2024: A Year of Exceptional Comics
In 2024, readers found comfort in familiar narratives, yet this year's offerings transcended the ordinary, delivering exceptional stories that pushed creative boundaries. Navigating the sheer volume of weekly comics from major publishers, alongside the diverse graphic novels available, is a daunting task. This list highlights some of 2024's standout titles.
A Few Notes Before We Begin:
- This list focuses primarily on Marvel and DC, with a few exceptions from the near-superhero genre.
- Only series with at least 10 issues are included. This excludes newer titles like Ultimates, Absolute Batman, X-titles from the "From the Ashes" relaunch, and Aaron's Ninja Turtles.
- The ranking considers all issues of each series, regardless of release year, including those from earlier runs. Exceptions are Jed McKay's Moon Knight and Joshua Williamson's Robin.
- Anthologies like Action Comics and Batman: The Brave and the Bold are excluded due to their varied authorship.
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
A technically impressive but ultimately underwhelming comic. The fight against the wrong Batman proved tedious, except for the engaging neuro-arc with the Joker.
Nightwing by Tom Taylor
A strong start, marred by filler in later issues. While it fell short of its potential, the series contained some genuinely excellent moments.
Blade + Blade: Red Band
A thrilling action-packed series perfectly capturing the essence of the Daywalker.
Vengeance of the Moon Knight + Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu
A mixed bag. The rushed resurrection of Moon Knight undermined the narrative, leaving some plot points unresolved.
Outsiders
A Planetary reimagining seamlessly integrated into the DC Universe. While the meta-commentary is somewhat predictable, it doesn't detract from the overall quality.
Poison Ivy
A surprisingly long-running series with a unique psychedelic charm. While pacing varies, its consistent appeal is undeniable.
Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson
A compelling story about growing up, father-son relationships, and self-discovery. Though not as impactful as Williamson's first Robin series, it remains a solid read.
Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver
A charming and beautifully illustrated series from Dark Horse. Its simple yet appealing narrative is a refreshing change of pace.
The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier
A complex and challenging read, rewarding those willing to engage with its intricate narrative. Its unpredictable path adds to its intrigue.
The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing
While occasionally tedious, Ewing's long-running narrative keeps readers invested, despite the dense references to previous comics. The artwork is exceptional.
Venom + Venom War
A chaotic yet captivating series, both devastating and inspiring.
John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America
A masterpiece in its first part, focusing on the UK, while the second part, set in the US, falls short. Despite its flaws, Spurrier's portrayal of Constantine remains brilliant.
Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko
A unique blend of manga, psychological horror, and the X-Men, consistently delivered with stunning artwork.
