The Best Comic Book Series of the Year- 2024 By Nicholas Aaron Hodge
From Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Image Comics, IDW Publishing, Dark Horse Comics
As the year draws to a close, I wanted to take the time to acknowledge and celebrate some of the best comic book series of the year that I have been reading and reviewing. For clarification regarding this list, I have excluded series that I consider “too new” such as the Absolute Universe titles at DC Comics which have only just released their second issues respectively. Additionally, this list is largely focused on ongoing series, meaning series that are still in progress, as I want to highlight serial publications that readers still have time to catch up with (though there are a few exceptions). I hope that you enjoyed reading some of these titles as well and I would love to know your thoughts in the comments!
The first half of this year for comics was dominated by the steadily mounting tonal intensity and sheer literary quality of Ram V’s bold new vision for Detective Comics. With the series beginning in the middle of 2022, it is no wonder that this series ranks so high on this list on sheer anticipation alone as the 27 issue “Gotham Nocturne Opera” reached its final act. If you want my full thoughts on the series then I encourage you to check out my in depth review from September. However, as it is Number One on this list, I shall reiterate a few of the finer points.
Most importantly, this series breathed new life into the beloved saga of the Dark Knight by treading new, imaginative ground. Though a series like Detective Comics is unlikely to be canceled (as it is already over a thousand issues in at this point, why stop now?) it can certainly become stagnant. One of the greatest strengths of this series is that it dared to be different, breaking the narrative cycle of overtly modern Batman stories with the introduction of mystical characters and creatures, dream scenarios, demons, and far away kingdoms. Moreover, the majority of this series saw Batman completely on the backfoot (nearly killed at one point) as opposed to the capable, technological supported, “Gotham City General” that has helmed the series for years. This disruption of the norm allowed for revealing emotional content for Bruce Wayne as well as several classic members of the Batman cast such as Catwoman, Talia Al Ghul, Two Face and even The Question. Which is another strength of the series- the broad ensemble cast of new characters that fit effortlessly into the story and allowed for memorable moments not focused on the character of Batman exclusively.
Overall, I think this series takes the top spot largely because of its originality as well as its promise for a more diverse, imaginative future for Detective Comics. In addition, this series demonstrably helped bring the literary talents of Ram V to the forefront of the medium as well as amazing emerging artists like Evan Cagle, Hayden Sherman, Ivan Reis, Francesco Francavilla, and many more with a myriad of excellent short comic series attached to the title. It truly feels like a historic moment in the entire history of Batman media, and I am very grateful to have been present for it.
I have to admit that I have not covered the current saga of the Fantastic Four at Marvel Comics from Ryan North, Iban Coello, and Carlos Gomez enough, but I struggle with discussing works that I hold in such reverence and esteem because it makes me feel incapable of adequately expressing my feelings.
With the conclusion of Dan Slott’s monumental, extensive, revitalizing return to “Marvel’s First Family,” after several years of licensing issues, it felt to many (including myself) that the Fantastic Four title had finally reached its peak. In fact, I felt this so strongly that I stubbornly refused to pick up the first few issues of Ryan North’s Fantastic Four no matter how cool the Alex Ross covers may have been.
However, I could not have been more wrong as I discovered with the first volume trade paperback of the series, which handedly showcased North’s vision for the title as an extension of classic pulp science fiction such as The Twilight Zone or Star Trek.
This distinct, separate tone and style has largely continued from the series which is truly one of the most unique and interesting comic book experiences on shelves right now or really ever. North is able to make each issue of the Fantastic Four feel like an epic, monumental adventure, sometimes with genuinely informative scientific information, that also elevates the characters of the classic superhero family.
In fact, one of the best aspects of this series is the distinct focus on individual characters with some issues largely focusing on a single member of the F4 family, in a situation that is particularly revealing and challenging. That isn’t to say that the iconic, seminal group dynamics of the family are not also well explored as North presents us with several issues that may go down in time as some of the best stories ever published by Marvel Comics (Issue 10 & Issue 17 to cite a few).
