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:
Nighthawk #1 ($3.99) – I will admit, I’m not super caught up on a lot of the stuff going down in the Marvel Universe, but this book looks worth checking out. Maybe it’s the hot fire that Ramon Villalobos is putting into the art, maybe it’s how mad it’s making some of the less open minded comic fans, or maybe it’s that David Walker generally writes some decent stuff. “Nighthawk” looks like it could be cool though.
Legacy of Luther Strode #6 ($3.50) – After years, the saga of Luther Strode finally wraps up and it’s sure to be a doozy. Justin Jordan and Tradd Moore are both pretty successful comic creators now, and it’s all thanks to Luther. This last issue will have the showdown between Luther and Cain, and that’s sure to be all kinds of bloody and amazing, especially with Tradd putting his art monster skills to good use.
Brobots and the Kaiju Kerfluffle HC ($12.99) – I honestly don’t know a whole lot about this book, but I know that is looks super fun and apparently has robots, kaiju, and is put out by Oni, and that’s about all I need to know really.
Total: $20.48. I went a little over. Don’t tell anyone, okay?
Vince’s Picks:
DC Universe Rebirth #1 ($2.99) – Here it is. Here’s hoping that Geoff Johns makes good on all his many promises about DC Rebirth. I’m optimistic. Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice…uh…ah…shame on me. Fool me three times…
Omega Men #12 ($2.99) – A lot of truly good comics came out of DC You: “Martian Manhunter”, “Midnighter”, “Doctor Fate”, “Prez”, “Black Canary” – I’m probably forgetting some. But “Omega Men” may have been the finest self-contained work of the bunch.
Lobster Johnson: Metal Monsters of Midtown #1 ($3.50) – Always up for more LoJo. Always up for more Tonci Zonjic.
East of West #26 ($3.50) – As it was, as it is, and as it ever shall be.
Superman #52 ($3.99) – My streak of recommending this god-forsaken crossover made it through all 8 weeks. It’s not perfect superhero comic booking – not even close, but I stand by it. I guess the best reason to read this issue would be that it’s illustrated by Mikel Janin, who did the opening issue of the crossover and some of the best Superman art in years.
Total: $16.97
Drew’s Picks:
Accelerators Relativity #1 ($3.99) – The last installment of this time travel adventure ended on a rather ominous cliffhanger, and I’ve been looking forward to this arc for months. I highly recommend the first two arcs if you missed them (and you probably did). This issue probably won’t be the greatest jumping-on point, so check out the first volume if you’re looking for a cleverly-scripted, smartly-drawn sci-fi story to add to your pull. As a side note, I’m not completely certain what number this issue will be – I’ve also seen it listed as “Accelerators #11,” with the ‘Relativity’ part showing as part 1 of 5. Either way’s fine with me – I’m just happy it’s finally here.
Rachel Rising #42 ($3.99) – While I have no doubt Terry Moore will stick the landing on this final issue, I still feel like the series is being cut short before it’s time. I blame everyone who saw it recommended in this column for the last 4 years and never bought it. You can make up for this outrageous crime by buying into Moore’s next comic series, which he’s announcing later this summer.
Continued belowPreviews $3.99 – I’m always surprised when I find out someone doesn’t read “Previews,” especially considering how many people seem to champion creator owned comics lately. If you’re waiting for reviews and recommendations before trying something, who knows what you may be missing. Give this month’s green pages a look-see, and maybe you can be the one who’s doing the recommending for some great new book. This is your chance to like a book, writer, or artist before they’re cool.
Total: $11.97 – after three budget breaking weeks, it’s nice to have a light load this Wednesday.
Keith’s Picks:
DC Universe Rebirth #1 ($2.99) – The time has come. Writer extraordinaire and one of DC’s best writers teams up with some of the best artists to bring us this massive comic book that refocuses on “legacy”, “love”, and “hope” of the DCU. Johns, like me, loves the DC Universe and its characters and has written some classic runs (especially his Flash and Justice Society of America epic runs). He has proven he can combine the classic past with the freshness of the future. This special is generating a lot of hype. I can say with confidence after reading interviews with Johns and reading what he has written before, “in Johns I trust.”
Justice League #50 ($5.99) – It’s been said that this final part of “Darkseid War” should be read before reading “DC Universe Rebirth” #1. With the revelation of the Joker’s identity and “world-changing revelations” for the trinity, this could be almost as epic as the Rebirth special. Geoff Johns’ has done a fantastic job with this epic tale and it’s sad to see him leave this team after this issue.
