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!
Johnny’s Picks:
Clementine Book One ($14.99): I couldn’t give a flip about “The Walking Dead” in most of its numerous incarnations, including the original series. But what I do care about is cartoonist Tillie Walden, and her always thoughtful and inspiring storytelling chops – so when it was announced that she was joining the “TWD” universe with a series of graphic novels, starring a character from the Telltale video game series, it was a mixed bag of emotions. The Free Comic Book Day offering from Image was the opening chapter to this book, and I’m pleased to say Walden drew me in, and now I can’t wait to see more of this world through Walden’s lens.
Do a Powerbomb! #1 (of 7) ($3.99):Another creator I’ll buy anything they touch is Daniel Warren Johnson, and he’s back at Image Comics for another stellar looking mini-series set around the world of wrestling, but with a necromantic twist! Pitched as “The Wrestler” meets “Dragonball Z” it sounds like a bit of a wild ride, and with DWJ’s wonderfully wide-screen visuals I’m sure readers are in for a treat.
Total: $18.98, though I gotta say if you have the extra coin there are some fun things on the more expensive side releasing this week that will also occupy my pull-list, including the graphic novels “Radical: My Year With a Socialist Senator,” “Treasure of the Black Swan,” and Penguin Classics is doing their version of some trade paperbacks focusing on reprinting (and analyzing) early stories from some classic Marvel characters. First up is Spider-Man, Captain America, and Black Panther, all also seeing release this week. Plenty to enjoy!
Kate’s Pick:
Gay Giant ($19.99): Kids today have the luxury of growing up in a more accepting world (for the most part), but it’s always important to remind them (and perhaps ourselves) of history, that less than a generation ago, to be gay was not an easy path to travel. Gabriel Ebensperger’s memoir takes us back to that time, one of fear, guilt, and shame – – and the journey he went on to find himself in the midst of that.
Total: $19.99. There’s no shortage of amazing graphic novels and manga this week, from the aformentioned “Radical: My Year With a Socialist Senator” to the delightfully cute manga “Baby Bears Bakery.” As school is wrapping up for the year, there’s no shortage of summer reading options at fingertips.
Mark’s Picks:
Manor Black: Fire in the Blood #3 ($3.99) – Cullen Bunn, Brian Hurtt, and Tyler Crook’s “Manor Black” is back this month. The previous issue was back in March, but this is worth the wait. The art in this miniseries is truly fantastic—which makes sense since I’m a huge fan of both Hurtt and Crook, but together they work a special alchemy that makes me see new things in their solo work. Simply put, it is a sheer pleasure to just look at each page. Add all the intrigue of Bunn and Hurtt’s plot and this is a must-get.
Tales from Harrow County: Lost Ones #2 ($3.99) – I have not read this issue yet, but considering how much I loved the first and how much I love “Harrow County,” this is a total no-brainer. Hell, I’d pre-order the library edition now if I could. Also, it’s pretty clear this arc is going to change “Harrow County” going forward. Don’t miss it.
Cat’s Cradle – Book 1: The Golden Twine ($14.99) – I read an early preview for this one a while back and immediately pre-ordered a copy. Jo Rioux (who initially caught my eye with “The Daughters of Ys”) both writes and illustrates the story of Suri, a young monster hunter in training and her encounters with cat-sìth. It’s a beautiful book for younger readers, and though it’s the first in a series, it can stand alone. (Not that you’d want it to. By the end, you’ll be eager for more tales with Suri.)
Continued belowTotal: $22.97. Yes, I am over, but last week I attempted Comics Should Be Cheap and came up blank, so I think I should get a pass. Adjudicator, what’s your ruling?
Christopher’s Pick:
Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Two ($19.99) – I think it goes without saying Batman: The Animated Series is the definitive take on the Dark Knight and his rogues gallery, and it remains such a joy to see Alan Burnett, Paul Dini and co. continue that version, incorporating foes it would’ve never had like the Court of Owls, and more superhero guest stars like Deadman and Huntress. Long live the DCAU.
Total: $19.99
