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!
Mark’s Picks:
“Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: The Beast of Vargu” ($3.99)— Duncan Fegredo and Mike Mignola reunite for a pair of short stories (‘The Beast of Vargu’ and ‘The Secret God of the Roma’) in this one-shot, and it is so damn good. I absolutely loved this issue. I’ve got nothing but praise for it. The Hellboy Universe usually has a pretty high standard for its comics, but this sits well above those. No, it’s not a ground-breaking story that’ll turn the Hellboy Universe upside down, but rather a simple tale masterfully told. I cannot recommend this enough. It’s a deeply satisfying read. (Also, you’re going to have a hard time choosing which cover to get for this issue. Both the Mignola cover and the Fegredo cover are fantastic.)
“Gideon Falls” #14 ($3.99)— I’ve just caught up to date with this series, and I gotta say, I’m really loving the time-jumping aspect at play. It reminds me a little of the fourth and fifth seasons of Lost. I’m a sucker for time travel / dimension jumping at the best of times, but throw in this weird supernatural element and I’m totally on board.
“Monstress” #23 ($3.99)— I’m so far behind at this point, stubbornly refusing to read any “Monstress” until the hardcover collection comes out in July.
“Rumble” #13 ($3.99)— Another series I’m behind on. I haven’t started this latest arc, but it certainly seems like the series is building to a big climax of some sort what with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse on the loose.
Total: $15.96. As a natural trade waiter, these weekly lists always end up being a bit of “what if I was a weekly single issue reader” imaginary scenario, but all these titles are so consistently good, it’s no stretch of the imagination that I’d be picking up all of these.
Kevin’s Picks:
“Unstoppable Wasp” #9 ($3.99) – Ugh I’m not ready for this book to end next month, but I’m ready to enjoy these last two issues. I have loved Jeremy Whitley and Gurihiru’s run with Nadia and the scientists at G.I.R.L. and I hope these characters have a home following this.
“Justice League” #26 ($3.99) – This title…just when you think it’s as big as its gonna get they pull the omniversal rug out from under you once more. All these multviersal antics are still ridiculous and ridiculously fun. At least once or twice reading every issue I have a big ol grin and just chuckle to myself because this books is nuts. Also I’m excited Javi Fernandez is getting to draw this issue he deserves to be in DC’s prime stable and I look forward to what he’s got going here!
“Miles Morales: Spider-Man” #7 ($3.99) – Saladin Ahmed is hitting his groove finally with this book and him and Javier Garron are crafting something really intimate and fun. I’m looking forward to the kick-off to the second arc, especially too because I can relive Into the Spider-Verse ever so briefly with that cover from the movie’s art director Patrick O’Keefe.
“Guardians of the Galaxy” #6 ($3.99) – I was in before, but after “Silver Surfer: Black” #1 blew me away last week, count me down for all of Donny Cates and co.’s cosmis antics. You’ll hear more of my gushings about that book on Make Mine Multiversity this week, but suffice to say, Cates is playing the long game. With all his titles. Geoff Shaw is a great artist and him and Cates clearly have a ton of chemistry, and I’ll miss him after he rolls off after this arc. Anyway, this book is great, and small and big and wild all at the same time and I’m here for it.
Continued below“Psi-Lords” #1 ($3.99) – Count me curious. This is one of the last big Valiant properties that hasn’t made it’s debut in the reboot. Fred Van Lente did my favorite of all the Valiant books so far with his run on “Archer & Armstrong,” so I’m excited for what he can do here. Renato Guedes is no slouch either, though the previews for this book have showcased a change in his style (or in the coloring) where it looks more painterly. Anyway, count me in for one and we’ll see from there!
Total: $19.95
Kyle’s Picks:
Hellboy and BPRD Beast of Vargu (3.99) – You can’t really go wrong with more Hellboy. It is also a Mignola penned story with Duncan Fegredo art. It is going to be good. It is just a one shot which Hellboy does so well. It is a character that has this long insane history and lore but they consistently able to put out one-shot stories that work without any of that knowledge needed. .
Hit-Girl Season 2 #5($3.99) – I like the idea of these Hit-Girl mission arcs that are done by different creative teams. I skipped the first 4 issues of Season Two which were the Kevin Smith issues and kind of forgot about it till I saw Goran Parlov’s awesome cover for issue #5. Then I noticed he was doing the art and I thought oh fuck I gotta try this arc. Then I saw Daniel Way was writing this arc and thought that is not too bad either. If you notice any trend in my picks it is that I will get something complete based on an artist. Parlov is always worth a buy.
Little Bird #4(3.99) To round off this week the next two picks are ones I had picked previously but I enjoyed so much I will include again. “Little Bird” might honestly be my favorite book I am reading right now. I was really grabbed by the story but honestly Ian Bertram’s art is just something I need in my life. It is near perfect to me for what I want/like in comic art. The series is just doing everything right for me.
Last Stop on the Red Line #2 (3.99) The second book I have already recommended but man did I love that first issue. Again it hits all the right notes with me much like “Little Bird.” I love the Boston setting, the characters, the tone, it was all on point. I think I mentioned last time that Paul Maybury is one of my favorite artists so Sam Lotfi had some shoes to fill as the artist on a book written by Paul and his stuff is fantastic. I am excited to have both this and “Little Bird” on my read pile this week.
Total: $ 15.96
Kate’s Picks:
Crucified #1 ($3.99) – There’s a certain irreverence to this title, a story of a contract killer whose next hit is on a man who could be the next Jesus Christ, that drew me in. I think it’s also going to probe some deeper questions of faith that readers may find interesting.
Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor #9 ($3.99) – Credit to Titan for revamping their entire Doctor Who line to provide smaller arcs that allow easier access to entry. I’m currently reading the Eleventh Doctor series for our Summer Comics Binge and it’s really a series where you have to start with issue #1. Now, Titan has provided multiple points of entry, making the comics so much more accessible than before.
Planet of the Nerds #3 ($3.99) – 80s jocks meet modern technology, and hilarity will ensue. This is leaning into nostalgia done right.
Superman Year One #1 ($7.99) – On the announcement of a Harley Quinn origin story coming from DC Black Label later this year, I’m curious to see what DC’s mature imprint does with the wholesome-as-apple-pie Superman.
Total: $19.96
Vince’s Pick:
Usagi Yojimbo #1 ($3.99) – For my money, the most important comic book coming out this week. Previously published by Dark Horse and now at IDW, “Usagi Yojimbo” is one of the longest-running, most satisfying creator-owned comics out there. I mean, what more can be said about it that hasn’t been said already? It’s legendary, and if you’re not reading it, now is the perfect time to start.
Total: $3.99
