool stuff with, even if it’s well-worn territory conceptually. We got to see Zander Cannon last week – I’m happy to feature his buddy Gene Ha this week.
Superman/Wonder Woman #29 ($3.99) – I’ve run out of things to say about ‘Super League’, other than if you’ve made it this far, you might as well see it through. I will say that I love the Karl Kerschl cover featuring Kara and Diana.
Total: $16.96
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Bird Boy Volume 1: The Sword of Mali Mani ($9.99) – Anne Szabla’s webcomic makes the jump to print courtesy of Dark Horse. People, it’s a stunning piece of work with fantastic design and an assured aesthetic. CHECK THIS OUT, OKAY?!
Future Quest #1 ($3.99) – The first of DC’s Hanna-Barbara line, mixing Jonny Quest’s crew with Space Ghost. I don’t get why this wasn’t $2.99 to start with and I’m a little apprehensive that it’s going to do all dark and Zack Snydery on some kids’ cartoon characters, but Jeff Parker and Doc Shaner have done strong work before.
Dept H. #2 ($3.99) – A new Matt Kindt series is always worth paying attention to.
Total: $17.97
