2024: A Year of Familiar Comfort and Unexpected Excellence in Comics

2024 saw a surprising trend: readers gravitated towards familiar narratives. However, this year's offerings weren't simply retreads; many pushed creative boundaries and delivered exceptional storytelling. Navigating the sheer volume of weekly comics from major publishers, plus the diverse graphic novels available, is a challenge. This list highlights some of 2024's standout titles (primarily from Marvel and DC, with a few exceptions). Only series with at least 10 issues are included, and rankings consider the entire run, not just 2024 releases. Anthologies are excluded due to their varied authorship.

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 tedious and forgettable comic, except for a compelling Joker-centric arc.

Nightwing by Tom Taylor

A strong start, marred by later filler issues. While containing moments of brilliance, it fell short of its potential.

Blade + Blade: Red Band

A satisfyingly violent and action-packed comic, perfectly capturing the essence of the character.

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.

Outsiders

A Planetary reimagining within the DC universe. While incorporating meta-commentary, its execution feels somewhat clumsy.

Poison Ivy

A surprisingly long-running series with a consistent, if occasionally uneven, psychedelic 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 surprisingly charming and visually appealing comic, prioritizing simplicity and emotional resonance.

The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier

A deliberately complex and challenging read, rewarding patience and engagement with unpredictable storytelling.

The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing

A potentially rewarding but slow-burn series, burdened by dense references and a somewhat tedious narrative. The artwork, however, is exceptional.

Venom + Venom War

A chaotic and visceral read, both devastating and inspiring.

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America

A masterpiece in its first half, faltering in its second with a somewhat preachy tone. Despite this, Spurrier's portrayal of Constantine remains brilliant.

Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko

A unique blend of manga, psychological horror, and the X-Men, beautifully illustrated and consistently engaging.