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!
Kate’s Picks:
Ice Cream Man Presents Quarantine Comix Special ($5.99) – I missed these little quarantine comics the first time around, so I’m glad they’ve been collected in a floppy, and with proceeds going to Comicbook United, to help shops get back on their feet.
The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #14 ($3.99) – Kamala is back, and just in time to capitalize on her video game fame, too!
Kitchen Table Magazine #3 ($9.99) – This anthology promises a story of “Supper with the Simpsons.” That alone puts it on my pull list, but it also promises art and stories about cocktails of the Italian futurists, so this sounds like it is really going to have something for everyone.
Total: $19.97
Vince’s Picks:
Dark Nights: Death Metal: Trinity Crisis #1 ($5.99) – Scott Snyder & DC Comics don’t need little ol’ me to tell you to pick up the latest issue of their crossover event, but I did feel compelled myself based on the content of the issue. If you’re following “Death Metal” at all, this is perhaps the most essential issue since the opener. It’s actually kind of wild how this tie-in issue feels like it should be a numbered issue in the event series proper, and also that far more happens in this one issue than has happened in the last couple of actual “Death Metal” issues. The price is steep, true, but you’re also getting an oversized issue comprised entirely of gorgeous Manapul art, which means several double-page spreads with big time action packed into the corners, and making in-depth references to the last 35 years of DC Comics’ history. It’s a beautiful issue, it moves the story forward, and it’s done more to excite me for the rest of this event than any other tie-in has, bar none.
Usagi Yojimbo Color Classics #7 ($3.99) – The color reprints of classic “Usagi Yojimbo” stories have been the perfect opportunity to visit some essential bits of Stan Sakai’s work, so I hope people have been checking them out and I hope another volume of these pops up eventually. I say it a lot, but he’s one of our greatest living comics masters.
Kitchen Table Magazine #3 ($9.99) – See, it’s not all lowbrow with me. Truth be told, Erin Nations floored me with his “Gumballs” series, so seeing his name in the solicitation copy draws me to the book regardless of what else is in it. Having said that, I’m hoping to discover another favorite or two by the time I’m done reading this magazine.
Total: $19.97
Mark’s Picks:
“The Witches” ($14.99) – My second favorite Roald Dahl story has been turned into a graphic novel by Eisner Award winner Pénélope Bagieu (for “Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World”). I had no idea a “Witches” graphic novel was even a thing—I literally discovered it because of this column. Originally published in French, the English language version is coming out through Scholastic’s Graphix imprint. And I have to say, Bagieu seems to have done this properly. The pacing in the preview pages is excellent, and at a huge 300 plus pages, it looks like the story was given the length it needs. This is a pretty exciting discovery for me.
“Blackwood: The Mourning After” #4 ($3.99) – Thanks to the pandemic, this arc has been left frustratingly hanging for six months with only one issue to go. And if you’re waiting for the trade, then you can pick that up next week. As much as I enjoyed the first arc, the second arc is even better, so here’s hoping we get an announcement for a third miniseries soon.
Continued belowTotal: $18.99.
Christopher’s Pick:
“The Witches” ($14.99) – Penelope Bagieu’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s spooky novel is the first time one of the author’s books has been adapted into a comic: seeing someone other than Quentin Blake put their stamp a Dahl novel (and yes, the head witch’s hideous visage) instantly makes this event, but it will also be intriguing to see how Bagieu approaches the story, which is one of the most harshly criticized books by an already problematic author. After all — why The Witches?
Total: $14.99
Johnny’s Pick:
Heathen Vol. 3 ($14.99) A book I only found once it had hit trade format, I am eagerly anticipating the 4 issue conclusion to the series from creator Natasha Alterici and publisher Vault Comics. Much has already been said of the title’s absorbing mix of viking action and lesbian romance, all guided by Alterici’s command of story and art, so I’m curious (and excited!) to see how adding layout artist Ashley Woods to the book changes the series, in perhaps its most pivotal issues. A book that surprised me in so many different ways, I’m sad we only got 12 issues in this world, but can’t wait to see what Alterici does next.
Total: $14.99
