2024: A Year of Familiar Comfort and Unexpected Excellence in Comics
2024 saw readers gravitate towards familiar narratives, a trend surprisingly bolstered by a wave of exceptional and boundary-pushing comics. Navigating the sheer volume of weekly releases from major publishers, plus the diverse graphic novels available, is a daunting task. This list highlights some of the year's standout titles, focusing primarily on Marvel and DC, with a few exceptions. Only series with at least 10 issues are included, excluding newer titles and anthologies. The ranking considers all issues, regardless of release year, with the exceptions of Jed McKay's Moon Knight and Joshua Williamson's Robin.
Batman: Zdarsky Run
Technically impressive, but ultimately a somewhat dull and forgettable comic, save for a compelling Joker-centric arc.
Nightwing by Tom Taylor
A strong start, unfortunately bogged down by filler in later issues. While not reaching its initial potential, it still offers enjoyable moments.
Blade + Blade: Red Band
A successful adaptation of the Daywalker's persona 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 plot points and underdeveloped character arcs. Potential remains for future installments to rectify these shortcomings.
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 (30+ issues!) with a consistently unique psychedelic and astrosocial charm.
Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson
A solid exploration of father-son dynamics and personal growth, though not quite reaching the heights of Williamson's previous Robin series.
Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver
A charming and visually appealing comic from Dark Horse, prioritizing heartwarming simplicity over experimental storytelling.
The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier
A complex and challenging read, rewarding those willing to engage with its intricate narrative. Its unpredictable nature adds to its appeal.
The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing
A potentially rewarding series for those invested in Ewing's interconnected storylines, despite its occasionally tedious pacing and reliance on established lore. The artwork is a significant 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. Despite its flaws, Spurrier's unique portrayal of Constantine shines through.
Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko
A captivating blend of manga, psychological horror, and the X-Men, elevated by Momoko's consistent and stunning artwork.