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:
Kaijumax Season 2 #2 ($3.99) – If you’re not reading “Kaijumax” at this point, then I really don’t know what to tell you. Just go get it.
Weavers #2 ($3.99) – The first issue of “Weavers” introduced a really interesting concept with some decent characters. This second issues promises some more info on the backstory of the titular Weavers and that’s something I’m all about. “Weavers” has my attention for at least a couple more issues.
Wacky Raceland #1 ($3.99) – I won’t lie, I’ve heard some less than positive things about this book. Way less than positive. But that’s also sort of exactly why I want to read it? The Hanna Barbera books have been a mixed bag so far and “Wacky Raceland” looks like it could be a straight up dumpster fire. I’ll be basking in the warmth of it if so.
Birthright #16 ($2.99) – A new arc of “Birthright” is always a good thing. Like most good comics, it’s fallen into that thing where it seems like no one talks about it after the first five issues or so. Even so, this is always a book worth looking out for.
Total: $14.96
Mark’s Picks:
Poppy! and the Lost Lagoon ($14.99) — OK, so I’ve been excited about this ever since it was first announced back in 2014. When I was a kid I loved these sorts of adventure books and I still do. The book’s got an excellent creative team, so my hopes for this one are high.
Head Lopper #4 ($5.99) — “The Island” arc comes to an end! I gotta say, I really love this quarterly comic format; it’s much more enjoyable than monthlies. I love what Andrew MacLean is doing on this book and I’m so glad it’s been renewed for another miniseries next year. I’m a little torn though, because I loved “ApocalyptiGirl” too and I’d love to see another story set in that world. How’s cloning technology going? Can we get another MacLean yet?
Abe Sapien #34 ($3.99) — Oh my god. This changes everything.
Total: $24.97. Yes, I went over. I know, I know. But this week it was impossible to get things under $20, and there’re even more books that didn’t make the list that make me feel like a monster for not including them. Damn it, there are like four more books that absolutely should be on this list. Why do you do this to me Multiversity Comics? Why do you make me choose?
Vince’s Picks:
Lumberjanes/Gotham Academy #1 ($3.99) – Two great tastes that…probably…taste great together? Toward the end of its first volume, “Gotham Academy” started to pull some really cool artists into the fold to do anthology stories the likes of which you almost never see from DC Comics. It makes perfect sense then, that it would do something as audacious as a crossover with a Boom! Studios comic.
Wonder Woman: Rebirth #1 ($2.99) – You could spend some time with the extended Bat Family with “Detective Comics.” You could check in with one of the bigger newsmakers of DC Rebirth over in “Flash: Rebirth.” You could go get yourself extremely Jurgens’d by reading “Action Comics.” But if I had to pick one Rebirth title to read this week, it would be Greg Rucka’s return to an ongoing comic at DC with “Wonder Woman.” Big deal stuff!
Head Lopper #4 ($5.99) – “Head Lopper” fan for life over here.
Kaijumax Season 2 #2 ($3.99) – “Kaijumax” is my shit. I’m very much into sentai/mecha/kaiju stories right now for some reason. “Kaijumax” scratches that particular itch quite well.
Continued belowTotal: $16.96
Brian’s Picks:
The Flash: Rebirth #1 ($2.99) – Joshua Williamson is one of my favorite writers, and his upcoming run on “The Flash” seems like a win in just about all categories – amazing artists (Neil Googe and Carmine Di Giandomenico), a wacky high concept, and the emergence of New 52 Wally West as Kid Flash. I’m all in, and it all starts here.
Wonder Woman: Rebirth #1 ($2.99) – Speaking of all in, the return of Greg Rucka to DC, and to Wonder Woman in particular, is reason enough to rejoice. But when you add in the dual stories, the creative partners of Nicola Scott and Liam Sharp (plus Paolo Siqueira helping out on this issue), and the fact that it is the only of the ‘Rebirth’ titles to have a compelling reason to ship twice monthly, and this is a no-brainer.
Head Lopper #4 ($5.99) – Andrew MacLean is one of the most original creators working in comics, and his over-sized, quarterly issues of “Head Lopper” should be treated as the national treasures they are.
The Vision #8 ($3.99) – Tom King is, thankfully, getting to wrap up this series before he goes DC Exclusive. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you owe it to yourself to do so; it is by far the most nuanced take on the character in its history. Also, it is super sad and dark, so be warned.
