In 2024, readers found comfort in the familiar, yet this year's standout stories were anything but ordinary. The sheer volume of comics released by traditional publishers each week, alongside the diverse array of graphic novels for every age group, makes it a daunting task to sift through them all. Here's a curated list of what we loved in 2024.

A Few Notes Before the List:

• The focus is primarily on the Big Two (Marvel and DC), with a few notable exceptions.
• Comics needed to have at least 10 issues to qualify, which means newer titles like Ultimates, Absolute Batman, X-titles from the "From the Ashes" relaunch, or Aaron's Ninja Turtles didn't make the cut.
• All issues of a comic were considered, not just those released in 2024, with the exception of Jed McKay's Moon Knight and Joshua Williamson's Robin.
• Anthologies like Action Comics and Batman: The Brave and the Bold were excluded due to their varied authorship.

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

Batman: Zdarsky Run

Image: ensigame.com

This comic skirts the line between brilliance and mediocrity. While technically impressive, it often felt unremarkable, with the exception of the intriguing neuro-arc involving the Joker, which was a highlight in an otherwise lackluster narrative.

Nightwing by Tom Taylor

Image: ensigame.com

Had Nightwing concluded twenty issues earlier, it might have secured a top spot on this list. Unfortunately, the series accumulated too much filler content by its end. Despite this, Tom Taylor's run had its memorable moments, though it ultimately fell short of being a standout DC series.

Blade + Blade: Red Band

Image: ensigame.com

While the film adaptation lingered in development limbo, the comic found its niche perfectly. It delivered a thrilling, action-packed story filled with vampire-slaying mayhem, perfectly suiting the Daywalker's persona.

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

Image: ensigame.com

Moon Knight's year was tumultuous. Revived too hastily, the series struggled to find its footing, with neither the new character developments nor the emotional arcs given the space they needed. Despite this, there's hope that Jed McKay's current run will turn things around.

Outsiders

Image: ensigame.com

This comic, a reimagining of Planetary set within the DC Universe, often veered into meta-commentary. While the approach felt heavy-handed at times, it still managed to pay homage to its source material in a unique way.

Poison Ivy

Image: ensigame.com

Poison Ivy's ongoing narrative has stretched over thirty issues, a testament to its staying power. The series oscillates between captivating and skippable, yet retains a distinctive psychedelic charm that keeps readers engaged.

Batman and Robin by Joshua Williamson

Image: ensigame.com

Williamson returns with Damian Wayne, facing the challenges of school life. While it doesn't reach the heights of the initial Robin series, it remains a compelling exploration of growth, father-son dynamics, and self-discovery. The addition of the Robinmobile adds a fun twist.

Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver

Image: ensigame.com

An unexpected gem, this series didn't initially seem like a contender for the list. However, its cozy and beautiful storytelling, reminiscent of Wanda's Emporium, won us over with its charming simplicity.

The Flash Series by Simon Spurrier

Image: ensigame.com

This series is not for the faint-hearted. Its complex narrative requires dedication, but those who persevere will find a rewarding, albeit unpredictable, journey. The Flash's path remains a mystery, adding to the series' allure.

The Immortal Thor by Al Ewing

Image: ensigame.com

Al Ewing's name on the cover keeps readers engaged despite the series' slow pace and heavy reliance on past references. The hope of seeing Ewing's long-term vision come to fruition drives interest, even if the current storyline feels lackluster. The artwork, however, is a divine highlight.

Venom + Venom War

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This series is pure chaos, both devastating and inspiring. Its intensity has led to multiple rereads, a testament to its gripping narrative and dynamic storytelling.

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America

Image: ensigame.com

The UK segment of this series is a masterpiece, with moments like the mermaid and unicorn scenes standing out. The US segment, however, feels heavy-handed with its themes of freedom and law. Despite this, Simon Spurrier's writing of Constantine remains brilliant, blending genius with excess. Over time, the less impactful elements will fade, leaving behind the series' most memorable moments.

Ultimate X-men by Peach Momoko

Image: ensigame.com

This series blends manga, psychological horror, and the X-Men universe into an extraordinary creation. Peach Momoko's consistent monthly releases make it a dream come true for fans, delivering a captivating and unique narrative.