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:
Roche Limit #1 ($3.50) – It’s been rewarding to watch Michael Moreci’s comic writing career unfold over the last couple years. “Hoax Hunters” itself showed tremendous growth for both he and Steve Seeley from issue #1 to its season 1 conclusion. “Prime-8s” is perhaps their loosest and most fun work to date. “Curse” saw him paired with Tim Daniel to write a tight and mature monster tale. But from everything we’ve seen from “Roche Limit”, it promises to be a major new step in his writing career. I’m excited to dive in to a complex sci-fi crime tale, especially with Vic Malhotra in tow.
G.I. Joe #1 ($3.99) – I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a female-led G.I. Joe series. I’m always up for a Joe relaunch, but I have to say, I also get why there have been so many of them over the last decade. The books start off okay, look like they might start ramping up, and then just never quite sustain interest. I think a female-led direction might be just what the doctor ordered.
Storm #3 ($3.99) – Speaking of female leaders, holy cow is this a sneaky good series from Greg Pak. The first issue was a self-contained powerhouse of a Storm story and the second issue showed more of the same strong characterization. There are few better writers than Greg Pak when it comes to really getting into the head and heart of a superhero character.
Bodies #3 ($3.99) – Continues to be an intriguing experiment in multi-setting storytelling. Come for the art, stay for the century-spanning murder mystery, and enjoy the quirky and unsettling cast of characters along the way.
Rachel Rising #28 ($3.99) – Speaking of unsettling murder investigations, the eternally creepy “Rachel Rising” continues to sit off in the corner, doing its Terry Moore thing, and not having nearly enough readers give it the attention it deserves.
Total: $19.46
David Harper’s Picks:
Edge of Spider-Verse #3 ($3.99) – This mini-series has been super entertaining so far, and I think Dustin Weaver’s solo joint has a good chance to be the best of them all. At worst, it’s going to be beautiful, right?
Aliens: Fire and Stone #1 ($3.50) – I love me some Xenomorphs, but let’s be honest: this issue is Patric Reynolds’ coming out party. Hope you all enjoy it.
Saga #23 ($2.99) – One of comics’ best for $2.99. What else is there to say about Saga?
Chew #43 ($2.99) – It feels like forever since we got an issue of this, and with us on the precipice of the biggest issue of the series yet potentially in #44 (at least that’s my guess), I’m really eager to read this issue.
Wayward #2 ($3.50) – I loved the first issue, and I’m really excited to see how Jim Zub and Steve Cummings continue to build this world.
Total: $16.97 – I have enough for one more, but I’ll save my cash for a game time decision
Leo’s Picks:
POP #2 ($3.99) – Curt Pires and Jason Copland are going to be something big soon. This is the comic that will do it.
Chew #43 ($2.99) – Chew is probably one of the most consistently good titles, month in and month out. As we’re building to the big finale at #60, things just keep getting better and crazier.
Roche Limit #1 ($3.50) – Sci-fi noir from Moreci and Malhotra. Yes please.
Umbral #9 ($3.50) – This was actually a book that was under my radar for a while, but I fell in love with the vast fantasy world and the genuine characters. Probably one of the more underappreciated Image titles.
Continued belowWayward #2 ($3.50) – It’s a lot of fun seeing Jim Zub break out from the comedy/sword & sorcery typecasting that he’s gotten. Along with Steve Cummings, Zub is making a heck of a cool comic.
Total: $17.48
Keith’s Picks:
Adventures of Superman #17 ($3.99) – The last of Superman’s digital-first series is collected in this month’s issue. There have been some great stories along the way, with “Adventures of Superman” able to shine a light on some of the many reasons why Superman is one of the greatest and most iconic superheroes in the universe. It sure is going out with a bang with writers such as Jerry Ordway and Kelly Sue DeConnick as contributors. Superman will always endure!
Mind MGMT #26 ($3.99) – Meru continues her journey in one of my favorite comic books ever. Matt Kindt is a genius (and one of my favorite writer/artists) and his storytelling skills in this book are breathtaking. With the end of the series slated for next year, I’ve been cherishing each issue. This is a must-read in single-issues (he adds treats in the floppies! So buy it physically!).
The Massive #27 ($3.50) – This is another book that is close to the end of its run. With only four issues left, writer/creator Brian Wood finally allows his characters and readers to locate the ever-elusive Massive! And, as further enticement, Garry Brown and Jordie Beallaire are once again on art duties. What a team and what a book!
Sex #16 ($2.99) – This is the other book with “sex” in its title that deserves just as much recognition. I’ve been enjoying this story by writer Joe Casey since it began and I cannot recommend it more highly. Piotr Kowalski’s beautiful art is enhanced by Brad Simpson, who is one of the best colorists out there (along with the prolific Jordie Bellaire). Casey’s letters column in the back of each issue is a fun addition and thought-provoking as well.
Low #3 ($3.50) – After reviewing and loving the first issue of this series by Rick Remender and Greg Tocchini, the second issue impressed me even more. In this chapter, we go from the depths of the ocean to the mysteries of dry land.
