2024: A Year of Familiar Comfort and Unexpected Excellence in Comics
In 2024, comic readers found comfort in familiar narratives. Surprisingly, many of these familiar stories pushed creative boundaries, resulting in a year of exceptional comics. Navigating the sheer volume of weekly releases from major publishers, alongside graphic novels from various imprints, is a daunting task. This list highlights some of the year's most captivating titles.
A Few Preliminary Notes:
- Focus: Primarily Marvel and DC, with a few exceptions.
- Minimum Length: Series needed at least 10 issues. Newer titles like Ultimates, Absolute Batman, "From the Ashes" X-titles, and Aaron's Ninja Turtles are excluded.
- Ranking: Overall ranking of all issues, not just those released in 2024. Exceptions: Jed McKay's Moon Knight and Joshua Williamson's Robin.
- Anthologies Excluded: Due to diverse authorship (Action Comics, Batman: The Brave and the Bold).
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 comic. The fight against the "wrong" Batman proved tedious, except for a compelling Joker-centric arc.
Nightwing by Tom Taylor
A strong start faltered towards the end, bogged down by filler issues. Despite its flaws, it contained moments of brilliance. It had the potential to be a modern classic but fell short.
Blade + Blade: Red Band
A successful adaptation of the Daywalker into a fast-paced, action-packed comic book.
Vengeance of the Moon Knight + Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu
A mixed bag, hampered by rushed storytelling and underdeveloped character arcs. The potential remains for future improvement.
Outsiders
A Planetary reimagining within the DC Universe, featuring heavy-handed meta-commentary. Despite this, it retains the spirit of the original.
Poison Ivy
A surprisingly long-running series with a unique psychedelic charm. Consistency varies, but its overall appeal is undeniable.
Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson
A compelling coming-of-age story exploring father-son dynamics. While not reaching the heights of Williamson's previous Robin series, it remains a strong entry.
Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver
A charming and visually appealing comic from Dark Horse, emphasizing simplicity and warmth.
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 potentially rewarding but slow-burning series, reliant on Ewing's established mythology. The artwork is a highlight.
Venom + Venom War
A chaotic and impactful series, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America
A strong first part contrasted by a weaker second, though Spurrier's distinctive writing style remains consistent.
Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko
A unique blend of manga, psychological horror, and the X-Men, beautifully illustrated by Peach Momoko.
