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:
Dissolving Classroom (Collector’s edition, $24.99): Most of the Junji Ito books are released by Viz in beautiful hardcovers. Except for “Cat Diary: Yon & Mu” and “Dissolving Classroom” from Kodansha Comics and Vertical Comics respectively, which were both available only in paperback. But, the success Viz has seen with Ito’s work has spilled over, so much so that last year Kodansha republished “Cat Diary: Yon & Mu” in hardcover and now Vertical is doing the same with “Dissolving Classroom.” It’s nice to have it in an edition that feels in line with the rest of Ito’s books. Plus, you know, it’s a damn good book.
Total: $24.99
Christopher’s Pick:
In the Shadow of the Throne ($14.99): Kate Sheridan and Gaia Cardinalli’s graphic novel tells the story of Jordan, who finds himself a squire in a fantasy world after wandering a museum. With high fantasy more popular than it’s probably ever been, it’s a wonder no one else seems to have considered updating Mark Twain’s classic premise beforehand: I’m very curious to check this one out.
Total: $14.99
Kate’s Picks:
Criminal Macabre Count Crowley Halloween Crossover From The Pit They Came #1 ($3.99): The original “Count Crowley” series was a lot of spooky fun, so with a crossover at a horror convention, things are going to get weird in the very fun way.
Godzilla Best Of Mothra #1 ($6.99): I can never say no to a Godzilla comic, and also check out that cover with simple shapes and primary colors to give us one of the King of the Monsters’s most famous fellow kaiju.
Stuff of Nightmares #2 ($4.99): Let’s keep the spooks going with one of the horror writers of my pre-teen and teen years, R.L. Stine.
Total: $15.97
Johnny’s Picks:
Catwoman: Lonely City #4 ($6.99):I don’t love the release schedule for this otherwise stellar book. One the bright side, I get to re-read the previous issues so I can remember what is going on before this final issue. Cliff Chiang has left an indelible mark on the character, a coda for Selina every bit as important as a “Dark Knight Returns” but perhaps without the operatic flair of the iconic Batman tale. If DKR is “Heat,” then this mini-series is “The Friends of Eddie Coyle.” Well done, Cliff!
Justice Warriors #5 ($4.99):Writer Matt Bors and artist Ben Clarkson have knocked this book out of the dang park! This book is more than I hoped for – a silly slap in the face to the Thin Blue Line, and an over-the-top dystopia that still feels like it could be just around the corner. Not to be missed.
Stuff of Nightmares #2 ($4.99): Wouldn’t be a spooky pre-Halloween Edition of CSBC without recommending a title certain to chill you to your very soul! Ok, maybe a bit dramatic, but R.L. Stine’s new offering from BOOM! Studios is a fantastic read, a retelling of a classic monster story that turns the gore volume to 11 – give credit to artist A.L. Kaplan and colorist Roman Titov on making this book truly haunting, though. Their work here is pretty brilliant, and sets a perfect tone.
Total: $16.97
