2024 has been an extraordinary year for comic book enthusiasts, delivering a plethora of groundbreaking stories and stunning visuals across a wide range of genres. From epic superhero sagas to thought-provoking thrillers, this year's comics represent the pinnacle of creativity and imagination, offering something for everyone. Let’s dive right in!

The Incredible Hulk

The current iteration of The Incredible Hulk comic began in 2023 and has continued to captivate readers with its intense storytelling and compelling character arcs. The 2024 issues from Phillip Kennedy Johnson, like Incredible Hulk #800, have been especially noteworthy – with this milestone issue featuring a gripping story about Hulk’s face-off against the formidable Eldest, increasing the title’s penchant for action and high stakes. However, the consistent exploration of horror through this Hulk-centric journey has turned the title into one of Marvel’s most effective ongoing reads. 

Action Comics

In 2024, Mark Waid and Clayton Henry’s contributions to Action Comics truly embraced the vast strengths of the Super Family by regularly incorporating Superman, Superboy, Jon Kent, and Supergirl into its storylines. As if that’s not enough to entice readers, the series has skillfully balanced large-scale cosmic adventures with more personal, character-driven narratives, showcasing the versatility and depth of the Super Family. By highlighting their relationships, individual struggles, and collective heroism, Action Comics has delivered a rich and engaging experience for readers, reaffirming why the Super Family remains one of the most beloved and enduring teams in the DC Universe. Furthermore, Waid’s capacity for rich storytelling, paired with Henry’s emotive art is a stellar combination. 

The Deviant

The Deviant is a standout comic of 2024, bringing a chilling serial killer narrative to life with a unique holiday twist. Written by James Tynion IV, the comic follows a past/present storyline about a serial killer who uses the festive season to cloak his gruesome activities, making the cheerful backdrop of the holidays even more unsettling. Joshua Hixson's haunting artwork perfectly complements the dark tale, creating a juxtaposition of holiday cheer and macabre scenes that captivates readers. This blend of horror and holiday elements makes The Deviant a must-read, but its eerie unraveling of events is the real reason we’re riveted. 

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return has struck a chord with fans by delivering a darker, evolved narrative perfectly designed for its now-grown audience. Written by Amy Jo Johnson and Matt Hotson, the series revisits the beloved characters of the original 90s show, but with a mature twist that explores the toll and turmoil of their past battles. The story delves into the personal struggles and sacrifices of the Rangers, now adults, as they confront new threats that force them to relive their traumatic experiences. If you’ve grown up with this one, it’s worth your time. 

Fantastic Four

Fantastic Four by Ryan North has become a standout series in the world of superhero comics, blending imaginative storytelling with deep character development. One of the most compelling aspects of North's run is his ability to balance the grand, cosmic adventures that the Fantastic Four are known for with smaller, more intimate moments that resonate with readers seeking nuances and grounded storytelling. This era is consistently infused with a sense of wonder and discovery, reminiscent of the early days of the series, but with a modern twist that keeps the readers engaged.

Justice Society of America 

Justice Society of America by the legendary Geoff Johns has been a standout series in 2024, offering a reflective and gripping take on the beloved DC team. Johns's storytelling prowess shines as he delves into the complex histories and personal struggles of the Justice Society members, making the series a love letter to the influential team and its diverse members. This finite run culminates in thought-provoking and satisfying narrative arcs, exploring themes of legacy, generational baggage, and the weight of heroism.

Phoenix

Phoenix, from writer Stephanie Phillips and artist Alessandro Miracolo, masterfully balances Jean Grey's vulnerabilities and the Phoenix Force's cosmic power, delving into their dynamic tension and shared existence. The series provides a much-needed fresh perspective on Jean's enduring battle for control and identity, highlighting the rich and intricate relationship between the two. With its memorable narrative and stunningly cosmic visuals, Phoenix reaffirms the timeless appeal of Jean Grey and the Phoenix, making it one of the standout comics of 2024.

Transformers

Transformers by Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics has breathed new life into the franchise as part of the Energon Universe. This series, expertly crafted by Daniel Warren Johnson, taps into thrilling action with deep, emotional storytelling – revisiting the classic conflict between Autobots and Decepticons, dually invoking the essence of the beloved comics and animated series while introducing original elements that appeal to modern readers. Johnson's masterful artwork (those fights) and narrative depth have made this iteration of Transformers one of the best takes on the franchise in recent years.

Absolute Power

Absolute Power is a major crossover event by DC Comics, written by Mark Waid and illustrated by Dan Mora, concluding the Dawn of DC initiative. Conceptually, the story delves into the consequences of unchecked metahuman abilities, with the dangerous Amanda Waller recruiting Failsafe and the Brainiac Queen into the Suicide Squad to neutralize all metahuman powers. This leads to an epic must-read clash between the Justice League and other heroes against these formidable foes. Upon release, the limited series provided readers with an expansive narrative, bold action, and dynamic artwork. Also, a special shout-out to the tie-in titles, such as Absolute Power: Super Son (penned by Sina Grace and Nicole Maines), which explores individual character arcs to make the event even more crucial to the DC universe. 

The Ultimates

The Ultimates from Marvel Comics has been a remarkable comic, courtesy of its creative team of Deniz Camp and Juan Frigeri. Since launching, the series has successfully revamped the popular Ultimate Universe, introducing a stellar new team of heroes that includes Iron Lad (a young Tony Stark), Captain America, Doom, Thor, and Sif. The story delves into their mission to rebuild a world devastated by The Maker, offering a gripping narrative filled with surprising character revelations (like this iteration of Reed Richards) and plenty of room to expand these fascinating threads in the future. It’s very apparent why this one has become a clear fan favorite.