In 2024, readers found comfort in the familiar, yet many of these stories were exceptional and pushed boundaries. Navigating the vast sea of weekly comics from traditional publishers and the diverse array of graphic novels available across different book divisions for all age groups is a daunting task. Here's a curated list of what we loved in 2024.
Before diving into the list, a few notes:
- The focus is primarily on the Big Two (Marvel and DC), with a few notable exceptions from near-superhero series.
- Only comics that have reached at least 10 issues are included. New releases like Ultimates, Absolute Batman, X-titles from the "From the Ashes" relaunch, or Aaron's Ninja Turtles are not considered.
- All issues of a series were evaluated, not just those released in 2024, except for Jed McKay's Moon Knight and Joshua Williamson's Robin.
- Anthologies with multiple authors, such as Action Comics and Batman: The Brave and the Bold, were excluded.
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
While it could have been better, this comic was technically impressive, though ultimately unremarkable. The fight against the wrong Batman was the highlight, except for the neuro-arc with the Joker, which was a disappointment.
Nightwing by Tom Taylor
Image: ensigame.com
Had it ended twenty issues earlier, Nightwing might have been at the top of our list. Unfortunately, the series became weighed down by filler content. Despite this, Tom Taylor's work will be remembered fondly, though it didn't quite reach the heights of a new Hawkeye, settling instead for typical DC ongoing quality.
Blade + Blade: Red Band
Image: ensigame.com
With the movie stuck in production limbo, the comic filled the void perfectly, offering a thrilling, blood-soaked action experience for the Daywalker.
Vengeance of the Moon Knight + Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu
Image: ensigame.com
Moon Knight's year was tumultuous. Revived too soon, the series struggled to find its footing, with the new successor's development rushed and the emotional arcs of those close to him quickly resolved. Mark Spector's character saw little growth. Despite these issues, there's hope that Jed McKay will turn things around in the current run.
Outsiders
Image: ensigame.com
A reimagining of Planetary within the DC Universe, Outsiders offers meta-commentary that, while predictable, adds a unique flavor to the series. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the original.
Poison Ivy
Image: ensigame.com
Poison Ivy's ongoing soliloquy has spanned over thirty issues, a feat in itself. The comic blends psychedelic and astrosocial themes, offering a mix of surprises and moments you might want to skip through, but it retains a unique charm.
Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson
Image: ensigame.com
Joshua Williamson returns with Damien Wayne to tackle a new challenge: school. While it doesn't reach the heights of the first Robin series, it's a compelling story about growing up, father-son dynamics, and self-discovery. Plus, the Robinmobile is a fun addition!
Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver
Image: ensigame.com
A dark horse in the rankings, this comic surprised with its cozy and beautiful storytelling. Scarlet Witch doesn't aim for groundbreaking changes, but its charming simplicity is its strength.
The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier
Image: ensigame.com
This series is intentionally complex and may not appeal to everyone. It's a challenging read, but if you stick with it, Simon Spurrier's narrative rewards perseverance, though the end goal remains a mystery.
The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing
Image: ensigame.com
Al Ewing's name on the cover is the only reason to keep reading. The story struggles to engage as both a modern saga and a superhero comic, with references to older comics feeling tedious. Yet, the hope that Ewing's long-running concepts will eventually reach a satisfying climax keeps readers hooked. The artwork, however, is stunning.
Venom + Venom War
Image: ensigame.com
A chaotic yet inspiring journey, this series is compelling enough to warrant multiple re-reads. It's a thrilling dive into the abyss.
John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America
Image: ensigame.com
The UK section of this comic is a masterpiece, featuring memorable elements like a mermaid and a unicorn. The US section, however, feels like a heavy-handed lecture on freedom and other well-trodden themes. Simon Spurrier's writing remains brilliant, though the less impactful parts will likely fade from memory, leaving behind moments like the vegetable joke and Clarissa's monologue.
Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko
Image: ensigame.com
A manga about superpowered girls that blends psychological Japanese horror with the X-Men universe, drawn consistently by Peach Momoko. It's an extraordinary creation that brings together all the right elements.
