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Summary
From Birds of Prey to Immortal Thor, these comics feature dynamic characters and stunning artwork worth exploring.
Ultimate X-Men and Batman/Superman: World’s Finest offer refreshing takes on classic characters, perfect for any fan.
An incredible year for comic books is still under way, with the greatest stories from Marvel, DC, and countless other publishers already making 2024 one for the history books. Hand-selected by the team at Screen Rant, these are the best comics of 2024 (released so far), and run the gamut from horror stories to all-ages, superhero to serial killer, and all are more than worthy of a reader’s time.
With every year having such a dearth of comics, this list is the perfect guide to jumping into something new and has something for everyone. Whether a reader’s a Marvel or DC superhero fan, someone who only reads the best creator-owned work, or a devotee of classic TV franchises, there’s something here to love, and hopefully something new to discover.
20 Birds of Prey
The perfect quippy team book with consistently stunning artwork
Birds of Prey (2023)
Dinah Lance is one of the DCU’s most elite fighters, and combined with her sonic scream, she’s a fearsome foe in any scenario…but sometimes even the Black Canary needs help. Faced with a personal mission brought to her by a mysterious new ally, and up against near-impossible odds, she re-forms the Birds of Prey with an unrivaled group of badasses — Cassandra Cain, Big Barda, Zealot, and Harley Quinn — and only one goal: extraction without bloodshed. What could possibly go wrong?
Kelly Thompson’s Birds of Prey sees the titular team of DC heroines thrust into new and exciting adventures month in month out at breakneck speed. The fun dynamics between the disparate characters makes the book sing as they hurtle towards danger time and time again.
“Kelly Thompson’s Birds of Prey has a dynamism and an infectious energy that radiates off every page. It’s quippy without being annoying, and consistently has some of DC’s best artists doing stunning work.” – Isaac Jansons, Comics Writer
19 Sons of Star Trek
An impeccable character-first story that makes the universe feel lived in
Sons of Star Trek
In the aftermath of Kahless’ harrowing Day of Blood, Jake Sisko struggles to find his place in the universe. Meanwhile, Nog faces the challenges of being the first Ferengi in Starfleet and Alexander Rozhenko is recovering mentally and emotionally from his time as one of Kahless’ devout followers. Jake, Alexander, and Nog find their stories intertwined as they’re thrust into an alternate reality full of lessons that may be just what the doctor ordered!
Sons of Star Trek sees the children of Sisko and Worf venture boldly into an alternate universe full of the children of other classic Trek characters. Without their parents around to save the galaxy, these young heroes now have a chance to discover themselves as they set out on this adventure.
“IDW’s recently concluded Sons of Star Trek has kept the publisher’s Star Trek hot streak going. While not directly connected to the main line, Sons of Star Trek uses events from those books to tell an engaging and rich, character-driven story that stands on its own.” – Shaun Corley, Comics Writer
10 Best Batman Comics To Read Right NOW
Batman has one of the richest histories in comics. Currently, there are plenty of key and entertaining Bat-books that deserve a read from fans.
18 The Incredible Hulk
An outstanding new chapter in the long history of Marvel’s strongest Avenger
The Incredible Hulk (2023)
THE AGE OF MONSTERS HAS BEGUN! As an enraged Hulk tries to take control of Bruce Banner’s body permanently, a mysterious immortal turns every monster in the Marvel Universe against Banner in an attempt to free their creator, the primordial Mother of Horrors. With the help of an unlikely new friend, Banner and Hulk must try to stop the world from getting plunged into darkness in this terrifying new series!
Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s and Nic Klein’s Incredible Hulksees the character once again returning to horror for a series that taps into all the different permutations of the genre. From Appalachian folk tales to supernatural serial killers, this series has it all.
“Twisting flesh and shattered bones, hordes of folkloric eldritch aberrations, and a gamma-powered scientist with little left to live for, Phillip Johnson and Nic Klein’s The Incredible Hulk reintroduces Bruce Banner and the Hulk to new perverse cosmic monstrosities not seen since Al Ewing and Joe Bennett’s The Immortal Hulk.” – Chris Miller, Comics Writer
17 Fantastic Four
A relaunched series doing justice to Marvel’s first family, every month
Fantastic Four (2022)
“WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE FANTASTIC FOUR?” It’s the start of a new era for the Fantastic Four…and they’re already in a ton of trouble. Something has gone terribly wrong in New York, and the Thing and Alicia are traveling across America to escape it! But when they stop in a small town for the night and wake up the morning before they arrived, they find themselves caught in a time loop that’s been going on since before they were born… That’s been going on since before they were born…
Ryan North brings both his humor and fascination with science to the ‘four’ in this series. Full of fun, one-off adventures with science twists, this book captures the interpersonal dynamics and family fun that make Fantastic Four successful to this day.
