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:
Mr Miracle #1 ($3.99) – I’ve personally been very excited for this since it was first announced. It’s no secret that Tom King has had a stellar run of books lately, with “Vision,” “Omega Men,” and “Batman” all reaching critical acclaim, and now he’s teaming back up with his partner from “Sheriff of Babylon,” Mitch Gerads. The solicit for this looks great and the preview pages even more so (and just between you and me, I’ve already read this issue and it’s amazing,) so this should be on everyone’s pull list this week.
Redlands #1 ($3.99) – A brand new horror series about killer witches, from blockbuster colorist-turned-writer Jordie Bellaire, with the always awesome Vanessa R. Del Rey, so what’s not to love?
Detective Comics #962 ($2.99) – This is the most I’ve enjoyed a Batman book in years, and in my opinion the Bat Family of titles have been really strong since well before Rebirth. There’s something about this run of ‘Tec however that has me read every issue as soon as I can, above any other book I read. It could be the mix of characters and depth of their arcs, or the complex narratives and darker tone, but this latest arc has Zatanna and the return of Az-Bats, which is a winning combination in my book.
Total: $10.97 – Lean week, but some great issues.
Justin’s Picks:
Hal Jordan and The Green Lantern Corps #26 ($2.99) – I love Green Lantern, but haven’t been able to follow a series since Geoff Johns was on it. A New Gods story arc looks like a good place to give it another try.
Heathen #5 ($3.99) – I’ve been waiting since the original release on Comixology for the next part of this series, and can’t wait to see where this story goes.
Inhumans: Once & Future Kings #1 ($3.99) – The preview pages for this looked gorgeous, and I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I mostly want to read the Ryan North penned Lockjaw backup.
Mister Miracle #1 ($3.99) – I know little to nothing about Mister Miracle, but this coming from the “Sheriff of Babylon” team makes it a must read.
Star Wars: Rogue One – Cassian & K-2SO Special #1 ($4.99) – I really would like to read a solo series for Cassian, but I’ll take what I can get.
Total: $19.95. All the #1’s!
Kent’s Picks
Mister Miracle #1 ($3.99) – This is the one we’ve been waiting for since “The Omega Men.” It’s simply math, really: ((Tom King + beloved Kirby characters) X (Tom King + Mitch Gerads) X (9 panel grids))/(Tom King – Batman) = Awesome.
The Shadow #1 ($3.99) – A local AM station in my hometown used to play the old radio serials in the wee hours of the morning. I’ve had a soft spot for the Shadow running back to when I was 9-years-old and listening in on my alarm clock radio, when I should have been sleeping. Lamont Cranston’s darker half has had a resurgence lately in the fantastic Batman crossover. With Si Spurrier on board for this modern take, I can’t wait to see what new evil lurks in the heart of these pages.
Inhumans: Once and Future Kings #1 ($3.99) – “Black Bolt” has been a surprising bright spot on the marvel landscape this year. And Al Ewing’s “Royals” has done its part in helping to course correct the other heavy hitters in the Inhuman royal family. But let’s face it, if you really want to rehabilitate the line, you need to call a Priest. And if he can bring half the mojo he brought to “Deathstroke,” then this will be something we’re all talking about come year’s end.
Continued belowRedlands #1 ($3.99) – Given the volume of books she colors in any given year, it really seems this is Jordie Bellaire’s world and we’re all just living in it. Her palette deftly balances vibrancy with atmospheric emotional resonance. I’m keen to see how this witchcraft gets deployed as she takes over the storytelling reins completely.
Grass Kings #6($3.99) / Kill or Be Killed #11 ($3.99) – What’s that old saying: whenever Boom closes out an arc, Image opens a new one? Something like that? Either way, these books are equally fantastic. Tyler Jenkins ethereal watercolors bring out the ruminative side of Matt Kindt that we seldom see outside of the work he draws himself. And, as always, Brubaker and Phillips remain atop crime comics’ killer elite. So, a partial resolution or the first turn in a tightening of the screws? Pick your poison.
Total: $19.95 – Managed to just come in under budget. But you better bring some spare change to the shop. This week’s docket is fully stocked.
Nick’s Picks:
Clue #3 ($3.99) – Allor and Daniel’s inventive comedy have made this one of the most fun books to read each month. Get on this while it’s still going — only two more issues after this!
Gotham Academy: Second Semester #12 ($2.99) – Goodbye, friends. May your lifespan in trade make up for the lack of direct market support.
Invader Zim #22 ($3.99) – Eric Truehart is back! Eric Truehart is back! To start a four-part story! This book kicked off with a two-part story and then did 19 one-shots, so I’m excited to see what the book’s best writer can do over four issues.
Mister Miracle #1 ($3.99) – All signs point to this being “the good Tom King.” Fingers crossed.
The Shadow #1 ($3.99) – My only experience with The Shadow has been through the phenomenal current “Batman/Shadow” book. Now that my curiosity’s been piqued, and with the fact that I’ve only heard great things about Si Spurrier, looks like it’s time to check out a Shadow solo book.
Total: $18.95
Ramon’s Picks:
Star Wars Rogue One: Cassian & K2SO Special ($4.99) — For me, they were the best of Rogue One, this is an obvious choice.
Mister Miracle #1 ($3.99) — This one is the star of the week, I have really high hopes for this book, Tom King’s maxi-series are always mind-blowing. What else do I need to say?
Babyteeth #3 ($3.99) — Donny Cates writing about the baby antichrist.
Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #23 ($3.99) — Always on my mind.
Secret Empire #8 ($3.99) — Cap Wilson is BACK!
Total: $20.95, This week I don’t have a lot to say, many obvious choices, and I had to add that buck to the budget, I don’t want to miss any of this books.
Ken’s Pick:
Gotham Academy: Second Semester #12 ($2.99): All good things end. This book has been a surprise sleeper for three years, and it engaged with an audience that the Big 2 have neglected so much. If this doesn’t come back as graphic novels for the school, book store and library crowd, then DC has failed on multiple levels.
Total: $2.99
