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:
Prophet #45 ($3.99) – The “final” issue of “Prophet.” There’s some supplemental or “post-series” material coming, but this is still ostensibly the end of what had been a wonderful re-imagination of the “Prophet” property. For a few years, this was one of the finest books on the stands with an incredible stable of art talent curated by Brandon Graham. It’ll be sad to see it go, but it’ll be exciting to follow all these creators to their future endeavors.
Fatale #24 ($4.99) – For my money, this has been the best thing Brubaker and Phillips have done. I suspect that “The Fade Out” might even yet top it, just based on everything I’ve heard. Whatever the case, I’ve been shocked and surprised by this book more times in 24 short issues than I have by possibly any other run I’ve read in comics. It subverted my expectations many times over.
Sandman Overture #3 ($3.99) – Neil Gaiman and J.H. Williams III will earn a mention here pretty much anytime they do anything. Together? It’s a no brainer. What’s more, “Sandman Overture” has actually been really good. Like “Sandman” good. Imagine that? Another writer who went home again and found a story worth telling.
East of West #14 ($3.50) – It’s my favorite book right now. It’ll probably show up here every month. Something I want to point out though: “The Endless Nation makes the first cut in the carcass once called America” might be the best thing I’ve ever read in a solicitation. Now, will that solicitation actually line up with what we get in issue #14? With the great Jonathan Hickman, you can never be sure.
Total: $16.47
David Harper’s Picks:
Fatale #24 ($4.99) – While it’s not my favorite Brubaker and Phillips joint – that’d be “Sleeper” – “Fatale” has been an incredible read throughout, and as it has reached the end, it has hit its most mystifying and powerful levels yet. I’m very excited to read the finale, and the best news about it ending is that we won’t have to wait for too long before “The Fade Out.”
Low #1 ($3.99) – One Image book ends, another begins as Rick Remender and Greg Tocchini get aquatic in their new series. It looks beautiful and unique, and I’m in for the start for sure.
Chew: Warrior Chicken Poyo ($3.50) – Poyo getting an issue of over the top ridiculousness and rooster based badassery should be a national holiday that earns us the day off of work, just like the day after the Super Bowl. It’s not that we need it, but it’s advisable to allow everyone to recover from the effects.
The Wake #10 ($2.99) – The Eisner winning series comes to an end, and I’ll be honest: I wish I loved it more. It’s been a pretty uneven read, with the latter half being by far better than the first half even with the last issue or two being pretty freaking insane. Big ups to Sean Murphy and Matt Hollingsworth though, as they’ve been blowing minds throughout.
Hawkeye #19 ($3.99) – Do you guys remember this comic? It’s a good one, and this issue is a sign language one that is hugely dependent on the work of artist Dave Aja. Thankfully, he’s Dave freaking Aja, so that means we’re in for a hell of a treat.
Total: $19.46 – quite the week of comics, I’d say, although on the higher end of price points
EiC Matt’s Picks:
Low #1 ($3.99) – I have a joke for you. Are you ready? Here it is: what book did Shawty get this week? Shawty got “Low,” “Low,” “Low,” “Low,” “Low,” “Low,” “Low,” “Low.” (Pauses for standing ovation.) Thank you, thank you. And I hope you will follow in Shawty’s footsteps this week.
Continued belowBlack Science #7 ($3.50) – Speaking of Remender, “Black Science” is back this week and I can’t wait. The first volume ended with quite literally a bang, and I’m beyond intrigued to see what Remender and Scalera and White have up their sleeves for what’s coming next.
Fatale #24 ($4.99) – This is the end, my only friend; the end. Philips and Brubaker’s fantastic “Fatale” comes to a close, and I wouldn’t dare miss it for the world. I dare see how you can either.
Prophet #45 ($3.99) – And speaking of ends, “Prophet” comes to a close this week as well, though not the for real real end. There is more to come, says Graham, but who knows when? And while I have no idea what Graham and Co. could possibly have in store for this pseudo-finale, I know that with a series like “Prophet” it won’t be something to miss.
