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:
Groo vs. Conan #1 ($3.50) – I’ve been talking this one up in Dark Horse Comics’s “Soliciting Multiversity” columns, mostly because I think Sergio Aragonés is a wonderful cartoonist whose work I came to appreciate at a very young age reading back issues of “MAD Magazine.” The man has a super-human grasp on visual comedy, whether there are words to accompany those images or not, as was mostly the case in his “MAD” cartoons.
Tuki: Save the Humans #1 ($3.99) – Speaking of wonderful cartoonists, few can draw the fanfare for their work the way that Jeff Smith can. What was originally released as a webcomic is now being released in floppy form. I know I’d love to be able to say I own a copy.
Transformers vs. G.I. Joe #1 ($3.99) – I’ve been waiting for this long-teased Tom Scioli joint for what seems like forever now. For those unfamiliar with his work, Scioli is a disciple of Kirby. A Kirby-esque take on these two long-standing properties seems like just what the doctor ordered.
Supreme: Blue Rose #1 ($2.99) – Whatever expectations you have, shatter them in advance.
Zero #9 ($2.99) – Add the superlative Tonci Zonjic to “Zero’s” cavalcade of great artists. Ales Kot continues to commit to high quality. I’m not sure he knows how to do it any other way.
Total: $17.46
Drew’s Picks:
Previews ($4.99) – This book gets overlooked every month, but it’s really pretty indispensable for me. I go through each new issue at least three times before the two month solicitation window closes, and at least a third of my pull list owes its purchase to me seeing it in Previews. That goes doubles for any OGNs I’ve bought. They’re also surprisingly handy as a reference long after the books in them have been released.
Super Secret Crisis War: Johnny Bravo #1 ($3.99) – I haven’t read it yet, but my wife and daughter love this series. IDW knows how to treat its Cartoon Network properties.
Velvet #6 ($3.50) – If this were a heavier week, I’m not sure this one would have made my list. I remember liking the first arc, but when I saw this in the new releases, my first thought was “Oh yeah, that exists.” That’s not a good way for a book to go, because it’s one step away from me not getting it. Image is putting out some great books right now, and creators have to work at their own pace, I guess, but regularity is important to me as a reader.
Daredevil #6 ($3.99) – Speaking of regularity, didn’t this book just come out? Waid and his rotating band of artists are always entertaining, and this swashbuckling hero goes to the top of my read pile every time it comes out. The action, humor, and supporting cast balanced just right.
Bart Simpson Comics #91 ($2.99) – Do you pine for an all ages book? Look no further. The Bongo seal = must buy as far as I’m concerned.
Total: $19.46
David Harper’s Picks:
Supreme: Blue Rose #1 ($2.99) – This comic from Warren Ellis and Tula Lotay is a really gorgeous, really interesting read that isn’t like much of anything, and certainly not like a Supreme comic. I’ll be honest: I loved it. You might too.
Zero #9 ($2.99) – While I love this comic, I love any comic more with Tonci Zonjic art. This is a really, really exciting book for me to read. Tonci with Jordie Bellaire coloring? Hoo boy.
Saga #21 ($2.99) – Oh hey, it’s Saga. 21 issues in, it’s still as good as ever.
Continued belowTrees #3 ($2.99) – I think some people have been a bit 50/50 on this book, but I’m loving it. It reminds me of Soderbergh’s “Contagion”, as more of a docudrama of an event rather than a hyper dramatized narrative within it. Very fascinating stuff.
Velvet #6 ($3.50) – The life and times of Velvet Templeton continues, and with Brubaker and Epting onboard, so am I.
Revival #22 ($2.99) – This book continues its very strong, very underrated run, with Dana’s run to NYCC enlivening the book with some outside pressures for the first time last issue. A great book that continues to be great even in the midst of many other hot books arriving at the I.
Total: $18.45 – lots of $2.99 and all Image this week
James’ Picks:
Daredevil #6 ($3.99) – Marvel’s Merry Magistrate, Matt Murdock, marches on! With the relocation to San Francisco, Matt’s been uncovering secrets both old and new! Now, in an “Original Sin” tie-in, he’s going to learn the truth of his long-gone mother! Spoiler alert: She’s wacky! Join acclaimed yuksters Mark Waid and Chris Samnee for what’s sure to be one of the funniest comics of the year!
Life With Archie #37 ($3.99) – Even with all the hype surrounding “Life with Archie” #36, the comic where Archie Andrews finally drank his last milkshake, we still have an issue left in this series that’s been… really good, actually. 2014 is so weird, you guys.
Transformers Vs. GI Joe #1 ($3.99) – I’ve been pumping my fist ever since I realized this comic was an actual thing, an actual thing with retro art from Tom Scioli, and I’m barely a fan of either franchise. I can just respect a good idea when I see one.
