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:
“Isola – Chapter Two” ($16.99) – I could’ve read this story digitally as all the singles came out, but “Isola’s” style of pacing reads better in a trade, so I’ve been waiting. That said, I feel confident in recommending this. “Isola” is a title that clicked with me right from the first issue. Brendan Fletcher’s writing gives the visuals a lot of room to tell the story, making this a comic that leans into what comics do best. Karl Kerschl’s art is gorgeous and keenly character focused. MSassyK’s colors are an absolute pleasure—not just beautiful to look at, but story rich. And Aditya Bidikar’s lettering on “Isola” is among my favorites of all time. It is an absolute pleasure to read something so well constructed.
“Fire Power – Volume One: Prelude” ($9.99) – I’m so glad Chris Samnee is back doing creator owned work again and I can’t wait to see what he does. Admittedly, the story of this one doesn’t do much for me as a pitch—I was sold on the almost completely dialogue-free preview. Samnee’s art with Matt Wilson’s colors makes for a very convincing argument to pick this book up.
Total: $26.98. A wee bit over, but I’m sure you can see how cutting either of these books would be akin to madness.
Johnny’s Picks:
All-America Comix One-Shot ($3.99) – “WildC.A.T.s 3.0” was a run in the history of the series that hit me like a ton of bricks. Dustin Nguyen’s line-work (which has only gotten better in the 15 years since) coupled with Joe Casey’s “corporations-as-superheroes” theme, was a book I was very much into absorbing. And now the pair are back together for this one off in which the main character looks VERY similar to a certain American themed hero he co-created for Marvel. Joe Casey is always good for a bananas idea and a fun superhero romp. I’m in.
The Goddamned: Virgin Brides #1 (of 5) ($3.99) – Ooo lawdy, I have been waiting for this! The first run of The Goddamned was brutal, exciting, and thought-provoking. Artist R. M. Guera was the perfect match for Jason Aaron’s visceral pulp-fantasy take on characters from the Old Testament, and their reuniting for a goddamned sequel has been years in the making.
Total: $7.98
Kate’s Pick:
Cuisine Chinoise: Tales Of Food And Life ($19.99) – One of my favorite of the early Berger Books releases was “Hungry Ghosts,” Anthony Bourdain’s spooky food-centric tales. This looks to be a nice read-alike, focusing perhaps a little less on the horror and giving us all an education into Chinese culture and food past what you get from your favorite takeout place. Mr. Bourdain would have been 64 this past Thursday (June 25th) and this books as well seems a fitting tribute to his legacy, much like Hungry Ghosts: food as a bridge to cultural understanding.
Total: $19.99
Jason’s Pick:
The Plot #5 ($3.99) – I’m a sucker for “Vault Comics.” Anytime they have a new series, no matter what it’s about I’ll check it out. Nonetheless, this isn’t a new series, just the second part of what may be one of the best recent horror comics. The first four issues of “The Plot” were a masterpiece in horror, I expect nothing less from this issue.
Total: $3.99. Surprisingly I only have one comic this week. Yet, it’s one I’ve been super excited about returning!
Christopher Chiu-Tabet’s Pick:
“The Dark Crystal – Age of Resistance: The Quest for the Dual Glaive” ($24.99) – Before Netflix’s prequel series last summer, I would’ve said I love Labyrinth and The Muppets, but that I found Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal too strange and creepy. 2019’s dazzling ten-hour movie changed all that for me, and I was so hooked that I read every previous BOOM! Studios series in hardback. I look forward to continuing my collection, and to see more of the world of Thra before the Skeksis completely lost it.
Total: $24.99
