Top ComiX of 2024: The Marvel, DC, and Indie Guide

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 exceeded expectations, pushing creative boundaries. Navigating the sheer volume of weekly comics from major publishers, alongside graphic novels from various imprints, is a daunting task. This list highlights some of the year's standout titles.

A Few Preliminary Notes:

• Focus: Primarily Marvel and DC, with a few exceptions.
• Minimum Issues: Series needed at least 10 issues to be considered.
• Ranking: All issues of each series were considered, not just those released in 2024. Exceptions: Jed McKay's Moon Knight and Joshua Williamson's Robin.
• Anthologies Excluded: Due to multiple authors (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, forgettable comic, except for a noteworthy Joker-centric arc.

Nightwing by Tom Taylor

A strong start, but later issues suffered from excessive filler. Despite its flaws, it contained moments of brilliance.

Blade + Blade: Red Band

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

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

A mixed bag, hampered by rushed plot points and underdeveloped character arcs. Potential for future improvement remains.

Outsiders

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

Poison Ivy

A surprisingly long-running series with a unique psychedelic charm, despite occasional pacing issues.

Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson

A solid entry, focusing on Damien Wayne's growth and his relationship with Batman.

Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver

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

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, though occasionally tedious, series with stunning artwork.

Venom + Venom War

A chaotic and impactful series, leaving a lasting impression.

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America

A strong first half, but the second half falters with heavy-handed thematic elements.

Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko

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