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

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 were exceptionally well-executed and pushed creative boundaries. Navigating the sheer volume of weekly comics from major publishers, plus the diverse range of graphic novels, is a daunting task. This list highlights some of the year's most captivating titles.

A Few Preliminary Notes:

• Focus: Primarily on Marvel and DC, with a few exceptions.
• Minimum Length: Series must have at least 10 issues. This excludes newer series like Ultimates, Absolute Batman, recent X-titles, and Aaron's Ninja Turtles.
• Overall Ranking: The ranking considers all issues, not just those released in 2024, including those from earlier runs. Exceptions: McKay's Moon Knight and Williamson's Robin.
• Anthologies Excluded: Due to varied authorship (e.g., 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

Technically impressive, but ultimately a dull and forgettable comic, except for a standout Joker arc.

Nightwing by Tom Taylor

A strong start, but bogged down by filler in later issues. While it had potential to be a classic, it fell short of expectations.

Blade + Blade: Red Band

A successful adaptation of the Daywalker into a thrilling, action-packed comic.

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

A disappointing year for Moon Knight, with rushed plot points and underdeveloped character arcs.

Outsiders

A Planetary reimagining within the DC Universe, hampered by predictable meta-commentary.

Poison Ivy

A surprisingly long-running series with a unique psychedelic charm, despite inconsistencies in quality.

Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson

A solid exploration of father-son dynamics and self-discovery, though not as impactful as Williamson's previous Robin series.

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 perseverance with a unique and unpredictable narrative.

The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing

A potentially rewarding but slow-paced series, beautiful artwork notwithstanding.

Venom + Venom War

A chaotic and impactful series that delivers both destruction and inspiration.

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America

A strong first part, but a weaker second part. Despite flaws, Spurrier's writing remains brilliant.

Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko

A unique blend of manga, psychological horror, and X-Men, beautifully illustrated by Peach Momoko.