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!
Leo’s Picks:
Flintstones #12 ($3.99) – One of my favorite books of the last year, and easily one of the smartest, most on the nose satire comics I’ve ever read, draws to a close. I have to wonder if the plan was only ever for twelve issues or if the sales weren’t there for it to go any longer, but I would seriously love to see this book go on for another twelve or more. Too bad all good things must come to an end.
Babyteeth #1 ($3.99) – Donny Cates is on fire right now with his recent Image books, so anyone sleeping on “Babyteeth” is messing up. Teenage mom giving birth to the Antichrist, as told by Cates and Garry Brown, sounds like a book worth reading.
Extremity #4 ($3.99) – Another dude who is on fire right now is Daniel Warren Johnson. “Extremity” has launched pretty strong and features all the awesome sci-fi, dope action sequences, and genuinely deep characters that DWJ has shown in his work on “Space-Mullet”. I will read “Extremity” as long as Dan continues to make it.
Brave Chef Brianna #4 ($3.99) – I have really enjoyed this story about a young chef who has to deal with literal monsters and anxiety as she attempts to live up to her father’s expectations and strike out on her own. This last issue will hopefully wrap things up nicely and give Brianna the happy ending she deserves.
Rock Candy Mountain ($3.99) – Kyle Starks, hobos, and lots and lots of punching is a perfect combination. Everyone should be reading this.
Total: $19.95
Nick’s Picks:
Iceman #1 ($3.99) – Though my exposure to X-Men comics has been limited, Sina Grace writing a character coming to terms with his sexuality relatively late in life sounds like exactly the kind of book I’d want to read. Also, look at those Kevin Wada covers. Just look at them.
Giant Days #27 ($3.99) – I love “Giant Days”. Every issue is a jumping-on point, so try it out if you’re looking for some wonderful character-based comedy.
Rock Candy Mountain #3 ($3.99) – This turned out to have much more of a plot than I expected. More than just a collection of jokes (though it has those too), I’m pretty excited for this title’s future.
Paper Girls #15 ($2.99) – I haven’t been as enthused with this arc as I was with the last one, but Vaughan and Chiang nonetheless churn out a well-crafted product every month. I’m sure they have some “wow” moments in store for us with this arc-ending issue.
Unsound #1 ($3.99) – High-concept titles usually aren’t my thing — the novelty of the concepts usually wears off quickly — but hey, this one caught me. It’s a new number one, so that high concept should be strong, if nothing else.
Total: $18.95
Matt Lune’s Picks:
Babyteeth #1 ($3.99) – Donny Cates can do no wrong. His work on “God Country” and “Redneck” already establishes his place on my Best of 2017 list, and I’m looking forward to him taking on a true horror concept. “Babyteeth” is all about the scary concept of having a baby at the age of sixteen, but also that baby is the antichrist. Yeah, it takes a pretty unexpected turn in the solicit, but it’s one that I am eager to see unfold.
Unsound #1 ($3.99) – Another great horror debut is out this week, hallelujah! This time from the master of the creepy tale, writer of “Harrow County” and “The Empty Man” Cullen Bunn. “Unsound” is set in a psychiatric hospital and – yep, that’s all I need to know to be scared. There’s also talk of black magic, monsters, and ‘heinous scientific experiments’ but seriously? You had me at asylum.
Continued belowAsh vs Army of Darkness #0 ($0.99) – This is a 16-page prelude to the main series coming soon, which is why it’s only 99c I guess. Either way, this is written by Chad Bowers and Chris Sims, the writers behind “X-Men ‘92” so I’m on board to see how they tackle the Evil Dead franchise. Army of Darkness is my go-to film when I want to cheer myself up, and while the comics have sort of been hit and miss through the years, I’m still looking forward to giving this a go.
Rock Candy Mountain #3 ($3.99) – This will never not be on my list, Kyle Starks is delivering on this series in a big way. It’s funny, engaging and surprisingly educational about hobo culture! This issue promises more information on why the literal Devil is chasing after Jackson, and I can’t wait.