Lumberjanes/Gotham Academy #1 ($3.99) – I like bringing home comics now and then that I can read with my four year old daughter. While she might still be a little young for this, this will be a fun daddy/daughter experiment on Thursday.
Total: $19.95
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Merry Men #1 ($3.99) – Honestly, Oni had me at gay-themed Robin Hood. But I’m always interested in different spins or interpretations or approaches to our legends. I have no idea what to expect out of this book, but that cover alone makes it more than attention grabbing.
Wonder Woman: Rebirth ($2.99) – Since Azzarello and Chiang wrapped their run, it seemed like DC went out of their way to diminish the Mighty Amazon in her main series. Of course, Wonder Woman fans did get the generally solid “Sensation Comics” anthology and the excellent “Legend of Wonder Woman” series instead, but there was something unofficial about them. Like DC didn’t care. That’s assuming they care about Wonder Woman to begin with. It’s cool that Greg Rucka is back at this again — and let’s see how Liam Sharp’s sequentials play out — and if this comes even a little bit close to the Renae De Liz series, it’ll be a treat.
Wacky Raceland #1 ($3.99) – This book looks utterly insane; however, it remains to be seen if it’s insanely entertaining or insanely stupid. I get the feeling that it might be both from page to page, panel to panel.
The Secret Voice #3 ($8.00) – Zack Soto, of Study Group Comics, finally releases the third issue of his ongoing fantasy series. You can read the whole thing here, but the print edition also includes his other series, “Maps of the Unknown World.” Also, in true Study Group/Alternative Comics fashion, the book is printed in Golden Age format on newsprint paper. It’s a great entity in and of itself.
Total: $18.97. This is only a small sampling of everything out this week. If you’re willing to break the budget, don’t forget “Island” #8, “Head Lopper” #4, “Shutter” #22, “Kaijumax Season Two” #2, and “Poppy! and the Lost Lagoon”. There’s so much cool stuff this week.
Keith’s Picks:
Wonder Woman: Rebirth #1 ($2.99) – Wonder Woman is finally back in good hands. Writer Greg Rucka returns to pen the Amazonian’s exploits with this one-shot that leads into her new series. Geoff Johns left us hanging with the shocking revelation that Diana has a brother. This issue is the surest bet of the week.
Detective Comics #934 ($2.99) – This book has me the most giddily excited. Not only is the original numbering returning to Batman’s flagship title, but the nostalgia factor is off the charts. Tim Drake (my childhood Robin), Spoiler, and Azrael will appear. This issue is the surest bet to cause me (and I assume many others my age) to grin from ear to ear.
Continued belowThe Flash: Rebirth #1 ($2.99) – Joshua Williamson has been a hit or miss writer, yet I highly enjoy his “Nailbiter” series over at Image. I know from reading interviews that he worked closely with Geoff Johns in molding this series and that the Flash is his favorite hero. Here’s to hoping, like with Green Arrow and (more than likely Wonder Woman) that we’ll get yet another title deserving of the character.
Aquaman: Rebirth #1 ($2.99) – After that touching proposal in Geoff Johns’ “Rebirth” one-shot, I’m looking forward to Dan Abnett continuing to write Aquaman’s adventures. More Mera is always good and hopefully Aqualad appears in this one-shot as well.
Total: $11.96 – It’s another exciting “Rebirth” week. May it be as exciting as last week’s batch of books. This week’s total may be low, yet you can splurge and get the “Supergirl: The Silver Age Ominbus” ($75) to hold you over until the show returns.
Ken’s Picks:
Lumberjanes/Gotham Academy #1 ($3.99): The crossover none of us realized we wanted even though we really should have. It’s just such an obvious thing to do. And with “Second Semester” not coming til Summer’s end, this is a nice thing to hold us over.
Detective Comics #934, The Flash: Rebirth #1 or Wonder Woman: Rebirth #1 ($2.99): Going to be honest, I’m going to be incredibly cutthroat when it comes to Rebirth. They get a grand total of one issue to convince me they deserve to remain. Here we’ve got A. A book starring characters (Kate, Cass, Tim, Steph) that got massive short-ends of the stick over the last several years. B. A book that has some serious Unfortunate Implications thanks to “DCU: Rebirth #1” and C. A book whose last creative team was the Finches. That said, all three books have interesting creative teams, now just to see if they can pull their books off.
Total: $6.98 (or more if you pick up more than one Rebirth book)