Storm #1 ($3.99) – All I have to say is finally.
Total: $15.96
David Henderson’s Picks:
Storm #1 ($3.99) – I feel like I should have a concise way of saying exactly why I’m excited for this book, but all I can ever seem to get out is IT BLOODY TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH. Look: Storm is a character I love. Top five X-Men characters of all time, she’s just behind Cable. (That isn’t a joke.) That means that a solo title that pits one of my all time favourite characters in comics with a writer who has genuinely impressed me more and more every time I read his work is something I am very excited for and I hope you are too.
Trees #3 ($2.99) – I have genuinely no idea where this story is going. That doesn’t happened very often. I am intrigued. (Also, I have a system where if I buy a series based on a creative personality, this time being Warren Ellis, then it has three issues to give me an in-story reason to keep reading. This will be the make or break issue for this series, but I doubt it will be one I drop.)
100th Anniversary Special: The Avengers #1 ($3.99) – A couple of weekends ago, at the Glasgow Comic Con, I managed to track down the five issues of “Godzilla: The Half Century War” because I missed them the first time and had to settle for digital until now. I tell you this as a cautionary tale: get this issue because James Stokoe’s artwork needs to be viewed in print to truly appreciate its majesty.
Batman #33 ($4.99) – I cannot believe I am willing paying more than $3.99 again for “Batman”. I should know better than this. I WISH I KNEW HOW TO QUIT YOU.
ZERO #9 ($2.99) – I like “ZERO” a lot. I think I like “ZERO” a lot more know that I’ve played through the Metal Gear Solid series. Or, at least, I think I appreciate the type of narrative Ales Kot is trying to write and the type of conversation he is trying to have with the reader through the narrative. This is spy fiction by way of John Carpenter meets David Lynch and it’s… it might just be an epoch-making comic.
Total: $18.95
Greg’s Picks:
Supreme: Blue Rose #1 ($3.99) – As a fan of the Moore series, I was pleased to see Ellis pick up some of the threads of that run, but take them in completely different directions. You don’t need to know ANYTHING about ANYTHING to enjoy this book, especially since Tula Lotay’s work is gorgeous.
Continued belowRagnarok #1 ($2.99) – Walt Simonson on Thor without having to worry about Marvel continuity. Buy this or feel the skull-crushing kiss of Mjolnir.
Alien Legion: Uncivil War ($3.99) – Before everyone and their mother was a Wolverine clone, there was Jugger Grimrod, the meanest son of a bosphor this side of Rigel. Luckily for us he lives in the future and found a home with the Alien Legion, because you do not want that dude wandering your streets looking for you! You can see why when you check out this mini from original Legionnaires Carl Potts, Chuck Dixon, and Larry Stroman. And FYI, Potts is inking Stroman so he’s in the “Good Stroman” category on this one.
Winterworld #2 ($3.99) – Butch Guice is no Jorge Zaffino but he’s still damn good. And it’s apparently Old Home Week for Chuck Dixon today, between Alien Legion and this both being relaunches of titles he wrote in the 1980’s. But having written comics that long means Chuck knows how to make them entertaining and worth your dollar. Or in this case, four dollars.
Trees #3 ($2.99) – Where the hell has Jason Howard been all this time? I cannot open my wallet fast enough to pay for this and own this sweet slab of awesomeness.
Street Angel #1 & #2 ($0.99 each) – The hardcover collection of this Jim Rugg/Brian Maruca miniseries is out today as well, and incredibly affordably priced at $19.99, but that would have blown the whole budget. So pick up the first two issues digitally from Monkeybrain and get a taste of the insanity with money leftover for other comics. Street Angel is homeless teen girl Jesse Sanchez: she sleeps in abandoned buildings and prowls the streets of Wilkesborough on her skateboard, keeping it safe from ninjas, mad scientists, demons, time-displaced Spanish conquerors, more ninjas, and (with the help of an aged but still bad motherSHUT YOUR MOUTH Afrodisiac) racist gun-toting rednecks. Oh, and there’s an Irish astronaut with an Australian accent called Cosmick.
Total: $19.93
Zach’s Picks:
Batman #33 ($3.99) – It’s finally here, the end of “Zero Year.” While Savage City hasn’t been quite as strong as the story’s second act, it’s still been an absolutely gorgeous book that feels wholly different from most major Batman stories. Based on that incredible cover, I can’t wait to see what Snyder and Capullo have in store.
Superman #33 ($3.99) – Geoff Johns, how I’ve missed thee. Johns’ and Romita’s debut on “Superman” felt a lot like “Superman Unchained,” only better. I’ve adored Pak’s work on “Action Comics,” but even that book is firmly rooted in the New 52. Johns’ take on the other hand feels, at least on a small level, like a return to the pre-New 52 Man of Steel. That alone is reason to check this book out.
