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:
“Witchfinder: The Gates of Heaven” #2 ($3.99)— I won’t say too much about this one, except that I was rather happy with the ending… Geeking out happened.
“Black Hammer: Age of Doom” #3 ($3.99)— This series is getting more and more meta, which I’m loving, though I can see how people expecting a straight-up superhero story may not enjoy the shift. Although to be fair, this element was always a part of the series, it’s just becoming much more overt now. For me, this was the a big part of my initial attraction to the series, so if anything it’s just becoming more interesting for me.
“Gideon Falls” #4 ($3.99)— Another Jeff Lemire book. I think this may be the title of his that I’m enjoying the most at the moment. There’s an emphasis on atmosphere I love, and Andrea Sorrentino and Dave Stewart take that and run with it. This is a book that flies by, because you just can’t stop turning the page, and yet the art demands that you linger. I find the pull between these conflicting desires actually makes the book feel even more tense.
“Flavor” #2 ($3.99)— : Joseph Keatinge and Wook Jin Clark’s issue #1 slipped totally beneath my radar. Thankfully, CSBC brought it to my attention. I have a fondness for cooking stories, so this is definitely my jam. Plus there’s something about Xoo and Buster’s interactions that reminds me of Tintin and Snowy and Wallace and Gromit, which is definitely a point in “Flavor’s” favor. Hell, there even seems to be a bit of Final Fantasy VII in its DNA. Anyway, issue #1 was a blast, and I’m looking forward to issue #2.
Total: $15.96. This isn’t just a good pick of comics, it’s an absolute blast. I’m thoroughly enjoying all of these. Damn good week.
Vince’s Picks
Justice League #2 ($3.99) – For my money, the first issue of the JL relaunch is the best comic Scott Snyder has written. High concept, but breezy and fun too – it’s just what I want a “Justice League” comic to be. With a large supporting cast, it’s the closest feeling the book has come to matching the mid-00’s animated series’s expert sense of balance. Jorge Jimenez does the art on this, and he’s a beast too.
Peter Parker Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #1 ($4.99) – Mike Allred drawing Spidey? Pffft. I’m buying two, because I’m gonna ruin one copy by giving it sloppy, wet kisses.
Tank Girl All Stars #1 ($3.99) – A “Tank Girl” anthology title from a variety of creators, which still features art from the most recent regular series artist Brett Parson, who has sneakily become one of my favorite cartoonists in the medium. “Tank Girl” is almost always a hoot, and if you’ve never tried it, perhaps the first issue of an anthology series would be a good place to dip in?
Total: $12.97
Kate’s Picks:
Ice Cream Man Volume 1 Rainbow Sprinkles ($14.99) – Serve yourself up a sundae of horror with the collected trade of this not-so-sweet taste of Twilight Zonecovered in chocolate sauce and whipped cream before the series picks up again next month.
Fence #7 ($3.99) – I have to catch up on this series (and many others) but based on the solicit, the tryouts are coming to a head and the walls between aloof Seiji and scrappy Nicholas are starting to break down.
Total: $18.98. Work plus a nasty case of bronchitis have kept me behind on a lot of things this week, but at least that means I stay under budget!
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Kevin’s Picks:
Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia Hardcover ($39.99) – Look, I get it, this is double the amount you budget for your comics. Sure. But these hardcovers that Dark Horse and Nintendo have been putting out about Legend of Zelda have been beautiful, and this completes the trilogy of the “Arts & Artifacts” and “Hyrule Historia.” I can’t tell you how many hours I spent combing through the history book that I now have proudly and prominently displayed in my apartment. These are beautiful books from one of the most beloved gaming franchises ever. Treat yourself!
Total: $39.99. But! If you have an extra $8 lying around, get “Justice League” #2 (cause #1 might’ve been one of the best debut issues I’ve read) and “Amazing Spider-Man” #801 (marking the end of an era over a decade in the making).
Nick’s Pick:
Aquaman: Tempest TPB ($16.99) – One of Phil Jimenez’s first comics works and one of my favorite miniseries from DC’s past is finally getting reprinted! Jimenez created this shortly after his first boyfriend, DC editor Neal Pozner, passed away, and this story reinvents Tempest and shows him dealing with his own grief after the passing of his girlfriend. It’s an emotionally charged story that Jimenez clearly put his heart and soul into. His art is absolutely wonderful as well, and the story gave the character a great new status quo. I’m ecstatic that it’s finally being reprinted.
Total: $16.99.
