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:
Flavor Girls #1 ($7.99): If you haven’t read Loïc Locatelli-Kournwsky’s “Persephone” graphic novel yet, then go do that and afterward, when I tell you Locatelli-Kournwsky is writing “Flavor Girls,” you’ll understand why that immediately caught my attention. He has a disarming style that’s both welcoming and very expressive, but he can pivot into dark beautifully. Don’t be put off by the price; it’s a huge issue and absolutely worth it.
Tales from Harrow County: Lost Ones #3 ($3.99): In case you missed my review of issue #1, ‘Lost Ones’ is a game changer for “Tales of Harrow County.” It opens up some exciting new story avenues that I can’t wait to see play out. Plus, y’know, Emmy’s back!
The British Paranormal Society: Time Out of Mind #3 ($3.99): Hellboy fans, don’t sleep on this one, because you will be annoyed if someone spoils it. That’s all I’ll say.
Total: $15.97.
Johnny’s Picks:
Above Snakes #1 (of 5) ($3.99): Being described as “Deadwood”-style Western meets Neil Gaiman-style fantasy is enough to get me to take a closer look. While NEITHER of those comparisons jumped out at me from the preview pages I read (I saw more of Kelly Sue DeConnick and Emma Rios’ “Pretty Deadly”), I’m willing to give the first issue a shot!
Immortal X-Men #4 ($3.99): I really love the way Kieron Gillen writes Emma Frost, and as this issue deals with preparations for the Hellfire Gala, you can imagine Emma Frost will be at the center of this issue.
X-Men Hellfire Gala #1 ($7.99): I did some research to make sure that at $7.99 this book had some additional content, and thankfully it does! At a respectable 66 pages, you’re going to get your money’s worth, and Gerry Duggan has proven he’s worthy of Hickman’s mantle, turning in some fantastic X-Men stories over the past year. Just like the Gala itself, all eyes are on this book as a focal point for the X-Men – let’s hope it delivers!
Justice Warriors #2 ($4.99): My favorite comic so far this year was Matt Bors and Ben Clarkson’s outrageously funny “Justice Warriors #1.” Pulitzer Prize finalist Matt Bors is no stranger to satire, and he and Clarkson collaborated on a brilliant and savage send-up of police fiction, full of false heroism and glorified violence, and set in a future where late stage capitalism has turned into dystopian fascistic corporatocracy. A remarkable debut that has me chomping at the bit for this next issue.
Total: $20.96
Christopher’s Pick:
Primos ($9.99): Al Madrigal, Carlo Barberi, and Brian Reber’s superhero series from AWA follows a group of Hispanic American teens from different countries, who come together when a threat linked to their shared heritage returns. As a superhero fan who’s impatient for Hispanic heroes to join the MCU, it seems like a cool opportunity to check out regardless.
Total: $9.99
Kate’s Picks:
The British Paranormal Society: Time Out of Mind #3 ($3.99): I will echo Mark up there – – this is a series that is doing new things in the Hellboy Universe, opening more doors even as some are closed (or closed and gently propped back open). And just when you think you have this figured out, let me assure you that your theories are going to get blown out of the water. Mark’s right: you don’t want anyone spoiling this for you.
Justice Warriors #2 ($4.99): Art often speaks the loudest in the socio-economic-political realm when it comes to delivering commentary, and this series – – written by The Nib creator Matt Bors – – proves this point time and again. If you’re feeling a bit uncomfortable reading this series, you know it’s doing its job and doing it right.
Continued belowNeil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology III #6 ($3.99): This has been a beautifully illustrated and richly researched (and fun!) journey into Norse folklore, and I’m sad to see it end.
Flavor Girls #1 ($7.99): This looks like a mashup of Sailor Moon meets Captain Planet which might be fun to give to the preteen or teen in your life that might not be ready for Sailor Moon itself.
Total: $20.96 Honorable mention goes to IDW’s women-centric “Voices that Count” anthology.