It is difficult to characterize the intention of the series as a whole, because I wouldn’t say that North is attempting to “break the formula” or present the Fantastic Four series in an groundbreakingly new way, but rather presents the Fantastic Four in a familiar, charming context that feels like the “best version of” the classic series for a modern audience.
This series ranks so high on this list because of its consistent quality and its unique context within a major publisher like Marvel Comics without feeling like a major comic publication. I’d like to say that this is the peak of Fantastic Four comics but, as I stated, I’ve been proven wrong before.
Continuing the theme of ingenuity, we have to of course highlight what is arguably the most inventive, boundary pushing legacy character title from Marvel Comics in years with the “too good to be true” combination of modern comic book legends Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Nic Klein at the creative wheel.
The Incredible Hulk series from Johnson has just recently passed the Legacy Issue #800 milestone in dramatic fashion with the climactic conclusion of the first arc of the nineteen issue long series following Bruce Banner, his new companion Charlie, and their fight against the children of the eldritch Mother of Horrors. Following the tonal lead of Al Ewing and his celebrated Immortal Hulk series, Johnson and Klein have delved into cosmic/creature horror territory with their take on “The Strongest One There Is” while delving into the backstory of the creature known as the Hulk as first introduced in Johnson’s Age of Monsters one shot from 2021.
With every issue of this series, the team has introduced unique, horrifying creature after creature and haunting stories that push the graphic content boundaries of what Marvel Comics typically prints. Which is a huge service to Marvel fans who have been yearning for more elevated graphic content at Marvel since the establishment of the award-winning DC Black Label over at the competition.
However, I don’t want you to think that the merit of The Incredible Hulk lies entirely in its aesthetic qualities because the content of the story taking place is truly what matters at the end of the day for any narrative medium. Fortunately, Johnson’s The Incredible Hulk feels like the Hulk story that die hard Hulk fans have been waiting for for decades without knowing it. Johnson explores the tense relationship between Hulk and Bruce Banner as much as he explores the complex web of occult and horror-tinged characters in the Marvel Universe as a sandbox for the modern Hulk to destroy. This, coupled with the furthered exploration of the Hulk’s true nature and origins in earnest fashion, has made this series a must read for fans of the Jade Giant. This series once again proves that the Hulk is Marvel’s most distinct, intriguing character when written well and allowed to be removed from the constraints of the greater Marvel Comics universe.
This series has already achieved so much it is hard to believe that it is still ongoing and I for one am ecstatic to see how the series evolves from this point. Especially with the introduction of a new Hulk-like companion in issue #19, Lycanna the Skinwalker. The details of this series are so insane, it’s hard to talk to an uninitiated person about it without coming across as a rambling cultist to the cabal of Hulk, but perhaps that’s what Johnson wanted all along.
4. Ultimates (2024)
What is there to say about the new Ultimates series that hasn’t already been ardently said by many a comic reviewer? This series by Deniz Camp, in addition to the various Ultimate Universe comics such as Ultimate X-Men and Ultimate Spider-Man have been SO popular recently that it is hard to remember a time when there was a fair bit of trepidation at the idea of rebooting the cult favorite alternate Marvel Universe title first created by Jonathon Hickman. However, I certainly remember the discourse of 2023 surrounding the new slate of Ultimate Universe comics and I think that it only speaks to the quality of all of the artists involved that such notions were proven so wrong.
But what is it about the Ultimates title that makes it so good? Well, the foremost element that should draw you to the Ultimates is the capable writing of creator Deniz Camp, who has managed to make this alternate universe of Marvel feel dramatic, distinct, and definitive in short order. Moreover, Camp has layered the series to date with cutting, poignant commentary dissecting the idea of the “superhero” in such an artful way, that it almost feels like the antithesis to the sentiment that made The Boys so popular. Additionally, Camp has intelligently and creatively implemented characters that feel like appropriately familiar iterations of their original, main Marvel universe counterparts while also being fresh, intriguing characters that have taken on a whole new life of their own. Furthermore, Camp’s AU players feel so lovingly adapted, taking the best parts of these legacy characters and making them shine in new, often shocking ways.
