Over the past four years of doing this, I have consistently been reminded of how difficult it is to choose from so many outstanding titles. This year was especially challenging, not only because of the stiff competition but also because I took a four-month sabbatical at the beginning of the year, which put me behind. While I chose to take it easy, the talented creators and publishers continued to produce incredible work. Fortunately for us readers.
As the year comes to a close, it’s once again time to reflect on the best creations of the year, at least in my humble opinion. As always, they are not listed in any specific order. These works represent the outstanding efforts of numerous creators and publishers dedicated to their fans.
Mad Cave Studios: ‘Dick Tracy’ by Alex Segura, Michael Moreci, Geraldo Borges, Mark Englert and Jim Campbell
In September 2023, Mad Cave announced that Dick Tracy would be joining their impressive lineup of titles, much to the delight of the character’s fans. They were eager to see how the creative team of Segura, Moreci, and Borges would honor the iconic, lantern-jawed detective. Fortunately, both Dick Tracy and his supporting cast are in great hands. The series has hit the ground running, delivering all the excitement, action, and twists that fans of the legendary gumshoe could hope for. This includes capturing the rogue’s gallery of villains that Chester Gould’s Tracy was known for. So, whether you were a long-time fan of the character or a newcomer, Mad Cave’s Dick Tracy has you covered and is one of 2024’s Best.
Titan Comics: ‘Huge Detective’ by Adam Rose, Magenta King, Minimone and DC Hopkins
When we first examined this new series from Titan Comics, we had already encountered the imaginative mind of writer Adam Rose. Our initial introduction to Rose was through his Corollary series by Source Point Press. This series was so impressive that it made our best-of list for 2022. Now, Mr. Rose returns with another original story, Huge Detective, featuring art by Magenta King.
In this narrative, a race of giants emerges from a deep slumber beneath the earth in Australia. Their sudden emergence triggers a violent conflict known as THE OMEGA EVENT, during which the giants are horrified by the proliferation of humanity during their absence. Eventually, a treaty is reached, leading to the establishment of the state of Brobdingnag in Australia. However, a series of human murders and the disappearance of two giants push both cultures to the brink of breaking their peace. To avert this crisis, an improbable alliance is formed between the human Detective Tamaki and the towering Detective GYANT. Their mission is to apprehend the elusive criminal or criminals responsible. In the process, they become entangled in a mystery far greater than they had ever anticipated. An imaginative premise, brought to vibrancy by the art of Magenta King and a proud member of our best of 2024.
ComiXology Originals: ‘Beneath’ by Steven S DeKnight and Michael Gaydos
At first glance, ComiXology Original’s “Beneath” appears to echo the atmosphere of the film “Tremors,” with an unseen entity hunting in a desert-like setting. However, the plot takes a significant turn as writer Steven S. DeKnight weaves a subtle critique of humanity into the horror narrative. This is especially evident in the portrayal of border issues and the perception of refugees. The story is driven by the fear of the unknown and entrenched myths. Throughout the progression, DeKnight skillfully balances social commentary with the timeless storytelling of myths and monsters lurking in the darkness. This is mirrored in the way artist Michael Gaydos takes DeKnight’s tale and makes it his own. A suspenseful, smart horror tale that takes its place in our best of 2024.
Dynamite’s ‘Space Ghost’ by David Pepose, Jonathan Lau, Andrew Dalhouse and Taylor Esposito
2024 was a great year for iconic characters to be brought back for both long-time fans and those new to these heroes. Whether it be Mad Cave’s Dick Tracy and Flash Gordon, or Dynamite’s latest take on Hanna-Barbera’s 1960’s Space Ghost. Written by David Pepose (writer of Scout’s Honor Class of 2021 Best of Honoree) with art by Jonathan Lau, Space Ghost takes the classic character and gives him and his compatriots, a modern-day spin full of action and twists. All the while still touching upon the elements that made the character beloved to begin with. Not an easy chore but it is handled with flair by the team of Pepose and Lau and puts them securely in our best of list for 2024.
Ahoy Comics ‘BABS’ by Garth Ennis, Jacen Burrows, Andy Troy, Lee Loughridge, and Rob Steen
When you blend the writing prowess of The Boys co-creator Garth Ennis with the artistic talents of Jacen Burrows and add a bold lead character that echoes Red Sonja with a dash of Elvira’s snark, you get Ahoy Comics’ BABS. It’s a realm teeming with ingenious characters, such as a sardonic magical sword, a misinformed yet opinionated Orc named Mork, and a cadre of White Knights intent on purifying the land of diversity, as long as they remain cloistered and sustained by the local townspeople. BABS is a magical blend of satire and intelligence that has become the standard for the Ahoy line and is more than anything just plain fun. Which made it an easy selection for the best of 2024.
Fairsquare Comics ‘Tunis to Sydney’ by Meriam and Christian Carnouche and Sam Rapley
“Tunis to Sydney” is an intimate narrative penned by authors Mariam and Christian Carnouche. The book details the odyssey of Lilia, a young woman who departs from Tunisia to Australia, seeking a fresh start. As she navigates her new life, she finds love and marries, becoming deeply rooted in her adopted country. Yet, the longing for her homeland persists. Life’s relentless demands hinder her return, until the passing of her parents. Returning home forces her to grapple with a deluge of emotions: grief, regret, feelings of abandonment, and the belief that her suffering is beyond the understanding of others, especially her spouse, Bill. This touching tale delves into themes of family, separation, bereavement, remorse and eventually…acceptance. Illustrated by Sam Rapley, Tunis to Sydney not only tugged at the heart but it staked its claim as one of the best of 2024.
