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!
Christopher’s Pick:
War and Peace: The Graphic Novel ($19.99): How exactly does one do Leo Tolstoy’s masterpiece (unless you prefer Anna Karenina) justice within a single, 224-page graphic novel? I suppose a cynic would answer you can’t, but I’m curious nonetheless to revisit the story in Andrews McMeel’s new release (written by Alexandr Poltorak with art by Dmitry Chukhrai), and see how exactly the creative team condensed it all. At the very least, it might make a good introduction to the book for a 14-year old who isn’t as ready to read the whole thing.
Total: $19.99
Johnny’s Picks:
Stuff of Nightmares #1 ($5.99): Lots of terrific picks this week when you head to your shop, but let’s start with this gem from BOOM! Studios. Famed “Goosebumps” author R.L. Stine is back, but this time in comics form. In the spirit of old E.C. Comics and other “Horror Host” media, Stine takes us on a guided tour through his re-envisioning of classic horror tales. Joining him for this issue is artist A.L. Kaplan, and I have to say they do an incredible job evoking a sense of dread and creepiness with wonderful use of negative space and plenty of inky darkness. This book was a welcome surprise!
Justice Warriors #4 ($4.99): I’ve hyped this incredible series each month, a deliriously fun satire of the fallout of unchecked American excess, but if you don’t believe me, check out the preview for this issue yourself!
Shaolin Cowboy: Cruel to be Kin #5 ($4.99): There is a gleeful grin ear-to-ear when I read a Shaolin Cowboy book. It doesn’t always make much narrative sense, it’s incredibly violent, and the main characters are often cartoonishly absurd, but dammit if it doesn’t combine to form some wonderful elixir fit to turn frowns upside down. Darrow is a genius, and this book leans into letting his talent run rampant on the page, with little concern for the reader. Just strap in and enjoy!
Santos Sisters #2 ($4.20): The droll self-awareness and intentional mimcry of old Archie Comics is not new to funnybooks – however, the self-published “Santos Sisters” by Greg & Fake Petre is a welcome reinvigoration of the pastiche. Printed on newsprint paper, the entire book feels not so much like a parody, but rather an artifact from an alternate universe where this book was actually a part of the Archie line. The book has a sensibility that isn’t quite the ham-fisted fourth-wall breaking of Mad Magazine, but more akin to the light deconstruction of the form you might have seen on “The Venture Brothers.” Ambar and Alana, the titular Sisters, get their power from a medallion they found on the beach, and use their powers for (generally) good. The book leans on its oddball characters, quirky humor, and cartoonish violence, with Ambar and Alana facing characters like “Bridgette Spinner” or the Kirby-esque “Weird A.I. Ankhovic.” The first issue was absolutely jam-packed with material, with most stories clocking in at just a few pages in length, not overstaying their welcome. I feel tremendously lucky to have taken a chance on this incredible first issue when I happened upon it – and I feel like more eyes should be on this title in the coming year!
Total: $20.17 – too many great books this week!
Kate’s Picks:
Doughnuts and Doom ($14.99): I love fun Halloween stories as much as I love scary Halloween stories, and the solicit for this title gave me a The Worst Witch vibe (which itself has one of the best Halloween songs that is out there).
Continued belowCrashing #1 ($3.99): What if Grey’s Anatomy (yes that show is still around), but patients with powers and a lot of Boston accents? (Maybe that should be a Grey’s Anatomy spinoff…)
Total: $18.98
Mark’s Picks:
The Lonesome Hunters #4 ($3.99) – Good news, everyone! Tyler Crook’s “The Lonesome Hunters” will be back for a second miniseries and he’s working on it right now. I cannot recommend this comic enough.
Frankenstein: New World #2 ($3.99) – Another gorgeous issue exploring the New World post “B.P.R.D.: The Devil You Know.” I’m very much enjoying a story that’s content to slow down and let the reader experience the world.
Parasomnia: The Dreaming God #2 ($3.99) – After the Solomon Kane-inspired first miniseries, it’s quite a serve to dive into a cyberpunk world for this second miniseries. It’s interesting to see a series that to an extent reinvents itself with each arc.
Total: $11.97.
