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:
The Last Days of Black Hammer ($19.95): Originally serialized via Jeff Lemire’s newsletter, Tales from the Farm, “The Last Days of Black Hammer” is now coming to print. Illustrated by Stefano Simeone, the story is a prequel, set in the days leading up to the Cataclysm of 1985, and for the first time we really get to spend a substantial time with Joe Weber, instead of just seeing him in brief flashbacks or through the memories of others. Because of its original serialized format, its pacing is very different. No longer is each chapter twenty-ish pages long like they would have been as monthly issues—they can be whatever they need to be, and the creators use this to spend more time with certain moments, to really make us feel the weight of them. Unfortunately, Lemire is no longer serializing comics in his newsletter, so we won’t be seeing anything like this in the World of Black Hammer again anytime soon.
Total: $19.95
Kate’s Picks:
Moriarty Clockwork Empire #1 (#4.99): Sherlock Holmes continues to provide fertile ground for storytelling, reinventing his world in new ways, such as Titan’s recent manga series. Now, the story goes straight steampunk, with longtime foe Moriarity in the spotlight.
Hellboy in Love #3 (#3.99): Mark and I will have a full review tomorrow in Mignolaversity, but let me say that if you enjoyed the first two “Hellboy in Love” stories, you’re in for a fun treat with this new one. It’s a joy to see a little bit more slice of life Hellboy alongside his paranormal adventures, and it’s a showcase of the potential that the entire universe still has after over two decades.
Ice Cream Man #34 (#3.99): Another love story with a supernatural touch, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Blue Book #1 (#3.99): UFOs seem to be heading more mainstream – – and while the UFO hunter community is divided on the idea, that strange essence of an abduction will always capture our interest. And with James Tynion IV at the helm, a man who’s perfected the craft of psychological otherworldly horror in other titles, this will be a treat.
Total: $16.96
Johnny’s Picks:
Rituals ($12.99): This one-shot 24 pager from publisher Silver Sprocket and artist Nicole Goux is a book of illustrations, rather than a narrative comic, but absolutely worth the price tag. Goux (of “F*ck Off Squad” and “Shadow of the Batgirl” fame) has such a wonderful, lush design sense, her rich artwork just oozing character in each frame, that this book about different women ready-ing themselves for dates or going out paints such a rich picture on each page. Huge fan of Goux’s work, and while only 24 pages, I think there is so much depth to her art that this book will feel much more robust than the page count implies.
Black Cloak #2 ($3.99): Loved the first issue of this sci-fi/fantasy series. Though certainly hewing close to “Saga” vibes (the Black Cloaks of the book look *quite* similar to The Will’s costume design), writer Kelly Thompson created a really complex, vibrant world in the extra length first issue that sets it apart from its Image cousin. I especially love artist Meredith McClaren’s sharp, thick linework that really helps pull the eye. I’m a sucker for fantasy books, and this book has pulled me right in!
Saga #62 ($3.99): This book just feels like family, at this point. Not always my *favorite* book on the stands, but I love it all the same, in all its messy, just-trying-to-live-my-life glory. There is never an issue where Fiona Staples doesn’t make me gasp with her creativity. And holy smokes, that cover!
Continued belowTotal: $20.97 – alright, about a buck over, but I didn’t even mention the “Hulk: Grand Design Treasury Edition” or the “Justice Warriors” trade paperback, also out this week, and ALSO well worth your hard earned dollars! (Ok, so I suppose I did mention them). If you have the extra $$ – check them out!
Christopher’s Picks:
Blade Runner: Black Lotus ($17.99): Blade Runner: Black Lotus was a decent addition to the universe begun by Philip K. Dick, and hopefully Nancy A. Collins and Enid Balam’s follow-up is a similarly interesting continuation.
Dragon Age: The Missing #2 ($3.99): Apparently Dreadwolf might not be released this year? Sigh, well at least we have chapter two of Varric and Harding’s latest adventure, which might bring them closer to the Dread Wolf himself…
Total: $21.98
