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:
Oddly Normal #1 ($2.99) – If you give it a chance to, Otis Frampton’s new all-ages grounded fantasy series will touch you in ways you won’t expect. It’s a tale of loneliness, being different, and melancholy with a silver lining. It’s charming as hell, with a bit of magic up its sleeve that it doesn’t reveal to you immediately. Pick this up for you and/or the young ones in your life. You won’t regret it.
The Multiversity: The Society of Super-Heroes #1 ($4.99) – “The Multiversity” got off to a fine start last month. What else would we expect from world class DC historian mind-bender Grant Morrison. I worship at his altar, so you know this has to make my short list. With Chris Sprouse on art, the prospect is even sweeter.
Supreme: Blue Rose ($2.99) – What a weird, wonderful, beautiful little non-sequitor of a “Supreme” book.
Edge of Spider-Verse #2 ($3.99) – Spider-Gwen, Spider-Gwen, does as good as the Spider-Men. Or is it “well”? I don’t know. Oh, what the hell. Look out! Here comes the Spider-Gwen.
Total: $14.96 – I’m also going to cheat and say you would do well to pick up Charles Burns’ “Sugar Skull” too, which comes out this week.
David Harper’s Picks:
Oddly Normal #1 ($2.99) – I’m big on supporting new all-ages books, but this new one from Otis Frampton looks utterly delightful. I’m all up in it. Let’s do this, Otis.
Deadly Class #7 ($3.50) – This book is a strong contender for my top ongoing of the year, and I am beyond stoked for its return. Come for the Remender, have your mind blown by Craig and Loughridge.
Shutter #6 ($3.50) – In a stacked year of new books, Keatinge and del Duca’s Shutter has been one the best. This book is a joyous romp with exceptional art. Looking forward to what’s next.
Trees #5 ($2.99) – Truly a polarizing book, I’m firmly in the “love it” camp on Ellis and Howard’s latest.
B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth #123 ($3.50) – Ho hum. The flagship of the Mignolaverse just keeps on tickin’.
The Wicked + The Divine #4 ($3.50) – This book is Baalin’ out of control. Gillen and McKelvie continue to spin an impressive yarn, and it may be one of the most singularly beautiful books in comics.
Total: $19.98 – a killer week that is just a sliver under $20
Keith’s Picks:
The Multiversity: The Society of Super-Heroes: Conquerors of the Counter-World #1 ($4.99) – Grant Morrison two weeks in a row? Hallelujah! After last week’s perfect issue of “Annihilator” #1, Morrison’s epic “The Multiversity” continues this week with Chris Sprouse supplying the art for this stand-alone story with a title that sounds pretty enticing. If it’s just as amazing as the first part, then we’re in for another issue begging to be read and enjoyed multiple times. This is definitely my most anticipated title of the week. Make mine Morrison!
The Wicked + The Divine #4 ($3.50) – A compelling story and inventive artistic choices have made this a possible contender for best ongoing series of the year after just three issues. I’ve never read anything by the team of Gillen and McKelvie, but this series is definitely tempting me to check out their other work.
Trees #5 ($2.99) – This book and “The Wicked + The Divine” have been coming out on the same day each month and both titles could not be any different. Whereas the latter series has been bombastic and pretty fast paced, “Trees” has been deliberate in its story and character introductions. Jason Howard’s art in this book is some of the best and most expressive of any title being released today and greatly enhances Warren Ellis’ story. This book will keep you riveted.
Continued belowBatman Eternal #24 ($2.99) – The solicit for this week’s issue teases that Spoiler is going after her father, Cluemaster! As a kid who grew up with Stephanie Brown, having her return in “Batman Eternal” has been a treat. Her character has had an excellent build-up in The New 52 and I can’t wait to finally see her in costume this week! With Andy Clarke on art duties, this issue promises to look great.
The New 52: Futures End #20 ($2.99) – That creepy cover of the Joker by Ryan Sook sure is a thing of horrific beauty. We don’t know what the Joker is up to in this issue, but the preview given to us by DC hinted at a team-up between Lois Lane and Tim Drake. This weekly has been consistently fun throughout its run and the last few issues have ramped up the suspense.
Total: $17.46
Brian’s Picks:
B.P.R.D. #123 ($3.50) – The brilliant Joe Querio is absolutely killing it on this arc, which sees Johann and co. dealing with kaiju in a devastated Japan.
The Multiversity: The Society Of Super-Heroes Conquerors Of The Counter-World #1 ($4.99) – As much fun as “The Multiversity” #1 was, what I am really looking forward to are the Earth-specific issues, which start here. Bring it on, Grant!
Solar: Man of the Atom #5 ($3.99) – Frank Barbiere has been crafting a really fun story here, and Jonathan Lau takes over the art duties starting with this issue. I’m excited! Plus, that Juan Doe cover is dope.
The Life After #3 ($3.99) – Hemingway in purgatory? Why not?
Your choice of “Futures End” title for the week ($2.99) – Whichever concept looks the wackiest, go for it. And, as always, skip the lenticular nonsense.
Total: $19.37
Alice’s Picks:
The Multiversity: The Society Of Super-Heroes – Conquerors Of The Counter-World #1 ($4.99) – And the longest, most obtuse title in the world goes to… Honestly, while I was as hyped for this event to actually be published as anyone else – what with “Final Crisis” being my favourite comic of all time and all that – I don’t think I was expecting a book as good as it was right from the start. With Grant Morrison being joined by Chris Sprouse to explore pulp versions of DC’s heroes, I think it will only get better from here.
Shutter #6 ($3.50) – I cannot overstate how much I love this book. It is imaginative and rich with character and detail and charm and is lovingly and beautifully rendered by Leila del Duca, an artist I was introduced to through this comic and who I hope to follow from now on. Unfortunately, this’ll be the last issue for a couple months, so we better appreciate it while we can.
