ComicBook Countdown for the Week of August 17

There's nary a week when great comics, movies, or television shows aren't all vying for our attention. It can be hard to keep up with it all, but that's why we're here. Each Monday at ComicBook.Com, we take a look at the five most exciting things coming to the world of fandom to keep you in the know.

5. DC Comics Designer Series by Jae Lee | DC Comics

No, those aren't comic book panels you're looking at. Those are actual action figures. There is no artist working at DC Comics today whose work is as easily distinguishable and striking as that of Jae Lee. His character designs and settings are sharp, stylish, and entirely unique. Just flip through any of his Batman/Superman issues and you'll know exactly what we mean. So it's very exciting to see DC Comics bringing his moody work into the third dimension with a series of action figures. These sculpts look every bit as good on a desk as they do on a page, and should delight superhero collectors everywhere.

4. Star Wars #8 | Marvel Comics

When it was announced that John Cassaday would be the first artist on Marvel's Star Wars relaunch, it was simply a matter of time until someone new would have to step in (Cassaday is great, but monthly schedules aren't his thing). But Marvel could not have chosen a better successor than artist Stuart Immonen. Immonen is one of the best artists working at Marvel Comics (just check out Nextwave and All-New X-Men if you need proof). His clear storytelling and acting will make a great fit for this flagship series, and should deliver all of the action, humor, and imagination that fans desire.

3. American Ultra | Lionsgate

This new stoner comedy written by Max Landis (Chronicle) looks like an odd, but super fun combination of Pineapple Express and Kingsman. And if a mashup of those two movies turns you off, then we probably can't be friends. Big action and big laughs are all but guaranteed with Landis' unique wit, and a very talented, if underrated cast. This may not seem like the summer blockbuster we were expecting to arrive in August, but it may turn out to be the one we needed all along.

2. Howard the Human #1 | Marvel Comics

This Secret Wars one-shot is bound to be a weird one. Artist Jim Mahfood and writer Skottie Young will tell the story of Howard The Duck as a human detective in an animal-populated world he didn't create. Young has proven himself to be a reliably funny and inventive writer, but I'm even more excited to see what Mahfood will show off. His style and techniques are unlike anything else at Marvel Comics, and this concept feels like a perfect fit. Along with Secret Wars Secret Love #1, Marvel fans have two great one-shots to pick up this week that should satisfy all their superhero needs.

1. We(l)come Back #1 | Boom! Studios

I had an opportunity to read We(l)come Back #1 last month, and let me tell you, this comic rocks. It's violent, weird, and a ton of fun. Writer Chris Sebela and artist Jonathan Brandon Sawyer tell the story of a never-ending war between combatants destined to kill one another again and again, resurrecting in a new body each time to repeat the cycle. The first issue does a wonderful job of introducing both the premise and its main character, with plenty of humor and action throughout. If you're looking to check out any new series at your local comic book store this week, make it this one.

What new comics, shows, and other releases are you looking forward to this week? Share in the comments below.