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!
Kate’s Picks:
Black Hammer: Reborn #12 ($3.99): I really have this on the list for the main cover by Caitlin Yarsky, which is a fantastic send-up of Andrew Wyeth’s painting Christina’s World. Oh, and the series as a whole slaps too.
Rivers of London Deadly Ever After #1 ($3.99): If you remember the ABC series Once Upon a Time, which blended the fairytale world with the modern world, you might like this series that takes the same trope, but looks to explore a very dark side of this. Remember: all magic comes with a price!
Sham Comics Vol. 2 #2 ($4.00): Because sometimes, and definitely in these times, you need a lowbrow laugh more than anything.
Marvel’s Voices Identity #1 ($5.99): This installment of the anthology series celebrates Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Ms. Marvel, Shang-Chi, and more.
Total: $17.97
Brian’s Picks:
Shaolin Cowboy: Cruel to be Kin #1 ($4.99):Geoff Darrow is one of the modern masters of comics art. The Shaolin Cowboy is his enduring, ‘anything goes’ character, and every new mini is a cause for celebration. Let the fun begin!
Duo #1 ($3.99): The latest Milestone project is a Xombi reboot of sorts from Greg Pak and Khoi Pham. The Milestone reboot has been so much fun that I sample all the new books.
The Fox: Family Values #1 ($3.99): Dean Haspiel has pretty much owned the adventures of this classic character since Archie revived it in the last decade. Haspiel’s art absolutely fits the character exceptionally well, and I’ll never say no to more Haspiel Fox tales.
Total: $12.97
Johnny’s Picks:
The Fox: Family Values One-Shot ($3.99): The Fox is an absolute Z-list superhero, but I say this not so much to denigrate the character, but rather a recognition of just how deep the roster of American superheroes runs, as well as the creators behind them. This one-shot sees The Fox and his family (a character that was introduced in the 1940’s) penned not just by current comics maestro Dean Haspiel, but another story written and drawn by the legendary Alex Toth. If you’re looking for fun all-ages comics that won’t reinvent the wheel, this might be a great title for you to check out!
I Hate This Place #1 ($3.99) (Image Comics): I will generally buy anything creator Kyle Starks offers up, and this week that comes in the form of this new supernatural series with artist Artyom Topilin. Though I’m not familiar with Topilin at all, his previewed art for this issue immediately drew me in, full of inky darkness and suspenseful panel design, which bodes well for a book about a couple inheriting a home that has been the target of supernatural phenomena for decades. An intriguing premise and a dynamite creative team make for a wallet (mine) $3.99 lighter.
Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins III #6 (of 6) ($3.99): Writer Jody Houser and artist Olivia Sampson have been keeping the spirit of the first Critical Role campaign alive, and in fact it feels like a near seamless expansion of the brand that has arisen from both the D&D Live Play and the recent animated series. If you’re a fan of either, it’s not too late to jump in! I’m a huge fan of artist Tula Lotay, so her cover featuring half-elven druid Keyleth for this issue is a pleasant surprise, and a heck of a way to close out this miniseries.
Total: $11.97
Mark’s Picks:
Black Hammer: Reborn #12 ($3.99) – The conclusion of the ‘Reborn’ arc. I’m expecting a big cliffhanger here to be resolved in next year’s four-issue miniseries ‘The End.’ It’s been an absolute pleasure having Caitlin Yarsky on “Black Hammer,” and I hope we’ll see her work in Jeff Lemire and Dean Ormston’s universe again some time in the future.
Swim Team ($12.99) – The first of three new books from cartoonist Johnnie Christmas for HarperAlley. Most recently Chrismtas’s hooked me with his writing on “Crema,” and I’m curious to see what he does with his YA work. (That and HarperAlley has been publishing consistently excellent comics for the past few years now.)
Total: $16.98
