In 2024, readers found comfort in the familiar, yet many of these stories were exceptional and innovative. Navigating the vast sea of comics released weekly by traditional publishers, along with the diverse array of graphic novels across various book divisions, can be daunting. Here's a curated list of our favorite comics from 2024:
A Few Notes Before the List:
- I focused primarily on the Big Two (Marvel and DC), with a few exceptions for near-superhero series.
- The comic must have at least 10 issues to qualify. Therefore, new series like Ultimates, Absolute Batman, the X-titles from the "From the Ashes" relaunch, and Aaron's Ninja Turtles were not considered.
- I evaluated the entire run of the comic, not just the issues released in 2024, including if the series consisted of multiple titles. The exceptions were Jed McKay's Moon Knight and Joshua Williamson's Robin.
- Anthologies were excluded due to their varied authorship (e.g., Action Comics, Batman: The Brave and the Bold).
Table of Contents:
- Batman: Zdarsky Run
- Nightwing by Tom Taylor
- Blade + Blade: Red Band
- Vengeance of the Moon Knight + Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu
- Outsiders
- Poison Ivy
- Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson
- Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver
- The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier
- The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing
- Venom + Venom War
- John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America
- Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko
Batman: Zdarsky Run
Image: ensigame.com
This series could have easily been a disappointment, but it managed to be a technically impressive comic about the battle against the wrong Batman. The neuro-arc with the Joker was particularly noteworthy, though it could have been better.
Nightwing by Tom Taylor
Image: ensigame.com
Had Nightwing concluded twenty issues earlier, it would have been a strong contender for the top of our list. Unfortunately, it ended up with too many filler issues. While it's sad to see it end on a lower note, we should cherish the good moments. Tom Taylor's work will be remembered, though it didn't reach the heights of the new Hawkeye and remained an average DC ongoing.
Blade + Blade: Red Band
Image: ensigame.com
While the movie was stuck in production limbo, the comic filled the perfect niche for Daywalker, delivering a thrilling action-packed story filled with vampire-slaying excitement.
Vengeance of the Moon Knight + Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu
Image: ensigame.com
2024 was a tumultuous year for Moon Knight. Revived too soon, the series struggled to develop any meaningful arcs: the successor's story was cut short, the emotional journeys of those close to him were resolved too quickly, and Mark Spector himself saw little change. Even the death and resurrection of Ms. Marvel didn't disappoint as much. However, there's hope that Jed McKay will turn things around in the current series.
Outsiders
Image: ensigame.com
A reimagining of Planetary, seamlessly woven into the DC Universe, this comic offers constant meta-commentary. However, its predictability detracts from the experience. Still, it remains a homage to the original.
Poison Ivy
Image: ensigame.com
Poison Ivy's ongoing soliloquy has spanned over thirty issues, a feat in itself. While it can be hit or miss, the series has a unique psychedelic-astrosocial charm that keeps readers engaged.
Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson
Image: ensigame.com
Joshua Williamson returns with Damien Wayne to face a new adversary: school. While it doesn't reach the heights of the first Robin series, it's a compelling story about growing up, father-son relationships, and self-discovery. Plus, the Robinmobile is a fantastic addition.
Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver
Image: ensigame.com
A dark horse in our rankings, this series was unexpectedly delightful. It's cozy and beautifully crafted, much like Wanda's Emporium. Its simplicity is its strength, making it a charming read without the need for radical reimaginings.
The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier
Image: ensigame.com
This series is intentionally complex and not for the faint-hearted. It challenges readers, but if you stick with it, Spurrier's narrative rewards you in unexpected ways. The Flash's journey is unpredictable and all the more fascinating for it.
The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing
Image: ensigame.com
Without Al Ewing's name on the cover, I might have abandoned this series. It's both a modern saga of the gods and a superhero comic, but the references to older comics can be tedious. Yet, I'm drawn in by Ewing's long-term concepts, hoping to see where all his narrative threads converge. The artwork, however, is stunning.
Venom + Venom War
Image: ensigame.com
A chaotic masterpiece that's both devastating and inspiring. I've read it three times, and it continues to captivate.
John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America
Image: ensigame.com
The UK part of this series is a masterpiece, with elements like a mermaid and a unicorn making it stand out. The US part, however, feels like a heavy-handed rant on freedom and the power of ideas. Yet, Simon Spurrier's brilliant characterization of Constantine shines through. Over time, the less memorable parts will fade, leaving behind the truly great moments like the vegetable joke or Clarissa's monologue.
Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko
Image: ensigame.com
Imagine a manga about girls with superpowers that also delves into psychological Japanese horror, featuring the X-Men, and drawn consistently by Peach Momoko. It sounds like a dream, but it's a reality—and an astonishing one at that.
