In 2024, readers found comfort in familiar narratives, yet many of these stories were exceptional and innovative. Navigating the vast sea of comics released weekly by traditional publishers, alongside the diverse range of graphic novels catering to all ages, can be daunting. Here’s a curated list of our favorite comics from 2024, focusing on the Big Two (Marvel and DC) with a few notable exceptions.

Some preliminary notes:

• The focus is primarily on Marvel and DC, with a few near-superhero series included.
• Only comics with at least 10 issues were considered. This excludes newer releases like Ultimates, Absolute Batman, X-titles from the "From the Ashes" relaunch, or Aaron's Ninja Turtles.
• The entire run of each comic was evaluated, not just the issues released in 2024, except for Jed McKay's Moon Knight and Joshua Williamson's Robin.
• Anthologies like Action Comics and Batman: The Brave and the Bold were not included due to their diverse author lineups.

Table of Contents ---

1. Batman: Zdarsky Run
2. Nightwing by Tom Taylor
3. Blade + Blade: Red Band
4. Vengeance of the Moon Knight + Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu
5. Outsiders
6. Poison Ivy
7. Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson
8. Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver
9. The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier
10. The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing
11. Venom + Venom War
12. John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America
13. Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko

Batman: Zdarsky Run

Image: ensigame.com

This comic teeters on the edge of brilliance and mediocrity. While technically impressive, it falls short of being remarkable, save for an intriguing neuro-arc involving the Joker. The fight against the wrong Batman felt uninspired and lacked the punch it needed.

Nightwing by Tom Taylor

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Had Nightwing concluded twenty issues earlier, it might have secured a top spot on this list. Unfortunately, the series was diluted by an overabundance of filler content by its end. Despite this, the good moments are worth cherishing, and Tom Taylor's narrative will linger in fans' memories. It had the potential to be the next Hawkeye but settled into the typical DC ongoing series of average quality.

Blade + Blade: Red Band

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With the movie stuck in development limbo, the comic filled a perfect niche for the Daywalker—delivering a gory, action-packed story with a focus on vampire-slaying.

Vengeance of the Moon Knight + Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu

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2024 was an odd year for Moon Knight. Revived too hastily, the series struggled to find its footing. The successor's identity was rushed, the emotional arcs of those close to Marc were quickly resolved, and Marc himself didn't evolve significantly. Even Ms. Marvel's resurrection didn't disappoint as much as this. Hopefully, Jed McKay's current run will bring the character back on track.

Outsiders

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A reimagining of Planetary, deeply woven into the DC Universe, this comic frequently injects meta-commentary. However, its predictability detracts from its charm. Despite this, the original's legacy remains untouched.

Poison Ivy

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Poison Ivy's ongoing soliloquy has reached over thirty issues, a testament to its staying power. While it occasionally surprises or drags, the comic retains a unique psychedelic-astrosocial allure.

Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson

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Joshua Williamson returns to explore Damien Wayne's new challenges in school. Though it doesn't reach the heights of the original Robin series, it's a compelling narrative about growing up, father-son dynamics, and self-discovery. Plus, the Robinmobile adds a fun twist!

Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver

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A dark horse in the lineup, this comic was an unexpected delight. Its cozy, beautiful storytelling, reminiscent of Wanda's Emporium, doesn't seek to reinvent the wheel but captivates with its simplicity.

The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier

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This series is a challenging read, intentionally complex and not for the faint-hearted. It demands effort, but the rewards are unclear. The Flash's journey is unpredictable, making it all the more intriguing.

The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing

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Without Al Ewing's name on the cover, I might have abandoned this series. As both a modern saga and a superhero comic, it feels lackluster, and the references to older comics are tedious. Yet, I'm drawn in by Ewing's long-term concepts, hoping to witness their culmination. The artwork, however, is stunningly divine.

Venom + Venom War

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A chaotic yet inspiring saga, this series is a whirlwind of emotions. I've already reread it multiple times, captivated by its intensity.

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America

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The UK segment is a masterpiece, with elements like a mermaid and a unicorn standing out. In contrast, the US part feels like a clichéd rant on freedom and ideals. Yet, Simon Spurrier's portrayal of Constantine remains brilliant, blending the sublime with the overwrought. Over time, the forgettable parts will fade, leaving only the memorable moments like the vegetable joke or Clarissa's monologue.

Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko

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This manga blends superpowered girls with psychological Japanese horror and the X-Men universe, all beautifully illustrated by Peach Momoko. It's a dream come true, perfectly executed and a standout creation.