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:
Paklis #1 ($5.99) -This book might be $6, but I feel like it’s justifiable. It’s an anthology of cool sounding scifi stories made by Dustin Weaver, and that last part may be the most important bit. I’m quite interested to see what Weaver does with an ongoing anthology where he’s writing and drawing his own long(ish)form stories. The biggest thing with anthologies like these is always just getting people to actually buy them, so hopefully enough people show up and help keep this thing going.
Fissure #2 ($3.99) – It feels like the first issue of this came out a million years ago, but it’s only been a couple of months. The first issue that Daniel and Delpeche put together was strong enough to keep me coming back, so I’ll be there to see how this second issue further develops the weird horror book they’ve started.
Black Road #10 ($3.99) – I continue to be a Brian Wood fan when it comes to him writing books about Vikings. It is what it is.
Rick and Morty #26 ($3.99) – I’m usually not one for licensed comics, but I’ve bought a trade or two of this in the past just to check it out and it’s weird how well Kyle Starks captures the voice of the show. This is definitely one way to tide you over until the third season finally starts showing.
Total: $17.96
Nick’s Picks:
Heroines #1 ($5.99) – Ted Naifeh has been making a splash with his all-ages graphic novel work over the last few years, so I’m excited to see how he does with monthly single issues. From interviews, it seems like he’s interested in using the concept of female superheroes to explore greater themes of inclusion and marginalization. Super excited for this.
Wonder Woman Annual #1 ($4.99) – I make it a point to read every Wonder Woman comic. Given that, and the fact that the movie is coming out Friday, and that this issue has a mixture of creative teams from the past, present, and future? Count me in.
Teen Titans Lazarus Contract Special #1 ($4.99) – “Deathstroke” is one of DC’s best series right now. “The Lazarus Contract” has been my favorite of these four-week DC events so far. With Priest on the script, I have no doubt it’ll stick the landing.
Motor Girl #6 ($3.99) – Gotta appreciate Terry Moore’s consistency, in both his dedication to independent monthly publishing and in his unwavering quality. “Motor Girl” has been a joy to read so far, so I’m in for the long haul.
Total: $19.96
Matt Lune’s Picks:
Paklis #1 ($5.99) – “Step into the unknown. Journey into the shadows. There you’ll find PAKLIS.” With this, I’m hooked. Anthology books seem to break free of any creative restraints and are always fertile ground for imaginative content. “Paklis” is Dustin Weaver’s new sci-fi anthology and each of the three stories here sound fascinating. This is a no-brainer for me.
Aliens: Dead Orbit #2 ($3.99) – The first issue of this series was exactly as awesome as you’d imagine an Alien series created by James Stokoe would be, and I can’t imagine this being any different. Stokoe is managing to create a series that captures the essence of the decades old franchise so effortlessly, and yet is quintessentially his own. Each page is a visual delight and the first issue teased the reader by withholding the titular monster as much as possible; here’s hoping we get to see more of the deadly Xenomorph this time around
Continued belowNamwolf #2 ($3.99) – Fabian Rangel and Logan Faeber knocked it out of the park with the first issue and after being recommended it by a friend, I’m passing that recommendation onto you. If you missed issue 1 don’t worry – this is a series about a werewolf in Vietnam, a mix of Predator and Dog Soldiers and if that isn’t enough to get you picking this up then we are two very different people.
Secret Empire: Uprising – One-Shot ($4.99) – Marvel’s Big Event has its claws in me and it’s not letting go. Yes, it’s not without it’s controversy (and yes, I realise that is the understatement of the year), however there are some great things happening if you can see past the HydraCap headlines. One such thing: the next generation of heroes stepping up where their predecessors have failed, and this one-shot aims to shine the spotlight on them. Amadeus Cho, Riri Williams, Viv Vision, Miles Morales, Nadia Pym and Joaquin Torres are all put to the test in Black Widow’s new red Room…
Saga #43 ($0.25) – How can you refuse such a cheap issue? Image is aiming to draw attention to one of its smaller, lesser known titles (jokes) with such a tempting price for a brand new, new-reader friendly arc. While I’ve fallen behind on Saga by an arc or two, I’ll be picking this up because, well, why wouldn’t you?
