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!
Rowan’s Picks:
Dark Knights: Death Metal #1 ($3.99) – I had a lot of fun with the original “Dark Knights: Metal”, and this looks to be more of the same but with more edgy nonsense that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Which is what I’m very here for! Plus, this looks to be the actual real conclusion to Snyder’s “Justice League” so I’m here for some closure, too.
Tartarus #3 ($3.99) – There has been a slew of great looking eco-centric sci-fi books coming out from Image lately (“Protector” is another personal favorite), and “Tartarus” is giving me all of that high-concept nonsense with humor and style. Johnny Christmas and Jack T. Cole are killing it on this book.
Wonder Woman: Dead Earth #3 ($6.99) – Daniel Warren Johnson has been tearing up this book in his first few issues, and I’m so glad to see it come back for the first time post-COVID. This is true auteur comics and exactly the type of content Black Label should be producing. Plus, I cannot wait to see Johnson’s post-apocalyptic-as-heck Superman in this issue.
Total: $14.97
Mark’s Picks:
“Gideon Falls” #22 ($3.99) – So, uh, I totally loved the last arc of “Gideon Falls” and given the way things were left, this new arc could go almost anywhere. However, I think it’s fair to say there will be hordes of insects.
“Family Tree” #6 ($3.99) – I could be wrong about this, but my reading of issue #5’s final few pages was that we were done with the prologue. I expect going into issue #6, this is where chapter one begins. I suspect Jeff Lemire and Phil Hester are telling a larger story than they first let on.
“Invader Zim Quarterly” #1 ($5.99) – I’m curious to see how the larger format affects this series.
Total: $13.97.
Kate’s Picks:
Tianamen 1989: Our Shattered Hopes ($19.99) – When I think about the era in which I came of age, the one event or movement I remember most vividly was watching the fall of communism, right on my TV. This graphic novel presents the story of the Tianamen Square uprising from 1989 from a first hand account of a teacher that saw it all. There’s a context here that you didn’t often see in the media (what media was allowed to broadcast, that is) that this first person account provides, so I’m keen to revisit this seminal moment with new perspectives — and a deeper appreciation of their impact that 11 year old me could not begin to understand.
Total: $19.99. One pick this week, but an important one.
Christopher Chiu-Tabet’s Picks:
Tiananmen 1989: Our Shattered Hopes ($19.99) – June 4, 1989, was one of the most dreadful events in modern Chinese (or even world) history, and it’s amazing it’s taken this long for a survivor to tell their story this way (although given how much Beijing has suppressed memory of the incident in the mainland, it’s sadly unsurprising). Regardless of how well journalist and writer Adrien Gombeaud’s script of Lun Zhang’s account actually meshes with Ameziane’s artwork, this is a unique and important read that should remind us how much we should cherish the right to protest.
Total: $19.99
Jason’s Picks:
Wonder Woman: Dead Earth #3 ($6.99) – I feel like it’s been a long time since the last two issues. That said, I loved them and look forward for the finale.
Dark Nights: Death Metal #1 ($4.99) – I honestly had no interest in this event. Events don’t move me anymore, but I did enjoy “Dark Nights: Metal.” Granted I enjoyed it for how batshit crazy it was. Nonetheless, I wasn’t sold until I saw a panel with a Batman T-Rex, then I knew I wanted to read it.
Continued belowThe Green Lantern Season Two #4 ($3.99) – I loved the series so far, and I have a feeling this will continue on the other issues.
Tartarus #3 ($3.99) – Three issues in and “Tartarus” has a place in my heart. I’ve loved every moment of the series and would highly suggest it!
Total: $19.96. Damn, I’m only four cents off from twenty! I’m pretty proud of myself!
Vince’s Picks:
WYND #1 ($4.99) – James Tynion IV is in quite a groove right now and his collabs with Michael Dialynas have hit their mark so far. A story of magic and mystery sounds like a good recipe for this team.
Dark Nights: Death Metal #1 ($4.99) – Here it is. DC & co. are calling this “the encore” for the Snyder & Capullo collab, and I have to say it’s shaping up to be a worthy effort. It’s been a long strange trip for all of us as far as getting new comics into our hands again, so it brings me immense pleasure to tell you that “Death Metal” #1 is worth every dime. This creative team has crafted an apocalyptic DCU you’ll have fun getting lost in.
Wonder Woman: Dead Earth #3 ($6.99) – I can’t describe how nutty this comic is in one little blurb. Go “Bing” some Daniel Warren Johnson art and if you like what you see then just go grab this comic sight unseen. It’s so gorgeous, and in DC’s oversized “Black Label” format, it feels substantial in your hands. One of the best things DC is putting out right now.
Total: $16.97
Johnny’s Picks:
Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction Vol. 8 ($14.99) – Though I may have given Inio Asano’s other recent release, the graphic novel “Downfall,” a somewhat unfavorable review, I’m all in on the manga creator’s outstanding sci-fi series. The plot is simple, in the recent past aliens have arrived and, for reasons unknown, hover ominously over Tokyo. After three years of this occupation, life continues much as it did before the aliens. The teen characters who dominate the cast still have normal lives, filled with identity crises, school crushes, and college entrance exams. This is a perfect Gen-Z book, a prescient look at the overwhelming burdens their generation must face while still having to confront the more mundane aspects of life at a time when discovering who we are meant to be is vital. I can’t recommend this book highly enough!
Total: $14.99
