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 Pick:
Steeple – Volume 3: That’s the Spirit! ($19.99): This was a tough week. My list initially was extremely long. Fortunately, a bunch of comics were delayed and spread out over the next few weeks, so I was given somewhat of a reprieve here. Even still, the sheer volume of comics coming out that I’m not just interested in, but are on my absolute must-get list, is probably the biggest it’ll be for 2022.
So, out of all the books I had to choose from to highlight, why John Allison’s “Steeple”? Well, because it’s a truly great book and I don’t think enough people know about it. In this volume it’s Christmas, and you know what that means… That’s right, time for Satanic rituals. “Steeple” operates best when it swings wildly from the mundane to the epic, and the characters shoulder it all as just another day. It’s genuinely heartfelt too, and I want this book to sell well, because I’ve read the Summer Special on Allison’s Patreon and it needs to be collected in Volume 4.
Total: $19.99. I felt pretty bad about not having Faith Erin Hicks’s “Ride On” on my list, because a new Hicks book only comes alone once a year. When a new one drops, it’s an event. Hicks’s work perennially sits on my must-get list. Also picking up “Fullmetal Alchemist – Volume 18” (Fullmetal Edition), the final volume, which means I have an epic read ahead of me as I go through the whole series. I’m also getting Tyler Crook’s “The Lonesome Hunters” #3, which should come as no surprise to anyone that read my reviews of #1 and #2. This book is a milestone in Crook’s career and should not be missed if you respect yourself. And finally, I have to get the “Joe Golem: Occult Detective” omnibus; I would be remiss in my Mignolaversity duties if I didn’t.
Christopher’s Picks:
Minor Threats #1 ($4.99): I like Patton Oswalt, Jordan Blum, and Scott Hepburn, so yeah, I’ll definitely check this out: it’s clear they had a lot more supervillain tropes they wanted to explore before M.O.D.O.K. got canned and I’m happy for them they’re doing it through their own universe.
Damage Control #1 ($4.99): I’ve only seen a few episodes of The Goldbergs but I’m sure Adam F. Goldberg and co.’s take on the organization will be a fun, grunt level view of the Marvel Universe — and it sure is lovely co-creator Dwayne McDuffie’s widow Charlotte Fullerton was involved in this.
A.X.E. Judgment Day #3 ($4.99): I’m sadly but predictably already behind on Marvel’s big annual crossover event, but nevermind, I’m still excited.
Total: $14.97
Kate’s Picks:
Evanescence: Echoes from the Void #1 ($4.99): I love this idea of bringing songs to life in the pages of comics, particularly Evanescence (who I am also tickled to see is still around). Could we get a Ghost comic next? I’d love to see an illustrated version of “Dance Macabre.”
Drawing the Vote – Updated Edition ($16.99): This new edition of Tommy Jenkins’s graphic novel on the history of the vote now includes several new pages on the 2020 election and events that shaped it – – from COVID-19 to the January 6th insurrection. If you missed this when it first came out, don’t miss this one.
Total: $21.98. I’ll find the two dollars in the couch cushions or the car – – “Drawing the Vote” is certainly worth it.
Johnny’s Picks:
Shaolin Cowboy Cruel to be Kin #4 (of 7) ($4.99) – This book is so silly in all the best ways. Over the top violence and corny puns galore, and Darrow’s pen is still as deft as ever. This book won’t be everyone’s cuppa, but it really works for me.
Tales of the Human Target #1 ($5.99) – A prequel of sorts to the current Tom King/Greg Smallwood Human Target miniseries, this time King and Smallwood bring in top talents Kevin Maguire, Mikel Janin, and Rafael Albuquerque to join in the fun. I’m of mixed views on the mini-series, but still on board enough to want to check this out.
Total: $10.98
