Due to the lack of new comics, we’ve been rebranding Comics Should Be Cheap as Comics Should Be New. But in the interest of not burning out our staff’s potential picks in the first few weeks of this, potentially, months long new comics hiatus, we thought we would take a trip back in time to 2015 to see what comics our staff was buying four years ago, on May 4, 2016. Enjoy!
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!
Leo’s Picks:
Weavers #1 ($3.99) – This is one of those books that I honestly hadn’t heard much about until a couple of weeks ago, but then was really intrigued by the concept of it. It’s got all the makings of a good mob story, but instead of family tying them together it’s symbiotic spiders that live in their bodies and give them amazing powers, and also make them loyal to each other. I’m down with finding out how this plays out.
Renato Jones: The One% #1 ($3.99) – Kaare Kyle Andrews did some pretty cool stuff on “Iron Fist” a couple of years ago, so it’ll be interesting to see what he does with a book that’s all his. The bit of social commentary that this book is sure to provide won’t hurt either.
Saints #8 ($2.99) – As this series comes to its penultimate issue, things are starting to get even crazier. The solicit mentions demons from Hell joining the battle, so that’s pretty cool.
Nailbiter #21 ($2.99) – “Nailbiter” continues to be one of the most consistently good, and also creepy, comics out there. Always a solid read each and every month.
Total: $13.96
Mark’s Picks:
Rat Queens #16 ($3.99) — This is going to be the last issue of “Rat Queens” for a while. I’m not sure why and I don’t want to speculate. As far as I know, this is Tess Fowler’s last issue on the title. But, despite it’s rocky publication history, this is a great series. Every time I’ve recommended it, people have loved it. I’m with this book for the long haul.
Invader Zim #9 ($3.99) — I always like a new issue about our local Irken Invader. (I’m still annoyed that Australians are locked out from buying this title digitally. Damn you to hell, Nickelodeon. Damn you to hell.) Speaking of hell…
Hellboy in Hell #9: The Spanish Bride ($2.99) — Oh my god. This issue. If you haven’t picked up the “Hellboy in Mexico” trade paperback yet, definitely do that. The “Hellboy Gets Married” story in there adds a level to this issue that you don’t want to miss.
I can’t believe this series is ending next month…
Baltimore: Empty Graves #2 ($3.99) — This is a quiet issue that feels like the pause before the storm. This isn’t a big issue, it’s a simmering issue, but it’s one I very much enjoyed.
Beasts of Burden: What the Cat Dragged In ($3.99) — New issues of “Beasts of Burden” don’t come along very often, so when they do, it’s a real treat. Sarah Dyer joins Evan Dorkin on writing duties for this issue. This isn’t the first time she’s been involved in the series, and her previous collaboration was one of my favorite stories in the series, so I have high hopes for this one.
Total: $18.95. Excellent comics this week.
Drew’s Picks:
Space Battle Lunchtime #1 ($3.99) – The premise for this comic is delightfully bizarre: an Earth girl finds herself in an intergalactic cooking competition in the same vein as Chopped or Sweet Genius, but the stakes are much higher. I’m not familiar with either creator and the concept is odd enough that it could easily turn into a trainwreck, but Oni’s a reliable publisher and the teaser in “Previews” looked entertaining. I don’t see this as much of a risk.
Continued belowThe Violent #4 ($3.99) – Reading this comic is unpleasant in the best way. They lead characters are two of the most unlikeable protagonists I’ve seen in a long time, but I still find myself sympathizing with them. They’ve had rough lives so far, but now there’s a kid in the picture and they want to do the right thing. Even better, they can identify what the right thing is. They’re just too weak to stick with it. I’ve never been addicted to drugs and it’s not likely anyone’s going to call CPS on me, but I can still identify with their flaws. I can’t imagine there’s a happy ending in the future, but Ed Brisson and Adam Gorham have me hoping for one anyway.
Total: $7.98 – I’m also reading “The Woods” this week, but it’s fallen in quality lately and I wouldn’t feel good recommending it at this point.
Matt Garcia’s Picks:
Cinema Purgatorio #1 ($5.99) – Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill try to make their own “Island” but for Avatar. Though they belittle the idea of anthologies in the solicit (Moore can’t help reminding you he’s a massive asshole), there’s an interesting roster of talent involved including Kieron Gillen, Max Brooks, Ralou Cacers, and Ignacio Calero. Plus, I love anthology comics. It’s also in black-and-white, perfect bound, with no ads. So at the very least it will be cool to hold.
Poe Dameron #2 ($3.99) – Most surprising of all: I found a Charles Soule book I like. I keep waiting for him to just mess up everything with the character, but, if the first issue was any indication, this will at least remain a fun and entertaining series.
Beasts of Burden: What the Cat Dragged In” ($3.99) – I only recently read the back log of “Beasts of Burden”, but I can tell you right now that any time a new one comes out, it’s worth your attention.
Weavers #1 ($3.99) – A new debut from Si Spurrier and Dylan Burnett through Boom! Studios. It’s about supernatural gangster spiders or something. Spurrier has been turning in some strong work recently, so let’s see if he’s able to continue that streak.
Total: $17.96
Vince’s Picks:
Midnighter #12 ($2.99) – I can’t stress how much I appreciate Steve Orlando & Aco’s deft touch with this character. Comics get rightfully bagged for being too grim and gritty these days, but that’s necessary for a character like “Midnighter.” But Orlando cuts that with pockets of humor and heart throughout. It’s one of the best comics DC is putting out, and it’s putting a truly great gay character in the spotlight. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Cinema Purgatorio #1 ($4.99) – What the hell is this? Alan Moore & Kevin O’Neil. Okay, I guess I’ll check it out.
Kings Quest #1 ($3.99) – Dan McDaid drawing the Kings Features characters. Get the fuck in here!
Batman Superman #32 ($3.99) – ‘Super League’ has been mostly set up, so far, but returning the sense of family and heart to Superman in the New 52 is good set up, I would say. With the arc half over, I would expect the action to start ramping up. Hopefully it’s worthy of the buildup.
The Punisher #1 ($3.99) – I’m not reading much Marvel these days, but the prospect of Becky Cloonan writing The Punisher is too interesting to pass up. It’s something I want to support.
Total: $19.95
