With San Diego Comic-Con behind us, there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming year for comic book fans. You may want to consider buying your tickets for next year’s Con, they sell out quicker than Lebron James. In the meantime, this hot week in July ushers in the second issue of Mars Attacks, a brand new storyline in Hellblazer, plus the highly anticipated Creepy Presents: Richard Corben collected edition.

With the ever-increasing number of books coming out between the tie-ins, the crossovers, and the new series, we’ve all got to limit our reading list somehow. We present you with our ten most anticipated books of the week. So feast your eyes on these! Whether you’ve been into comics since you were a young’un, or you’re new to the game, we’re here to help you decide which books to pick up. If I’ve missed something you’re stoked about or if you’ve got any questions, list it in the comments.

Alabaster: Wolves #4 (of 5)

WRITTEN BY: Caitlin R. Kiernan
ART BY: Steve Lieber
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse
PRICE: $3.50

The Low Down: “Award-winning author Caitlin R. Kiernan brings one of her most enduring and popular creations to comics! In a scant few days, Maisie has gone from werewolf to ghost, and from Dancy’s would-be murderer to her erstwhile ally. Now, finally, Dancy’s enigmatic guide tells her story-and Dancy gets her first real glimpse into the evil infesting the town.”

The Feast: Kiernan’s bizarre werewolf tale heats up this week as the final issue approaches. Dancy is left in a strange position after having been saved by the same girl who just tried to kill her. Kiernan is spinning an incredibly novel werewolf story that should not be missed. We only hope there’s more of the morose albino after this miniseries comes to an end.

Dark Horse Presents #14

WRITTEN BY: John Arcudi and various
ART BY: Francesco Francavilla and various
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse
PRICE: $7.99

The Low Down: “The best-selling anthology just upped the ante! This 104-page flipbook boasts a special Nexus back cover alongside new installments of Aliens, Ghost, and Mister X, and the debut of Michael Avon Oeming’s The Wild Rover!”

The Feast: After winning the Eisner Award for Best Anthology this past weekend at Comic-Con, it should be obvious that this is an exceptional book. Every month, the anthology is filled with incredible stories from some of the best names in the business.

Road Rage Hard Cover

WRITTEN BY: Chris Ryall
ART BY: Nelson Daniel and Rafa Garres
PUBLISHER: IDW
PRICE: $24.99

The Low Down: “Acclaimed novelist/Eisner-winning graphic novelist Joe Hill collaborated with his father, Stephen King, in Throttle, for the first time on a tale that paid tribute to Richard Matheson’s classic tale, Duel. Now, IDW is proud to present comic-book tellings of both stories in Road Rage. Adapted by Chris Ryall with art by Nelson Daniel and Rafa Garres.”

The Feast: Adapted from the first collaboration between the father and son dream team of Stephen King and Joe Hill, “Road Rage” delivers graphic retelling of their story, “Throttle”. In addition it includes the adaptation of “Duel”, which inspired the King duo to write their horror story about the open road. This is a must for King/Hill fans.

Creepy Presents: Richard Corben Hard Cover

WRITTEN BY: Richard Corben and various
ART BY: Richard Corben
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse
PRICE: $29.99

The Low Down: “Over 300 pages of timeless terror from a master storyteller! Horror comics visionary and coloring pioneer Richard Corben has been a voice of creativity and change for over four decades. For the first time ever, Corben’s legendary Creepy and Eerie short stories and cover illustrations are being collected into one deluxe hardcover! With an informative foreword by artist and comic book colorist José Villarrubia—who also provides color restoration—this volume features Richard Corben’s original stories, Edgar Allan Poe adaptations, and collaborations with cast of comic-book writers.”

The Feast: Richard Corben is one of the most renowned horror illustrators of all time, acclaimed for his work on “Heavy Metal”, “Creepy”, and “Eerie”. Without Corben, horror comics would not be where they are today, and for the first time Dark Horse is collecting 300 page volume filled with his most terrifying stories from the “Eerie” and “Creepy” anthologies. This is a must have for any horror fan, young and old alike.

