In 2024, readers turned to the familiar for comfort, yet the year delivered exceptional stories that pushed boundaries. Navigating the vast sea of comics from traditional publishers like Marvel and DC, along with diverse graphic novels for all ages, can be daunting. Here, we present a curated list of our favorites from the year.
Before diving into the list, a few notes:
- This list focuses primarily on the Big Two (Marvel and DC), with a few notable exceptions.
- Comics needed to have at least 10 issues to qualify. New titles like Ultimates, Absolute Batman, the X-titles from the "From the Ashes" relaunch, or Aaron's Ninja Turtles were not considered.
- Rankings encompass the entire run of the comic, not just 2024 releases, unless specified otherwise (e.g., 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 Content ---
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
A technically proficient comic that could have been forgettable, the Zdarsky Run on Batman was saved by its compelling neuro-arc with the Joker. Despite its overall unremarkable nature, the fight against the wrong Batman was executed well.
Nightwing by Tom Taylor
Image: ensigame.com
Nightwing's series had the potential to be a top contender if it had concluded earlier. Unfortunately, it became bogged down with filler issues by its end. While it won't be remembered as the new Hawkeye, Tom Taylor's run still offered memorable moments.
Blade + Blade: Red Band
Image: ensigame.com
With the movie stuck in production limbo, the Blade comic filled the void perfectly, delivering a thrilling, blood-soaked action narrative.
Vengeance of the Moon Knight + Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu
Image: ensigame.com
Moon Knight's year was tumultuous. Revived prematurely, the series struggled to find its footing, leaving many plotlines unresolved. Despite this, there's hope that Jed McKay's current run will turn things around.
Outsiders
Image: ensigame.com
A reimagining of Planetary woven into the DC Universe, Outsiders offers meta-commentary that, while predictable, respects the original's legacy.
Poison Ivy
Image: ensigame.com
Poison Ivy's ongoing soliloquy has reached over 30 issues, a testament to its unique psychedelic-astrosocial charm. While it varies in intensity, it remains an engaging read.
Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson
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Joshua Williamson returns with Damien Wayne to tackle new challenges (like school). While it doesn't reach the heights of the first Robin series, it's a poignant exploration of growing up and father-son dynamics. Plus, the Robinmobile is a fun addition!
Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver
Image: ensigame.com
An unexpected gem, Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver offers a cozy, beautiful narrative. Its simplicity and charm make it a delightful read without the need for radical reinvention.
The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier
Image: ensigame.com
Simon Spurrier's Flash series is not for the faint-hearted, requiring dedicated readers to unravel its complexities. The journey is unpredictable, but that's part of its allure.
The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing
Image: ensigame.com
Al Ewing's Thor series might be slow and overly referential, yet it captivates with its divine artwork. The anticipation of reaching Ewing's conceptual zenith keeps readers hooked.
Venom + Venom War
Image: ensigame.com
A chaotic masterpiece, Venom + Venom War is both devastating and inspiring, compelling readers to dive back in repeatedly.
John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America
Image: ensigame.com
The UK segment of this Hellblazer story is a standout, with its clever use of mythic elements. The US part, while heavy-handed, still showcases Spurrier's skill in crafting Constantine. The memorable moments, like the vegetable joke and Clarissa's monologue, will endure.
Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko
Image: ensigame.com
Peach Momoko's Ultimate X-men blends manga, psychological horror, and superhero elements into a monthly masterpiece. It's a dream come true for fans, showcasing the perfect harmony of its unique components.