Trees #5 ($2.99) – I’ve never read a more elusive comic book. “Trees” defies explanation. Is it sci-fi? Is it horror? Is it a character driven narrative piece that follows the lives of people all over the world brought together by a single, unifying event? Is it all of these things at once? Warren Ellis and Jason Howard are creating an endlessly fascinating comic.
Supreme Blue Rose #3 ($2.99) – Speaking of Warren Ellis, I initially passed on this book simply because I knew nothing of the Supreme character and thought maybe it just wasn’t for me. Boy, was I wrong as hell. After seeing the endless praise for Tula Lotay’s art, I went back and checked out the first two issues and I devoured them. This book bleeds style and it is beautiful. I can’t believe I almost missed this one.
Edge Of Spider-Verse #2 ($3.99) – I gotta be honest here, I’m not all that interested in ‘Spider-Verse’. In fact, I dropped “Amazing Spider-Man” after the third issue. Dan Slott’s take on the character still just isn’t doing it for me. But, this? Gwen Stacy as Spider-Woman? Leading a band called ‘The Mary Janes’? GWEN STACY? AS SPIDER-WOMAN? This makes up for all the disappointment I’ve had in the Spider-Man franchise since ‘Sins Past’.
Continued belowTotal: $18.46 – There are a lot of other really good books out this week, but this is my cream of the crop.
EiC Matt’s Picks:
The Multiversity: The Society of Super-Heroes – Conquerors of the Counter World #1 ($4.99) – Issue #2 of Grant Morrison’s current mega/meta-epic in DC Continuity, and of course I’m excited to read it. After the first issue, aren’t you?
Deadly Class #7 ($3.50) – The return of my favorite Rick Remender book of his current batch. The first arc of the series was so great, and Wes Craig is such a magnificent talent. It’s hard to imagine anyone not wanting to have this book as a staple on their pull list.
The Wicked + The Divine #4 ($3.50) – The new hotness from McKelvie and Gillen, and man has it been quite a ride. Issue #4 does something a little different, though; it peels back the curtain on the Gods — and man oh man, if you’ve been enjoying the series so far, you’re going to go wild for this issue.
Thor, God of Thunder #25 ($4.99) – The “final” issue of the current series, in which the Odinson has to give up on his current hold of the hammer and we finally get to meet our new Thor. I for one am incredibly excited to see what Aaron has up his sleeve to transition between the two books.
Edge of Spider-Verse #2 ($3.99) – Spider-Gwen is Marvel’s “Batgirl,” if you catch my drift: a book that looks infinitely hip, skews young and modern, and has already inspired infinite fan art and cosplay. Of course, unlike “Batgirl” we only have this one issue of Spider-Gwen to enjoy — so if you’re like me and already want to see Robbi Rodriguez illustrating a book with this character forever, lets vote with our dollars, yeah? I’m giving the benefit of the doubt for Latour and Rodriguez on this one, because it is so the new hotness.
Total: $20.97
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Multiversity: The Society of Superheroes #1 ($4.99) – And now we launch into the meat of Grant Morrison’s universe jumping epic, with art courtesy of Chris Sprouse. I’ve basically decided I’m not going to seek any understanding of whatever Morrison & co are doing, but just go along for the ride. See what comes at us. Enjoy the Morrisony elements of it all.
The Wicked + Divine #4 ($3.50) – Gillen and McKelvie are obviously planning a long story for this series, and so I get the feeling we’re still in the setup stages. But the confidence and expertise both of them bring, and which Matt Wilson helps bring to life, make this still slow developing story exciting and enticing.
Shutter #6 ($3.50) – The first arc concludes, and I’m appreciating how Joe Keatinge and Leila del Duca have eased us out of the sheer insane parts of the world to give us some strong emotional characters and situations. Plus, I could look at del Duca’s work for hours.
Oddly Normal #1 ($2.99) – We need more all ages comics in this world and Otis Frampton’s, about this mixed race girl whose parents mysteriously disappear, looks like it’s trying for the essence of Roald Dahl and Lemony Snicket.
George Perez’s Sirens #1 ($3.99) – George Perez. A book about a female superhero group protecting the universe. While traveling through time. With George Perez. Even if this ends up a massive train wreck, at least it will be something spectacular to look at.
Total: $18.97
James’ Picks:
Edge of Spider-Verse #2 ($3.99) – Gwen Stacy as Spider-Woman is really the type of What If? we should have seen by now and I’m beyond stoked to see it come to life with “Edge of Spider-Verse”. Unless she dies half-way through and gets replaced by her universe’s Peter Parker. I will fight a dude if that happens.
Deadly Class #7 ($3.50) – After the wild conclusion to the first arc of “Deadly Class”, I’m beyond pumped for what’s to come. Remender is hot fire on this book and Wes Craig has quickly turned this into one of my favorite titles.
Continued belowThe Wicked + The Divine #4 ($3.50) – Even though I have to write a column for each issue of WicDiv, lest Meylikhov ensure I never see my family again, I’m still genuinely excited for the release of each issue. Especially now that we’re getting to the issue that delves into Baal who so far has been my favorite off-screen presence.
WWE Superstars #8 ($3.99) – Hear me out on this one. This is the conclusion to Mick Foley’s second arc on the series, “Haze of Glory” which focuses on Rey Mysterio, Daniel Bryan, and CM Punk trying to find out what they did on an episode of Monday Night Raw. None of them have been on Raw in months, but they’re still the subject of WWE’s Hangover parody written by a dude who made a career out of brain injuries. Also, a giant bear is somehow involved. Please buy this until it becomes so popular it’s the only comic book left on the market.
Total: $14.98
