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!
Vince’s Picks:
Trees #2 ($2.99) – I’m not sure why I’m surprised that I ended up liking this book so much. Warren Ellis isn’t someone I have any business doubting. I just didn’t expect to find such a rich first issue. There’s an awful lot going on in this book. It’s provocative too, which is exciting.
Outcast #1 ($2.99) – Just letting you know that if you don’t buy this, you’re going to see it on eBay in a year and half, after Kirkman gets a TV deal out of it, and it’ll be worth a hundred bucks.
Saga #20 ($2.99) – Did you know that it’s a federal crime to not put “Saga” on your CSBC list?
Sex #14 ($2.99) – Sometimes I read this in public, just for the thrill of it.
Chew #42 ($2.99) – “Chew/Revival” rekindled my love for “Chew” – one of the kings of the creator-owned movement as we know it today. Still as good as ever, too.
Superman #32 ($3.99) – I love John Romita Jr’s art. It’s not always technically flawless, but there’s so much gravitas, emotion, and sense of grandeur to it. Kind of sounds like just what “Superman” needs, doesn’t it? I also look for Geoff Johns to work his continuity magic to throw away some of the dumb stuff that was done with the character over the last 3 years.
Total: $18.94
David Harper’s Picks:
Dream Thief: Escape #1 ($3.99) – The first volume of this book was very, very good, and this issue is an excellent continuation of that. But the big reason to be all over this is artist Greg Smallwood, someone who is one of the stand out new voices in comic art over the last couple years. Killer stuff.
Chew #42 ($2.99) – The crazy is about to start in this book, but after 5 years running, Layman and Guillory have me as hooked as ever.
Deadly Class #6 ($3.50) – If you haven’t been reading this, you need to change that, stat. This Vegas arc has been truly unbelievable in the best ways, and I am very interested in seeing the ramifications of the past issue on young Marcus. Plus, Wes Craig and Lee Loughridge ain’t nothin’ to fuck with.
Saga #20 ($2.99) – It’s lazy, but honestly, do I really need to explain why I am buying Saga?
Trees #2 ($2.99) – The first issue of this series was very unique, and it almost felt like a trailer for the real series (but I mean that in a complimentary way). This second issue I imagine will get further into the meat of things, and I’m excited for it.
Revival #21 ($2.99) – Dan’s going to New York, New York! As the first person to roll out of Wausau since R-Day, this should be a very interesting point for the series. I bet Seeley and Norton nail it.
Total: $19.45 – heavy on the $2.99 side and I like it!
Brian’s Picks:
Justice League #31 ($3.99) – The Justice Lex era has provided the book with a spark it hasn’t really had in the New 52. Let’s hope Johns and co. can keep up that excitement for the rest of this arc.
Flash Gordon #3 ($3.99) – There is nothing not to love about this book – it is beautiful to look at, it is cleverly written, and it feels like a freewheelin’ adventure on every single page.
New Avengers Annual #1 ($4.99) – Frank Barbiere takes a shot at Dr. Strange, and that is reason enough to plunk down extra cash for an annual.
Continued belowFantastic Four #6 ($3.99) – I don’t know why people are down on this book – I really don’t get it.
Total: $16.96
Matt’s Picks:
Rachel Rising #26 ($3.99) – I feel bad, I kind of always forget when this book comes out. But it’s so good! I feel like saying a Terry Moore book is probably self-explanatory for a lot of people, granted, but I will note that the current arc basically allows the book to somewhat start from scratch (to a certain extent), so if you’ve never tried it out before, now is as good a time as any.
The Goon: One for the Road ($3.50) – Eric Powell’s seminal series “The Goon” is back, baby, and there’s absolutely no reason whatsoever to sit this out.
Stray Bullets: Killers #4 ($3.50) – I don’t know how else to be evangelical about the work of David Lapham in “Stray Bullets,” so I guess I’ll just keep putting it in my weekly pull list and finding new ways to talk around that aspect until everyone is buying it forever and ever and ever and ev
Deadly Class #6 ($3.50) – I’ve been loving what Remender and Craig have been doing with this series. It’s funny how this book about a school of assassins feels more like a slice of life book about the 80s, and yet with every issue Craig finds new and inventive ways to layout the issue, with Remender writing some of his best non-sci-fi work over it. It’s a great team-up.
Enormous #1 ($3.99) – Full disclosure: we’ve been pimping this book out on the site for a very long time, to the extent that I’ve even helped out in the production of the book. That said, I believe in the book — Tim and Mehdi have worked extensively to craft this book into something ready to go out into the world. If you like giant monsters and stories about survival in desolate landscapes, I think you’ll find something to like in this book as well.
Total: $18.48
James’ Picks:
New Avengers #20 ($3.99) – “New Avengers” has always been a bit of an oddball in the Avengers family of titles; straddling the line between high concept sci-fi and corrupt morality play, not always successfully either. Yet, with the last issue – which had the best Namor moment in a series full of them, I am pumped to watch The Illuminati fight Marvel’s lower-tier Justice League knock off.
Ms. Marvel #5 ($2.99) – Absolutely no surprise here. Kamala Khan is a breath of fresh air to the Marvel Universe. Wilson and Alphona’s “Ms. Marvel” is an incredibly distinct comic, in both style and voice, and I look forward to each issue. Plus, seeing Khan take on New York City is going to be a blast. Not enough heroes hang around there, to be honest. Bonus if Kamala hangs outside near my building I go crazy when characters do that (lookin’ at you X-23 + Jubilee).
All-New Ghost Rider #4 ($3.99)- If Kamala Khan’s a breath of fresh air then Robbie Reyes is a burst of smoke that’s probably just carbon emission but still feels great. Tradd Moore’s on fire (heh) with his art here and when combined with Alphona at “Ms. Marvel”, both show a Marvel Universe with a lot of variety in its aesthetics.
WWE Superstars ($3.99) – Oh my god, how have I not been reading this already. I recently just got into WWE but I am also all in, especially with this issue which seems to be reaching Deliverance levels of creepy. John Cena (Fruity Pebbles salesman) and Randy Orton (douche) get kidnapped by the Wyatt Family who, in case you don’t know, are the bad guy from True Detective but if they were three of him, he wasn’t subtle, and one of him wore a sheep mask and the other a fedora. Also it’s written by notable maniac with a heart of gold, Mick Foley.
If you need any more convincing, watch this video.
Total: $14.96
Zach’s Picks:
Superman #32 ($3.99) – John Romita Jr. drawing Superman. That’s reason enough to check this book out. Geoff Johns returning to the character is icing on the cake. His run on Action Comics is one of my absolute favorites, and I absolutely cannot wait to seem him work that magic on the New 52 incarnation.
Justice League #31 ($3.99) – Speaking of Geoff Johns, this week also has the latest issue of Lex Luthor, I mean Justice League, hitting the stands. I’m really digging the post-“Forever Evil” status quo, and hope this issue gets the ball moving a bit quicker.
Flash Gordon #3 ($3.99) – This is undoubtedly one the best looking and most fun comics that you’re likely overlooking. Please rectify this situation immediately.
Saga #20 ($2.99) – I’m still crying from the end of last issue.
Trees #2 ($2.99) – I’m a sucker for Warren Ellis sci-fi, and this series looks to be another winner all around. Plus, Jason Howard is killing it on art. He gives the book a great cinematic feel, without the negative connotations that often accompany that term.
Total Price: 17.95
