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:
Redneck #2 ($3.99) – Donny Cates is generally really good at writing first issues, and the first issue of “Redneck” might have been his best one yet. I’m really, really excited to see where this story goes, especially after chatting with at ECCC and hearing how much he genuinely loves the story and is excited to tell it. While we may not quite agree on what is or isn’t the South, Donny can still write some damn good comics. Plus, the artwork that Lisandro Estherren is turning is is fantastic, really helping to set the mood of the book.
Black Hammer #9 ($3.99) – David Rubin drawing a one-shot of “Black Hammer” focusing on Talky-Walky is something I’m very much here for. This book is consistently one of the better books out there and I’m sure this will be no different.
Plastic #2 ($3.99) – The first issue of “Plastic” almost flew under my radar, but I saw enough people talking about it that I couldn’t help but check it out. I really like the movie Lars and the Real Girl, so seeing a comic where a guy is in love with a Real Doll and has to kill to keep her “alive” was a pleasant surprise. I have no idea where this comic will go or what will happen, but I’ll be reading it.
Deadly Class #28 ($3.99) – No big news here, but “Deadly Class” continues to be great.
Total: $15.96
Matt Lune’s Picks:
Rapture #1 ($3.99) – Valiant are really starting to build a fantastic collection of stand-alone events set in strange dystopian future versions of their own universe. This time it’s the turn of Ninjak and Shadowman to pair up with a 12-year-old mystic who has seen a vision of the death of millions at the hands of an elder god. Always fascinating, always accompanied by amazing art, Valiant’s events are not to be missed.
Normals #1 ($3.99) – A new series from Aftershock comics, and one with an intriguing premise: what if your entire world was fake? If you found that out, how hard would you fight to save it? It’s certainly got me intrigued, and Aftershock has a habit of releasing series with a truly unique core premise.
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #19 ($3.99) – I’ve recently caught up on this entire series and I’ve no idea why it took me so long – it’s genuinely one of the best books Marvel is currently releasing. This issue sees the start of the fourth arc, and it’s so refreshing to find a book from the Big Two that is allowed to do its thing without major Events crashing through the plot. Highly recommended.
Seven to Eternity #6 ($3.99) – Another book I’ve only recently caught up on, and once again Rick Remender proves he’s got the jammiest job in comics. He gets to pair up with some of the greatest modern artists in the industry, here it’s Jerome Opena. Opena is doing the best work of his career, every issue packed with stunning alien vistas as the cast continues on their journey to rid their world of evil oppression. Amazing.
Black Hammer #9 ($3.99) – Still loving this epic deconstruction of the superhero genre. Lemire is starting to unravel the fragile world he’s created but never taking his gaze off the deep character development of the cast. This issue is a flashback exploring the history of Talky Walky and Colonel Weird, with guest artist David Rubin.
Total: $19.95 – There’s a lot more out there this week than just this selection, I’m worried that I’m going to be spending way more than $20!
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Vince’s Picks:
Batman/The Shadow #2 ($3.99) – You could have knocked me over with a feather after reading the first issue of this. In no way should a Batman and The Shadow crossover have felt as original, vital, and daring as issue #1 did. But that’s Snyder, Orlando, and Rossmo for you.
Deathstroke #19 ($2.99) – ‘The Lazarus Contract’ keeps on truckin’. As good as ‘The Button’ was, I think I prefer this crossover. It’s got all the high drama of an issue of “Deathstroke”, with the loose, young team feel of the Titans books. One event worth picking up every issue for.
East of West #33 ($3.99) – Is this really coming out this week? Don’t lie to me.
All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #2 ($3.99) – The Guardians are getting close to Suicide Squad levels of dangerous over-exposure. A lot of people would say they’re there already. But the first issue of Duggan and Kuder’s relaunch had so much imagination on every page that you want to spend more time with these a-holes.
Total: $14.96
Justin’s Picks:
Black Hammer #9 ($3.99) – “Black Hammer” continues to be amazing. This is another back story chapter focusing on Talky-Walky, and all of the previous one have been really great. It almost makes me not want to return to the main story.
James Bond: Service #1 ($7.99) – None of the Dynamite Bond series have quite reached the level of the initial Warren Ellis run, but Kieron Gillen definitely has the potential to get there. I only wish it was more than just a one-shot.