Total: $19.21 – A couple higher priced books is evened out by one ridiculously cheap one. A really strong week.
Mark’s Picks:
Lobster Johnson: The Pirate’s Ghost #3 ($3.99) — I don’t want to say too much about this one. You’re best going in knowing nothing. All I’ll say here is that I liked it. John Arcudi’s writing impressed me more than usual (and that’s saying something), and Tonci Zonjic’s art is the best it’s ever been on the series. I simply cannot wait to get my hands on the trade paperback collection of this because holy crap it’s gonna have one hell of a sketchbook section! This was a pleasure to read… and an even greater pleasure to reread.
Monstress #12 ($3.99) — Here’s another book I’ll be eager to buy the trade for. I love the world created by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda.
Southern Cross #12 ($3.99) — Now that all six issues of the “Romulus” arc are done, I’m looking forward to reading all of ’em back to back. Cloonan’s creator-owned projects are always something I’m excited for.
The Visitor: How and Why He Stayed #4 ($3.99) — It’s an excellent week for the Hellboy Universe. Chris Roberson, Paul Grist, and Bill Crabtree absolutely nailed this issue. It’s an excellent example of a creative team working together synchronously; each member elevating the work of every other.
Joe Golem, Occult Detective: The Outer Dark #1 ($3.99) — Joe Golem’s back. Given the long break since the last issue, I was expecting a slow wind-up, but instead this arc has momentum right from page one. Patric Reynolds’s work particularly shines, especially in the moodier sequences.
Total: $19.95. Damn good week.
Matthew’s Picks:
Wonder Woman Annual #1 ($4.99) – This is it! Wonder Woman finally comes out in theaters this week! Celebrate with some new Wonder Woman comics, why don’t you?
Saga #43 ($0.25) – For a quarter, a new issue of “Saga” is a hard deal to pass up. Even if you don’t read “Saga” this is a pretty low risk investment opportunity.
Black Science #30 ($3.99) – Remender and Scalera have been on fire with this book for a while now, and I’m excited to see what unfortunate shit will happen to Grant and the gang in this end-of-arc issue. “Black Science”? More like “Bleak Science”, am I right?!
Cable #1 ($3.99) – I’ll be honest: I think the latest changes to Marvel’s X-Universe post-IvX have been Meh City. I keep giving things a shot and keep shrugging my shoulders. But, if I have to give any book a shot in this line-up, it’s definitely the one by James Robinson. So, y’know, why not?
Moon Knight #14 ($3.99) – Lemire’s final “Moon Knight” entry, in a run that has been tremendous. I will greatly miss this title.
Continued belowTotal: $17.21
Kent’s Picks
Aliens: Dead Orbit #2 ($3.99) – Stokoe’s first issue with the Xenomorph property felt absolutely inline with the worn-out, space-truckin’ vibe of Ridley Scott’s original. But it doubled-down on that hyper-detailed sensibility that’s solely Stokoe’s own. I’ve got a good idea where this one’s headed – it’s nowhere pretty, but it’s going to look so good.
Doom Patrol Volume 1: Brick by Brick ($16.99) – I completely overslept my alarm and missed the first three issues of Gerard Way and Nick Derington’s run. I grabbed the fourth and my head’s still spinning trying to figure out what the hell I just read. Some books warrant picking up the back issues, this one warrants picking up a slab.
Total: $19.98
Brian’s Picks:
Teen Titans: The Lazarus Contract Special #1 ($4.99) – This has been the most satisfying DC crossover in years – and that is no small part to the ‘show runner’ Priest, who also scripts this issue. This isn’t the type of crossover that will shake the entire line to its core, but it will have lasting impact on all of the associated books for quite some time.
The Visitor: How and Why He Stayed #4 ($3.99) – This series started off slow, but is growing into a very satisfying sister story to that of Hellboy’s. I’m fascinated to see where this goes.
Paklis #1 ($5.99) – I love an anthology, and with the recent cancellation of “Dark Horse Presents,” there’s a gaping hole in that style. The fact that this is a one-artist anthology, by Dustin Weaver no less, means that this is going to be pretty special and unique. I’m very excited to check it out.
Cable #1 ($3.99) – I think I would lose my James Robinson fanboy card if I didn’t pick this book.
Total: $18.96
