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:
Gamma #1 ($3.99) – “Gamma” absolutely rocks. You may remember the one-shot from a few years ago? Well, here’s more of that “Pokemon”-meets-kaiju goodness from Multiversity’s favorite comic creator/reggae musician Ulises Farinas, Erick Freitas, and colorist Melody Often. It’s a ton of fun that scratches the exact itches it’s attempting to with its homage.
Justice League Odyssey #1 ($3.99) – In an effort to implore you to skip “Heroes in Crisis” for a book that actually feels like it wants to be a superhero comic, I’m going to recommend “Justice League Odyssey” as a DCU-expanding space opera to sink your time and money into.
Justice League Dark #3 ($3.99) – And if you like your comics a little darker, how about “Justice League Dark” from James Tynion IV and Alvaro Martinez Bueno? It’s dank and horrifying without losing the playfulness that the mystic side of the DCU afford. Either of these Justice League comics are a good bet, and aren’t ashamed of what they are.
Total: $11.97
Matt Lune’s Picks:
Man-Eaters #1 ($3.99) – I’m really looking forward to more work from Chelsea Cain. She’s been treated nothing but unfairly from both within and without the industry from everything I’ve seen. I loved her “Mockingbird” work, but even if I didn’t, I’m so glad that she’s brushing off the negativity and releasing more work. Plus, “Man-Eaters” looks so great.
Gamma #1 ($3.99) – I’m a little concerned that the solicit uses the word ‘parody,’ because the idea of a book that’s equal parts Pokemon and Power Rangers with Kaiju monsters sounds amazing. The cover design looks excellent too, so if this isn’t too much of a joke, and actually loves the things it’s referencing then it could be awesome.
Stranger Things #1 ($3.99) – Books like this are always a gamble. The creative team is solid, but their hands are tied. What I (and many fans) want is fresh new adventures set within the world, but the continuity of the show can’t be meaningfully affected, and there are only so many elements that can be expanded on. Still, I’m a fan of Jody Houser and I’m sure she can craft a great tale.
Friendo #1 ($3.99) – I’ve said it many times before, but don’t sleep on new issue #1s from Vault comics, as they’re likely to be among the most creative of the year. This week, there’s two: “Fearscape” from Ryan O’Sullivan and Andrea Mutti, and this, “Friendo” from Alex Paknadel and Martin Simmonds. Both look excellent and both look worth your time.
Star Trek vs Transformers #1 ($3.99) – I rolled my eyes when I saw the title, but then I saw that it’s a crossover between the 80’s Transformers cartoon and Star Trek: The Animated Series, both of which are my jam. Especially Star Trek: TAS which does not get enough love as far as I’m concerned.
Total: $19.95 – It’s also a big week for DC, with both “Heroes in Crisis” #1 and a pretty significant issue of “Doomsday Clock,” but you’ll see plenty enough about both of those issues that you don’t need anything more from me here!
Kate’s Picks:
Doctor Who 13th Doctor #0 ($7.99) – A long time coming, and a great jump on point for anyone new to Doctor Who comics (myself included). And while I can expound chapter and verse on the 13th Doctor herself, the first female doctor adds to my excitement for this series, and the franchise in general.
Continued belowFaith Dreamside #1 ($3.99) – Faith is back! “Faith’s Winter Wonderland” was a bit a of a disappointment to me, so I’m hoping she gets her groove back in this new series.
Man-Eaters #1 ($3.99) – I loved Chelsea Cain’s “Mockingbird” series. I’m glad she’s back with her wit and social commentary in a fun series that adds a horror twist on a Handmaid’s Tale-esque story. Don’t provoke the kitty.
Heroes in Crisis #1 ($3.99) – Gotta see what all the hype’s about. I just hope that issues of PTSD and mental health treatment are handled sensitively and respectfully; the stigmas and misconceptions around these still remain.
Total: $19.96. With one exception, we’re heavy on the girl power this week.
Kevin’s Picks:
“Justice League Odyssey” #1 ($3.99) – I have been waiting for months for this book to come out and have been super excited as to where Joshua Williamson and Stjepan Sejic were going to take this team. Now it’s here and I’m ready for Hannibal Darkseid and wacky cosmic stuff.
“Justice League Dark” #3 ($3.99) – The other JL spinoff book has also been going strong and Tynion and Martinez Bueno are bringing a great dive in to the magical side of the DCU. This is the last issue before ‘The Withing Hour’ begins!
“Man-Eaters” #1 ($3.99) – Chelsea Cain is a bad ass. That is all. Her and Kate Niemczyk’s work on “Mockingbird” was fabulous and apparently someone asked them about their feminist agenda cause…here it is.
“Spider-Geddon” #0 ($4.99) – I may not have a PS4 but I guess I can read about the Spider-Man from that game all you nerds keep tweeting about.
“Faith Dreamside” #1 ($3.99) – The first of Valiant’s “Beyond” titles and hopefully not the beginning of the end for the company after some shaky shake ups back in the spring. I’ll be reading this one cautiously, but at the same time, it’s Jody Houser on more Faith and Dr. Mirage too!
Total: $20.95. A little over, but it’s a heavy week and it could have been much worse!
Mark’s picks
“The Nameless City: The Divided Earth” ($14.99)— This is coming out in book stores today (I missed its LCS release). If you haven’t read any of Faith Erin Hicks’s “The Nameless City” trilogy yet, you need to get on that. In my time at Multiversity Comics I’ve given only one book a full 10 grade on a review. When my review for “The Divided Earth” goes live tomorrow, it’ll be the second book I’ll have given a 10 to. Simply put, this is one of my favorite things I’ve ever read. What Hicks has done on these books is staggering and I still can’t wrap my mind around how she did it so quickly (something like 700 pages in three years) while maintaining such impressive visual storytelling.
“Beasts of Burden: Wise Dogs and Eldritch Men” #2 ($3.99)— I spent the entirety of the last issue grinning from ear to ear, so this is a must-have. Benjamin Dewey has a lot to live up to when he’s taking up the reins from the likes of Jill Thompson, and he absolutely nails it. This issue is simply gorgeous to look at.
Total: $18.98.
