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!
Mark’s Picks:
Lunar New Year Love Story ($17.99): I don’t often like the romance genre, but when I do, I love it. Plus, I like Gene Luen Yang’s writing, so I went into “Lunar New Year Love Story” cautiously optimistic. I don’t know what I can say without spoiling it, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I especially loved the way it used color to very dramatically accent the changes in its characters. This is my first exposure to LeUyen Pham’s work, and she’s completely won me over. She brings so much nuance to the character interactions. It’s 350 pages, but I still wanted more by its end.
Hexagon Bridge #5 ($3.99): This is my kind of science fiction. I feel like all too often in fantasy and science fiction comics that the schedule of American comics means issues have to start coming out before they’ve had enough cooking time, especially when it comes to developing the world around the characters. That’s not the case here. “Hexagon Bridge” feels like a complete vision right from page one; it’s got a lived-in world quality. Not to mention Richard Blake’s artwork is gorgeous, paired with pacing that gives the reader the space to appreciate it. Image Comics really needs to be working on an oversized hardcover collection for this. *Fingers crossed.*
Total: $21.98. As usual when an OGN I’m interested in comes out, the budget goes out the window. I’m also picking up “The Bone Orchard Mythos: Tenement” #8 (after a very enlightening #7, the remaining three issues of this miniseries are a must-get) and “Lotus Land” #3.
Kate’s Picks:
Blade Runner 2039 #9 ($3.99): It’s back for its final arc, and the final arc of “Blade Runner” comics. This series, with an older Ash and a woman from her past, thus far has been the best one yet, so I can’t wait to see how it all ends.
Deer Editor #1 ($4.99): The hook for this series is the literal pun made out of its title, which I worry could get old fast, but there’s only one way to find out, which is picking it up and reading it.
Dune House Harkonnen #12 ($4.99): More of a reminder to myself to pick this up and catch up on this series with the upcoming release of Dune Part Two in theaters and a re-release of the original David Lynch Dune next month to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Total: $13.97. No shortage of graphic novels out this week as well, including “Cartoon Guide to Geometry,” the aforementioned “Lunar New Year Love Story,” “Smoking Kills,” and “Gaytheist: Coming Out of My Orthodox Childhood.”
Johnny’s Picks:
Resurrection of Magneto #1 ($5.99): *siiiiiiiiigh* Not even two years after one of many an X-Men fan’s favorite comic book moments EVER, the sacrifice Magneto makes to save the people of Arakko resulting in his death, Marvel brings him back. I shouldn’t be surprised, nor salty, and yet…never mind the same amazing writer that killed off the Master of Magnetism is the one bringing him back, which means I’m likely in for the same confident and sharp characterization and explored themes, and never mind that having two characters like Storm and Magneto back together again for the “Fall of X” end of the Krakoan Age is fitting. Okay – I’ve talked myself into it! Let’s freaking go! Wait – $6 for 40 pages?!?! *siiiiiiigh* This better be REALLY good.
G.O.D.S. #4 ($4.99): Speaking of REALLY good, I’ve had a blast with this mini-series outing from Hickman, who often seems to know just how to mix his BIG ideas into these giant events better than other writers of his caliber of the past couple decades. And Schiti has never looked better. This mini has been fantastic!
Continued belowHexagon Bridge #5 ($3.99): I have some catch-up reading to do before diving into this week’s issue, but I’ve quite enjoyed Richard Blake’s sparse visuals throughout this mini, the kind of hauntingly bizarre and barren dreamscapes you might imagine exist in Nolan’s Inception-space, the desolate compositions are super appealing. It’s a shame that this is only five issues long, but can’t wait to see more projects from Blake.
Dungeons & Dragons: Saturday Morning Adventures #1 ($3.99): One of the most surprising books (for me) of 2023 was the *first* volume of Dungeons & Dragons: Saturday Morning Adventures. This new series brings that same writer/artist team of David Booher and George Kambadais back, and I’m stoked for more “eating a bowl of cereal on the floor while watching cartoons” vibing out – cuz this series has been great. Chock full of light-hearted but bold adventures, I’m looking forward to this team expanding the mythos and keeping the campaign going!
Total: $19.96
Christopher’s Pick:
These Savage Shores: The Definitive Edition ($19.99): I haven’t read Ram V and Sumit Kumar’s spin on Dracula, which follows a vampire who goes from London to India, so now’s as good as any a time to give it a bite (no pun intended). This reissue features a foreword by Kieron Gillen, script excerpts, and brand new character sketches and concept art.
Total: $19.99
