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!
Kevin’s Picks:
“Runaways” #24 ($3.99) – This book is still one of the best things that Marvel is publishing, and with the news of the Doc Justice and the J Team arc that we have coming (with Kris Anka coming back for an issue no less) you all should absolutely be picking this issue up. So close to #25! Can you believe this is one of (if not) the only series that Marvel has continuously published without renumbering since right before Marvel Legacy started? That seems like eons ago.
“Batman/Superman” #1 ($3.99) – While not overly invested in The Batman Who Laughs, I am super invested in David Marquez (who was one of my faves when he was still over at Marvel) and I’m excited for his DC debut!
“Justice League” #30 ($3.99) – Bring me back that Jorge Jiménez goodness and bring on the while times of the ‘Justice/Doom War.’
“House of X” #3 ($4.99) – Still wild, still loving it.
“Thor” #16 ($3.99) – The end before the end of the era. The penultimate end? Whatever. Anyway, this is the end of Jason Aaron and Mike del Mundo’s collaboration on the main “Thor” title and will wrap present-day Thor Odinson’s story before Aaron and Esad Ribic come back next month for “King Thor” and the end of All-Father Thor at the end of time. I’m expecting a lot of fun emotional pay-off, and big set-ups that’ll be followed by whoever is taking on the world of Asgard next!
Total: $20.96. I’m a little over, but this is a huge week of comics. “Marvel Comics” #1000, “Superman” #14, “Absolute Carnage” #2, and that’s even mentioning Mags Visaggio and Nick Robles “Dr. Mirage” debut. Hope you all budgeted for this one folks.
Mark’s Picks:
“Pumpkinheads” ($17.99)— I’ve been deliberately ignoring this book, trying to remain as ignorant as possible so that when it comes out I can see it with completely fresh eyes. As such, there’s not a lot I can say here except that it’s written by Rainbow Rowell (author of Marvel’s current “Runaways” run and YA prose novels Eleanor & Park, Fangirl, and Carry On) and illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks (“Friends with Boys” and “The Nameless City” trilogy). For me, Hicks’s involvement alone makes this an absolute must-buy.
“Manor Black” #2 ($3.99)— Cullen Bunn, Brian Hurtt, and Tyler Crook. “Manor Black” is three of my favourite comic creators working together, so I have to pick this up. I really don’t have any choice in the matter. I love what Crook is doing with the art, particularly the color palette he’s working with and how he uses it to define the magic at play in the story. It’s early days too, so I’m enjoying the aspect of discovery that each new issue brings.
Total: $21.98. Only two books, but this is a really good week of comics for me.
Kate’s Picks:
“Marvel Comics” #1000 ($9.99) – There’s so much talent crammed in to these pages to celebrate Marvel’s 80th anniversary it almost feels like a steal. (And while it is way out of my budget, that Jen Bartel cover is *Italian chef kiss* perfection.)
“Planet of the Nerds” #5 ($3.99) – This series is every nerd’s wish fulfillment dream, with the jocks getting the comeuppance. I’m sad it’s ending, but that is the genius of AHOY Comics: their ability to craft a compelling story with good pacing, characters you love, and a fully formed narrative in a limited time frame.
“Martian Manhunter” #8 ($3.99) – I just caught up on this series over the past two weekends as I had plans to chat with Steve Orlando at Flame Con, and what have I been missing? A lot. The artwork seems to be taken to 11 every single issue, and the script is perfect for those who like comics with character moments. Binge the first seven issues and then dive in with this week’s issue, which is the story of the human John Jones.
Total: $17.97
