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!
Vince’s Picks:
Brass Sun #1 ($3.99) – Ian Edginton and I.N.J. Culbard (artist of “The New Deadwardians”) finally get to put out the sequel to their original steam-punk series “Brass Sun.” If you’re familiar with Culbard’s art, whether through “Brass Sun” or otherwise, then you know why this is so exciting. It’s sure to be a lush and detailed depiction of a unique world.
Trees #1 ($2.99) – I know some people hate when we just point to creator names, but “Warren Ellis” and “Jason Howard”, you guys. Okay, but seriously – secret aliens living among us – observing us – explored through the mind of someone as dialed in to futurism as anyone in speculative fiction? Sign me up.
Dead Body Road #6 ($2.99) – Justin Jordan crafted a slick little revenge story here. A simple story, told very smoothly by Jordan, and very gorgeously rendered by Matteo Scalera.
Sovereign #3 ($2.99) – Chris Roberson and Paul Maybury are slow-burning through some serious world-building with “Sovereign” and I’m in as long as these guys want to keep it going. “Sovereign” keeps dropping in so many great winks and nods to fantasy stories past, too. It’s a stealthily fun book to read.
Sex #13 ($2.99) – One of my very favorite books took a month off last month, and the absence was felt. Like a hole just aching to be filled. Good night, everybody!
Total: $15.95
Brian’s Picks:
Doctor Spektor: Master of the Occult #1 ($3.99) – I have been very pleasantly surprised with the quality of the Gold Key revival at Dynamite, and this is the final of the initial 4 releases – add Mark Waid and Neil Edwards to the mix, and this suddenly becomes the most anticipated book of the week.
C.O.W.L. #1 ($3.50) – I dig Kyle Higgins – his work in the Bat-corner of the DCU has been really fun. Seeing his creator owned stuff succeed would be nice as well – plus, Rod Reis on pencils, instead of colors, intrigues me.
Southern Bastards #2 ($3.50) – #1 was one of my favorite books of the year, thus far. I can’t wait to see what #2 holds.
New 52: Futures End #4 ($3.50) – Time travel fun!
Fantastic Four #5 ($4.99) – Yes, this book is too expensive (even for an oversized issue), but I don’t care. We (or, at least Matt and I) are big fans of what James Robinson and Leonard Kirk are doing on this book, and I look forward to seeing how this arc wraps up.
Total: $19.48
Matt’s Picks:
Rover Red Charle #6 ($5.99) – I really can’t say this enough: “Rover Red Charlie” is the best thing Garth Ennis has done in a very long time. Honestly, that this book is as good as it is is incredibly shocking to me. One part Homeward Bound and another part “Crossed,” it’s a surprisingly emotional and well-thought read that reminds us why Ennis is as important a creator as he is. And if Michael DiPascale’s artwork doesn’t tug at your heart strings some, you basically have no heart. There. I said it.
Southern Bastards #2 ($3.50) – An incredibly strong follow-up to an already rather incredible debut. Latour and Aaron are on the same path to create a comic as important and sharp as “Scalped” at the rate they’re going.
Trees #1 ($2.99) – Well, it’s a new ongoing sci-fi comic by Warren Ellis with amazing artwork by Jason Howard. Does this one really need to be sold to people for at least a first issue? I don’t think so.
Continued belowDeadly Class #5 ($3.50) – I’ve loved the first four issues of this series for its celebration of the time period it revels in and its incredibly dynamic and exciting artwork. I can’t imagine the latest issue will be any less exciting.
Ms. Marvel #4 ($2.99) – I’ve loved every issue of the series so far, and I have to note that it is great to see characters like Kamala taking hold in the public conscious. I don’t expect this issue to be any less exciting, thoughtful and entertaining than what we’ve been given previously.
Total: $18.97
David Harper’s Picks:
Chew/Revival #1 ($4.99) – A flip book featuring two of my favorite comics getting into some absolute weird stuff? This comic seems almost guaranteed to be worth the price, and with four of the best creators in comics right now, it might even exist as an excellent simultaneous introduction to two different worlds.
Trees #1 ($2.99) – New Warren Ellis is always reason to celebrate, but this book from him and Jason Howard looks particularly great even for notable creators such as themselves. Also, their vision of the future just seems unique and incredibly engaging. Yes, please.
Southern Bastards #2 ($3.50) – The first issue of this was unbelievable. One of the best debuts of the year, for sure. I want more from the Jasons, and thankfully, I am getting more right now!
C.O.W.L. #1 ($3.50) – You know, this book is something I’m on the fence about, but Rod Reis’ art looks stellar and the pre-release buzz is strong. I’ll try it out for size.
Deadly Class #5 ($3.50) – An outstanding combination of great period storytelling and beautiful art, Rick Remender and Wes Craig have something truly special being built here. Hopefully you’re on this one already.
Total: $18.48 – It’s all Image, all the time at Mr. Harper’s house
David Henderson’s Picks:
Southern Bastards #2 ($3.50) – So, as it turns out, the first issue was pretty good and with Jason Aaron and Jason Latour, I could probably guarantee that it’s only going to get better from here.
Chew/Revival #1 ($4.99) – While I, unfortunately, don’t read “Chew” in singles because I started reading singles too late, I do read it in trade which means this is actually the first issue of “Chew” I’ll buy. Also, c’mon, it’s a crossover between two great Image books, who doesn’t want in on this.
Trees #1 ($2.99) – Warren Ellis writing what seems to be sci-fi horror about an alien invasion of tress? Yeah, sign me right up.
Batman #31 ($3.99) – The single hold out New 52 title that I just can’t seem to quit. Snyder and Capullo have done some great things with the origin of Batman that is sure to shape incarnations of the character for years to come.
Ms. Marvel #4 ($2.99) – While I knew this book would be good from the first issue, it has continually surprised me since with just how fun it is to read this book. And I need some fun in my life.
Total: $18.46