Mad Cave Studios ‘Flash Gordon’ by Jeremy Adams, Will Conrad, Lee Loughridge and Taylor Esposito
In July 2023, Mad Cave Studios announced that Flash Gordon would be added to their ever-expanding library. An iconic American comic strip, Flash Gordon was created and drawn by Alex Raymond. Since its inception in 1934, it has become a timeless symbol of thrilling space adventures and heroic exploits. Now, thanks to the creative team at Mad Cave, it would be available for new audiences to enjoy and past fans to relive their heroes’ exploits.
With its 2024 debut, writer Jeremy Adams and artist Will Conrad put the hero straight into the fire, as Flash awakes on a secret prison planet somewhere in the galaxy. Upon discovering that Dale Arden is the target of an assassination plot, he is compelled to escape and journey across the galaxy to rescue her. Throughout his quest, he encounters old allies, new dangers, and an overarching mystery about who is manipulating the events of this universe. Sounds like Flash Gordon to me. Brought to life by Will Conrad’s impressive artwork, Flash Gordon meets or beats all expectations and takes its place amongst 2024’s Best.
Humanoids ‘What We Wished for’ by Ilias Kyriazis
On the night a mysterious comet passes overhead, a group of kids encounter a supernatural being who promises to grant them one wish each. As they contemplate their wishes, they take too long and the comet passes without a trace until 35 years later, when the comet returns…and their previous wishes begin to come true!
What once seemed to be their deepest desires in childhood returns to haunt them in the most unexpected and, for some, deadliest of ways. Now, they must confront the consequences of their childhood dreams before those very dreams become disastrous nightmares. In Ilias Kyriazis’s book, “What We Wished For,” published by Humanoids, the concept of childhood wishes is ingeniously explored, earning ‘What We Wished For’ a spot on our best of 2024 list.
IDW’s ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ by Jason Aaron, Joëlle Jones, and Ronda Pattison
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have all departed from New York to pursue their individual interests, but there are forces gathering that will reunite them, whether the adversaries like it or not. First up: Raphael! However, why is everyone’s favorite brawler incarcerated? When a surprise attack behind bars jeopardizes Raphael’s position, he must devise a plan to escape from jail and warn his brothers that trouble is imminent.
A fresh approach to the fan favorite “Turtles in a Half-Shell” that gives new readers a jumping on point and long-time fans another vision of their Ninja heroes. Jason Aaron takes the characters on their own exploits at the start, setting up an explosive reunion and issues they all need to resolve. Before their division makes them an easy target for their enemies. A great edition to the Ninja Turtle saga with artist Joëlle Jones bringing her A-Game as always to the party. This one couldn’t help but make our best of 2024 list.
First Second Books ‘Youth Group’ by Jordan Morris and Bowen McCurdy
“Youth Group” is a young adult horror-comedy that revolves around a band of churchgoing teenagers who battle demons in their spare time when they are not crafting religious songs inspired by popular hits. They are typical, everyday teenagers, except for the demons. This story, by Jordon Morris and artist Bowen McCurdy, takes the realm of youth religion and turns it on its head. This group is not just teaching Bible stories and singing classic hymns; they are battling Satan the old-fashioned way, with exorcisms and blessed weapons. The narrative is unique, with whimsical art by McCurdy that makes the book scream for animation. It’s mix of horror and comedy made it an addictive read and one of 2024’s best.
Abrams Comics Art’s ‘Drafted’ by Rick Parker
Cartoonist Rick Parker’s artwork has been featured in The New York Times, The Village Voice, Time Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, and Life magazine. He has also worked for Marvel on the popular Beavis and Butt-Head title, as well as his own creator-owned title, DeadBoy. More recently, he explored his military service in his graphic novel for Abrams ComicArts, Drafted. It is a humorous and occasionally poignant memoir of his three years in the army, following his draft for the Vietnam War.
In Drafted, Parker shares what his life was like before Uncle Sam selected him for service as well as the idiosyncrasies of army life. Those experiences shaped him in ways he could not have imagined but also informed his choice of serving his time and getting back to his love of art. An entertaining and unique look at the army during that time in a way that only the man who lived it could tell. This made Drafted an easy draftee into our best of 2024.
Oni Press: ‘The Autumn Kingdom’ by Cullen Bunn and Christopher Mittens
In this four-issue limited series which is described as a combination of folk horror and fantasy, the narrative is all centered around a family staying in the remote Swedish wilderness as the family’s patriarch attempts to finish his latest novel. But it doesn’t take long for their quiet, peaceful hideaway to become something more ominous. Especially for sisters Sommer and Winter.
When their parents are kidnapped by the dark forces of the fae kingdom, the sisters find themselves lost, afraid, and alone, pursued by a host of goblins, trolls, and redcaps. Fortunately, in their search for their parents, the sisters discover a massive magical sword in the forest, which can be used against their otherworldly adversaries. The girls embark on a bloody, violent, and terrifying adventure to escape the fae and rescue their parents. Another engaging and at times unsettling tale by the master of such stories Cullen Bunn and the proven artistic talents of Christopher Mitten. While the books unearth surprising revelations, it is of NO Surprise that Autumn Kingdom made our best of 2024 list.
2025: The Best is Yet to Come
As I mentioned in the opening, and as I continued to look over possibilities, there were SO many titles worthy of this list. 2024 was another great year for comics and Indie comics in general. It is a great time to be a comics fan and 2025 looks to only get better. Let’s go on the ride together. If you have your own list, feel free to comment on YOUR favorite titles. There are no wrong answers, especially if you loved it. Please let us know.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
