In 2024, readers found comfort in familiar narratives, yet the year was marked by exceptional storytelling that pushed boundaries. Navigating the vast sea of weekly comics from traditional publishers and the diverse array of graphic novels catering to all ages can be daunting. Here, we present a curated list of the standout titles from 2024 that captured our hearts and minds.
Before diving into the list, a few notes on our criteria:
- Our focus is primarily on the Big Two, Marvel and DC, though a few notable near-superhero series are included.
- Only comics with at least 10 issues are considered, excluding new series like Ultimates, Absolute Batman, the "From the Ashes" X-titles relaunch, and Aaron's Ninja Turtles.
- The entire run of each comic is evaluated, not just the issues released in 2024, except for Jed McKay's Moon Knight and Joshua Williamson's Robin.
- Anthologies, due to their varied authorship, such as Action Comics and Batman: The Brave and the Bold, are not included.
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
This series narrowly escaped mediocrity, offering a technically impressive yet ultimately unremarkable narrative about battling the wrong Batman. The exception was the intriguing neuro-arc involving the Joker, which, despite its brilliance, felt out of place.
Nightwing by Tom Taylor
Image: ensigame.com
Had Nightwing concluded 20 issues earlier, it would have been a contender for the top spot. Unfortunately, it became bogged down by filler content. While we should cherish the good moments, it's a shame the series didn't maintain the potential to be the new Hawkeye and instead became another average DC ongoing.
Blade + Blade: Red Band
Image: ensigame.com
With the movie stuck in production limbo, the comic filled the void perfectly, delivering a thrilling, blood-soaked action story that capitalized on Blade's Daywalker persona.
Vengeance of the Moon Knight + Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu
Image: ensigame.com
Moon Knight's year was tumultuous. Revived too hastily, the series struggled to develop its characters and storylines effectively. While disappointing, there's hope that Jed McKay's ongoing series will redeem the character's narrative arc.
Outsiders
Image: ensigame.com
This reimagining of Planetary seamlessly integrated into the DC Universe, but its meta-commentary felt heavy-handed and predictable. Despite this, it retains the charm of the original.
Poison Ivy
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Poison Ivy's ongoing soliloquy stretched over 30 issues, a remarkable feat. While the series oscillates between captivating and skippable, it maintains a unique psychedelic-astrosocial allure.
Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson
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Williamson's return with Damien Wayne pits the duo against the challenges of school life. Though it doesn't reach the heights of the first Robin series, it offers a compelling exploration of growth, father-son dynamics, and self-discovery, enhanced by the iconic Robinmobile.
Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver
Image: ensigame.com
An unexpected gem, this series, reminiscent of Wanda's Emporium, offers a cozy and visually stunning narrative. Its charm lies in its simplicity, making it a delightful read without the need for experimental twists.
The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier
Image: ensigame.com
This series demands a committed reader, as its intentionally complex narrative doesn't yield easily. Yet, for those willing to engage, Spurrier's storytelling promises a rewarding, albeit unpredictable, journey.
The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing
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Without Al Ewing's reputation, this series might have been abandoned. It struggles to captivate as both a modern god saga and a superhero comic, weighed down by repetitive references to past works. However, the allure of Ewing's overarching concepts keeps readers hooked, hoping for a climactic payoff, complemented by stunning artwork.
Venom + Venom War
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A chaotic yet inspiring whirlwind, this series has been reread multiple times, suggesting an enthralling depth that invites repeated exploration.
John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America
Image: ensigame.com
The UK segment of this series is a masterpiece, featuring memorable elements like a mermaid and a unicorn. In contrast, the US portion feels heavy-handed with its thematic exploration of freedom and ideas. Despite this, Spurrier's portrayal of Constantine remains brilliantly consistent, ensuring that the series' standout moments will endure in memory.
Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko
Image: ensigame.com
Combining elements of manga, psychological Japanese horror, and the X-Men, this series is a remarkable fusion. With Peach Momoko's consistent monthly artwork, it stands as an extraordinary achievement in comic storytelling.
