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:
Dead of Winter #1 ($3.99) – I know next to nothing about the tabletop game this is based upon, but I do know that I love Kyle Starks. This looks to be a very different work than we’re used to seeing from him, but I’m excited to see him flex some different muscles in a book about a dog surviving a zombie-filled winter wasteland.
Elsewhere #1 ($3.99) – The mystery of Amelia Earhart has fascinated people for decades, but this series aims to explore the idea that she was transported to an alien world. I’m not sure if this will end up being a case of the truth being stranger than fiction (I’d prefer to read a more realistic mystery story about what could conceivably have happened, for example) but I’m still intrigued enough to pick up this first issue.
Extremity #6 ($3.99) – One of the best books of the year ends its first story arc and I’m very eager to find out how this debut tale is going to end. If you’re not reading this yet then the first trade is going to be amazing.
Mech Cadet Yu #1 ($3.99) – This sounds like a cross between Pacific Rim and Iron Giant written by Greg Pak and with art from Takeshi Miyazawa, and if you’re not picking it up based on that information alone then nothing else I say is going to sway you!
New Gods Special ($4.99) – I’ve been very excited for these Jack Kirby specials since they were announced, and it’s great to see them finally released. You get a lot for your money too: a main story by Shane Davis, a back up by the legend Walt Simonson, and a reprint of a classic Kirby issue.
Total: $20.95
Kent’s Picks
Deathstroke #22 ($3.99) – Priest keeps writing, so I’ll keep buying. He’s seemed to deftly handle Deathstroke’s face turn without curtailing any of Slade’s intrinsic bastardry. All the bible-verse spouting last round just left him sounding that much more manipulative and cold. The hunger pangs run deep now that this book has cut back to a monthly schedule, so a new issue is long past due.
Ash Vs. The Army of Darkness #2 ($3.99) – I guess this is just the week of the asshole. I’ve never really been one for licensed comics, but Chad Bowers has Ash’s voice and swagger nailed. Plus, the art rides a fine line between groovy and grotesque. It’s a perfect fit for this property.
Nick Fury #5 ($3.99) James Robinson has knit together a solid collection of one-and-done espionage tales. But this book is all about ACO cutting loose. A Nick Fury book hasn’t been such a visual splendor since the swinging sixties when the tales were strange and Steranko was sailing the ship.
Total: $11.97 – I’m finally reining things in under budget. Special shout out though to “Hadrian’s Wall” #8 from Kyle Higgins and Rod Reis. This brings their taut space-noir to a close – fingers crossed for a slick HC collecting the whole morass.
Justin’s Picks:
Black Bolt #4 ($3.99) – I really hope this book is doing well, because it’s the first Inhumans related story that I’ve been able to invest in. Christian Ward’s art has always been amazing, but Saladin Ahmed has been a nice surprise; making the transition from prose seamlessly.
Injustice 2 #7 ($2.99) – This second series has really been exploring the interpersonal dynamics of the different characters, to great effect. Reading this makes me want to see Tom Taylor on a team book in the main DCU.
Continued belowMech Cadet Yu #1 ($3.99) – I don’t know much about this book other than I’ve like some of Greg Pak’s stuff in the past. I’m really just hoping for some sort of spiritual successor to Iron Giant, one of my favorite movies of all time.
New Gods Special #1 ($4.99) – The creative teams on these Kirby specials were somewhat disappointing (for me at least), but I have to pick up this one to check out the Walt Simonson backup.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #73 ($3.99) – Turtles-in-space stories have caused me to tune out in pretty much every iteration of TMNT, including this one. The conceit just doesn’t work for me, usually. But this run has been so good, I’m hopeful that this ‘Trial of Krang’ arc will be different.
Total: $19.95. I usually would find a way to squeeze in “Superman,” but I’ll skip this month’s conclusion to the social studies lecture in #27.
Ramon’s Picks:
Sex Criminals #20 XXX Joe Quinones Variant ($4.69) — This story arc was the weirdest yet, and I can’t wait to see how it ends, I bet next arc is going to get crazier, but we’ll have to wait a long time for it. Also, I’ve been buying only the variants, they are hilarious.
Lobster Johnson Mangekyo ($3.99, One Shot) — I love the way they are managing Lobster Johnson, instead of having arcs, we get to enjoy quick, short stories that are a lot of fun. I would love to see an animated feature of the Lobster, how cool would it be to have an Archer-like adult series on FX or Netflix?
Lockjaw Dog Days TPB ($7.99) — Some stories from the Inhuman pet, I think this is a really good jumping-on point for new readers.
Total: $16.67.
Nick’s Picks:
Legion of Super-Heroes The Silver Age Omnibus Volume 1 HC ($75.00) – These are some of my favorite comics I’ve ever read. Yes, they’re exposition-heavy, like all Silver Age stories. Yes, the characters are all interchangable beyond names, costumes, and powers. But they are also completely bonkers. There’s a joy, an unrelenting inventiveness, and tons of unintentional comedy to these, and the art (mainly that by John Forte) is some of the most bizarre in all of comics. In addition to all of the charm, the stories always surprise me with how well they hold up as… well, stories! It’s not just a bunch of random stuff thrown together: it’s a bunch of random stuff that’s all there for a reason. If you have any interest in weird, hilarious, surprisingly engaging older comics, there’s no better place to start than at the beginning of the Legion.
Total: $75.00 – Okay, far over budget, but you can find it for almost half the price online. If that’s still too steep for you or if the Omnibus isn’t your preferred format, there will be a paperback with the first half of this material released within a year. Either way, check this out!
