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!
Matt Lune’s Picks:
TMNT Usagi Yojimbo #1 ($7.99) – I’m a big fan of Stan Sakai, he’s been one of the most consistently brilliant cartoonists of our lifetime, and to see him still creating books like this is always exciting. This isn’t the first time Usagi Yojimbo has teamed up with the Turtles, but I’m looking forward to seeing what he produces this time around.
Faith and the Future Force #1 ($3.99) – Valiant have a strong history with their events at this point, almost every one of them a winner (in my eyes, anyway.) An event with Faith, Neela Sethi Timewalker and a journey through the centuries past of the Valiant universe sounds so compelling I just can’t resist.
Your Pal Archie #1 ($3.99) – So Archie’s having a bit of a renaissance lately huh? Well, to be fair, the rejuvenation of the character and the franchise has been going on for a few years now, and here with this issue it comes full circle. The original, classic look is returning to Archie Comics in all new adventures, but there’s a slight tweak to their styles, no doubt influenced by the success of the Nu-Riverdale series (and the awesome TV show.) I think…I think I might be an Archie fan now?
Go Go Power Rangers #1 ($3.99) – Boom are doing GREAT things with this franchise. They could have done literally anything with the MMPR brand and people would have bought it, but instead they’re exploring all new facets of the universe, adding depth and drama to the world in ways that just haven’t been done before. This new ongoing looks at the early days and weeks of the ‘teens with attitude’ after they get their powers. It’s Power Rangers: Year One basically.
Total: $19.96
Mark’s Picks:
“By Chance or Providence” ($16.99) — This be my third time buying this. The first time was each story individually on Comixology, the second in the black and white self-published volume, and now this new version, with an expanded sketchbook section and colors by Lee Loughridge. Why would I buy it three times? Well, because I love the hell out of it, and I’m hoping that this book means we’ll be seeing more in future. Becky Cloonan has spoken about a story further exploring the characters from “Wolves” and another called “Orcs,” and in a recent podcast (which I seem unable to find now) spoke of as many a four more stories in this world. That’s something I’d dearly like to see. I have my fingers crossed so tighly they’re turning blue.
“The Damned” #3 ($3.99) — One of the things I enjoy about the worlds Cullen Bunn creates is the way there’s always more to them than meets the eye. As the world is explored and new elements are introduced, they never seem like mere additions, but rather reveals of something that was always there, we simply weren’t aware of it yet. This is very much the case in “The Damned” as each new piece introduced not only opens up the world, but makes us look more closely at its characters, making its reader piece together who these characters once were and how they came to be who they are now. If you read this book passively, you’re going to miss out.
The art’s also fantastic. I especially love the way Bill Crabtree’s colors often function like black and white without actually being black and white. It’s not something he does all the time, but he certainly does it a few times in this issue to great effect, really emphasizing Brian Hurtt’s shadow work. If you’ll excuse the pun, this is a damn good book.
Continued belowTotal: $20.98. There’s also two Mignola books this week so the $20 budget is totally blown.
Justin Beeson’s Picks:
The Legend of Korra Vol. 1: Turf Wars, Part 1 ($3
10.99) – The Avatar graphic novels have been really good, so I’m excited that they’re finally making the jump to The Legend of Korra timeline. Having Korra co-creator
Michael Dante DiMartino doing the story is an added bonus.
The Punisher #14 ($3.99) – I’m not following this series, but wanted to check this issue out after reading about the storytelling mechanic they’re going to use. Each page will tell several concurrent stories using color coded panels. That sounds pretty intriguing if they can successfully pull it off.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #72 ($3.99) – I still am amazed how under-the-radar this series has been. It’s consistently in my top 10, and definitely one of the best licensed comics being done.
Total: $18.97. There are so many good books coming out this week like “All-Star Batman,” “Redneck,” and “Saga,” but I’ve been waiting for the continuation of The Legend of Korra for years.
Matthew’s Picks:
Doom Patrol #7 ($3.99) – Mike Allred + Gerard Way = Fuck Yeah!
Shutter #30 ($3.99) – This is it. Goodbye.
Black Hammer #11 ($3.99) – Fresh off an Eisner win comes a new issue of the Best New Series in comics. You’d be hard-pressed to miss it.
Deadpool #34 ($3.99) – This arc, tie-in aside, has been pretty exceptional; thematically harkening back to the best of Joe Kelly’s run. I’ve been really pleased with the turnaround this series has had recently.
Wonder Woman #27 ($2.99) – Wasn’t totally feeling the first issue of this fill-in arc, but don’t recommend passing on the opportunity for new Wonder Woman comics regardless.
Total: $18.95
Kent’s Picks
Batman/The Shadow #4 ($3.99) – There’s lots of buzz around the Scott Snyder-Steve Orlando-Riley Rossmo joint being among the best Bat books out right now. And I will firmly lead the charge saying that it is. But how come there’s no buzz about where this ranks amongst Shadow comics?
Shirtless Bear-Fighter! #2 ($3.99) – As the grand bear conspiracy thickens, the shirtless one leaves his self-imposed hibernation to enter the fray. Bears will be punched. Shirts will be worn less. Let’s all thank Jody Leheup, Sebastian Girner and Nil Vendrell for reminding us that sometimes comics are just a shit-ton of fun.
Street Angel Gang HC ($19.99) – Jim Rugg is as Jim Rugg does. And Jim Rugg does phenomenal comics. Jesse joins a street gang called the Bleeders. Looks like the only prerequisites are a spiked bat and a smirk. Check. Double-check. Let’s rock.
Total: $26.97 – I swear one of these weeks I won’t blow over budget. But really, it’s not my fault a new “Street Angel” hardcover drops on Wednesday.