Chew: Warrior Chicken Poyo #1 ($3.50) – I mean, come on.
Total: $19.97 – What do you mean there are other publishers besides Image? I don’t understand the statement.
Zach’s Picks
Hawkeye #19 ($3.99) – What’s up super late Hawkguy, you cost a dollar more now? Oh well, I don’t care (runs in circles, jumping for joy, yelling “bro”).
Black Science #7 ($3.50) – The first arc ended with an absolutely fantastic cliffhanger, and I for one can’t wait to see where Remender goes next. “Deadly Class” might be the comic industry darling, but I can’t get enough of “Black Science.”
Bodies #1 ($3.99) – This book literally came out of nowhere, but I think it has potential to be a bit of a sleeper hit. Plus, Tula Lotay.
Sandman Overture #3 ($3.99) – Another late but great. Savor this one folks, who knows how long we’ll have to wait for another meal at the table of Gaiman and Williams III.
Guardians of the Galaxy #17 ($3.99) – You may have heard about a little movie coming out this weekend. It has that goofy guy from Parks and Rec fighting Amy Pond or something like that. This book is kind of like that, only with Venom. You know you love Venom.
Total: $19.46
Brian’s Picks:
Bodies #1 ($3.99) – This Vertigo miniseries has a great hook – 4 time periods, 4 artists, 1 dead body. Vertigo has been on a bit of a downswing lately, but this looks like a really promising mini.
Manhattan Projects #22 ($3.50) – Pitarra is back, the next big arc has started, and the team has a new focus. Plus, at least one major comics personality gets killed in this issue. Pick it up!
Secret Avengers #6 ($3.99) – I pick this every month – why are you questioning me?
Justice League #32 ($3.99) – Justice Lex continues!
Total: $15.47
Greg’s Picks:
Veil #4 (3.50) – Greg Rucka isn’t known for horror. Neither is Ed Brubaker, but he took horror and melded it with genres he was comfortable in, teamed up with a great artist, and got “Fatale” out if it. Rucka seems to have learned from his “Gotham Central” partner, as his mini with Toni Fejzula is just as in his writing wheelhouse and like nothing he’s done before. One more issue to go!
Bodies #1 (3.99) – Spencer. Winslade. Lotay. Four different murder investigations in four different London time periods. Vertigo. Sold.
Fatale #24 (4.99) – Before they kick off their newest Image series, Phillips and Brubaker have to close off their current one. “Fatale” has been a hell of a ride, and I’m sure this finale is going to be a great capper to the series. Those two haven’t let me down yet, and I don’t think they’re gonna start now.
Day Men #4 (3.99) – Calling this book a ‘monthly’ is stretching that term to its breaking point, but the premise (humans acting as daylight proxies for ruling vampire families) and the art (Brian Stelfreeze!!!) makes this a case of they can call it whatever the hell they want as long as they keep publishing it.
Brass Sun #3 (3.99) – I’ve been talking about this over on Multiver-City One for the past few months, but this reprinting of the Edginton/Culbard strip from “2000 AD” is bringing the hotness to American readers, and that is a great thing.
Continued belowTotal: $20.46 (but less with LCS discount)
Matt Dodge’s Picks:
Justice League #32 ($3.99) – The addition of Lex Luthor to the group of DC’s biggest heroes has been a boon to the Justice League, and the revamped lineup has so far been fairly entertaining.
C.O.W.L. #3 ($3.50) – I loved the first two issue of this series. The creative team has fleshed out a world that feels full formed in the span of less than 50 pages. Rod Reis’ surrealist art might be intimidating or off-putting to some, but it’s really some of the most gripping images of any comic released this year.
The Wake #10 ($2.99) – After leading the way for a revamped Vertigo line last year, Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy’s post-apocalyptic monster-mermaid series has reached it’s end. The book has been unpredictable and thrilling from the first issue. If you like Snyder’s work on “Batman” (and you should) you owe to yourself to read the whole thing.
Hawkeye #19 ($3.99) – Jump onboard while you still can.
Total: $14.47
