2024: A Year of Familiar Comfort and Unexpected Excellence in Comics
In 2024, comic book readers found solace in familiar narratives. Surprisingly, many of these familiar stories were exceptionally well-executed and pushed creative boundaries. Navigating the vast landscape of weekly releases from major publishers, along with the diverse graphic novels available, is a significant challenge. This list highlights some of the standout titles we enjoyed in 2024.
A Few Preliminary Notes:
- Focus: Primarily on Marvel and DC, with a few exceptions.
- Minimum Length: Series must have at least 10 issues. This excludes newer titles and miniseries.
- Overall Ranking: The ranking considers the entire run of each series, not just 2024 releases. Exceptions are made for Jed McKay's Moon Knight and Joshua Williamson's Robin.
- Anthologies Excluded: Anthologies like Action Comics and Batman: The Brave and the Bold are excluded due to their multiple creators.
Table of Contents:
- 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
Reviews:
Batman: Zdarsky Run
Technically impressive, but ultimately a dull and forgettable comic, except for the Joker neuro-arc (which was poorly executed).
Nightwing by Tom Taylor
A strong start, but bogged down by filler in later issues. While it had potential to be a classic, it fell short of expectations.
Blade + Blade: Red Band
A successful adaptation of the Daywalker's persona into a fast-paced, action-packed comic.
Vengeance of the Moon Knight + Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu
A disappointing year for Moon Knight, with rushed plot points and underdeveloped character arcs.
Outsiders
A Planetary reimagining within the DC Universe, hampered by 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 personal growth, though not quite reaching the heights of Williamson's previous Robin series.
Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver
A charming and visually appealing comic, prioritizing simplicity and emotional resonance.
The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier
A complex and challenging read, rewarding those willing to engage with its intricate narrative.
The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing
A visually stunning but narratively slow-paced series, relying heavily on established lore.
Venom + Venom War
A chaotic and intensely engaging series, leaving a lasting impact.
John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America
A brilliant first part contrasted by a weaker second part, showcasing both Spurrier's strengths and weaknesses.
Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko
A unique blend of manga, psychological horror, and the X-Men, beautifully illustrated.
