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:
Zero #10 ($2.99) – Ales Kot has a corker of a series going with “Zero”, but the most impressive feat remains his curating of a new artist each issue that has not once resulted than anything less than an incredible looking comic book.
Shutter #5 ($3.50) – And now for something completely different. I don’t know exactly what Joe Keatinge is going for, because I don’t take the time to read the backmatter or interviews or anything, but I imagine “Shutter” is an amalgamation of much of what inspired him through the years. I get nostalgic just reading it, and Leila Del Duca is stringing me along the whole way with some incredibly emotional art.
Captain Marvel #6 ($3.99) – I haven’t checked in on this book since the relaunch, but I think it’s about time. Make no mistake, the issues are right there on my nightstand, just piling up. Time to revisit DeConnick’s wonderful take on Carol Danvers.
Spider-Man 2099 #2 ($3.99) – Peter David is back on one of the characters that he made great and, maybe it’s just me, but it was even better than going home again. I loved the first issue. Like in big bold lettered love.
Total: $14.47
Brian’s Picks:
Batman #34 ($3.99) – Zero Year was great, but I am ready to move onto something in the current day. I am also interested to see how the “jump forward” past “Eternal” plays out.
Justice League United #4 ($3.99) – The first arc is wrapping up, and I really hope that the next arc has more team action and less team building. But still, this has been a fun read thus far – let’s hope it keeps up!
Superman/Wonder Woman #11 ($3.99) – I can’t believe I am this invested in “Superman: Doomed,” but I am.
Fantastic Four #8 ($3.99) – I still really don’t get why people are down on James Robinson’s run thus far. I just don’t get it.
Sex Criminals #7 ($3.50) – After all that spandex, let’s read about some sweet sci-fi fucking!
Total: $19.46
Matt’s Picks:
Batman #34 ($3.99) – I can’t believe I’m leading my pull with a Batman comic, but honestly, Snyder and Capullo have repeatedly surprised me and endeared this damned title to me and my pull. With “Zero Year” over, I’m excited to see how Snyder responds to “Eternal” (something I admittedly have not been reading), and I’m even more excited that Matteo Scalera is hopping in to illustrate it. I may not have a big frame of reference for what this issue will talk about, but I’ll be damned if I don’t put it near the top of my reading pile anyway.
Original Sin #7 ($3.99) – This has literally been the most enjoyable event in I don’t know how long. Most of the time I come to events with apathy but a sense of solemn duty that I “need” to have this knowledge in my brain in order to be up to date on superhero comics, but “Original Sin” has been an absolute joy to read. Every issue catches me off guard, and I am totally excited for Old Fury to throw down with everyone — and then, of course, to read Jim Jam Johnston’s hilarious and insightful recap of the issue when I’m done.
Zero #10 ($2.99) – I’ve gotten a sneak peek of this issue, as tends to happen when you sneak into Ales Kot’s home and read over his shoulder while he writes late at night, so I can tell you that this is not the ending you’re expecting from “Zero’s second volume. The first arc threw a gauntlet down when it wrapped; the second aims for something entirely different, and it’s perhaps one of the most moving things I’ve seen Kot do yet. That Michael Gaydos illustrates it is icing on a rather delicious cake.
Continued belowShutter #5 ($3.50) – The penultimate issue of the first arc of the series, “Shutter” has been a real joy. I know that we all kind of bank on Image comics to be good, but Keatinge and Del Duca do some kind of voodoo in this series and I really enjoy the tricks they pull, the surprising character moments and the incredibly steady, honest beating heart of it all. It’s a darn good read.
Sex Criminals #7 ($3.50) – Can’t forget the brimping, friends. You can’t forget. #brimplife
Total: $17.97
David’s Picks:
Original Sin #7 ($3.99) – An event comic? What is this shit? This shit is my jam, actually. Jason Aaron and Mike Deodato have done a fantastic job of building an event that stands on its own and is truly batshit crazy in doing its own things. It’s pretty. It’s ridiculous. It literally features an army of Nick Fury’s fighting Avengers. What more could you ask for?
Shutter #5 ($3.50) – This is one of my two or three favorite new comics this year, and Joe Keatinge and Leila del Duca have done a phenomenal job of building a world that is definitely bizarre and unlike others we’ve seen before, but still real feeling. It makes me overjoyed to go on these adventures with Kate every month.
Sex Criminals #7 ($3.50) – I gotta admit, I wasn’t a huge fan of issue #6, but I’d pay $3.50 for the letters column. Looking forward to a return to form with this issue.
Starlight #5 ($2.99) – Goran Parlov drawing a space opera in the vein of an older Flash Gordon from Mark Millar. It’s exactly as fun as it sounds.
Zero #10 ($2.99) – A book that I really enjoy but often is dependent on the artist involved brings Michael Gaydos in this issue. That’s gotta be a good one, right?
FBP #13 ($2.99) – Thus ends the run of Robbi Rodriguez on this book, which is a truly sad day, and something that may result in me dropping the book. That said, it’s been a good run while it’s lasted, and I’m looking forward to what Robbi is up to next.
Total: $19.96 – but that entire list is wiped out if Hip Hop Family Tree Vol. 2 really drops this week
Greg’s Picks:
Judge Anderson PSI Division #1 ($3.99) – Anderson is one of my favorite female characters in any fictional universe. As either the human counterpoint to the often-times robotically focused Dredd or as a cop in her own right, she’s always been shown as both tough, resourceful, funny, and understanding. And she’s a mind-reader, which is cool. You don’t need to know anything before reading this issue, other than you need to read this issue.
Astro City #14 ($3.99) – Haven’t had an Astro City issue in almost twenty years that I haven’t at least enjoyed if not loved, and I don’t think this is going to be the one to break the streak.
Shutter #5 ($3.50) – Del Ducati and Keatinge are telling a hell of a tale here. Just when you think you know what you’re going to get, then give you something different and more. Show them the love they definitely deserve.
Starlight #5 ($2.99) – Although the Parker/Shaner “Flash Gordon” turned out to be the FG book I’d been waiting my whole life for, the previous holder of that title is still worth picking up. Millard hasn’t turned me off yet, and Parlov is still making a jaw-dropping lay gorgeous book. Especially at this price.
Sex Criminals #7 ($3.50) – Brimpers unite!
Total: $17.97
