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:
Lady Baltimore: The Dream of Ikelos ($3.99): I’m very happy to have “Lady Baltimore” back, especially since this next batch of stories is going to be focused on different characters in one-shot stories, fleshing out the ensemble we were introduced to in 2021’s ‘The Witch Queens.’ Short character-focused stories have been a part of the Outerverse’s DNA going all the way back to the original novel, and it’s something I hope the series never loses.
Hellboy in Love #4 ($3.99): I’m busy writing the review for this at the moment. I really enjoyed it for many reasons I cannot state here because of spoilers. But, yeah, it’s great.
Kaya – Book 1 ($9.99) – I missed Wes Craig’s new comic in singles, but I keep hearing good things (especially from David Harper), so this clearly demands my attention. Also, I’ll finally be able to read the “Kaya” issue of PanelxPanel.
Total: $17.97. I’ll also be picking up “Tombs,” the new Junji Ito anthology that would’ve blown the budget.
Johnny’s Picks:
Black Phoenix GN Vol 1 ($14.99): I’ll definitely be busting the $20 cap this week, as a bevy of great books hit the shelves Wednesday. First up is this brilliant gem from creator Rich Tommaso and Floating World. Styled as an anthology comics magazine, cartoonist Tommaso affects different aliases, art styles, and literary genres to bring us a truly remarkable group of stories from a premier (and underrated!) comics storyteller. Working as both a nod to anthologies of comics past but with a modern style all its own, this is sure to be one of my favorite books of this year!
Ambassadors #1 ($3.99): I’ll say this for Mark Millar, he knows who to collaborate with. This issue sees comic legend Frank Quitely back in print. I have no idea what the story is about, but I’m there. I’m THERE.
Dungeons & Dragons: Saturday Morning Adventures #1 ($3.99): Understanding that this is a very niche interest, I’m still gonna plug this book, because Sam Maggs writes very entertaining fantasy stories, and artist George Kambadais has a clean, blocky line that is perfect for mimicking animation without just copying that look outright (see his great work on the recent IDW “Gargoyles” book for proof!). I’m a diehard “D&D Nerd Of A Certain Age” who holds this cartoon series closely to his nostalgic little heart, so I’m quite excited for this one-shot continuing the adventures of Hank, Sheila, Bobby, Diana, Presto, Eric, and Uni!
Total: $22.97 – If none of the above look interesting to you, I still humbly suggest you take a look at the new printing of “American Born Chinese,” out this week from First Second Books. Just in time for the new Disney+ movie, this reissue of Gene Luen Yang’s dynamic and poignant modern fairytale is LIGHTS OUT comic book entertainment, and one of my favorite comic stories of the past twenty years.
Kate’s Picks:
Hellboy in Love #4 ($3.99): You’ll read more in our Mignolaversity review dropping tomorrow, but this series continues to explore a side of Hellboy not often seen in the series. And you’re going to want more of it, just trust us.
Lady Baltimore: The Dream of Ikelos ($3.99): There’s more to Lady Sofia Baltimore than meets the eye, more of her we have to get to know. And more to get to know about Imogen too. That’s why I’m glad we have a new one-shot story featuring the two of them. But the downside of this one shot is that I want more!
Continued belowUnstoppable Doom Patrol #1 ($4.99): Bring me all of DC’s weirdest superheroes!
It’s Jeff #1 ($5.99): It’s the best and goodest boy that there is in comics. What more needs to be said?
Total: $18.96
