So in an attempt to be more positive, here are a few things I’m looking forward to this summer! I know that things like the new Thor, Nope, the Amazon Lord of the Rings show, the final season of Stranger Things are coming out this summer but those are on everyone else’s list, here are some slightly less well-known things I’m hyped for.
Returning TV Shows
A surprising number of my favorite recent TV/Streaming shows are returning with new episodes this summer.
The Boys Season 3 – June 3rd Amazon Prime
Only Murders in the Building Season 2 – June 28th Hulu
Chad Season 2 – July 11? TBS
Never Have I Ever Season 3 – August 12 Netflix
New TV Shows
Ms. Marvel – June 8 Disney+
While I’m excited for Ewan McGregor to return as Obi-Wan; I’m more interested in Disney Plus’s new series Ms. Marvel, starring a new Pakistani-American hero from a Muslim family. It looks like a new and more inclusive spin on the very well-worn Marvel origin story.
Comics
Saga #59 5/25, Saga #60 6/29 – After a long hiatus, the most interesting current sci-fi universe has returned. It’s been described before as Game of Thrones meets Star Wars. Which honestly sells it a little short, it has more heart than that. Me and every other fan eagerly anticipate each issue.
New Music
She & Him – Melt Away: A Tribute to Brian Wilson – Could there be anything more summery than Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward covering Brian Wilson/Beach Boys songs?
Logic – Vinyl Days 6/17, Lupe Fiasco – Drill Music in Zion 6/24, Kid Cudi –Entergalatic TBA. This is the trio of rap albums I’m hoping end up being highlights of the year. Will Logic deliver one of his best works after coming out of quasi-retirement? Will Lupe give us another classic on par with his debut or his first experimental album that works since Tetsuo & Youth? Is Entergalatic really Kid Cudi’s masterpiece like he’s self-proclaimed or is this just Man on the Moon 143?
Videogames
Multiversus Beta July
Everyone wanted to get into the closed alpha for a new platform fighter. While it doesn’t look like the Smash killer, it does look more polished than most other licensed cash-ins. And it’s leaning heavy into the memes about Warner Bros. properties.
Events
Super Smash Con 2022 8/11 – 14
There are other “Supermajor” Smash tournaments before this and other Platinum Smash World Tour events before this as well. But this is the Smash Ultimate major I’m attending this year. It also happens to be the one event that celebrates all of Smash’s history and holds competitions for all five console games.
Riot Fest Chicago 9/16 – 18
I’m not going to be at Riot Fest Chicago, but I’m really hoping it will be streaming. Not only will long-time punk icons Bad Religion and the Descendants be there, but so will the most exciting new punk band the Linda Lindas. Not to mention emo stalwarts Jimmy Eat World, the Getup Kids, and the Juliana Theory. But what really makes me wish I could go is the chance to see the re-united Sunny Day Real Estate, Jawbox, and Juliana Theory.
Ocean’s Calling Festival Ocean City MD 9/30 – 10/2
It will technically no longer be summer, but I am going to this festival! This event is being thrown by the members of O.A.R. and they’ve described it as a spiritual successor to the HFStival, which was THE Alternative Rock even in D.C. and Baltimore in the late 90s (I was never able to go). With Jimmy Eat World, O.A.R, Alannis Morrisette, and Sublime with Rome appearing there will be plenty of 90s vibes. But there will also be sets by Cage the Elephant, the Lumineers, Logic, and living legend Cyndi Lauper. It’s an eclectic mix, but a number of artists that I really like all at the same festival (I know that’s the point of music festivals but I’ve never really vibed with a festival roster before enough to actually want to attend. ).
So go out there and enjoy your summer!