Top Comics of 2024 Ranked: Marvel, DC, Indie

In 2024, readers turned to the familiar for comfort, and the year delivered with a stellar lineup of comics that not only met but exceeded expectations. Navigating the vast sea of comics released weekly by traditional publishers, along with the diverse graphic novels catering to readers of all ages, can be daunting. Here's a curated list of the standout comics we loved in 2024.

Before diving into the list, a few notes:

• The focus is primarily on the Big Two (Marvel and DC), though a few near-superhero series have made the cut.
• Comics must have at least 10 issues to be considered. This means newer titles like Ultimates, Absolute Batman, the X-titles from the "From the Ashes" relaunch, or Aaron's Ninja Turtles are not included.
• All issues of a comic are evaluated, not just those from 2024, even if they span multiple titles. Exceptions are Jed McKay's Moon Knight and Joshua Williamson's Robin.
• Anthologies are excluded due to their diverse authorship (e.g., Action Comics, Batman: The Brave and the Bold).

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

This comic was technically impressive, yet it teetered on the edge of mediocrity. The battle against the wrong Batman was unremarkable, except for the intriguing neuro-arc with the Joker, which was a highlight amidst the otherwise bland narrative.

Nightwing by Tom Taylor

Image: ensigame.com

Had Nightwing concluded twenty issues earlier, it would have been a top contender. However, its final stretch was marred by an excess of filler content. Despite this, the series had its moments of brilliance, and Tom Taylor's impact will linger in readers' memories. It's a pity it didn't reach the heights of the new Hawkeye and instead settled into the realm of typical DC ongoing series.

Blade + Blade: Red Band

Image: ensigame.com

While the movie languished in production limbo, the comic thrived, perfectly capturing the essence of Blade as a relentless action hero slicing through vampires.

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

Image: ensigame.com

Moon Knight's year was tumultuous. Revived too soon, the series struggled to find its footing. The new character's development was rushed, the emotional arcs of those close to Mark were hastily resolved, and Mark himself saw little growth. Even Ms. Marvel's death and resurrection felt less impactful. Here's hoping Jed McKay can steer the current series to redemption.

Outsiders

Image: ensigame.com

A modern take on Planetary, seamlessly woven into the DC Universe, Outsiders frequently dabbles in meta-commentary. While the approach can feel heavy-handed and predictable, it doesn't detract from the original's charm.

Poison Ivy

Image: ensigame.com

Poison Ivy's soliloquy has stretched over thirty issues, a feat in itself. The comic oscillates between captivating and skippable, yet it retains a unique psychedelic-astrosocial allure.

Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson

Image: ensigame.com

Williamson reunites with Damian Wayne to face a new adversary: school. While it hasn't reached the heights of the first Robin series, it remains a compelling narrative about growing up, father-son dynamics, and self-discovery. Bonus points for the Robinmobile!

Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver

Image: ensigame.com

A dark horse entry, Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver surprised with its cozy, beautiful storytelling. It doesn't aim for radical reinvention, and its charming simplicity is its strength, much like Wanda's Emporium.

The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier

Image: ensigame.com

This series is a challenging read, designed to push its audience. Its complexity may not appeal to everyone, but those willing to engage with it will find a rewarding, unpredictable journey. What awaits at the end of the Flash's winding path remains a mystery, adding to the intrigue.

The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing

Image: ensigame.com

Without Al Ewing's name on the cover, I might have abandoned this series. It struggles to captivate as both a modern gods' saga and a superhero comic, with its references to older works feeling tedious. Yet, I'm drawn in by Ewing's overarching concepts, hoping to see them converge at a climactic point. The artwork, however, is stunningly divine.

Venom + Venom War

Image: ensigame.com

A chaotic masterpiece, Venom + Venom War is both devastating and inspiring. I've found myself rereading it multiple times, captivated by its depth and intensity.

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America

Image: ensigame.com

The UK segment of this series is a masterpiece, with its mermaid and unicorn elements eclipsing all other entries. The US segment, however, feels like a heavy-handed lecture on freedom and ideals. Yet, Simon Spurrier's portrayal of Constantine remains brilliant. Over time, the weaker parts will fade, leaving behind the memorable moments that define this series.

Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko

Image: ensigame.com

Imagine a manga about superpowered girls that blends psychological Japanese horror with the X-Men universe, drawn consistently by Peach Momoko. It sounds like a fantasy, but it's a reality, and it's nothing short of extraordinary.