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:
Dwellings #1 ($9.99): Canadian underground comics legend Jay Stephens (of “Jetcat” and “Atomic City Comics” fame) returns to Oni Press after a long absence with this prestige format return to his crowdfunded series, the combination humor/horror series “Dwellings”! Inspired by the cutesy Harvey Comics line of books, you know the characters – Richie Rich, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Hot Stuff, and Wendy the Good Little Witch, Jay Stephens’ immaculately clean line perfectly emulates the animated style of those books while the subject matter veers into much darker territory, albeit with a sense of winking humor. While the $9.99 is a bit of a steep price tag for a single issue, you get 72 pages and two full stories with Jay Stephens’ beautiful cartooning. Worth every penny!
Kaya #10 ($3.99): Completely enamored with this fun adventure fantasy from Wes Craig, reminding me of the pulpy Vancian fantasy of the 60’s and 70’s, where science fiction bleeds seamlessly into worlds of magic. It can sometimes be a tightrope walk that’s difficult to pull off, but thanks to Craig’s deft cartooning and focus on character, as well as the great coloring from Jason Wordie, this book manages that walk quite well. For fans of “Kamandi” and/or the Saturday Morning cult-classic “Thundarr The Barbarian,” you should give this book a look!
Bubbles #17 ($8.00): I’m always down for a new issue of my favorite lo-fi comics zine, and this issue looks like another banger, with interviews with cartoonists M.S. Harkness and Josh Bayer, as well as an article from the likes of Dash Shaw! Bubbles always has tons of great material that is a perfect mix of underground, mainstream, and international comics that help me increase my comics knowledge.
Total: $21.98 – a tad over, but well worth the coin.
Kate’s Picks:
Scarlett Couture the Munich File #1 ($3.99): She’ll break your heart, then break your neck – but she won’t break a nail. It’s a warm welcome back for Des Taylor’s sexy spy!
But You Have Friends ($14.99): Emilia McKenzie’s graphic novel is a tribute to a friend who took her life in 2018, reliving the good times mixed with challenges and love mixed with sadness and grief.
Total: $18.98