“Month-in and month-out, Fantastic Four proves to be the most satisfying read on the comic stands. Composed primarily of standalone stories, the creative team keeps topping themselves with each new challenge the FF find themselves up against. This is what Marvel’s First Family is all about: big ideas, big adventures and a big heart.” – Nathan Cabaniss, Comics Writer
16 Beneath The Trees Where Nobody Sees
Dexter meets Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy Town in this twisted debut
Beneath The Trees Where Nobody Sees
Don’t. Murder. The locals. This is small-town serial killer, upstanding citizen, and adorable brown bear Samantha Strong’s cardinal rule. So you can imagine her indignation when one of Woodbrook’s own meets a grisly, mysterious demise—and you wouldn’t blame her for doing anything it takes to hunt down her rival before the town self-destructs and Sheriff Patterson starts (literally) barking up the wrong tree.
Combining children’s stories with gruesome horror, this story of a fluffy serial killer bear gleefully upends genre conventions as the murderous protagonist tries to solve the mystery of who else is killing people.
“At a time when true crime has never been more popular, formulaic, and overcrowded, in walks Patrick Horvath to ask the most important question: what if it was animal villagers in a children’s book being murdered by a serial killer? I’ll never think of a ‘Teddy Bear Picnic’ the same way again (in the best way possible).” – Andrew Dyce, Comics Editor
15 Best DC Comics of All Time, Ranked
From Batman to Superman, the Justice League, Sandman, the Watchmen, and more, these are the greatest DC Comics stories ever told.
15 Transformers
The launch of the new shared Energon Universe
Transformers (2023)
Optimus Prime was supposed to have led the Autobots to victory. Instead, the fate of Cybertron is unknown, and his allies have crash-landed far from home, alongside their enemies—the Decepticons. As these titanic forces renew their war on Earth, one thing is immediately clear: the planet will never be the same. New alliances are struck. Battle lines are redrawn. And humanity’s only hope of survival is Optimus Prime.
As the first major flagship of Skybound’s shared Hasbro Energon Universe, Daniel Warren Johnson brings action and heart to Transformers as its writer and artist. As both Autobots and Decepticons once again clash on Earth, new human heroes also step up to fight for the planet.
“With their Transformers relaunch, Skybound has accomplished nothing short of a miracle. Daniel Warren Johnson captures a Spielberg-ian mix of spectacle and heart, leading to a series where each and every issue is special. The Energon Universe series will stand the test of time as the best Transformers story ever told.” – Nathan Cabaniss, Comics Writer
14 The Bat-Man: First Knight
A pulp-inspired reimagining of the Dark Knight’s debut in Gotham
The Bat-Man: First Knight
It’s 1939, fascism is on the rise, and Batman is in his early days, labeled by those in Gotham as “the vigilante”. At the center of a series of crimes, Batman comes to the conclusion that their prime suspect in each case were deceased. With the Caped Crusader’s only ally being Detective James Gordon of the Gotham City Police Department, both detectives must uncover who these “reanimated criminals” are and how to stop them.
In The Bat-Man First Knight, Dan Jurgens and Mike Perkins take the Caped Crusader back to his original Golden Age roots. Here, readers are given a pulpy crime story, deconstructing 1930s American society as the detective solves a string of brutal Gotham murders.
“The Bat-Man First Knight is everything fans of the Golden Age want to see in a Batman story, that isn’t mired in the Bat-god superhero we get in most modern comics. Rather than being given the same old, hyper-competent Dark Knight, we see a story that focuses on an imperfect detective taking on a well-written mystery, with real stakes.” – Ashley Land, Comics Writer
13 Spectregraph
A gorgeous haunted house story that’s a career best for its artist
Spectregraph
For years, the mansion has sat strangely, nestled into the coastline just a short drive north of Los Angeles. Rumors have haunted the place for years. Its owner a titan of American industry, with a strange fascination in the occult and the paranormal. For decades, the richest men and women in the country have whispered to each other, trying to understand what he was building alone in that mansion for all those years. And now finally, with his death, and his estate finally open for sale… They are eager to find out for themselves.
