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!
Kent’s Picks
Victor Lavalle’s Destroyer #4 ($3.99) – It seems like Victor Lavalle is stuffing an Ellis-ian mountain’s worth of ideas into this 6-issue re-contextualization of Mary Shelley’s classic. All the while Dietrich Smith’s slick detailing bridges a gap between violence and beauty. At the halfway marker, we’re finally seeing The Bride, who’s been spoken of in only hushed, nervous tones. Mass destruction is on the way.
Kim & Kim: Love is a Battlefield #2 ($3.99) – Mags Visaggio is a laser blast of energy page after page after page. If you’re not following these two Kims from heartache to heartache you have a flawed definition of fun.
Space Riders: Galaxy of Brutality #3 ($3.99) – Fabian Rangel Jr. and Alexis Ziritt’s blending of psychedelic nasty and intergalactic sweet explodes with sound and fury again this week. I can’t remember when the last one dropped, which is probably a good thing, since I only recently sobered up from the trip it took me on.
Darkseid Special #1 ($4.99) – These centennial specials have been a fistful of square-fingered fun. Kirby’s bad-boy from Apokalips gets a turn this week. Mark Evanier, Chris Burnham and Scott Koblish are a stellar combo sure to offer up five-star accommodation in the Fourth World stay..
Total: $17.96 – Solid crop this Wednesday, considering it’s the fifth of the month. And that’s not mentioning any collections. The reprint game is strong across the board, with a couple gems are being unearthed that haven’t seen light in quite some time: “Deadman by Kelley Jones Complete Collection TP” ($24.99) / “Other Side Special Edition HC” ($19.99) / “Hookjaw Archive HC” ($34.99)
Matt Lune’s Picks:
Darkseid Special #1 ($4.99) – “Darkseid is.” I’m loving all the attention that Jack Kirby’s creations are getting, and this one-shot is focusing on one of his greatest. Arguably the ultimate bad guy, it’ll be great to read a whole issue dedicated to his tyrannical villainy.
James Bond Moneypenny One-Shot ($4.99) – A character that more than deserves a rethink for a more enlightened era, Moneypenny was once nothing but a flirty distraction for James Bond, but recent appearances in the Daniel Craig movies has seen her kick all kinds of ass. I’m looking forward to an issue dedicated to fleshing out her character.
Secret Empire #10 ($4.99) – I mean, I feel almost obligated to get this? Don’t get me wrong, I’m a firm believer in voting with your wallet, so the idea of buying this “just because” feels wrong, but I’ve enjoyed the “Generations” one-shots, and I’m interested to see how we get from where we are now, to Legacy. Plus, it’s the last time I have to put money down for this event. Oh wait, when is “Secret Empire:Omega” out…
Generations Hawkeye #1 ($4.99) – As I mentioned above, I’m enjoying these one-shots for the most part, and with Kate Bishop being one of my favorite characters, this one’s a no-brainer.
Total: $19.96
Kevin’s Picks:
All-Star Batman #13 ($4.99) – With “Metal” debuting this month it’d be easy to forget about Scott Snyder’s “other Batman” book, but “All-Star” has been a fun, if irreverent at times book. I’m anxious to see what happens with this series ending soon and the continued teases of a new DC imprint mature and artist-focused. I would love more just fun stories in this same vein.
Justice League of America ($2.99) – All of the Rebirth plot points seem to be coming to a head with the reveal of Mr. Oz in a few weeks and Tim Drake making his return the end of next month. With “Doomsday Clock” around the corner, what has become of Ray Palmer? Steve Orlando I need to know!
Continued belowBlack Panther and The Crew ($3.99) – My two favorite Marvel series in recent memory are ending between this and “Unstoppable Wasp” recently, but what a beautiful ride this has been and I’m happy Coates is continuing on into Marvel Legacy on the main “Black Panther” title.
Rapture #4 ($3.99) – More magic. More Valiant. More fun. That’s all I got. Valiant continues to craft one of the best shared universes in comics and this one is sure to have lasting ramifications to carry the world into 2018 and beyond with how crazy advance they seem to plan.
Total: $15.96
Justin Beeson’s Picks:
All-Star Batman #13 ($4.99) – This series continues to deliver fun, quality Batman stories. The Alfred spotlight continues in the ‘First Ally’ arc and I’m loving everything about it.
Black Magick #7 ($3.99) – “Lazarus” and “The Old Guard” may be on a break, but at least this book is returning. Hopefully Rucka and Scott’s run on “Wonder Woman” will garner more readers and we’ll have a shorter break between arcs.
Image+ #1 ($1.99) – I’m sure all the content in this is great, but I’m here for the new “Wytches” story. Scott Snyder and Jock are always a must-read pairing.
James Bond 007: Moneypenny #1 ($4.99) – Dynamite is handling the James Bond titles extremely well, and these one-shots fit the spy genre perfectly. I’m excited to see what Jody Houser and Jacob Edgar do with their Moneypenny story.
Saga #46 ($2.99) – I would gladly pay Marvel prices for this book.
Total: $18.95.
Brian’s Picks:
B.P.R.D. The Devil You Know #2 ($3.99) – This series got off to a bit of a stilted start last month, but I’m very excited to see where everything goes from here.
Justice League of America #13 ($2.99) – The microverse! We’ve been waiting for this since the “DC Universe: Rebirth” special over a year ago, and the work that Steve Orlando and co. have done with Ryan Choi makes this feel even more special and important.
Star Wars Jedi Of The Republic Mace Windu #1 ($3.99) – I’m fascinated by the decision to flesh out Mace Windu’s backstory, as he is a character that always felt a little half baked, but full of potential. This is exactly the sort of story that Star Wars comics should be telling.
Red Hood and the Outlaws Annual #1 ($4.99) – I can’t believe how much I’m enjoying this current run by Scott Lobdell and Dexter Soy and, while I’m not a huge fan of Tyler Kirkham, I’m looking forward to checking out an extra story this month.
Victor LaValle’s Destroyer #4 ($3.99) – This book has been incredibly interesting and fun thus far – I hope this is not LaValle’s only comic work we get from him.
Total: $19.95
Mark’s Picks:
Saga #46 ($2.99) — Thanks to the new deluxe hardcover, I’m up to date with #1–36, so I’m recommending this issue slightly less blindly than usual. I’m basing this recommendation on my already being impatient for the third hardcover. ‘Tis good comics.
B.P.R.D. The Devil You Know #2 ($3.99) — I don’t want to say too much about this one except that long-term readers are going to love where this series is going. This issue opens things up in a big way.
Total: $6.99. Given that I went over the limit so badly last week, I’m gonna lay low this week.
