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!
Leo’s Picks:
The Walking Dead #157 ($2.99) – I know a lot of people say that “The Walking Dead” has gone on too long and they may have a point, but I’m still a sucker for all the action and drama that Kirkman and Adlard pack into the various arcs. Last issue’s big WTF moment is going to make for an exciting next couple of arcs, as the Whisperers finally come to war with the various settlements. It’s also good to have Negan back in a larger role, which should be fun to see how that actually plays out.
Paper Girls #8 ($2.99) – “Paper Girls” took a bit to get rolling good and get me sucked into the story, but now I’m all kinds of down for this weird time travel story featuring a bunch of tween girls. BKV and Cliff Chiang could probably make any sort of book look good.
Total: $5.98. A light week, if I stay under $20.
In addition to this, there’s the trade for “Citizen Jack” coming out for $15. That book had some crazy good art and a ridiculous story. From what I can tell, this is going to be the only trade we get of this book, and that’s a shame. There’s also a hardcover of “Underwater Welder” coming out for $30. I’m a big Jeff Lemire fan and this is one of his more personal books, even given the odd subject matter. Worth a buy for those who just have to have all his stuff.
Greg’s Picks:
Trees #14 ($2.99) – Picking a trade in CSBC always makes it a short list, but having finally caught up on this series, I could NOT leave off the newest issue of “Trees”. Yes, I’m a longtime Warren Ellis fan and this series is his best longer-form work in years; showing everything he does well in terms of balancing character vs plot without letting him indulge in his own worst tendencies. But Jason Howard is the reason to check this book out. Pulling triple-duty as penciller-inker-colorist may bring this book to a snail’s pace scheduling (I think real trees grow faster) but he’s doing career-best work here. Dynamic, thoughtful, heartbreaking, terrifying… do not let this pass you by!
Shutter v4 TPB ($14.99) This trade finishes the second act of “Shutter” and sets up the series return in October. Everything we keep saying about this book still applies: Del Duca & Keatinge are doing 80’s indie quality work (a la “American Flagg”, “Grendel”, “Nexus”) with 21st century flair. And if you think you’re ready for taking how this volume finishes without feeling like you’ve been gut punched in the best way possible, you aren’t. Trust me on this, you are not ready. But comics should be a little dangerous and uncomfortable every now and then, right?
Total: $17.98
Mark’s Picks:
Trees #14 ($2.99) — There’s been a bit of a wait for this issue. I’m glad to the second arc wrap up and cautiously optimistic there will be a third.
Invader Zim #12 ($3.99) — Zim travels to the future where he discovers his future self has taken over the world… and then goes to war against himself. Time travel and insanity, definitely my kind of story.
Paper Girls #8 ($2.99) — Oh good, more time travel!
Giant Days #17 ($3.99) — If there’s an issue of “Giant Days” coming out, it’s always going to be on my CSBC list. I’m utterly addicted at this point.
Baltimore: Empty Graves #5 ($3.99) — Well, this issue certainly changes things…
Total: $17.95
Continued below
Jess’ Picks:
Harley Quinn #1 ($2.99) – Rebirth is weird for “Harley Quinn” cause this series basically exists in it’s own little corner of the DCU. Regardless, I’m glad that this team is staying put despite the relaunch.
Animosity #1 ($3.99) – Aftershock has launched a lot of series in a short amount of time but this is probably the first one that’s really got me interested. The animals of the world have become truly woke and the world is now in chaos. This is marketed as something mature so I’m a little worried that’ll it’ll destroy me like Watership Down but I’m willing to take the chance.
Lady Killer 2 #1 ($3.50) – I loved “Lady Killer” so I’m glad that Joelle Jones has brought it back for one more go around.
Hot Damn #4($3.99) – Like “D4VE”, this is the funniest book you are ignoring. It’s so ridiculous and delivers genuine laughs throughout.
Kill or Be Killed #1 ($3.99) – New Brubaker/Phillips/Breitweiser joint? Sign me up.
Total: $18.46 or you can spend $19.99 on “March Volume 3”, which wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Kill or Be Killed ($3.99) – Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips produce some consistently strong work. Even if they have another crime story coming out, their collaboration is so consistent it’s probably still worth checking out.
Indie Comics #1 ($4.99) – Aazurn Publishing brings together six different stories from a variety of, wait for it, indie comics artists. These anthologies are fun, if for nothing else than finding a whole bunch of new creators.
Animosity ($3.99) – The AfterShock books have been generally kind of shit, but this one is penned by Marguerite Bennett and has a very Day of the Animals vibe, so I’m holding out some hope? Rafael de Latorre provides the art.
Paper Girls #8 ($2.99) – I really just love this series. Never miss an issue. Cliff Chiang for life.
Total: $15.96
Ken’s Picks:
4001 A.D: War Mother #1 ($3.99): I have already read this and no lie: it’s my favorite issue of the “4001 A.D.” event. Van Lente and Giorello have introduced a character and side of the 4001-verse that I hope gets further exploration.
Uncanny Inhumans #12 ($3.99): Knowing that “Inhumans vs. X-Men” is coming in the fall makes me uber cringe and “Civil War II” the main book is utter shite. That said: issue #11 of this series felt like it was really finally taking advantage of the whole “Game of Thrones with superpowers” and I’d like to see that continue.
Final Total: $6.98
