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:
Chew #56 ($3.99) – This is it. This is the beginning of the end for “Chew”. This is a book which has been incredibly unique throughout its run and maintained pretty steady quality. While it will be sorely missed once its over, it should be a lot of fun to see what John and Rob do after “Chew”.
Black Hammer #1 ($3.99) – I’m always game for trying out a new Jeff Lemire book and that Dean Ormston art isn’t looking too shabby either.
Manifest Destiny #21 ($2.99) – One of my favorite books out there and maybe the weirdest arc so far. There’s conquistadors, ghosts, Sasquatches, and whole lot more at work in this arc and it’s all helping to build the strange, bloody history of America that exists in the world of “Manifest Destiny”.
Heartthrob #4 ($3.99) – Sebela and Wilson have made a great crime romance comic so far and things should only get better as the law starts to catch up to Callie and Mercer.
Total: $14.96
Vince’s Picks:
Aquaman #3 ($2.99) – If you’d have told me when Rebirth began that “Aquaman” #2 would be my favorite issue in the first 2 months, I’d say you were a filthy scum-sucking liar. Today, I stand before you saying that it was my favorite issue post-DC Rebirth so far, and a must-read for anyone with even a mild interest in the character.
Batgirl and the Birds of Prey Rebirth #1 ($2.99) – Claire Roe gets me to pick this one up.
Superman #3 ($2.99) – I almost stopped short of recommending another DC book today, but the fact is, if you told me you were only going to read TWO comics from DC Rebirth right now, I’d be recommending you “Aquaman” and “Superman”, so here it is.
Casanova Acedia #6 ($3.99) – It’s a new issue of Casanova. What else can I say? It single-handedly justifies Fraction’s career in comics.
Snotgirl #1 ($2.99) – I’m not sure how I feel about anything with “snot” in the title, but I am sure how I feel about trying out a new Bryan Lee O’Malley book.
Betty & Veronica #1 ($3.99) – The Archie books have been so good that I just have to give ’em all a chance.
Total: $19.94
Greg’s Picks:
Black Widow #5 ($3.99) – I mentioned this book when I talked about “Vision” last week, but now that there’s a new issue this week I get to mention it again as one of my favorite current Marvel books, It feels a little weird to think of this title as the Chris Samnee coming-out book, given how long he’s been getting accolades and attention for his work (see the upcoming Artist Edition as a prime example), but his official recognition as co-plotter on this book, as well as artist alongside colorist Matt Wilson, really feels like him graduating from being merely an exceptional artist to one of the best cartoonists of our time. And I mean cartoonist in the sense of Sakai, Simonson, Miller, and McNeil being all-in-one creators. That said, having Waid as a wingman is certainly not hurting him in the slightest.
She Wolf #2 ($3.99) – I was really taken with the first issue of this book. I know I’m new-ish to Rich Tomasso’s work, but I thought I had a handle on him as a cartoonist from the preceeding series “Dark Corridor”. I did not. Thankfully so, as it turns out, because I was very taken with the first issue of this series. I only hope (BUYTHISBOOK) he gets (BUYTHISBOOK) to continue it (BUYTHISBOOK) longer than “Dark Corridor” (BUYTHISBOOK).
Continued belowBlack Hammer #1 ($3.99) – I haven’t been quite as enamored with Jeff Lemire’s writing on other books as some of my colleagues, or as much as I honestly want to be, but that may be due to not reading the RIGHT books of his. Having now read an advance copy of “Black Hammer”, it seems like this will be one of those books to follow in order to GET Lemire. Certainly pairing him with Dean Ormston, whose art style feels right at home with how Lemire tells his stories, is a good way to go about doing that.
Astro City #37 ($3.99) – “Astro City” does a lot with one&done and two- or three-issue stories building the tapestry of a larger setting, and has done for years. But this issue showcases The Broken Man, someone we met for the first time back in issue #1 of this current volume, and promises to start tying together a lot of the threads and bits of business Busiek has been layering into the stories. So if your complaint about “Astro City” is that it all seems to be nice but not really going anywhere, your concerns are being addressed.
Usagi Yojimbo #156 ($3.99) – Another issue of Stan Sakai’s “Usagi” comes out this week, so you have the opportunity to either keep buying one of the best ongoing series of the last 30 years, or start buying it. Because NOT buying it…well, that’s just crazy.
Total: $19.95
Ken’s Picks:
Faith #1 ($3.99): “Faith #1” (the launch of the ongoing, not the mini. Man, comics are confusing) is the start of an all-new adventure for the breakout character of Valiant Comics. After the wide-spread, multi-reprint sales of the starting mini-series, writer Jody Houser returns with artist Pere Perez on board. Get on this.
A&A: The Adventures of Archer & Armstrong #5 (3.99): Even more Faith-ness. This once by Rafer Roberts and Mike Norton depicts the first date between Faith and teen genius Obadiah Archer. I have read it and it’s adorable. Go forth and acquire.
Ivar, Timewalker Deluxe Edition Vol. 1 ($39.99): Man, this is a Valiant-heavy week. Yes, this is pricey, but “Ivar, Timewalker” was one of my favorite series of 2015 and was a better Doctor Who than the current show. Twelve issues of time-traveling fun and real pathos.
Total: $6.98 or $39.99 if you want to treat yourself
Mark’s Picks:
Rumble #12 ($3.50) — I consider “Rumble” #11 the best of the series so far, so that’s a pretty good start for this new arc.
B.P.R.D. Hell on Eath #143 ($3.99) — John Arcudi’s final arc on “.B.P.R.D.” begins here. There’s a moment in this issue that I’ve been waiting for for a long time. I like where this is going.
Dept. H #4 ($3.99) — I’m still new to Matt Kindt’s work, but so far everything I’ve read has been excellent, but “Dept. H” is my favorite so far. I still have to check out “Mind MGMT” though…
House of Penance #4 ($3.99) — This is one of those books that is an absolute pleasure to look at.
Total: $15.47.
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Geis: A Matter of Life and Death ($18.98) – I got an early look at this book, and, people, it’s an achievement. Wonderful art, an intriguing premise, and expert execution, it’s the start of something super cool. Written and illustrated by Alexis Deacon and published by Nobrow Press.
Total: 18.98
