TOP 10: Comic Book Series of 2024
BY Bob Erlenback & Brendan Hay
We read a lot of comic books at the Great Pop Culture Debate. In fact, we recommend new ones every week! As we wind down 2024, GPCD panelists Bob Erlenback and Brendan Hay looked back on our favorite comic-book series — ongoing and mini-series — that were released in the past year. These aren’t ranked; they’re simply listed alphabetically.
Is your favorite comic book not on the list? Drop your picks in the comments. We love hearing about great comics to check out.
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Absolute Batman (DC Comics)
By Scott Snyder (w) & Nick Dragotta (a)
Nobody needs another take on Batman...is what I thought before reading Absolute Batman. However, this comic is everything done right about a re-imagining. It’s the superhero we love, but redesigned with gorgeous, striking art from Nick Dragotta, and given fresh life by writer Scott Snyder with a new story that finds interesting new angles for all the usual pieces. Despite having read Batman comics for decades, I have no idea where exactly this one is headed, and that’s thrilling. (Brendan Hay)
Alan Scott: The Green Lantern (DC Comics)
By Tim Sheridan (w) & Cian Tormey (a)
While this mini-series technically started in late 2023, its back half was published in 2024. So it still counts! Writer Tim Sheridan does a beautiful job recontextualizing original Green Lantern Alan Scott as a closeted gay man in the 1940s, and introducing critical new elements of his story that related to Geoff Johns’ brief (and delayed) Justice Society of America run. While Scott has been gay since the New 52, that was via the Earth 2 books — a separate universe. This version is firmly set in the DC Golden Age, and this story is both epic, captivating, and heartbreaking. (Eric Rezsnyak)
Batgirl (DC Comics)
By Tate Brombal (w) & Takeshi Miyazawa (w)
Focusing on the tenuous relationship between Batgirl Cassandra Cain and her mother, Lady Shiva, this book immediately throws the reader into the action as a mysterious organization is hunting them and they must rely on each other to survive. With an engaging blend of emotional depth and action, Brombal crafts a gripping narrative that redefines Batgirl for a new era. (Bob Erlenback)
Batman and Robin (DC Comics)
By Phillip Kennedy Johnson (w) & Carmine Di Giandomenico
Issue 14 of the 2023 relaunch brought us a new writer in Phillip Kennedy Johnson, and he’s killing it so far. Full of father/son dynamics and rich with thrilling action on par with a fine Bond film, we are excited to see our favorite dynamic duo entering a first-class era. (Bob Erlenback)
Cobra Commander (Skybound/Image)
By Joshua Williamson (w) & Andrea Milana
Part of the Energon Universe launch at Skybound and image, Cobra Commander hit the ground running with a deep dive into this character’s origin and made for one exciting, bloody, and sinister story. This was so much fun. (Bob Erlenback)
Detective Comics (DC Comics)
By Tom Taylor (w) & Mikel Janin (a)
Tom Taylor and Mikel Janin brought new life to this flagship series, taking over in issue #1090, and it has been thrilling from the jump. After some shocking revelations about the deaths of Thomas and Martha Wayne, this new arc can only be described as Bruce Wayne meets The Substance, when the Bat is presented with a mysterious offer. Full of mystery to uncover, we love where this is going. (Bob Erlenback)
Green Lantern Dark (DC Comics)
By Tate Brombal (w) & Werther Dell’edera (a)
Giving us a shadowy and dark look at the Green Lantern Corps, this eerie series has the Lanterns confronting their deepest fears. With haunting artwork and colors, we are drawn into this morally ambiguous world. (Bob Erlenback)
Masters of the Universe: Revolution (Dark Horse Comics)
By Tim Sheridan, Rob David, Ted Biaselli (w) & Daniel HDR (a)
Pairing with the Netflix series of the same name, this comic dug further back into the origins of Hordak and Skeletor. This story was gripping as we witnessed the rise and fall of this fraught relationship. Also, the colors and artwork kept my eyes glued to the page. (Bob Erlenback)
Robins Season (Batman: The Brave and The Bold)
By Brendan Hay (w) & Marco Santucci (a)
This two-part Tim Drake and Damien Wayne story is the team-up we’ve all been waiting for. Aside from beautifully drawn artwork by Marco Santucci, writer Brendan Hay gives us a story of a brotherly relationship full of sibling rivalry and mutual admiration. Hay so clearly understands these two characters, making for a great dichotomy and wonderful laughs. (Bob Erlenback)
The Uncanny X-Men (Marvel Comics)
By Gail Simone (w) & David Marquez (a)
After Krakoa’s “big ideas” era, Gail Simone is bringing back some character-driven X-Men. These are the emotional, messy, funny, horny, and heroic mutants I love. Rogue getting a shot as leader is long overdue, too, and the new characters offer hope for the future. (Brendan Hay)
What were YOUR favorite comic-book series of 2024? Leave a comment below!