Spectregraph sees James Tynion IV and Christian Ward combine forces for a ghost story that has its characters delving into a haunted mansion from which they may never escape. What ghosts lie in wait after a century of American capitalism?
“I’ve been a fan of Christian Ward’s artwork for about a decade, but he has himself beat ten times over in Spectregraph, an unsettling haunted house story with a mother at its center. Come for James Tynion IV’s unbeatable horror tale, stay for the colors (trust me).” – Kate O’Donoghue, Comics Editor
12 I Heart Skull-Crusher
An energetic mash-up between Mad Max, Rollerball, and sports manga
I Heart Skull-Crusher
18-year-old Trini will do anything to compete in her favorite sport, Screaming Pain Ball, aspiring to the heights of her longtime hero Skull-Crusher! But she can’t do it alone, and a gaggle of misfits is just what she needs to cross the American wastes and battle in Queen Mob’s deadly tournament.
Mashing sports drama and post-apocalypse into one zany package, Josie Campbell and Alessio Zonno tell the story of a young hero desperate to be just like her sports idol. That the world’s ended is only an incidental detail for the heroes of I Heart Skull-Crusher.
“Part post-apocalyptic adventure comic, part sports manga, I Heart Skull-Crusher by Josie Campbell and Alessio Zonno is a joyful romp about found family, unattainable crushes, and the power of underdogs. This book is at the top of my stack every month — and hopefully for a long time coming.” – Kate O’Donoghue, Comics Editor
11 The Deviant
Another masterpiece from a modern horror master (with a holiday twist)
The Deviant
As snow falls over Milwaukee in 1972, a blood-stained Santa Claus commits unimaginable atrocities against young men. Fifty years later, a troubled young writer interviews this so-called “Deviant Killer,” who still maintains his innocence from behind bars. And as Christmas approaches once again, the past returns, wielding a sharpened ax.
Fifty years ago, a serial killer stalked the streets dressed as Santa Claus. Now, as a writer sets out to interview the captured killer, the Yuletide season once again brings murder in its wake in The Deviant by James Tynion IV and Joshua Hixson.
“I read a lot of comics: capes, horror, kids, comedy; I’m not picky. A meditation on sexuality, notoriety, and true crime, The Deviant by James Tynion IV and Joshua Hixson is, very quietly, the best comic I’ve read in the last year. The best one. What else can I say?” – Kate O’Donoghue, Comics Editor
The acclaimed creative team reunites for an American nightmare
John Constantine: Hellblazer – Dead in America
John Constantine has cheated death once again-but his heart’s not beating, his body is decaying, and he, his friend Nat, and his son Noah are on the run in America, wanted for murder. Naturally, it’s all John’s fault-it always is. But as it turns out, Dream himself needs John’s help. Something terrible has taken root in America, and it’s using the sand from Dream’s pouch to impose its will. If John can put a stop to it, he might be able to parlay that favor into a chance to save all their lives-but he’s going to need help from someone he hasn’t spoken to in years.
The fan-favorite creative lineup of Si Spurrier and Aaron Campbell reunite for a sequel to their original Hellblazer run. With John Constantine’s body rotting away, he sets off on a trek across the United States to solve a mystery that exposes the rot at America’s core.
“Si Spurrier and Aaron Campbell’s Hellblazer: Dead in America plunges readers into John Constantine’s nightmarish yet addictive world, where reality and the supernatural blur. This occult detective story is a fever dream that you’ll pray you never wake up from.” – Taylor Blake Forsberg, Comics Writer
9 Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter
The DC Elseworld gets a brutal, bloody Deathstroke expansion
Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter
The snow falls thick, blood runs black, and color itself is only a distant memory. The legendary assassin Deathstroke stalks a frozen wasteland, killing for coin among a nation of ever-warring jarls. But when our murderer for hire finds himself cast in the role of reluctant guardian, will he fight to end the icy curse destroying his land or be consumed by the sins of his own dark past? The red-hot Dark Knights of Steel epic expands into bone-chilling new territories with new surprises in store!
A spin-off of the original Dark Knights of Steel, this Elseworlds miniseries reimagines Deathstroke as a Viking assassin whose latest adventure forces him to confront the darkness within himself as he discovers a secret that could stop the titular Allwinter plaguing the land.
“Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter masterfully blends phenomenal storytelling with gorgeously brutal art that will instantly capture the heart of any lover of DC’s Elseworlds imprint. Time and again, this dark fantasy has left me grinning ear-to-ear with one resounding thought: That was badass.” – Taylor Blake Forsberg, Comics Writer
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8 Superman
Everything that the relaunch of a core DC comic should be, for every reader
Superman (2023)
IT’S THE DAWN OF DC! Superman has returned to Metropolis and his greatest enemy Lex Luthor is finally behind bars. The future of the Superman family has never been brighter! As Clark Kent settles back into his life, iconic and new enemies erupt from the shadows to strike down the Man of Steel! But waiting in the wings to back up Big Blue is…Supercorp?! What secret project has Lex given to Superman?! “A hero is only as good as their villains” will be put to the test
Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell return Superman to a classic status quo with a series that celebrates all the franchise’s best characters while also providing new angles on old foes like Lex Luthor and Parasite.
“If someone is an expert on Superman lore, they’re going to love the assembled expanded cast, and the character arcs for everyone from Clark to Lex. If they’re a new fan, the comic does an excellent job introducing the entire cast, paying precious attention to showing exactly who they are.” – Charlie Reaves, Comic Writer
7 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return
A love letter to fans of the original MMPR series, in more ways than one
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return
In an alternate universe, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers defeated Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd, but at a terrible cost…and in the wake of that tragedy, the team went their separate ways. Twenty-two years later, the long-disbanded team reunites to mourn the losses of beloved friends, but Zack and Billy have some unexpected information to share: Jason–the Red Ranger, who has long been operating as a lone vigilante–has disappeared.
Two decades ago, the Power Rangers won their final battle, but at great cost. Now they’re brought back together by both memories of lost friends and new mysteries. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return is a tribute to departed actors and a forward-looking love letter to the original series.
“More than just a love letter of the franchise, it’s about healing a community still reeling from the losses of two franchise favorites, Jason David Frank and Thuy Trang. More than just a nostalgia trip, Johnson and co. carefully carry the memories of Rangers’ past in hopes of not only honoring them, but guiding the fans and cast with an uplifting message toward the future.” – Joe Myrick, Comics Writer
6 Ultimate Spider-Man (2024)
A brand new Ultimate Spider-Man, living up to the title
Ultimate Spider-Man (2024)
THE NEW ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN FOR A NEW ULTIMATE UNIVERSE! After the events of ULTIMATE INVASION, the world needs a hero…who will rise up to take on that responsibility? Prepare to be entangled in a web of mystery and excitement as the all-new ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN comic redefines the wall-crawler for the 21st Century!
Ultimate Spider-Man sees Jonathan Hickman, Marco Checchetto and David Messina give readers the Peter Parker they always dreamed of with this story of a middle-aged Spider-Man discovering his powers while already married with children. The book turns classic Spidey mythos on its head as Peter begins to realize his responsibility.
“Jonathan Hickman, Marco Checchetto and David Messina make the impossible look easy with Ultimate Spider-Man, creating a middle-aged Peter Parker who’s somehow just as relatable as ever. Hickman’s an expert at playing with his audience, and the book’s constant subversion and reinvention of Spider-Man canon is genius.” – Isaac Jansons, Comics Writer
5 Avengers: Twilight
A grim vision of Marvel’s future, and the heroes returning to save it
Avengers: Twilight
In a gleaming new world of prosperity, Captain America is no more. But Steve Rogers still exists, floating through an America where freedom is an illusion, where THE AVENGERS are strangers and his friends are long dead. But is the Dream? How do you assemble Avengers in a world that doesn’t want them?
In Avengers: Twilight, Chip Zdarsky and Daniel Acuna imagine a near-future dystopia where an aging Captain America has to step up once again to be the symbol for all superheroes. This cyberpunk-esque commentary on the surveillance state and militarization is The Dark Knight Returns for the modern day.
“Avengers: Twilight packed an entire lifetime’s worth of struggle, growth, and redemption into six memorable issues. In a timeline where everything goes so wrong that society rejects the very idea of superheroes, we get to see who is still willing to put on their metaphorical cape and save a world that doesn’t want them. It really gets a finger on the pulse point of the Avengers, and what they feel is worth fighting for, even after losing everything they built and growing older without it.” – Ashley Fields, Comics Writer
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The X-Men is one of the most popular comic books in Marvel history – so what are the best X-Men stories in Marvel history? This list hopes to answer.
