2024: A Year of Familiar Comfort and Unexpected Excellence in Comics
2024 saw readers gravitating towards familiar narratives. Surprisingly, many of these familiar tales were exceptionally well-executed and pushed creative boundaries. Navigating the sheer volume of weekly comics from major publishers, plus the diverse graphic novels available, is a daunting task. This list highlights some of 2024's standout titles.
A Few Preliminary Notes:
- Focus is primarily on Marvel and DC, with a few exceptions.
- Only series with at least 10 issues are included. This excludes newer titles like Ultimates, Absolute Batman, several X-titles from the "From the Ashes" relaunch, and Aaron's Ninja Turtles.
- The ranking considers the entire series, not just 2024 releases. Exceptions are McKay's Moon Knight and Williamson's Robin.
- Anthologies (like Action Comics and Batman: The Brave and the Bold) are excluded due to their varied creative teams.
Table of Contents:
- Batman: Zdarsky's 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
Reviews:
Batman: Zdarsky's Run
A technically impressive but ultimately underwhelming and predictable comic, marred by a poorly executed Joker arc.
Nightwing by Tom Taylor
A strong start that unfortunately faltered towards the end, bogged down by filler issues. While enjoyable, it fell short of its potential.
Blade + Blade: Red Band
A successful adaptation of the Daywalker into a fast-paced, action-packed comic book experience.
Vengeance of the Moon Knight + Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu
A mixed bag, hampered by rushed storytelling and underdeveloped character arcs. Potential remains for future improvement.
Outsiders
A Planetary reimagining within the DC Universe, featuring predictable meta-commentary.
Poison Ivy
A surprisingly long-running series with a unique psychedelic charm, though pacing can be uneven.
Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson
A solid exploration of father-son dynamics and personal growth, though not reaching the heights of Williamson's previous Robin series.
Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver
A surprisingly charming and visually appealing comic from Dark Horse, focusing on a simpler, more intimate narrative.
The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier
A complex and challenging read, rewarding those willing to engage with its intricate plot.
The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing
A potentially rewarding but initially slow-paced series, relying heavily on established lore. The artwork is a highlight.
Venom + Venom War
A chaotic and impactful series, leaving a lasting impression.
John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America
A strong first part contrasted by a weaker second, showcasing both Spurrier's brilliance and tendency towards overstuffed narratives.
Ultimate X-Men by Peach Momoko
A unique blend of manga, psychological horror, and the X-Men, beautifully illustrated by Peach Momoko.
