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:
Parasomnia #1 ($3.99) – From Cullen Bunn and Andrea Mutti. This is one of those projects where the match of idea and artist seems really interesting to me. This is a story about two parallel realities and the blurry line between them, and Mutti’s art makes you feel that in every page.
Two Moons #5 ($3.99) – This issue wraps up the first arc of John Arcudi and Valerio Giangiordano’s horror western and it’s right at the top of my to-read pile tomorrow. Here’s hoping a second arc is announced soon.
Monstress #35 ($3.99) – The sixth arc of Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda’s “Monstress” also wraps up tomorrow (which means there will be enough material for a new hardcover collection, FYI). I still think this is the best fantasy comic being published right now―you should read it.
Specter Inspectors #5 ($4.99) – Yet another ending. Bowen McCurdy and Kaitlyn Musto’s paranormal inspectors get an extra-long issue (hence the slight bump in price) to bow out on. And it’s worth it. I always appreciate it when a publisher gives a story the room it needs to be told, so this is a nice move from BOOM! Studios.
Total: $16.99. Not quite enough left for one more issue. Sorry.
Johnny’s Picks:
The Mystery of the Meanest Teacher: A Johnny Constantine Graphic Novel ($9.99) – This checks all the boxes for me: a favorite DC character in the form of a young-ified John Constantine, superstar (and super-funny) writer Ryan North, skilled artist Derek Charm, and an appearance or two from my favorite demon, Etrigan, smooshed together into an all-ages OGN at a very reasonable price? Yeah, for sure. Sign me up!
We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #7 ($3.99) – Looks like we have a bit of a time jump from the first arc – or I am being reminded I have fallen behind in my reading. Either way, the preview pages I perused were intriguing enough to inspire me to catch up. I have until Wednesday!
Total: $13.98. I’ve thought on previous weeks’ sins, and have made this week’s total much more manageable. If my wallet were sentient, it would be breathing sighs of relief.
Christopher’s Picks:
Specter Inspectors #5 ($4.99) – Bowen McCurdy and Kaitlyn Musto’s supernatural BOOM! series has been a beautiful treat: dark, sweet, sinister, romantic and funny, it could very well become a junior high schooler’s favorite book. I’m curious as to whether a follow-up is planned, but whatever McCurdy and Musto plan next, I’ll be sure to check it out.
Shang-Chi #2 ($3.99) – Shang-Chi vs. Captain America? Or at least a contest before battling the real threat? Yes please, sign me right up. I’m really enjoying getting to hear Gene Luen Yang’s take on all these Marvel characters, and I’m certain Dike Ruan’s art will be spectacular too.
Transformers: Beast Wars #5 ($3.99) – The last couple of issues of IDW’s reboot dragged out Nyx’s capture and escape a little, but now we’re getting to see Dinobot face off against his future Maximal brethren, so I’m hyped again.
Star Trek: Year Five #21 ($3.99) – I had a lot of positive words for the previous issue’s revelatory take on Vulcan/Romulan history, so I’m keen to see how Brandon Easton and Silvia Califano’s “episode” wraps up.
Total: $16.96
Kate’s Pick:
Godzilla Rivals vs. Hedorah #1 ($7.99): It’s summer, the season of popcorn action flicks and big kaiju stomping across your screen. If you want more Godzilla after Godzilla vs. Kong, this will fit the bill. And being set in the 70s means we are going to get Godzilla and friends at their cheesiest, most over the top. It’s just the right thing for summer.
Continued belowTotal: $7.99. It’s a cheap week. Going to save the money and roll it over into next week so I can splurge a bit for my birthday (it’s on Monday).
Luke’s Picks:
That Texas Blood #7 ($3.99) – Well… After a fantastic opening six issues, “That Texas Blood” is finally returning! I’ve been desperate to get back to Ambrose County, back to the slow-burn of Chris Condon’s scripts, back to the quiet and secretiveness of Jacob Phillips’s artwork, and now I can. The new arc, ‘Eversaul, 1981,’ is going to flash back to one of Joe Bob’s first cases and I’m sure it’ll be great. If you can buy one comic this week, make it this one.
Total: $3.99