4 Alan Scott: The Green Lantern
The most underrated DC superhero gets an instantly iconic solo story
Alan Scott: The Green Lantern
The Green Lantern is the most powerful member of the JSA, beloved by all of America, but his personal life is a well-kept secret. Both his public and private life are threatened when he’s framed by a mysterious killer, and the victims are people from his past! This is a story about love, about fear, and most of all about courage to stand up to that fear. Alan Scott’s past is the key to his future when the Red Lantern appears, ready to strike down the mighty Green Lantern! Can Alan Scott stop his enemy’s monstrous plans?
Reintroducing the classic hero to new fans, Tim Sheridan and Cian Tormey’s Alan Scott: The Green Lantern retells Scott’s origin in a bittersweet story that cements him as one of DC’s foremost queer male characters.
“Alan Scott: The Green Lantern: The story bristles as an allegory exploring the untapped power that comes with enduring the hardships of life within a queer identity, even as a superhero. It’s as much an emotional character piece as a lore-changing thrill-ride. The series also has the pleasure of delving into the utterly captivating Red Lantern, Vlad.” – Joe Myrick, Comics Writer
3 Ultimate X-Men
A refreshing new X-Men vision, faithful to the heart of the franchise
Ultimate X-Men (2024)
Visionary creator Peach Momoko creates a new generation of X-Men for an all-new universe! Hisako Ichiki is a teenage girl who just wants to live a normal life — go to school, hang out with her friends, ignore the political strife broiling over after the events of ULTIMATE INVASION — but life has other plans for her. In Japan, urban legends have sprung to life and brought some unusual new powers with them… Meet Armor, Maystorm and a group of new Ultimate X-Men the likes of which you’ve never seen before!
Writer and artist Peach Momoko reinvents the X-Men as misfit teenagers for the new Ultimate Universe. Set in an alternate Japan, Momoko’s story is a dark, yet funny, coming of age story featuring female X-Men characters new and familiar.
“Peach Momoko’s Ultimate X-Men is exactly what mainstream comics needs more of. It’s an almost-indescribably gorgeous, accessible book that completely reinvents the X-Men for all ages. It’s also not afraid to look thorny issues in the face, tackling suicide, domestic violence and other similar topics head-on.” – Isaac Jansons, Comics Writer
2 The Immortal Thor
An absurdly good adventure taking Thor into battle against storytelling itself
The Immortal Thor
In Norse myths, they called him Thunderer. Vuer has he been named, and Hloriddi. The gods know him as Asgard’s king, keeper of Mjolnir, hero of the tales. When injustice grips Earth and ancient powers bring down the sky, he fights for those who cannot – and when the tale is done, we will know what that cost him. For when an Elder God of the Utgard-Realm marks Thor for destruction, he will face his greatest trial. This is the story of the immortal Thor – and the battle that will define him!
Al Ewing’s latest epic tells a tale of Thor preparing to face down the first ever Gods while also struggling against classic foes. The story brings in mythological characters from across God of Thunder’s history while also weaving a narrative about the power of storytelling itself.
“Al Ewing’s Immortal Thor continues to be one of Marvel’s strongest ongoings, giving readers a story about storytelling itself that constantly challenges the God of Thunder to win battles with not just his hammer, but his wits. It’s a perfect blend of mythology and metatextual commentary.” – Isaac Jansons, Comics Writer
1 Batman/Superman: World’s Finest
The best book on the stands for DC’s two biggest heroes
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest (2022)
In the not-too-distant past, Superman’s powers are super-charged from a devastating chemical attack by the villain Metallo…and the only ally that the ultra-powerful Man of Tomorrow can turn to in this turbulent hour is Gotham’s own dark vengeance: the Batman. It’s the world’s greatest superheroes from the world’s greatest comic book talent in an epic comic book experience that kicks off the next big events in the DCU. Get ready, it’s time to soar.
Flashing back to unseen team-ups between the Man of Steel and The Dark Knight from years past, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest is a celebration of all things DC and proves Dan Mora to be a generational talent.
“Mark Waid and Dan Mora’s Batman/Superman: World’s Finest is pure, unadulterated fun that features the bromance of the century with the added bonus Dick Grayson’s Robin. Combining the whimsy and nostalgia of the Golden Age comics with modern-day art standards, this series is hard to beat.” – Taylor Blake Forsberg, Comics Writer
“}]] 2024 has been an amazing year for comics! Read More