Total: $18.97
Matt’s Picks:
New Avengers #24 ($4.99) – After the opening salvo of this whole ‘Time Runs Out’ stuff was shot last week with “Avengers,” I’d be remiss not to say how impressed I was. I mean, I’ve been expecting good things from Hickman on his Avengers run, sure, but this was something else entirely. Familiar, sure (in fact, eerily similar in concept to DC’s future flash), but the way in which we were brought into this later world was quite spectacular. Can’t wait to see what’s going on on the other side of the world with Thanos and the Cabal running amok.
Umbral #9 ($3.50) – Antony Johnston and Chris Mitten have really upped the ante with their second arc. I already liked the book with its first volume, but the second one has repeatedly impressed me with every outing. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
POP #2 ($3.99) – Curt Pires and Jason Copland are doing some weird sort of magic on this series .I’ve already seen the second issue, and I’ve gotta say: I always have certain expectations from specific creators on the comics they make, but this one — in all its pop-culture infused, referential glory — really surprised me.
Evil Empire #5 ($3.99) – Max Bemis’ new ongoing looks to be back on track, and hey, Joe Eisma illustrated this issue! What reason is there not to pick this up, really?
Rachel Rising #28 ($3.99) – Terry Moore’s latest magnus opus continues to expand and surprise and twist and turn. Just when you thought we were heading into the endgame, a whole new dimension of the book has been opened up — and boy oh boy, do you really need to get on this hype train now.
Total: $20.46 – Time to go couch diving for those extra quarters, kids!
Brian’s Picks:
Aliens: Fire and Stone #1 ($3.50) – Say this name with me: Patric Reynolds. This is a name you’ll be hearing more and more in the comics world, as his work is dope beyond all get out. His art is so great, he doesn’t even need a K at the end of his name.
Continued belowTwo of DC’s Futures End Titles, Non-Lenticular Covers ($2.99 each) – Look, I’ll level with you – from the excellent first week, this event has dropped off considerably. That said, there have been at least two really good issues each week, so pick carefully. I’d recommend “Booster Gold: Futures End” #1 because a) I’m a huge Booster mark and b) it is sure to be full of weird multiverse business.
All-New Invaders #10 ($3.99) – This is a book that, when I read it, I dig it, but it somehow falls the bottom of my read list each month. It is time to restructure that and read it this week.
Secret Avengers #8 ($3.99) – Ain’t no party like a M.O.D.O.K. party.
Total: $17.46
Alice’s Picks:
Adventures Of Superman #17 ($3.99) – Alas, I knew this time would come. The digital chapters of this series ending a long time ago and while I thought I was over my grief then, seeing the words ‘FINAL ISSUE’ beside the solicit for this brought it all back. Sure, “Adventures Of Superman” wasn’t perfect. For every arc like Ron Marz and Evan Shaner’s that brought everything I love about Superman to the fore, there was an arc like ‘The Demolisher’ that felt poorly conceived and somewhat out of character. Still, it was nice while it lasted to have a comic where Superman smiled for once.
POP #2 ($3.99) – Boy, I love Curt Pires. “Theremin” was one of the most enjoyably inventive comics I’ve ever read and while I’m still waiting in the hopes of more of that series coming out, I will be devouring this one in the mean time. “POP” has such a fantastic high concept that it was almost easy to miss just how deep and personal the writing of #1 was as well as the fantastic art from Jason Copeland. I hope everyone checks this series out.
Storm #3 ($3.99) – Have I mentioned that I love Greg Pak? Because I love Greg Pak. And I really love “Storm”. In just two issues, Pak and Victor Ibanez have dove feet first into exploring the long history of this wonderful character full of personal contradictions (an orphan and a pick-pocket and a weather witch and a goddess and a punk and a leader and a mother) and bringing all of these aspects together to create a portrait of one of the most interesting characters in Marvel’s history. Why aren’t you reading this book?
New Avengers #24 ($4.99) – Last week we saw “Avengers” jump eight months into the future and you know what? I still love that book and I love Jonathan Hickman’s writing on the series. So I cannot wait to see just how messed up the future will be for “New Avengers”, especially given Namor’s massive heel turn in the last couple issues. This is going to go nuts.
Total: $20.95 – You may have to scrounge up a dollar, but this week is good enough that it will be worth it.
Matthew Garcia’s Picks:
MIND MGMT #26 ($3.99) – I think that Kindt is a restless artist, and if he gets caught doing the same thing for too long, he gets bored. Because of this, “MIND MGMT” has become one of the most innovative and crazy and fascinating comics. And I don’t want to miss an issue of it.
Lumberjanes #6 ($3.99) – Stevenson/Grace/Ellis have found this fun groove with each other and this book soars because of it. Their imagination alone makes this one worth checking out, but their friendship and reliance on each other and the honest interactions they share make this book that much more special.
Saga #23 ($2.99) – It’s “Saga.”
Wayward #2 ($3.50) – I like the location. I like the monsters they’re bringing in. I like the artwork. The story hasn’t really taken off yet, but I think this book has the potential to be an engaging and
Princess Ugg #4 ($3.99) – Last time, Naifeh’s cliffhanger promised new, shadowy dealings and secret underground organizations throughout his fantastical series. I think we’re at the halfway point of this book and it’s remained charming and enduring. I’m hoping now it starts to feel more dangerous.
Total: $18.46
