2024: A Year of Familiar Comfort and Unexpected Excellence in Comics
In 2024, comic readers found comfort in the familiar, a trend surprisingly enriched by exceptional storytelling that pushed creative boundaries. Navigating the sheer volume of weekly releases from major publishers, along with the diverse graphic novels available, is a daunting task. This list highlights some of the year's most captivating series.
Note: This list focuses primarily on Marvel and DC, with a few exceptions. Only series with at least 10 issues are included, excluding newer titles like Ultimates, Absolute Batman, recent X-titles, and Aaron's Ninja Turtles. The ranking considers all issues, regardless of release year, accounting for multi-title series, except for McKay's Moon Knight and Williamson's Robin, and excluding anthologies like Action Comics and Batman: The Brave and the Bold.
Batman: Zdarsky Run
A technically impressive but ultimately underwhelming comic. The fight against the "wrong" Batman, aside from the Joker neuro-arc (a significant misstep), proved tedious and forgettable.
Nightwing by Tom Taylor
A series that, had it concluded earlier, would have ranked much higher. Unfortunately, an overabundance of filler in later issues diluted its initial strength. While containing moments of brilliance, it fell short of its potential, failing to achieve the impact of a series like Hawkeye.
Blade + Blade: Red Band
A successful comic adaptation of the Daywalker, delivering a thrilling action-packed experience with plenty of vampire-slaying action.
Vengeance of the Moon Knight + Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu
A year of mixed results for Moon Knight. The premature return from death hampered the narrative, hindering character development and story progression. While not a complete failure, it fell short of expectations.
Outsiders
A Planetary reimagining seamlessly integrated into the DC Universe. While the meta-commentary is present, it lacks originality and becomes predictable. However, the comic remains a solid entry.
Poison Ivy
A surprisingly long-running series (30+ issues) with a unique psychedelic charm. While pacing can be uneven, its overall appeal remains consistent.
Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson
Williamson's return to Damien Wayne delivers a compelling coming-of-age story exploring father-son dynamics and self-discovery. While not surpassing his first Robin series, it's a strong addition to the canon.
Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver
A charming and visually appealing series from Dark Horse Comics. Its simple yet effective storytelling makes it a standout.
The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier
A complex and challenging read, rewarding perseverance with a unique and unpredictable narrative.
The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing
A series that, despite its flaws (slow pacing, excessive references), captivates due to Ewing's intricate long-running concepts and stunning artwork.
Venom + Venom War
A chaotic and impactful series, both devastating and inspiring.
John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America
A series with a strong first part (UK) and a weaker second (US). Despite its unevenness, Spurrier's portrayal of Constantine remains compelling.
Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko
A unique blend of manga, psychological horror, and the X-Men, elevated by Momoko's consistent and stunning artwork.
