Usually to kick off the year I put together a list of my favorite comics from the previous year as well as a reflection of that year. Well, 2024 was… just. A year full of negativity about the direction of the industry and lots of “sky is falling” worrying, it was a year of being anxious in every facet of one’s life. Publishers came and publishers went. It was a year that felt like it was full of volatility. But, maybe that’s for another day.

Let’s celebrate the awesome comics that was.

Below is broken down into two sections. There’s the comics I enjoyed and then the comics that really stood out and shouldn’t be missed. While I read a lot this past year (75+ comics, graphic novels, and manga a month), I didn’t read everything released, so this is based on what I read. Something not included doesn’t mean it wasn’t good, it’s possible I didn’t read it.

Manga and manhwa continue to stand out with some of the best stories and art on the shelves right now. But there’s something for everyone. You can read comics any way you want and there’s stories and art styles out there for all tastes.

But, before we get to the comics of the year, I want to talk about four publishers that stood out.

IZE Press/Yen Press – Notice, there’s a lot of manga and manhwa on the list and it’s mostly from these two publishers. Yen Press knocked it out of the park with so much quality (and some stinkers) and IZE Press continues to put out some of the best comics right now.

Skybound – Normally when I think of Skybound, I think The Walking Dead and Invincible. 2023 was the year the publisher really broke out and showed it’s so much more. 2024 is when it showed off it could continue to deliver and it wasn’t a fluke. Its Energon Universe continues to be the best comic universe on the shelf right now. Its Universal Monsters line has been great takes on classic properties.

DC – The publisher has had a rough few years but in 2024 they delivered a solid event in Absolute Power and then launched their “All In” initiative as well as its “Absolute” line. Both have been excellent so far overall with a feel of excitement and positivity oozing from the releases.

Marvel – Marvel’s main line has a been a bit mixed, but its “Ultimate” line was launched and has delivered some of the best series and issues of the year. Overall, it’s been an excellent and exciting ride.

Now, on to what stood out in 2024 (in alpha order)….

And now what really stood out in 2024 (in alphabetical order):

• Abortion Pill Zine (Silver Sprocket) – In a year where the right “won” and women saw their rights stripped with more subjugation to come, this “zine” does an amazing job to education about abortion and provide guidance about what options are available. The week the it was released in print, its publisher then released it for free online as well.
  
• Absolute Superman (DC Comics) – DC”s “Absolute” line has been solid so far. Absolute Superman stands out with a Superman who feels like an insurgent fighting for the downtrodden.
  
• Batman & Robin: Year One (DC Comics) – Three issues in and the series has been fantastic with an awesome mix of storytelling and art from Mark Waid and Dan Mora.
  
• Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees (IDW Publishing) – Cute animals and serial killing. Thankfully we’re getting more as this series was a breakout for Patrick Horvath.
  
• Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story (Abrams Comicarts) – Collecting the Guard Dog story from Mutts, we were choked up for much of the collection and it has some wonderful commentary and reflections within from creator Patrick McDonnell and more.
  
• Drafted (Abrams Comicarts) – The true story of being drafted during the Vietnam War and featuring amazing detail about life in the army.
  
• Feral (Image Comics) – Cute art + zombie genre = an amazing series that’ll keep you at the edge of your seat.
  
• How War Begins: Dispatches from the Ukrainian Invasion (Fantagraphics) – An amazing example of graphic journalism with first hand accounts of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
  
• I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time (Yen Press) – A fantasy series that has an innocent looking clerk kicking ass. It’s a great mix of action, humor, and fantasy fun. This is one to just sit back and enjoy.
  
• Jungle Juice (IZE Press) – X-Men who? This series about a school of mutant students is packed with action and interesting factoids about insects and gets better with every volume.
  
• Lebanon is Burning and Other Dispatches (Graphic Mundi) – An anthology looking at the Arab Spring and recent events in the Middle East. It’s beyond educational and a great example of graphic journalism.
  
• Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom (IZE Press) – This manhwa is so adorable with an amazing twist on the Snow White story. It’s awesome to watch as this family comes together and we’re routing for them every step of the way.
  
• Sidekicks Vol. 1 (Graphix) – Mixing Superpets and The Incredibles, Dan Santat’s graphic novel is a debut that had us immediately wanting more. We want a monthly comic, animated series, and more!
  
• Solo Leveling (IZE Press) – Amazing action, the manhwa has been fascinating to read as we get to see a lead grow in power and toe the line between being a hero and villain. We’re fully expecting a turn at some point and fear the downfall.
  
• Space Ghost (Dynamite Entertainment) – The series has been amazing. It has reinvigorated the classic character taking its core elements and adding depth and history that hasn’t really been present before. Writer David Pepose has been knocking it out of the park and the art by Jonathan Lau is some of the best in a monthly comic.
  
• The Boxer (IZE Press) – The best ongoing manga/manhwa/comic right now in my opinion. There’s the amazing art to start. But, each volume examines its main character through telling the story of his opponents. But, it’s the slow corruption of our “hero” that has us questioning if he’s really the hero of the story or if it’s really about someone else. While the story might be set in the world of boxing, it’s the focus on the characters that makes it stand above the rest.
  
• The Jellyfish (Pow Pow Press) – The story of a young woman who loses her eyesight is tragic but also hopeful for all those who struggle with adversity due to their health.
  
• The Mighty Onion (Little Brown Books for Young Readers) – Using a mix of comics pages, journal entries, handwritten letters, and more, author-illustrator Mark Crilley explores the triumphs and tribulations of the creative process–and teamwork–in a series opener that’s unlike any you’ve seen before! Great for kids and adults!
  
• The Pedestrian (Mad Cave Studios) – The quirkiest superhero in quite a while. There’s something rather quaint about the series. It’s a little X-Files. It’s a little superhero. It might be my first cosplay.
  
• The Road: A Graphic Novel Adaptation (Abrams Comicarts) – Yes, a whole bunch of shit came out about Cormac McCarthy but Manu Larcenet’s art is too good to not include. It’s hauntingly beautiful and some of the best art in a comic this year.
  
• Transformers (Skybound) – This is how you reboot and update a classic property. While familiar, it changes things just enough to keep readers on their toes. It’s packed with holy shit moments and a lot of heart. Mix in great art and it’s one of the most fun ongoing series.
  
• Traveling to Mars (Ablaze) – The series wrapped up this year and it nailed its finale. An amazing read from beginning to end. It deserves so much more recognition. Just heart wrenching.
  
• Ultimate Spider-Man (Marvel) – Featuring one of the best single issues of the year, the series has been fantastic with its mix of action, heart, and fun. It’s the Spider-Man I’ve wanted for so long, one that has to balance being a hero, a father, and a husband.
  
• Your Letter (IZE Press/Webtoon) – One of the best of the year. I was in tears by the end of it. Just a beautiful release about childhood friends and a magical scavenger hunt.