Another huge highlight of the series is of course the graphic, darker tone and content of the series that readers have come to expect from the Ultimates Universe. It is inherently refreshing to see these classic Marvel characters treated with a more consequential, cinematic perspective that also aids in making every single issue of the series feel like a pivotal, earth-shattering chapter.
As many fans have said online in some way shape or form, the Ultimates has begun to feel more important and entertaining than the main Marvel universe, which may be because of the sheer volume of titles on shelves at one time, but I am inclined to agree.
Al Ewing is one of, if not THE best, writer at Marvel Comics in my not so humble opinion, having created some of the most groundbreaking, inventive, and encompassing comic series in the modern era. With the announcement of The Immortal Thor Ewing was quoted as saying that if The Immortal Hulk was his “Old Testament”, then The Immortal Thor would be his “New Testament.” This declaration only added to my anticipation and excitement for the series which debuted in August of last year. As we now approach issue #18 of this series, it is only just beginning to become clear what that lofty expression means for Marvel’s iconic Thunderer.
The overarching conflict of The Immortal Thor has seen the new king of Asgard facing the arising primordial forces of the old world and old gods clashing with his own. Additionally, we have seen Thor battling with Dario Agger, The Minotaur, and the Roxxon Corporation who attacked the very essence of Thor’s power, his story.
Though the story has meandered between big spectacle events, sometimes abruptly concluding in the middle of an issue as opposed to the end, one thing is certain, that this is a series that only Al Ewing could write. Every issue is laden with an intense, deep, infectious knowledge and love of the Marvel Comics Universe. What’s more, each issue delves into and utilizes elements of the original Norse myths that inspired Thor comics in the first place. A large part of what makes this comic feel so special is that dichotomy, that question without an answer, of what it means to be a God for Thor as a fallible man of the past as much as the present.
Similarly to every other title in this list thus far, The Immortal Thor is distinct and separate from the events of the larger Marvel Comics universe which is another added strength to the series, feeling like the unfettered thoughts of one of Marvel’s greatest minds.
Though the sales for the series have been brought down, seemingly by the release of other big Marvel titles this year or the randomly inflated price point of the Vol 1 trade, I for one hope that Marvel Comics allows Al Ewing to play within his Thor sandbox for as long as he pleases.
6. Zatanna Bringing: Down the House
Artist Javier Rodriguez has quickly become one of my favorite comic book artists of all time with his signature fluid, abstract art style that has elevated the storytelling of every single book he has been attached to in recent times, which is no different for this debut DC Black Label series for Zatanna by Mariko Tamaki.
Speaking of which, Tamaki is certainly equally responsible for the magnitude of impact this book had on me this year, with a fun, cinematic, surprising narrative that encompassed the entire picture of Zatanna as a character, from her adolescent days to her adult years performing on the Las Vegas strip.
The greatest quality I attribute to this series was its transcendent ability to transport me to my childhood days of reading comics for the first time. The imaginative, free form structure of the story coupled with the bombastic, genre-bending, pop art from Rodriguez left a very real, emotional impact on me as a reader, which seems more and more difficult to achieve the more comic series I read. Though the series was only limited to 5 issues, I have to commend Tamaki and Rodriguez on just how expansive those issues are, and I am holding out hope that the series will be returned to by the same team in the near future.
Looking at the broader impact of this comic, I think that Zatanna: Bringing Down the House proved the potential for the cult favorite character twice over with a wholly unique, magical, vaudevillian ensemble tale that broadened the concept of magic within the DC Comics Universe and proved as much through sheer volume of physical sales. I have to wonder if the success of this series helped encourage DC Comics to greenlight Jamal Campbell’s solo series for the character in 2025.
7. The One Hand And The Six Fingers
How could a list for 2024 be complete without talking about the singular comic book experience of the year from modern comic-book icons, Ram V and Dan Watters? From February to July of this year, comic book fans were treated to a cerebral detective thriller like no other, reading 2 separate but interconnected series in The One Hand and The Six Fingers following the perspective of Detective and Killer respectively.
