Top Comics of 2024 Ranked: Marvel, DC, Others

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, along with the diverse array of graphic novels available across various book divisions, can be daunting. Here's a curated list of our favorite comics from 2024.

Before diving into the list, a few notes:

• The focus is primarily on the Big Two (Marvel and DC), with a few notable exceptions from near-superhero series.
• Only comics with at least 10 issues were considered, excluding newer titles 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, with the exception of Jed McKay's Moon Knight and Joshua Williamson's Robin.
• Anthologies were not included due to their varied authorship (e.g., Action Comics, Batman: The Brave and the Bold).

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 mediocrity but manages to stay afloat with its technically impressive execution. The battle against the wrong Batman is unremarkable, except for the intriguing neuro-arc with the Joker, which is a highlight amidst the otherwise dull narrative.

Nightwing by Tom Taylor

Image: ensigame.com

Had Nightwing concluded twenty issues earlier, it might have secured a top spot on this list. Unfortunately, the series accumulated too many filler issues by its end. While it's sad to see it go, we should cherish the good moments. Tom Taylor's work will be remembered, though it fell short of becoming the new Hawkeye and settled into the realm of average DC ongoing series.

Blade + Blade: Red Band

Image: ensigame.com

With the movie stuck in production limbo, the comic filled the void perfectly, offering a thrilling, blood-soaked action adventure that truly embodies the spirit of the Daywalker.

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

Image: ensigame.com

Moon Knight's year was tumultuous. Revived too soon, the series struggled to find its footing, leaving both the new successor and the characters around him underdeveloped. Mark's own journey lacked significant change. While Ms. Marvel's death and resurrection were less disappointing, there's hope that Jed McKay can steer the current series in a better direction.

Outsiders

Image: ensigame.com

This remake of Planetary is deeply woven into the DC Universe. While it attempts to offer meta-commentary, it often feels predictable and lacks the finesse of the original. Nonetheless, it remains a tribute to its predecessor.

Poison Ivy

Image: ensigame.com

Poison Ivy's ongoing soliloquy has reached over thirty issues, a testament to its enduring appeal. The series oscillates between surprising and skippable, yet it maintains a unique psychedelic-astrosocial charm.

Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson

Image: ensigame.com

Joshua Williamson returns with Damien Wayne, tackling new challenges like school. While it doesn't reach the heights of the first Robin series, it's a compelling narrative about growing up, father-son dynamics, and self-discovery. The addition of the Robinmobile is a fun touch.

Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver

Image: ensigame.com

A dark horse in the lineup, this comic was unexpectedly delightful. Its cozy and beautiful storytelling, reminiscent of Wanda's Emporium, offers a refreshing simplicity that's deeply appealing.

The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier

Image: ensigame.com

This series is a challenging read, intentionally complex and not for the faint-hearted. It demands effort, but the reward is a journey as unpredictable as The Flash's path itself.

The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing

Image: ensigame.com

Without Al Ewing's name on the cover, this series might have been abandoned. It struggles to captivate as both a modern saga of the gods and a superhero comic, with its references to older comics feeling tedious. Yet, the allure of Ewing's long-term concepts keeps readers hooked, hoping for a climactic payoff. The artwork, however, is stunningly divine.

Venom + Venom War

Image: ensigame.com

This series is pure, chaotic brilliance. It's both devastating and inspiring, compelling enough to warrant multiple rereads.

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America

Image: ensigame.com

The UK segment of this series is a masterpiece, with elements like a mermaid and a unicorn elevating it above the rest. The US segment, however, feels like a heavy-handed lecture on freedom and ideals. Yet, Simon Spurrier's brilliant characterization of Constantine shines through, blending the sublime with the overwrought. Over time, the less memorable parts will fade, leaving behind the moments that define its greatness, like the vegetable joke or Clarissa's monologue.

Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko

Image: ensigame.com

Imagine a manga about girls with superpowers, infused with psychological Japanese horror, and featuring the X-Men. Add Peach Momoko's consistent monthly artwork, and you have a dream come true—an extraordinary and cohesive creation.