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:
Judge Dredd: Mega-City Two #5 ($3.99) – Yoo hoo. Uli, it’s for you. Sing a little tune. This has truly been one of my favorite Dredd stories in a while, and certainly the funniest – hands down.
Five Ghosts #12 ($2.99) – I really enjoy Frank J. Barbiere & Chris Mooneyham’s approach to comic books. If you haven’t read our own David Harper’s piece of the worklife on the comic book artist, you owe it to yourself. It’ll make you want to support these guys. “Five Ghosts” is very clearly a labor of love.
Superior Foes of Spider-Man #12 ($3.99) – We now know that this book isn’t long for this world. I think we all suspected it wouldn’t last long anyway. What an offbeat and funny series though. I’m not guilt-free as far as making comparisons to “Hawkeye” is concerned, but the book is so much more than that. It definitely shares some stylistic and rhythmic sensibilities, but that’s only part of what makes it so good.
Lobster Johnson: Get the Lobster #4 ($3.99) – You’re reading this, right? You read everything Tonci Zonjic draws, right?
Five Weapons #9 ($3.50) – Jimmie Robinson’s charming-as-hell teenage assassin book is lighter than most books that could share its description. I continue to be impressed at how well-balanced, good-natured, and packed full of surprises this series has been – not enough people are talking about it.
Total: $18.46
Drew’s Picks:
Simpsons Illustrated #11 ($3.99) – I’m continually flabbergasted that Bongo doesn’t get more attention. Their books are consistently good, they come out on schedule, and they all deliver at least one good story (usually two) that starts and ends in the same issue. Maybe it’s because they are humor books instead of the serious business books everyone likes to discuss? If you haven’t checked out a Bongo title lately, do yourself a favor and pick one up. If this week’s already a heavy load, then just wait and pick up the next one. They’re all equally good.
The Woods #2 ($3.99) – The nature of mystery stories makes them perfectly suited for a serial medium like comics. The first issue of this series delivered on it’s premise (a school full of kids is transported to a hostile alien world, chaos ensues), and I’ve been looking forward to the next chapter ever since. This is the kind of story that will only gather interest as it continues, so get on board now.
Rai #2 ($3.99) – Before this series, I’d read maybe 4 or 5 Valiant books. The futuristic setting really lets Matt Kindt run wild with ideas, and it’s easy to tell he’s having fun. The art is visually stimulating, almost like it’s actually moving while you look at it. The first issue did more world building that plot buildup, so hopefully this issue will move things along a little more.
Final Total: $11.97
Matt’s Picks:
Big Trouble in Little China #1 ($3.99) – … I mean, it’s certainly worth a shot, isn’t it? Brian Churilla and Eric Powell writing Jack Burton’s continued adventures; this seems like a fairly decent recipe for success if you ask me.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #34 ($3.99) – It really can not be understated how good the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book is, and how consistently surprising it is as well. With gorgeous art from Mateus Santolouco it’s kind of a comic book fan’s best dream in comic form.
Superior Foes of Spider-Man #12 ($3.99) – Finally! Spencer and Lieber are back, with a Ron Wimberly cover to boot. I’ve missed this book quite a bit.
Continued belowLoki Agent of Asgard #5 ($2.99) – This book is going to disappear on us for a bit thanks to “Original Sin”, so I don’t want to miss a thing now while we have it.
Cyclops #2 ($3.99) – You know, I remember really enjoying the first issue when it came out and then completely forgetting it was a book. Which is strange, because it has only been a month, but I think if anything that says the impact of the book. That said, I will happily follow Greg Rucka down whatever venture he chooses to try out, so I’ll be giving this book another shot to make a bigger impression on me.
Total: $18.95
Brian’s Picks:
Tiny Titans: Return to the Treehouse #1 ($2.99) – Aw yeah! They’re back!
Nailbiter #2 ($2.99) – Josh Williamson and Mike Henderson crafted a creepy and intriguing first issue – and trust me, this one doesn’t disappoint. The second issue is easily as moody and interesting, if not more, than the first. A must buy.
Lobster Johnson: Get the Lobster! ($3.50) – Tonci Zonjic’s art alone is worth the cost of the book – throw in John Arcudi’s masterful genre writing, and it is something to revel in.
New 52: Futures End #5 / Batman Eternal #9 ($2.99 each) – There’s no two ways about this: DC’s weeklies have been a ton of fun so far. There is no reason you shouldn’t be checking these out.
Action Comics #32 ($3.99) – I recently declared this the best book DC is publishing – are you surprised I’m buying it?
Total: $19.45
David Harper’s Picks:
Afterlife with Archie Volume One ($17.99) – It’s a really small week for me, and one that doesn’t really have any showstoppers out there either. So this week, I’ll try out a book I normally wouldn’t just because I heard such good things about it, and that book is Afterlife with Archie. I’m not normally an Archie guy, but universal acclaim is universal acclaim, and it seems like a very interesting concept from two excellent storytellers. Let’s try it out, guys.
D4VE #5 and Amsterdam Sketchbook ($1.98) – I only have a little money left after that big book, so I’ll buy two Monkeybrain books, one that has been one of my favorite comics of 2014 – D4VE from Ryan Ferrier and Valentin Ramon – and a travelogue sketchbook from one of my favorite cartoonists out there, Natalie “Tally” Nourigat. These are young, hugely gifted comic creators, and for just under $2, you can find some comic work that matches anything else at the shops this week. Don’t miss them.
Total: $19.97 – One big book and two small ones leads to a really exciting week
David Henderson’s Picks:
Nailbiter #2 ($2.99) – Good golly gosh, was that first issue disturbing as shit. I don’t know where this series is going, but I am on board for the ride.
The Woods #2 ($3.99) – There is just a wealth of weird mysteries in comics right now and I love it. It’s great to see James Tynion IV break away from the Batverse to create something unique and hopefully it remains as strong as the first issue.
Magneto #5 ($3.99) – 100 scientists were asked why this book is so good, all of them remain stumped to this day.
The Wake #9 ($2.99) – Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy’s mer-dystopian epic is about to come to a close and if you haven’t been following this book, you’ve been missing out on one of the best comics currently being published.
Cyclops #2 ($3.99) – Greg Rucka really branched out into a heartfelt story that I think can go a long way here and with Russel Dauterman’s art, it’s sure to look bloody beautiful.
Total: $17.95