The Dying and the Dead #4 ($3.50) – The price point of this book is a reminder of how long it’s been since the last issue, but it will be worth it. Hickman and Bodenheim were doing some great world building with the first three issues (that I’ll probably have to revisit). I just hope that it’s not another two years before the next one.
The Old Guard #4 ($3.99) – With Lazarus on hiatus, this is now my favorite Rucka book, and the art by Leandro Fernandez is like nothing else on stands.
Total: $19.47. That Bond book is taking a big chunk out of my budget this week but I just couldn’t pass it up
Matthew’s Picks:
Venom #150 ($5.99) – Tradd Moore drawing 90’s style Eddie Brock era Venom. This is literally all I need.
Rapture #1 ($3.99) – Valiant’s had a good track record with both events and Matt Kindt, especially with “4001 AD” and the Divinity books. I’ve been hot and cold on the Ninjak series, but I’m looking forward to the return of Shadowman.
Deadly Class #28 ($3.99) – Remender’s best book since “Fear Agent”, if only because of Wes Craig. They’re an epic team, and this is a fantastic book.
Shaolin Cowboy Who’ll Stop The Reign #2 ($3.99) – Geof Darrow bringing back King Crab and putting his craziest story yet down on on paper and ink. This is why people buy comics.
Wonder Woman #23 ($2.99) – As always, buy “Wonder Woman”. (This is the issue that resolves the Rebirth arc, more or less. I’ll be curious to see what people think of the resolution.)
Total: $20.95
Kent’s Picks
The Dying and the Dead #4 ($3.99) – Jonathan Hickman brings this one back from the dead. It’s been years since the last issue dropped, but it was a fantastic book. I’m stoked that Hickman and Ryan Bodenheim didn’t just let it wither on the vine. Maybe their story just needed to get better with age.
Deathstroke #19 ($2.99) – ‘The Lazarus Contract’ has probably been the most consistent of the Rebirth crossovers. And that’s before Christopher Priest has had a chance to script an issue. As always, Priest’s “Deathstroke” is a must buy.
Star-Lord Annual #1 ($4.99) – Chip Zdarsky preps Peter Quill for one last rodeo. Giddy up.
Total: $12.97 – It’s a light enough week that you should have enough to pick up “The Dying and the Dead” Special Edition TP ($9.99) if you missed out on the first three issues.
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Mark’s Picks:
“Harrow County – Volume 5: Abandoned” ($14.99) — I love the sketchbook sections in these books; they’ve become the yardstick by which I measure all others. Editor Daniel Chabon really lets Tyler Crook and Cullen Bunn go nuts with these: Volume 1 had the chapters of “Harrow County” from when it was still a prose story; by Volume 3 the sketchbook section was longer than a single issue; Volume 4 had a section showing the process of a single issue from script to page. The team behind these books makes the sketchbooks special.
The sketchbook in this volume is split into three sections: one focusing on Carl Speed McNeil’s design work for “Harrow County” #17–18; another on Jenn Manley Lee’s coloring; and the last on Tyler Crook’s cover process for “Harrow County” #19.
Total: $14.99. This week I’m skewing much more in favor of books rather than singles. This was one of only a few on my list under $20.
Brian’s Picks:
Victor LaValle’s Destroyer #1 ($3.99) – LaValle is one of my favorite novelists, so when I heard that he was doing a book with BOOM!, I was ecstatic.
Deathstroke #19 ($3.99) – ‘The Lazarus Contract’ has been such a thoroughly enjoyable crossover and – spoiler alert – this is the best issue of the bunch so far. This is a must read for fans of any of the three properties.
The Archies One-Shot ($4.99) – Comics about music are one of my sweet spots, and the Archies have always been my favorite part of the Archie universe.
Batman/The Shadow #2 ($3.99) – This is the rare crossover that seemingly has real impact on both characters. The first issue blew me away with incredible art and a story that really moved the Bat-mythos in a totally new direction.
Total: $16.96
Rowan’s Picks:
DC Universe by Mike Mignola HC – $39.99 — Mike Mignola’s reputation should need no introducing. He’s been one of the most highly regarded artists in the last two decades, focusing primarily on his creation, Hellboy. But it’s always fun to see his work on pre-existing characters, and how his work looked pre-Hellboy. I’m especially looking forward to the Phantom Stranger stories in this, plus it’ll look great next to my Cosmic Odyssey HC.
Total: $39.99 – Over budget this week, but for sweet sweet Mignola art? I’ll happily make the sacrifice.
