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!
Chris’s Pick:
Jurassic League ($17.99): I’m not sure if Daniel Warren Johnson and Juan Gedeon’s miniseries lived up to the hype once the initial novelty of the concept wore off; I haven’t read it, but I haven’t heard many people talk about it after the excitement over its announcement either. In any case, I like the idea of Sauropod Superman et al. so I’ll definitely read it at least once, and pass it on provided it’s not too intense. (Then again, Jurassic Park is pretty intense and kids, including my younger self, love that movie.)
Total: $17.99
Johnny’s Pick:
GLEEM ($22.95): Originally published by the very small press PEOW Studio, this Ignatz winning book from 2020 is the first collection of short comic stories by cartoonist Freddy Carrasco, now getting the fancy Drawn & Quarterly treatment. Carrasco’s influences are varied and evident, most notably perhaps is that of “Tekkonkinkreet”‘s creator Taiyō Matsumoto, the genre defying manga artist, who himself is a disciple of Moebius, and the lineage to Carrasco tracks. With a pen line that can move between frenetic and deliberate, “GLEEM” showcases Carrasco’s very cinematic lens, with stories mostly of the afrofuturist or cyberpunk variety, and his talent could best be described as dizzying and psychedelic. I met Carrasco’s work via another PEOW project, the “Ex.Mag” anthology series, and his work there was one of but many standouts. If you have the extra few bucks to spend this week, I highly suggest checking this book out!
Total: $22.95
Kate’s Picks:
Blow Away #1 ($4.99): Now that it’s April the last thing I want is any reminder of winter, but I do like a good crime story.
I Heart Skull Crusher #2 ($4.99): You’ll recall I saw some potential in the debut of this series last month. Let’s see if that potential is used wisely in issue #2.
Blade Runner 2039 #12 ($3.99): The finale of this series is also (I think, please correct me in the comments if necessary) of the run of “Blade Runner” comics at Titan. And what a journey it has been.
Dudley Datson and the Forever Machine #1 ($4.99): If you ever wondered what a Doctor Who prequel could look like, this story of a boy, his dog, and a machine that controls time and space” certainly sounds like it. Most of my Scott Snyder experience has been on the more paranormal/supernatural side, so I’m eager to see what he can do with an all ages book.
Total: $18.96
Mark’s Picks:
Helen of Wyndhorn #2 ($4.99): Given how much I loved #1, I absolutely have to pick up Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s second issue. Also, I have to say this cover is clearly a contender for my favourite for 2024.
Lotus Land #6 ($4.99): I’ve not read any of Darcy Van Poelgeest and Caio Filipe’s miniseries yet, as I wanted to read it all in one go. I love a good mystery series, and I liked that they decided to rein in the first issue more than comics normally do so as to strengthen the overall shape―it’s a bit of a gamble for them and I hope it paid off. I guess I’ll find out on Wednesday.
Total: $9.98. It’s another light week for me.
