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:
Briar #1 ($4.99): BOOM! Studios brings us this gorgeous dark fantasy retelling of Sleeping Beauty, written by Christopher Cantwell and art by German Garcia. I was completely awestruck by Garcia’s idiosyncratic style when they were on the recent “Ka-Zar: Lord of the Savage World ” mini-series. Reminiscent of fantasy adventure series from the 1970’s, Garcia’s impressively delicate yet detailed linework looks like it belongs in a Disney film. Can’t wait to see more of their stuff!
Pink Lemonade #1 ($3.99): I’ve heard this Indigogo self-puplished darling (now out from Oni) described as “Hopepunk by way of Jack Kirby and Evel Knievel,” and other apt style comparisons to Mike Allred and Dan Clowes. The praise for creator Nick Cagnetti and the titular character from this series is well deserved – the original book was a dynamite romp, and the new series is hopefully more of the same!
The Defenders #3 ($3.99): Al Ewing. Javier Rodriguez. I shouldn’t have to say more, but I’ll take a stab. If you want some bonkers Marvel fun that will make you want to absolutely crack open your old omnibuses or Marvel Unlimited and do a deep dive to read or re-read some of the more esoteric Marvel lore, look no further. Hell, they even give you a handy guide in each issue to do just that!! This book is top tier!
Dungeon: Early Years Vol. 3 – Without A Sound ($15.99): Oh, and we’re getting another volume of the best fantasy series on the stands?! Yes please! This French import from NBM is an absolute must-read for fans of dungeon crawling fantasy and/or Carl Barks duck comics. A true modern classic.
Total: $28.96 – Well over the $20 mark – but dangit it’s worth it!
Kate’s Picks:
The Roadie #1 ($3.99): Metal plus exorcism plus a dads and daughters story is one interesting combo, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s Tim Seeley.
Skybound Presents Afterschool #3 ($4.99): This is a story that will remind you that your annoying younger sibling may just be the key to saving your life.
Marvel’s Voices Comunidades #1 ($5.99): Marvel’s Voices anthology series celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of stories that showcase the variety of cultures that fall under the Latine umbrella.
Total: $14.97
Christopher’s Pick:
Hollow ($19.99): I’ve always been fascinated by the image of the Headless Horseman, so Shannon Watters, Branden Boyer-White, and Berenice Nelle’s new young adult take on the Legend of Sleepy Hollow is catnip for me. It’s about time the Hessian ghost got some love in comics, and I hope it’s effectively dark and thrilling, despite looking as colorful as any other BOOM! Studios title aimed at high schoolers.
Total: $19.99
Mark’s Pick:
Lazarus: Risen #7 ($7.99) – The final issue for now. (The series will return later as the monthly 12–14 issue “Lazarus: Fallen.”) This is the moment we’ve been waiting for almost since “Lazarus” began, so I couldn’t possibly miss it.
Total: $7.99. The rest of my items blow the budget, I’m afraid.
