Top Comics of 2024 Ranked: Marvel, DC, Others

In 2024, readers found comfort in familiar narratives, but the year stood out for the exceptional quality and innovative approaches within these well-known stories. Navigating the vast sea of weekly comics from traditional publishers, along with the diverse array of graphic novels catering to all ages, can be daunting. Here, we present a curated list of our favorite comics from 2024, focusing primarily on the Big Two—Marvel and DC—with a few exceptions for near-superhero series.

Before diving into the list, a few notes:

• Only comics with at least 10 issues were considered, excluding newer series like Ultimates, Absolute Batman, the X-titles from the "From the Ashes" relaunch, and Aaron's Ninja Turtles.
• The entire run of each comic was evaluated, not just the issues released in 2024, with the exception of Jed McKay's Moon Knight and Joshua Williamson's Robin.
• Anthologies like Action Comics and Batman: The Brave and the Bold were omitted due to their varied authorship.

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

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While it could have been much worse, the Zdarsky run on Batman was disappointingly unremarkable, though technically impressive. The fight against the wrong Batman was tedious, save for the intriguing neuro-arc involving the Joker, which was a misstep.

Nightwing by Tom Taylor

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Nightwing had the potential to be a top contender if it had ended twenty issues earlier. Unfortunately, the series accumulated too many filler issues by its conclusion. Despite this, the memorable moments crafted by Taylor will be cherished, though it fell short of becoming a new classic like Hawkeye, settling instead as a typical DC ongoing of average quality.

Blade + Blade: Red Band

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With the movie stuck in development limbo, the comic filled the void perfectly, delivering a bloody, action-packed adventure that showcased Blade's prowess against vampires.

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

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Moon Knight's year was tumultuous. Revived too soon, the series struggled to find its footing, leaving the successor's development and the emotional arcs of those close to Marc Spector feeling rushed and unresolved. Despite these setbacks, there's hope that Jed McKay can turn things around in the ongoing series.

Outsiders

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A reimagining of Planetary within the DC Universe, Outsiders offers meta-commentary that, while predictable, remains engaging. It pays homage to the original while carving its own path.

Poison Ivy

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Poison Ivy's ongoing soliloquy has reached over thirty issues, a testament to its unique appeal. The comic oscillates between surprising and skimming-worthy, yet its psychedelic-astrosocial charm keeps readers hooked.

Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson

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Williamson returns with Damien Wayne facing a new adversary: school. While not reaching the heights of the first Robin series, this comic offers a compelling narrative about growing up, father-son dynamics, and self-discovery, with the added delight of the Robinmobile.

Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver

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A dark horse in the rankings, Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver surprised with its cozy, beautiful storytelling. It doesn't aim for groundbreaking changes but captivates with its simple, charming narrative centered around Wanda's Emporium.

The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier

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Spurrier's Flash series is a challenging read, intentionally complex and demanding. While it may not be for everyone, those who persevere will find a richly rewarding experience, though the destination remains as unpredictable as the Flash's journey.

The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing

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Without Al Ewing's name on the cover, The Immortal Thor might have been abandoned. It struggles to captivate as both a modern god saga and a superhero comic, with its references to older comics feeling tedious. Yet, the allure of Ewing's overarching narrative keeps readers hooked, hoping for a zenith that might echo the brilliance of The Immortal Hulk or emerge in his future DC works. The artwork, however, is stunningly divine.

Venom + Venom War

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A chaotic yet inspiring blend of devastation and renewal, Venom + Venom War has been reread multiple times, its intense narrative drawing readers back into the abyss.

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America

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The UK segment of Dead in America is a masterpiece, with the mermaid and unicorn elements alone surpassing many listed comics. The US part, however, delves into a heavy-handed sermon on freedom and ideas, though Spurrier's brilliant characterization of Constantine shines through. Over time, the forgettable elements will fade, leaving behind the memorable moments like the vegetable joke and Clarissa's monologue.

Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko

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A manga blending superpowered girls with psychological Japanese horror and the X-Men, drawn consistently by Peach Momoko, sounds like a dream. Yet, it's a reality—an amazing creation that perfectly melds all its elements into a captivating story.