Hellblazer #239

WRITTEN BY: Peter Milligan
ART BY: Guiseppe Camuncoli and StefanoLandini
PUBLISHER: Vertigo
PRICE: $2.99

The Low Down: “NEW STORYLINE! John Constantine had no intention of tracking down his long-lost nephew, despite the promise John made to his dead mum. But jealous outbursts, strange visions and a ritual murder may force him into it after all. Dark magic, tainted blood and the occasional dead sheep – it’s all in part one of ‘The Curse of the Constantines.’”

The Feast: Vertigo’s longest running title kicks into high gear this week offering a perfect place to jump on board for new readers. The cynical, blonde, British chain-smoker is perfect for fans of “Justice League Dark” and “Preacher”. It’s well worth checking out.

Mars Attacks #2

WRITTEN BY: John Layman
ART BY: John McCrae
PUBLISHER: IDW
PRICE: $3.99

The Low Down: “The invasion has begun! The first stories of an all-new MARS ATTACKS universe are here, bringing outrageous action and dark humor to the comics page. Eisner-winning writer John Layman (Chew) is joined by Eisner-winning artist John McCrea (Hitman) to sound the alarm. Beware! The Martians are here!”

The Feast: John Layman and John McCrae are taking a page from the old school book, delivering an awesome throwback Martian story. The first issue showed all the signs of a dynamic and entertaining ongoing series, and we hope for more of this in issue #2.

No Place Like Home #5

WRITTEN BY: Angelo Tirotto
ART BY: Richard Jordan
PUBLISHER: Image
PRICE: $2.99

The Low Down: “’HOME AGAIN,’ Conclusion Something evil is brewing under the farm, everyone is dead or dying and Dee is stuck in the middle of it all. With family secrets out in the open it’s up to Dee to stop the winged monster from killing again, but is it already too late?”

The Feast: It’s been a while since the last installment of “No Place Like Home”, and we finally get the conclusion to the first chapter of Tirotto grim retelling of “The Wizard of Oz”. While Oz stories are a dime a dozen, “No Place Like Home” manages to keep things fresh. Damn those flying monkeys!

Saga #5

WRITTEN BY: Brian K. Vaughan
ART BY: Fiona Staples
PUBLISHER: Image
PRICE: $2.99

The Low Down: “The smash hit ongoing series from Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples continues, as Prince Robot IV’s hunt for Hazel and her parents takes a deadly turn.”

The Feast: Just read it.

Fatima: The Blood Spinners #2 (of 4)

WRITTEN BY: Gilbert Hernandez
ART BY: Gilbert Hernandez
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse
PRICE: $3.99

The Low Down: “Love and Rockets’ Gilbert Hernandez continues his scary and sexy romp through the zombie-infested future! With the irresistible drug ‘spin’ turning more and more people into shambling brain-eaters, the beautiful Fatima finds herself one of the last agents standing against them. But with conspiracy theories running rampant, it’s impossible to tell if she’s on the right side or if her own organization is responsible for unleashing the plague!”

The Feast: “Fatima: The Blood Spinners” is one of the more peculiar zombie stories out there, with unconventional artwork and a storyline that’s part Philip K. Dick, part “Walking Dead”, part “Sweet Tooth”. It’s nice to see a major publisher take a chance with an off-the-beaten-path title like “Fatima”.

Batwoman #11

WRITTEN BY: J.H. Williams III
ART BY: Trevor McCarthy
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse
PRICE: $2.99

The Low Down: “The conclusion of “TO DROWN THE WORLD”! BATWOMAN, CHASE, and the D.E.O. battle Gotham City’s URBAN LEGENDS in hope of finding the missing children.”

The Feast: The current “Batwoman” arc has been extremely experimental, both in terms of narrative form and graphic storytelling. Issue #11 concludes “To Drown The World”, and you can expect some shockers from Williams III – maybe not as shocking as the “Sandman” announcement. “Batwoman” is a necessary member to the Bat Family, offering something entirely different from all the other books.

Any thoughts? Books you’re excited about? Sound off in the comments or let me know on twitter!