For the uninitiated, this series followed Detective Ari Nasser as he was once again thrust into the mysterious, brutal case of the One Hand Killer after solving the murders and arresting the supposed killer over a decade ago. On the flip side of the story, we also followed Johanes Vale, the seemingly innocent factory worker and archaeology student who inadvertently, and without motive, became the new One Hand Killer.
V and Watters achieved something truly special with this divided narrative, allowing readers to piece together clues of the evolving mystery themselves by comparison and investigation into either series. What’s more, the Blade Runner-esque tale that eventually unfolded is truly one of the most original and gripping stories that has been introduced to the mainstream comic book medium in some time, asking deep philosophical questions about the nature of existence and the soul.
Even more thrilling than the series epic, dissociating final conclusion, is the revelation from the final pages of the mini series that the title could potentially continue in the future, though it is unclear when that will be given the myriad of big name writing commitments Dan Watters and Ram V have attached to themselves at the moment.
Jason Aaron has certainly changed the landscape of the Marvel Comics Universe with his tenure at the publisher, helming diverse, unique narratives with Thor, the Avengers, The Punisher, and now the King of Atlantis, Marvel’s proudest antihero- Namor. In press for the new title, Aaron stated that he wanted to explore the underwater realms of the Marvel Comics Universe in a similar manner to his storyline in the now classic series, War for the Realms, while defining the long history of Namor with the events that shaped the fish/man we know today.
This clear vision has enabled Aaron and his fabulous dual artists, Paul Davidson and Alex Lins, to fashion one of the most honest, sprawling, and beautiful series on a legacy comic book character in recent memory. Juxtaposing the complexities of the modern Namor, a disgraced, morally grey, outsider with the vilified, proud, vengeful hero of his youth all while expanding the lore of the underwater realms for what feels like the first time in decades.
What I love most about this series is that it does not shy away from Namor’s darker, villainous history, but rather embraces the characters’ duality to further define the man he could be if only he were capable of believing in the idea of heroes like himself again. It is an oddly cutting, cynical tone that drives this series, which is definitely out of the norm for popular legacy titles at Marvel Comics that often celebrate their heroes with bold, clear morality and big spectacle action.
Furthermore, this series is the first time that Marvel Comics has greenlit a standalone Namor series in years, and much like Zatanna: Bringing Down the House on this list, is perhaps a sign of the characters longevity and return to popularity in the future.
I’m starting to realize the sheer volume of work that Ram V was able to achieve this year in the comic book industry by writing this list and it is blowing my mind (also recognizing my clear bias towards the writer).
Dawn Runner is noteworthy for many reasons, but first and foremost is the title’s intelligent discussion of the sociological realities of the popular “mechanized” genre. The series follows the pilot of a new breed of titanic, battle-ready “mech” that was developed from the soul of a dead soldier created out of capitalistic greed by one of the foremost companies profiting off of the televised combat between giant alien and giant robot. Dawn Runner is a thoughtful, wholly original take on the genre and introduces an entire clear universe ripe for exploration with competing factions, unique creature and robot designs, cascading past and present narratives, and a heartfelt story about the bleak future of humanity governed by selfish individuals.
This series is arguably the most original concept on this list and the experience of becoming genuinely enamored with the characters and world of Dawn Runner is a special highlight of this year in comics.
Additionally, this series showcases the INSANE artwork of Evan Cagle in tandem with Ram V’s contemplative pen, which just feels like a match made in heaven. It is also a fitting precursor of an artistic union, as the duo are set to release the ongoing New Gods series at DC Comics this week. Fans can only hope that Dawn Runner will be returned to by the pair in some capacity, though it seems like it won’t be anytime soon. However, as I mentioned, the world of Dawn Runner is so intriguing and well defined from the onset, that I would be more than happy for Dark Horse Comics to release other titles set within the same universe to expand the series potential.
Image Comics has totally reinvented and expanded its place in the comic book scene with the introduction of the “Energon Universe” in the past year and a half. The shared narrative space includes several big name characters, hybridizing the worlds of G.I Joe and Transformers with multiple solo titles emerging since the Universe announcement. Additionally, this endeavor has been backed by fan favorite creators such as Declan Shalvey, Kelly Thompson, and of course Daniel Warren Johnson.
