San Diego Comic-Con has come and gone and yes, we're totally exhausted, but that won't stop us from helping you out with the next new comic book day. As always, we've reviewed the latest list of upcoming releases and picked the issues that we're looking forward to the most. Once you're all set seeing what we recommend, be awesome and share your own picks with the world below. Don't be shy, go support what you love.
Tony "G-Man" Guerrero's picks
THE WAKE #10
All good things must come to an end. This has been a great series, but what else would you expect from Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy. It’s been an incredible ride with some interesting twists along the way. That makes you really wonder what might possibly happen in this final issue.
While it’s unfortunate that the story is coming to a close, there is something refreshing about creators having a specific story in mind with a beginning, middle, and end. The truth is, we’re selfish and greedy and just want more. This is definitely a must-read issue and series.
DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #3
We’ve been digging the current story arc in DETECTIVE COMICS. Now Brian Buccellato is filling more of the story on the Icarus drug that’s made it’s way into Gotham City. If you saw our interview with Brian at SDCC, he mentioned doing the story in a non-linear way. It’s a bit of an experiment and with seventy-five years of Batman stories, why not try something different once in a while?
Scott Hepburn handles the art duties so that means we’ll have some cool visuals to go along with this story. Annuals are sometimes hit or miss but this should be an exciting time, especially if you’re enjoying the current Icarus arc.
HAWKEYE #19
Tell your friends and neighbors, there’s a new issue of HAWKEYE this week! Yes, we’ve been waiting but I just want to focus on the fact that we’ll soon have another issue in our hands to devour. Perhaps in my years of reading and the fact we have so many great comics these days, I’m willing to be patient for this series.
The solicit for this issue mentions Kate’s part of the story but if you’ve seen the preview, you know that Hawkeye and his current predicament is being shown. Matt Fraction, David Aja, and Hawkeye. Sounds good to me.
Honorable Mention: BLACK SCIENCE #7, SECRET AVENGERS #6
Mat "Inferiorego" Elfring
CHEW WARRIOR CHICKEN POYO #1
I'm going to be extremely honest with you. I have no clue what this book is about, other than the assumptions I can make from the title. I know John Layman and Rob Guillory are working on it and it deals with Poyo, the kick ass chicken detective from CHEW. Frankly, that's all I need. It's CHEW.... You should be reading CHEW. You should be reading all its tie-ins. You should eat people to see who they murdered. EAT PEOPLE! BUY POYO!
X-O MANOWAR #27
Armor Hunters is the jam. Do kids still say "the jam" or am I horribly dating myself as an out-of-touch wannabe? Regardless, Robert Venditti is providing a summer event that lives up to the hype, and while I may sound like a broken record saying that, events tend to falter or feel like recycled stories. Armor Hunters is giving us something really cool that puts Aric up against some cool new villains. This issue will explore the history off these hunters, and I couldn't be more excited.
X-MEN: MAGNETO TESTAMENT TP
Jokes aside, MAGNETO TESTAMENT is a much read not just from Marvel, but comics in general. This is a new printing of the series, and it is a haunting piece which truly humanizes Magneto. He may be one of the worst villains (or at least he was) in the Marvel U, but this book puts it all into perspective. This is Greg Pak's best work to date, even better than Planet Hulk. The last time this was printed was 2009, so this is a must have book for Marvel fans, Pak fans, and Magneto fans. It's a truly moving piece of art.
Gregg "k4tz" Katzman's picks
GHOSTBUSTERS #18
Just like countless others, the Ghostbusters played a big part of my childhood. From the movies to the cartoon to the toys, it's a franchise that has left me with nothing but positive and joyous memories. That franchise is now in Erik Burnham's more than capable hands and his latest story, Mass Hysteria!, reminds me why I once loved this franchise so much. Between the consistently sharp banter and the highly entertaining and fun plot that's full of ghouls and craziness, this storyline feels like the perfect follow-up to the original movies and I've been loving every panel of it. Dan Schoening's lively and animated style is the perfect compliment to the tone Burnham creates, too. If you enjoyed the classic movie, you really need to read this.
FIVE WEAPONS #10
Month after month, this book leaves me with a nice serving of happiness. That's not what you'd expect from a story about kids training to become assassins, right? Well, it is and it just goes to show how well Jimmie Robinson is handling this book. It's consistently sharp, full of bright and delightful visuals, and is overflowing with likable and interesting characters. A whole lot has been building up in this second story and it looks like it'll all come to a head with this chapter. This book has yet to disappoint, so you can bet I'm excited to see what it has in store for us next. If you're interested in checking this book out, I strongly recommend starting from the first chapter. It's been one heck of a journey and joining in on a random spot won't do it proper justice.
Honorable Mention: ARMOR HUNTERS: HARBINGER #1
Corey "Undeadpool" Schroeder's picks
RED LANTERNS ANNUAL #1
The infighting among the Red Lanterns makes landfall on the planet Guy Gardner most wanted when he demanded Sector 2184: Earth. Atrocitus knows a thing or two about making it personal and with a traitor in their midst and a roster of new (and therefore more-expendable) characters, it's hard to predict what's going to happen. Charles Soule's series may not end with this, but I have every faith it will be a crazy ride, particularly with the extra page count that an annual allows. Veteran series cover artist Miguel Angel Sepulveda returns, but this time on interiors and that's something I can't wait to see as the one-shot nature will allow him to fully showcase his artistic talents.
NEW AVENGERS #21
The Great Society's refrain of hope and life can't seem to stand up to the New Avengers' chant of ruthlessness and death. All that's left is for one side or the other to pull the trigger, destroying an entire world. Jonathan Hickman has never shied away from making the characters in his stories make the hardest of choices and this particular is a doozy. I get the feeling that, even if things go back to "normal," there is going to be massive internal strife both within the team and the individuals. Valerio Schiti continues to show why he's on-track to be one of the best new talents under Marvel's banner and I can't wait to see how he renders this issue in particular.
Honorable Mention: CYCLOPS #3