2024: A Year of Familiar Comfort and Unexpected Excellence in Comics
2024 saw readers gravitate towards familiar narratives. Surprisingly, many of these familiar stories were exceptionally well-executed and pushed creative boundaries. Navigating the sheer volume of weekly comics from major publishers, plus the diverse range of graphic novels, is a daunting task. This list highlights some of the year'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.
- Rankings consider the entire series, not just 2024 releases.
- Anthologies are excluded due to their varied authorship.
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
Technically impressive, but ultimately a tedious and forgettable comic, except for a compelling Joker-centric arc.
Nightwing by Tom Taylor
A strong start, but bogged down by filler in later issues. Could have been a classic, but settles for average.
Blade + Blade: Red Band
A successful adaptation of the Daywalker into a thrilling, action-packed comic.
Vengeance of the Moon Knight + Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu
A mixed bag, hampered by rushed storytelling and underdeveloped characters. 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, despite occasional pacing issues.
Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson
A solid exploration of father-son relationships and self-discovery, though not reaching the heights of Williamson's previous Robin series.
Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver
A charming and visually appealing comic, prioritizing simplicity and heartwarming storytelling.
The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier
A challenging and complex read, rewarding those willing to engage with its intricate narrative.
The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing
A potentially rewarding but slow-burn series, featuring stunning artwork but a sometimes tedious plot.
Venom + Venom War
A chaotic and impactful series, leaving a lasting impression.
John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America
A strong first part, but a weaker second, despite showcasing Spurrier's distinctive writing style.
Ultimate X-Men by Peach Momoko
A unique blend of manga, psychological horror, and X-Men, beautifully illustrated.