Through Daniel Warren Johnson’s innovative, entertaining, and unorthodox vision, Transformers has arguably become the surprise breakout sensation of the last decade in comics, as an ongoing series re-envisioning the origins of the Transformers Civil War brought to Planet Earth. Part of what makes this series so surprising is the incredibly serious tone, taking the identities and struggles of the iconic robotic creatures at face value and developing a subtle, reflective, poignant story about the nature of sociological divide, prejudice, and war.
Moreover, the artistic stylings of Jorge Corona are a standout component of the series, making Transformers one of the most electric, eye-catching, moving pieces of comic book entertainment on shelves. Much like Dawn Runner, the harmonious combination of vision between Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona is evident, and propels this series to the forefront of the medium.
At the end of the day, the comic book industry is a business like any other, and the stories we consume are shaped by popularity and sales, which is another reason Transformers is so noteworthy, consistently placing within the top ten of sales alongside long standing legacy properties from the “big two,” Marvel and DC, which is really encouraging to see for fans of indie comics.
Below, I have included a short, continued list of my favorites of the year, with a brief description of each title-
Narrowly falling outside of the Top Ten on this list, Chip Zdarsky and Daniel Acuna’s enthralling, politically charged “elseworlds” tale in the Marvel Comics Universe that already feels like a definitive chapter in the long history of the Avengers team.
The experience of reading this series week to week was another memorable event this year, as it felt like being present for a historical moment in comics.
12. Annihilation 2099/ Conquest 2099
On the subject of originality at big publishers, Steve Orlando has been delivering some of the most exciting, innovative work at Marvel Comics with his foray into the “2099” universe with two back to back series with artists Dale Eaglesham, Ibraim Roberson, and Jose Luis.
Both Annihilation 2099 and Conquest 2099 have introduced some of the most creative new characters at Marvel Comics this year, such as a Silver Surfer Ghost Rider, Wolverine as Nova, and Dracula as the leader of an intergalactic army. Based on that description alone, I don’t understand how anyone could resist reading this inventive, pulp sci-fi tinged romp.
I am still heartbroken that this iconic series from IDW Publishing came to a conclusion this year, which is perhaps a reason as to why it falls out of the Top Ten on this list.
Since 2022, Godzilla Rivals has been the go-to comic book series for fans of the iconic kaiju with ingenious new stories from like minded writers and artists showcasing the rogues gallery of Godzilla in entirely new contexts. This year, we were graced with stories featuring Manda, King Ghidora, Mechagodzilla, and others all with diverse, plus-sized narratives from emerging creative voices.
14. Universal Monsters (Dracula, The Creature From the Black Lagoon Lives! Frankenstein)
Another emerging comic book “universe” in a fashion, has been the recent slate of reimagined Universal Monsters tales from Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment. The Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives, was a particularly noteworthy entry into the franchise this year which functioned as a new entry into the series, which has not been given the love it deserves in the modern era of media.
15. The Bat-Man: First Knight/ The Boy Wonder
DC Comics has always been at the forefront of engaging, fresh “elseworlds” stories for their beloved characters and there have been some many great installments within that genre recently, that it is hard to place them. However, two of the most interesting works this year have to be The Bat-Man: First Knight from Dan Jurgens and Mike Perkins and The Boy Wonder from writer/artist Juni Ba.
Both of these series did an excellent job of re-envisioning the world and ensemble characters of Batman in totally different ways. With “First Knight” harkening back to the classic age of the character, with a realistic, Norman Rockwell-esque art style, and “Boy Wonder” taking an avant garde, modern approach.
If you are a fan of Batman in any capacity, then you should do yourself a favor and read both of these series, which are unique and lovingly executed visions of the characters we admire.
Thank you so much for reading my cumulative, year end review of some of the best comic book series! If you are interested in learning more about any of these series then please consider following this page to check out my weekly reviews on numerous comic book titles.
