2024: A Year of Familiar Comfort and Unexpected Excellence in Comics
In 2024, comic readers found refuge in familiar narratives. Surprisingly, many of these familiar tales were exceptionally well-executed and pushed creative boundaries. Navigating the sheer volume of weekly releases from major publishers, along with the diverse range of graphic novels available, is a monumental task. This list highlights some of 2024's standout titles.
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 like Ultimates, Absolute Batman, and certain X-titles from the "From the Ashes" relaunch.
- Overall Ranking: The ranking considers all issues of each series, not just those released in 2024. Exceptions: 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 varied creative teams.
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
A technically impressive but ultimately underwhelming and predictable comic, marred by a poorly executed Joker storyline.
Nightwing by Tom Taylor
A strong start that unfortunately faltered towards the end, bogged down by filler arcs. While containing moments of brilliance, it ultimately fell short of its potential.
Blade + Blade: Red Band
A successful adaptation of the Blade character 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. The potential for redemption remains in future installments.
Outsiders
A Planetary reimagining within the DC Universe, featuring predictable meta-commentary. Despite its flaws, it remains a solid entry.
Poison Ivy
A surprisingly long-running series with a unique psychedelic charm, offering a consistent, if uneven, experience.
Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson
A solid, if not groundbreaking, sequel to the first Robin series, focusing on themes of growth, family, and self-discovery.
Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver
A charming and visually appealing comic from Dark Horse, prioritizing simplicity and emotional resonance over experimental storytelling.
The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier
A complex and challenging read, rewarding patient readers with a unique and unpredictable narrative.
The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing
A long-running series that, despite its flaws, maintains intrigue due to Ewing's established mythology and stunning artwork.
Venom + Venom War
A chaotic and compelling series that leaves a lasting impact.
John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America
A strong first half contrasted by a weaker second, showcasing Spurrier's talent while also highlighting his tendency towards over-saturation.
Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko
A unique blend of manga, psychological horror, and the X-Men, elevated by Momoko's consistent artistic vision.
