Ranking the best comics of 2024: Marvel, DC, and All-In-Ones

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

2024 saw readers gravitating towards familiar narratives. Surprisingly, many of these familiar tales were exceptionally well-executed and pushed creative boundaries. Navigating the sheer volume of weekly comics from major publishers, along with the diverse range of graphic novels, is a daunting task. This list highlights some of the year's most captivating series.

A Few Preliminary Notes:

• Focus: Primarily on Marvel and DC, with a few exceptions.
• Minimum Length: Series had to span at least 10 issues. Therefore, newer titles like Ultimates, Absolute Batman, several X-titles from the "From the Ashes" relaunch, and Aaron's Ninja Turtles are excluded.
• Comprehensive Ranking: All issues of each series were considered, regardless of release date in 2024. This includes series with multiple earlier titles. Exceptions were McKay's Moon Knight and Williamson's Robin.
• Anthologies Excluded: Anthologies like Action Comics and Batman: The Brave and the Bold are omitted 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, aside from a compelling Joker-centric arc.

Nightwing by Tom Taylor

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

Blade + Blade: Red Band

A thrilling action-packed series that successfully captures the essence of a bloody vampire-slaying adventure.

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

A somewhat uneven year for Moon Knight, hampered by rushed plot points and underdeveloped character arcs.

Outsiders

A Planetary reimagining seamlessly integrated into the DC Universe, though its meta-commentary becomes predictable.

Poison Ivy

A surprisingly long-running series (30+ issues!) with a consistent psychedelic charm, despite occasional pacing issues.

Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson

A solid exploration of father-son dynamics and self-discovery, though not quite reaching the heights of Williamson's previous Robin series.

Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver

A charming and visually appealing series from Dark Horse Comics, emphasizing heartwarming simplicity over experimentation.

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, though often tedious, series anchored by stunning artwork and Ewing's signature long-form storytelling.

Venom + Venom War

A chaotic and impactful series, leaving a lasting impression.

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America

A masterful first part contrasted by a weaker second, showcasing Spurrier's talent for both brilliant and overstuffed narratives.

Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko

A unique blend of manga, psychological horror, and the X-Men, brought to life by Momoko's distinctive art style.