Star Wars: Darth Vader #1 ($4.99) – Man, Charles Soule has got some big shoes to fill. The previous 25-issue run of this series by Kieron Gillen redefined the character as far as I’m concerned, and took a realistic look at the aftermath of A New Hope and building Vader into the threat we see in Empire Strikes Back. This series looks to be jumping back in time slightly, to the perhaps even more fertile ground: the gap between Episodes III and IV. How does a tortured, broken man like Anakin become the seasoned, remorseless villain Darth Vader? Hopefully, we’ll find out here.
Total: $17.95
Justin’s Picks:
Babyteeth #1 ($3.99) – Donny Cates has been on a roll lately with new series, and this one sounds wild. 16 and Pregnant with the antichrist? I’m in.
Darth Vader #1 ($4.99) – I’m cautiously optimistic for this relaunch. I would normally skip a new Soule Marvel series, but it’s Star Wars; I can’t resist. We’ll see if this new series can improve on Kieron Gillen’s amazing run.
The Flintstones #12 ($3.99) – RIP the best series in comics. I’m excited to see how Mark Russell wraps it up and can’t wait for his take on Snagglepuss.
Heathen #4 ($3.99) – I’ve missed listing this series because the digital and print release dates are different, but this has been an amazing book. Natasha Alterici is writing and drawing a great riff on Norse mythology, with a female lead instead of the usual male dominated stories. This issue wraps up the first arc so it’s a perfect time to catch up.
Superman #24 ($2.99) – Maybe it’s because I’m a new parent, but this book hits all the right notes. Tomasi and Gleason are doing a wonderful job creating and exploring a new aspect of Superman with his son Jonathon. This issue promises to bring the two into conflict and I can’t wait to see how it’s handled.
Total: $19.95. A good variety of books this week.
Ramon’s Picks:
Magnus #1 ($3.99) — Sometimes I feel like Dynamite is doing a mess with their King Features and Gold Key properties. Also, I don’t like when a first issue is part of an event, in this case, a tie-in to “The Sovereigns”. That would make this book very unappealing for me, but, for some reason, I’m very interested to see the direction the creators will take, if I like it enough, I might even buy the main series. Also, I love cover B from Fornés.
Babyteeth #1 ($3.99) — Come on! You don’t need an explanation, Donny Cates is ON FIRE, and everyone else is also getting it, absolute no brainer.
Ash vs. Army of Darkness #0 ($0.99) — This one is a first time for me, I promise I’ll watch the entire saga this summer vacations.
Flintstones #12 ($3.99) — Farewell sweet prince, this book was amazing, I can’t believe an entire year passed by. Mark Russel is another newcomer that has been quietly giving us home-runs every month, what’s next? Whatever it is I’m in.
Divided States of Hysteria #1 ($3.99) — aka Howard Chaykin vs Trump and the GOP. (Or at least, a very political book).
Total: $16.95. Trade waiter? Go for “Captain Kid” Vol.1 ($14.99), or “Color Your Own Spider-Man” ($9.99). Also you can blow-off your wallet with “Too Much Coffee Man Omnibus Plus” ($39.99) and/or “DC Comics/Dark Horse Batman vs Predator” TP ($34.99).
Continued below
Kevin’s picks:
The Unstoppable Wasp #6 ($3.99) – So I am unashamed to say that this is my favorite series at Marvel right now. Nadia’s blissful optimism and unrelenting ability to see the best and brightest in every situation and to celebrate the intelligence of all people is kind of beautiful. Also the interviews in the back of the issue with current female scientists make me grin every month. If you aren’t getting this book (which let’s be honest most of you aren’t) you should be. This isn’t a diversity gimmick, Nadia is a necessary addition to the Marvel Universe.
Batman #24 ($2.99) – It’s hard to believe that Rebirth is over a year old and that the ongoing “Watchmen” mystery is over a year in the making. It’s been really cool watching these creative teams wrap up the first year of storytelling and prepare to kick off year two. King, Finch, and Janin’s Batman is no different, Bane is defeated, The Button is pinned, what happens now before our inevitable Joker/Riddle war? Oh boy. This issue’s divisive. Let Bat-fans be divided for years to come. Get ready.
