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

In 2024, readers found comfort in familiar narratives, but this year, these stories were exceptional and innovative. Navigating the vast array of comics released weekly by traditional publishers, as well as the diverse graphic novels available across various book divisions and age groups, is a daunting task. 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 exceptions for near-superhero series.
• Only comics with at least 10 issues were considered, excluding new releases 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, even if it included multiple titles. Exceptions were made for Jed McKay's Moon Knight and Joshua Williamson's Robin.
• Anthologies were excluded 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 run could have easily been dismissed if it weren't for its technical excellence. While the overall story about confronting the wrong Batman felt unremarkable, the neuro-arc with the Joker was a misstep that detracted from the experience.

Nightwing by Tom Taylor

Image: ensigame.com

If Nightwing had 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. Despite this, the series had its shining moments, and Tom Taylor's contributions will be remembered fondly. It's a pity it didn't reach the potential to be the new Hawkeye and instead settled into the average quality of typical DC ongoings.

Blade + Blade: Red Band

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While the movie lingered in production limbo, the comic carved out a perfect niche for the Daywalker, delivering a thrilling, blood-soaked action saga against vampires.

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

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2024 was an odd year for Moon Knight. Revived prematurely, the series struggled across multiple fronts: the successor's development was rushed, the emotional arcs of those close to him were quickly resolved, and Mark's character saw little growth. Even Ms. Marvel's death and resurrection felt less disappointing in comparison. However, there's hope that Jed McKay's current series will turn things around.

Outsiders

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This series reimagines Planetary within the DC Universe, weaving in meta-commentary that often feels predictable and heavy-handed. Yet, it acknowledges the brilliance of the original while carving its own path.

Poison Ivy

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Poison Ivy's ongoing soliloquy has spanned over thirty issues, a remarkable feat in itself. The series oscillates between surprising and skimmable moments, yet it retains a unique psychedelic-astrosocial charm.

Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson

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Joshua 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. The addition of the Robinmobile is a delightful touch.

Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver

Image: ensigame.com

Initially overlooked for this ranking, Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver proved to be a delightful surprise. It's a cozy and visually stunning series that doesn't seek to reinvent the wheel but captivates with its charming simplicity, reminiscent of Wanda's Emporium.

The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier

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This series is not for the faint-hearted, demanding a committed reader willing to navigate its intricate plot. The rewards are uncertain, but the journey itself is compelling and unpredictable.

The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing

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Without Al Ewing's name on the cover, I might have abandoned this series. It struggles to engage as both a modern saga of gods and a superhero comic, with its references to older comics feeling tiresome. Yet, my interest in Ewing's overarching narrative keeps me invested, hoping to see where it all leads. The artwork, however, is breathtaking.

Venom + Venom War

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This series is pure, chaotic brilliance. Both devastating and inspiring, I've already reread it multiple times, drawn back into its abyss.

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 that elevate it above other listed comics. The US segment, however, feels like a heavy-handed lecture on freedom and other familiar themes. Yet, Simon Spurrier's portrayal of Constantine remains brilliant, blending the exceptional with the overwrought. Over time, the less memorable parts will fade, leaving behind the moments that make this series great, 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, all drawn consistently by Peach Momoko once a month. It sounds like a dream, but this series makes it a reality—an incredible and unique creation.