Superman #52 ($3.99) – Another status quo-altering storyline comes to an end with the final chapter of “The Final Days of Superman”. One of the Lois Lanes is changed “forever” in “Superman” #52, which leads us to suspect this story will lead into the new “Superwoman” book. After many years, Lois is deserving of another title.
Omega Men #12 ($2.99) – The final issue of this tour de force of a book has arrived. Let’s hope that if writer Tom King can’t continue Kyle Rayner and the Omega Men’s journey, then at least others with equal talent can pick up from this inevitable explosive conclusion.
Total: $15.96 – It’s a big week for DC Comics. I can’t wait to get my grubby little hands on that Rebirth special. Plus I’ve steered clear of all the spoilers. As an aside, the new DC logo has grown on me and I can’t wait to see how it looks on the cover.
Kyle’s Picks:
Captain America: Steve Rogers #1 (4.99) – Cap is back! Worth a pick up for me. I really have enjoyed what Spencer has done with Sam Wilson and I am hoping he can bring that character development to Cap. Jesus Saiz is more than capable on art duties and would seem to lend itself to a more serious action styled series which I kind of want right now from Cap. These 4.99 #1s from Marvel though, that stuff is just insane.
DC Universe Rebirth Special #1 (2.99) – DC really has to do a lot of get me on board for their stuff. Grew up a Marvel kid and really been let down with most of DCs stuff from New 52 and on. That said, those spoilers! If you some how managed to avoid those, you are some sort of internet magician. All I will say is it sounds insane. I am not sure I even like it but I am without a doubt on board for this ride.
Legacy Of Luther Strode #6 (3.50) – So obviously I wouldn’t suggest picking up the last issue in a 3 arc series if you have never read it. That would be stupid. However, this is the last issue in a massive 3 arc series. I still remember picking up the first issue of “Luther Strode” and sitting on my sofa being blown away by what I just read. Will be sad to see it go but excited to read this one.
Continued belowLobster Johnson Metal Monsters Of Midtown #1 (3.50) – I don’t know. It’s John Arcudi. It’s Tonci Zonjic. It’s Lobster Johnson. It’s a sure bet it is worth your money.
Nighthawk #1 (3.99) – David Walker has been killing it on Powerman and Iron Fist. Ramon is one of the most dope artist in comics. Just keep an eye on everyone’s sneakers for sure. Nighthawk is a cool ass character who I loved during JMS run. That Bill Sienkiewicz cover is awesome.
Total: $18.97 (Imagine if “Captain America” was not 4.99, right?)
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Disney Magic Kingdom Comics #1 ($6.99) – Literally, the only thing you need to know about this is that IDW has collected a Scrooge McDuck comic by Carl Barks. I don’t care for the Italian Disney comics as much (which is what these IDW Disney comics mostly consist of), but Carl Barks more than makes this short anthology worth it.
East of West #26 ($3.50) – Hickman and Dragotta launch into year three. Though this series has been super decompressed and the second act felt like a lot more wheel spinning than progress, the world-building, intriguing visuals, and character work have remained engrossing. It’s a comic I couldn’t turn away from even if I wanted to.
Rachel Rising #42 ($3.99) – Terry Moore’s horror series reaches its conclusion. Probably not an ideal jumping on point, but it’s an achievement nevertheless.
Monstress #6 ($3.99) – In all honesty, I don’t read a lot of my Image Comics right away. I like to wait until the arc is finished and I have a stack of issues before diving in (while buying the individual issues because of the stupid way the industry is set up) mostly because I don’t always remember what happened month to month. Marjorie Lie and Sana Takeda’s series has been a wonder to look at so far, and with its arc conclusion, I can’t wait to see how this thing unfolds.
Total: $18.47. Also, I don’t know how long this is going for, but Comixology is having a sale on Moebius’s “Incal” series. Humanoids’ stuff is ridiculously overpriced and they’re kind of gatekeepery, but you can get the whole thing for like $12 right now. It’s worth it.
Ken’s Pick:
Baccano! vol. 1: The Rolling Bootlegs ($24.99): Okay, this is technically not a comic. It’s a light novel that inspired a manga adaptation and an anime. One of the greatest anime of the 2000s, in my humble opinion. The easiest way to describe this is if you combined “Fullmetal Alchemist” with “The Godfather” and let Guy Ritchie direct the whole thing, you’d probably get something close to “Baccano!” And now the light novels that inspired it are finally being released here in the west. Get it, and then jam out to the awesome opening to the anime.
Total: $24.99- A bit over, but so worth it.