Doctor Strange #20 ($4.99) – If Marvel has taught me anything over the last few years, it is to trust Jason Aaron. Aaron seems to have a grip on the MCU that many of Marvel’s writers at this stage do not, which is probably why he’s writing the upcoming “Marvel Legacy” #1 when the inevitable Rebirth-esque relaunch happens. This week Aaron and Bachalo’s “Doctor Strange” ends before trading creative teams and entering “Secret Empire” tie-in territory. Stephen Strange’s fall from grace and climb back to some level of respectability has been a fun 19 issues in the making. Let the final showdown commence.
Dark Knight III: The Master Race #9 ($5.99) – This fucking book is a convoluted mess, and I’ve been waiting since my junior year of college for it to finish. I have a bachelor’s now. Let it end DC let it end.
Total: $17.96. Lighter week, but be ready for next week as the Dark Days are coming.
Kent’s Picks
The Flintstones #12 ($3.99) – Fred, Wilma, Bowling Ball, and all the various proponents of Gerald crawl back into the tar pits from whence they came as Mark Russell and Steve Pugh close out their masterful run. The prehistoric shenanigans have swung from whip smart to silly and back again twice over to carve up modern society like no other satire on the shelves. One on hand it will be missed; on the other, it’s never come close to losing its bite.
Deathstroke #20 ($3.99) – This is still the best costume book out right now. Seems like ‘The Lazarus Contract’ closed out the first act of Priest’s Slade Wilson saga. And the change-up starting here feels earned and feels fresh.
Drifter #19 ($3.99) – Nic Klein and Ivan Brandon’s sci-fi tale has been challenging at times, oblique at others, but has never really stopped being compelling – well until now, that is. “Drifter” hits the old dusty trail this week. It wasn’t here for a long time, but it’s been a good time.
Extremity #4 ($3.99) – Luckily Daniel Warren Johnson comes along to take the edge of that last pick. He’s weaving an earthen, sci-fi epic that feels hard-worn and weary. His art is amongst the most visceral, most kinetic work out there right now.
Total: $15.96 – A couple farewells and a couple holding steady. Really, it’s a bumper crop this week. The list could easily twice as long, but I’ll cap it here to save some scratch for “The Goon Library Edition Volume 5” ($49.99).
Matthew’s Picks:
The Flintstones #12 ($3.99) – As we go on, we remember
Doctor Strange #20 ($4.99) – All the times we had together
Faith #12 ($3.99) – And as our lives change, come whatever
Spider-Man / Deadpool #18 ($3.99) – We will still read comics forever
Bulletproof Coffin: The Thousand Yard Stare #1 ($3.99) – Oh, and “Bulletproof Coffin” is back. Fuck yeah.
Total: $20.95 – Big week for finales, and me writing weird CSBCs just to fuck with the editors of the site and see if they notice; dig an extra dollar out of your pocket and deal with it, Brian!
Continued belowBrian’s Picks:
Star Wars Darth Vader #1 ($4.99) – I haven’t been the biggest fan of Soule’s work on the Star Wars license just yet, but I’m giving this book a shot for reasons that I don’t think are all that surprising: I love the character and want to see an interesting book starring him. Plus, the setting (between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope) is one that is underexplored in the new canon, so let’s do this, folks.
Deathstroke #20 ($3.99) – The best DC book continues to intrigue and delight. Priest is doing the best work of his career, and that is saying something.
Space Battle Lunchtime #1 ($1.00) – I missed this book the first time around, and since Oni is doing their $1 #1s again, I’ll pick this up, which will inevitably lead to me buying the whole series. Damn you, Oni!
Youngblood #2 ($3.99) – The first issue was great – spoiler alert, this one is even better.
Superman #24 ($2.99) – The second best DC book, and the one that is most emblematic of what ‘Rebirth’ should be. Thank goodness this book exists.
Total: $16.96 – Matthew can borrow a buck.
Ken’s Pick:
Deathstroke #20 ($3.99): The epilogue of “The Lazarus Contract” and while that crossover had flaws, having read this issue, it continues to solidify why this book is the best in Rebirth. Relentless in its examination of Slade Wilson, it’s a hard one to get through.
Total: $3.99
