The Roaring Comeback of Comics in 2024: Marvel, DC, and Standout Graphic Novels

by Annika December 30, 2024

The comic book and graphic novel industry experienced a boom and bust due to the pandemic but made a roaring comeback in 2024. Re-imaginings and mash-ups of beloved superheroes dominated the scene, with Marvel and DC leading the charge. Licensed books also thrived, with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and various popular franchises making a big impact. Originality and boundary-pushing stories were also a highlight, with standout graphic novels from Image and talented creators like Geoff Johns. Among the many noteworthy releases, a shortlist of loved comics from 2024 includes “Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Goes,” “Search and Destroy,” “Polar Vortex,” “The Road,” “Transformers,” “Ultimate Spider-Man,” “Wonder Woman,” and “Absolute Batman No. 1.”

The Roaring Comeback of Comics in 2024: Marvel, DC, and Standout Graphic Novels

– The comic book and graphic novel industry had a successful year in 2024, with both Marvel and DC re-imagining and merging their best known heroes.
– Licensed books and original graphic novels contributed to the industry’s success, with IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Dynamite Entertainment’s various properties leading the way.
– Readers sought comfort in familiar stories, but also found boundary-pushing and well-done works, such as Geoff Johns’ Ghost Machine imprint at Image.

After a tumultuous year for the comic book and graphic novel industry due to the pandemic, 2024 saw a resurgence in popularity and creativity. Both Marvel and DC embraced re-imaginings and mash-ups of their beloved heroes, introducing new twists and alternate universes. The Big Two were not alone in this trend; IDW enjoyed success with “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” while Dynamite Entertainment explored licensed books such as “Barbarella” and “Terminator.” Skybound also made strides with their Hasbro license, releasing thrilling G.I. Joe prelude mini-series that led to the highly anticipated relaunch.

While readers sought comfort in the familiar, they were also treated to a multitude of original graphic novels. Geoff Johns, an ex-DC veteran, unveiled his Ghost Machine imprint at Image, bringing together some of the most talented individuals in the comic book industry. One standout from this imprint is “Rook: Exodus,” a captivating and well-crafted story.

With the vast number of comics released each week from traditional publishers, it can be overwhelming to navigate through them all. However, there are several standout titles from 2024 that deserve recognition. One such comic is “Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Goes,” written and illustrated by Patrick Horvath. This unique and gripping tale follows Samantha Strong, a serial killer who lives by a strict rule not to harm the locals in her small town. When a towns person turns up dead, Samantha realizes she is not the only killer in town and must find the culprit before the sheriff catches up to her.

Another notable graphic novel is “Search and Destroy,” a cyberpunk re-imagining of Osamu Tezuka’s ronin and sidekick story. Created by Atsushi Kaneko, this dystopian tale set in a snowy, post-war future city delves into themes of rage, humanity, and revenge. The black and white linework and atmospheric setting add to the captivating nature of the story.

“Polar Vortex” by Denise Dorrance is a poignant memoir that explores the author’s return home after years abroad and the challenges she faces when her mother falls ill with dementia. Dorrance’s cartoony elements ingeniously blend with the harsh realities of life, making for a touching and thought-provoking read.

The graphic novel adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road” by Manu Larcenet is a testament to the power of visual storytelling. Larcenet’s scratchy yet detailed artwork brings this post-apocalyptic father-and-son tale to life, capturing the tough choices and relentless struggle for survival in a bleak world.

For fans of Transformers, Daniel Warren Johnson’s revitalized series continues to impress, even with a change in art duties handled by Jorge Cordon and Jason Howard. This epic war comic explores themes of grief, sacrifice, and leadership while maintaining a focus on the humanity of its characters.

Marvel fans will enjoy “Ultimate Spider-Man” by Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto, which reimagines Peter Parker as a married crime-fighting hero. Hickman’s storytelling prowess and Checchetto’s dynamic art create a compelling blend of superhero action and relationship drama.

DC enthusiasts should not miss out on “Wonder Woman” by Tom King and Daniel Sampere, which delves deep into the character’s many facets and explores her role as a heroine. King’s storytelling methods and Sampere’s artwork make this an essential read for fans of Diana Prince.

Lastly, “Absolute Batman” by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta takes readers on a thrilling journey through an alternate universe where Batman’s origins are reconfigured. Snyder’s return to DC is met with excitement, and Dragotta’s energetic artwork brings the story to life.

In summary, 2024 was a year of revitalization and creativity for the comic book and graphic novel industry. From licensed re-imaginings to original works, there was something for every reader. These standout titles showcased the incredible talent and storytelling that can be found within the medium. As the industry continues to evolve and innovate, comic book enthusiasts can eagerly anticipate what the future holds.