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, a trend surprisingly bolstered by exceptional storytelling that pushed creative boundaries. Navigating the sheer volume of weekly comics from major publishers, alongside graphic novels catering to all ages, is a daunting task. This curated list highlights some of 2024's standout 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 titles like Ultimates, Absolute Batman, recent X-titles, and Aaron's Ninja Turtles.
• Ranking Methodology: All issues of a series were considered, regardless of release year, 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, save for a compelling Joker arc.

Nightwing by Tom Taylor

A strong start, ultimately bogged down by filler in later issues. While possessing moments of brilliance, it fell short of its potential.

Blade + Blade: Red Band

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

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

A mixed bag, hampered by rushed storytelling and underdeveloped character arcs.

Outsiders

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

Poison Ivy

A surprisingly long-running series with a unique psychedelic charm.

Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson

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

Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver

A charming and visually appealing comic from Dark Horse, focusing on simplicity and emotional resonance.

The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier

A complex and challenging read, rewarding patience with unpredictable storytelling.

The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing

A potentially rewarding but often tedious read, redeemed by its stunning artwork.

Venom + Venom War

A chaotic and intensely engaging series.

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America

A brilliant, albeit overstuffed, portrayal of Constantine, with a strong first part overshadowed by a weaker second.

Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko

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