Top Comics of 2024 Ranked: Marvel, DC, Others

In 2024, the comfort of familiar narratives provided readers with solace, and many of these stories not only met but exceeded expectations. Navigating the vast sea of comics released weekly by traditional publishers, along with the diverse array of graphic novels available across various book divisions and age groups, can be daunting. Here’s a curated list of what we loved from the year.

Before diving into the list, a few notes:

• The focus is primarily on the Big Two (Marvel and DC), with a few exceptions for near-superhero titles.
• Only comics with at least 10 issues were considered, excluding newer releases like Ultimates, Absolute Batman, X-titles from the "From the Ashes" relaunch, or Aaron's Ninja Turtles.
• The ranking assesses all issues of a comic, not just those from 2024, including if the series spans multiple titles. Exceptions are made for Jed McKay's Moon Knight and Joshua Williamson's Robin.
• Anthologies like Action Comics and Batman: The Brave and the Bold are excluded due to their diverse authorship.

Table of Content ---

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

The Batman: Zdarsky Run was a technically impressive series that narrowly escaped being forgettable. While the battle against the wrong Batman lacked excitement, the neuro-arc with the Joker was a notable misstep.

Nightwing by Tom Taylor

Image: ensigame.com

Nightwing by Tom Taylor could have been a top contender if it had concluded 20 issues earlier. Unfortunately, the series suffered from an excess of filler content toward the end. Despite this, the strong moments will be fondly remembered, though it didn't quite reach the heights of the new Hawkeye and settled into typical DC ongoing quality.

Blade + Blade: Red Band

Image: ensigame.com

With the movie stuck in production limbo, the comic version of Blade found its niche perfectly, delivering a thrilling, blood-soaked action story that capitalized on the Daywalker's strengths.

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

Image: ensigame.com

Moon Knight's year was marked by inconsistency. Revived too soon, the series failed to develop its characters fully. Despite this, there's hope that Jed McKay's current run will steer the series back on track.

Outsiders

Image: ensigame.com

Outsiders, a reimagining of Planetary integrated into the DC Universe, delivers meta-commentary that becomes predictable over time. Nonetheless, it honors the original's legacy.

Poison Ivy

Image: ensigame.com

Poison Ivy's ongoing soliloquy has stretched over three dozen issues, a feat in itself. The series offers a mix of surprises and slower moments, yet it maintains a unique psychedelic-astrosocial charm.

Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson

Image: ensigame.com

Joshua Williamson's return to Batman and Robin focuses on Damien Wayne's new challenges, including school. While it doesn't reach the heights of the first Robin series, it's a compelling exploration of growth, father-son dynamics, and self-discovery, enhanced by the introduction of the Robinmobile.

Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver

Image: ensigame.com

An unexpected gem, Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver offers a cozy and visually appealing narrative centered around Wanda's Emporium. Its charm lies in its unassuming simplicity and warmth.

The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier

Image: ensigame.com

Simon Spurrier's take on The Flash is a challenging read that rewards perseverance with a complex and unpredictable storyline. Its winding narrative keeps readers on their toes.

The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing

Image: ensigame.com

Al Ewing's Immortal Thor struggles to engage as both a modern saga of the gods and a superhero comic, weighed down by references to older comics. However, the stunning artwork and Ewing's ongoing concepts keep readers intrigued, hopeful for a future zenith.

Venom + Venom War

Image: ensigame.com

Venom and Venom War are a chaotic yet inspiring whirlwind. Their intense storytelling has led to multiple re-reads, offering a profound experience.

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America

Image: ensigame.com

The UK segment of John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America, stands out as a masterpiece, while the US part delves into familiar themes less successfully. Yet, Simon Spurrier's masterful portrayal of Constantine ensures memorable moments that will endure.

Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko

Image: ensigame.com

Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko blends manga, psychological horror, and the X-Men universe into a monthly masterpiece. Its consistent quality and innovative approach make it a standout creation of 2024.