Wonder Woman #33 ($2.99) – The whole DC Trinity is represented this week! Let it be known that “Wonder Woman” arguably remains the best of the three.
Star Spangled War Stories Featuring G.I. Zombie #1 ($2.99) – Hello book that looks great but that no one will pay attention to and will get cancelled in eight issues, I hope you survive the experience! Seriously, look past the bizarre concept and your too-cool zombie hate (I’m right there with you) and give this book a shot. Scott Hampton’s art looks terrific, and any book with a Darwyn Cooke cover is probably worth checking out.
Supreme Blue Rose ($2.99) – This book is so weird and awesome and beautiful and I love it.
100th Anniversary Special Avengers #1 ($3.99) I’ll admit, I haven’t payed any attention to Marvel’s fake 100th anniversary issues. However, a future Avengers story written and drawn by James Stokoe? That can’t be missed.
Total: $20.94 – Yeah, I went $0.94 over, deal with it.
Brandon’s Picks:
Batman #33 ($3.99) – Zero Year reaches it’s climax and I just might as well. Scott Snyder and Capullo have been straight killing it! What could have easily been something that ran too long instead ran just right and worked perfectly as the new origin for the Caped Crusader in the little less New 52.
Continued belowSaga #21 ($2.99) – The end of last issue was a home run as far as last couple of pages go. A very sad home run but a home run nonetheless. It was one of those endings that leaves you wanting the next issue now and not a month later. Well, here it is and I am very excited!
TMNT Turtles in Time #2 ($3.99) – The Turtles return to Feudal Japan! It’s almost like the return to the third TMNT movie that no one asked for but is surely excited to get! Turtles in Time has been like every other TMNT Micro, good as fuck. I gotta be honest, I really hope we get some time traveling lamp action! The cover already presents us with the a couple of the Turtles in helmets similar to the movie, so there is hope.
Wolverine and the X-Men #6 ($3.99) – So what is the deal with the big lug from the future?! What’s up with Quire and the Phoenix Force?! Where does this leave everything moving forward?! I really am not certain of the answers for any of these but I am truly interested to find out. The X-Men books have been in a nice strong groove lately and this book is toward the top of that pack.
Total: $14.96
Matt Dodge’s Picks:
Batman #33 ($4.99) – Yes it’s yet another higher priced issue of “Batman”, but it’s the end of ‘Zero Year’. What are you going to do, not buy it?
Batman And Robin #33 (2.99) – I wasn’t even thinking about picking up this issue, but then I was pleasantly surprised by “Robin Rises: Omega”. Now Tomasi and the gang have me on the hook for at least one more week.
Superman #33 ($3.99) – Replace Tomasi with Johns and ditto for this one.
Daredevil #6 ($3.99) – Yes it’s an ‘Original Sin’ tie, but Waid and Samnee have been able to handle everything else that’s come their way.
Total: $15.96 – (P.S. I read “Saga” in trade, please don’t yell at me)
Matt’s Picks:
Batman #33 ($4.99) – Snyder and Capullo’s “Batman” wasn’t a big surprise in terms of quality when it launched with the New 52, but it certainly has maintained that quality throughout its 30+ issues so far — and that’s coming from a guy who finds Batman to be impossibly boring of a character. But I really like what Snyder and Capullo do together, and as long as they’re the creative team of the book I’ll be reading it. Really looking forward to how they plan to tie up Zero Year, honestly.
Wonder Woman #33 ($2.99) – We must be in Bizarro world because I’ve got two DC books in my pull. But, as we get closer and closer to the end of this run, I find myself more and more entertained by how Azzarello and Chiang are pulling the threads together. Seeing as it’ll only be on my pull for a couple more months, I’d hate to miss anything now.
Transformers vs GI Joe #1 ($3.99) – I’ve not read a Transformers comic or a GI Joe comic in years, if ever. But I just can not resist the allure of this series and the wonderful madness that Tom Scioli brings to the table.
Zero #9 ($2.99) – One of my absolute favorite Image books, and this issue is no different. It’s certainly a dark issue, giving an insight into who Zero is in a rather unexpected way. With art by Tonci Zonjic, it’s a no brainer to be excited about this week’s issue.
100th Anniversary Special: Avengers #1 ($3.99) – It’s a new James Stokoe comic. I don’t honestly feel this needs much more justification than that, does it?
Total: $18.95
Brian’s Picks:
Howtoons: Tools of Mass Construction ($14.99) – This book, over 300 pages long, combines comics and education, giving kids the instructions and skills to build real life items (like a marshmallow shooter and a tree swing). As a parent, a lover of mischief, and a comics enthusiast, there is no way this won’t find its way into my daughter’s hands.
Total: $14.99
