6 Killer DC Comics You May Have Overlooked in 2024

If you’re on the hunt for some of the best yet most underrated comics of 2024 from DC, you’re in the right place. This list takes a step away from the well-known main continuity titles everyone loves and dives into lesser-known gems from DC’s Black Label and Elseworlds imprints. Whether you’re into gritty, action-packed stories, deep character studies, or something in between, there’s a must-read comic here for every taste.

This list may rank the comics it spotlights, but every entry is a five-star must-read, guaranteed to be worth your time, money, and energy. Each selection dives deep, providing the series name, its writer and artist, the current status (complete or ongoing), the number of issues released so far, a preview of stunning main and variant covers, and a compelling synopsis that showcases what sets it apart. But don’t stop there—join the conversation by sharing your picks for the best and most underrated DC series of 2024 in the comments selection located at the bottom of the article.

6 DC vs. Vampires: World War V (DC Elseworlds)

Writer Matthew Rosenberg, Artist Otto Schmidt (Ongoing Series with 4 Issues Released Thus Far)

Matthew Rosenberg and Otto Schmidt’s DC vs. Vampires: World War V thrusts readers into the blood-soaked chaos of Earth-63, an alternate universe where vampires have seized control, leaving humanity on the brink of extinction. A direct sequel to the DC vs. Vampires saga, the series continues the intense three-sided war between Vampire Queen Barbara “Batgirl” Gordon, human resistance leader Oliver “Green Arrow” Queen, and vampire Damian “Robin” Wayne.

The story features a compelling cast of characters, including Batgirl’s second-in-command Wonder Woman, the newly debuted Green Lantern Alfred Pennyworth, Mister Miracle with his vampire baby, and Bruce Wayne’s enigmatic Batman successor. World War V delivers relentless action, heart-wrenching character arcs, and a torrent of unpredictable twists, making it an unmissable continuation of this high-stakes saga.

5 Plastic Man No More! (DC Black Label)

Writer Christopher Cantwell, Artists Jacob Edgar & Alex Lins (Ongoing Series with 3 Issues Released Thus Far)

Christopher Cantwell and Jacob Edgar’s Plastic Man No More! delivers a compelling blend of dark humor and emotional depth while exploring themes of identity and redemption. The story follows Eel O’Brian as he battles an ultimate crisis: facing his impending death, repairing his fractured relationship with his son, and questioning his place in the superhero world.

As his iconic abilities begin to fail due to his body “depolymerizing” — AKA his body breaking down on a molecular level — O’Brian reluctantly returns to his criminal roots, doing the unthinkable in a desperate bid to cheat death. With sharp writing and dynamic, and occasionally stomach-turning, artwork, this Black Label series is perfect for readers who enjoy underdog tales, quirky humor, and watching a hero redefine what it means to save the day.

4 Zatanna: Bring Down The House (DC Black Label)

Writer Mariko Tamaki, Artist Javier Rodríguez (5 Issue Complete Series)

Mariko Tamaki and Javier Rodríguez’s Zatanna: Bring Down The House is a spellbinding Black Label series that blends the emotional depth of a character study with supernatural thrills and drama. This reimagining of Zatanna explores a pivotal chapter in her life, when she rejected true magic and instead performed as a Las Vegas ‘magician’ relying more on sleight of hand and props than actual magic.

After a disastrous Vegas show, though, Zatanna is forced to confront her past and is drawn into a shadowy underworld of occult conspiracies where she uncovers ancient secrets about her family and the true cost of her powers. Featuring a guest appearance from John Constantine, stunning visuals, sharp wit, and intense magical battles, this series offers fans the perfect mix of action, mystery, and emotional depth.

3 Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age (DC Elseworlds)

Writer Andy Diggle, Artist Leandro Fernández (6 Issue Complete Series)

Andy Diggle and Leandro Fernández’s Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age is one of DC’s standout Elseworlds sequels, arriving 35 years after Brian Augustyn and Mike Mignola’s Batman: Gotham by Gaslight, which first introduced fans to Earth-19. Gotham by Gaslight reimagined Batman in the 19th century, and The Kryptonian Age serves to expand on this alternate universe by reimagining more of DC’s most iconic heroes in this Victorian Era setting, including Superman, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, Flash, Martian Manhunter, and Green Lantern.

With sharp, atmospheric storytelling and stunning artwork, this series blends steampunk elements with classic DC lore, offering a fresh take on these legendary characters. While reading Batman: Gotham by Gaslight is recommended, as it marks DC’s first Elseworlds story and is an epic in its own right, it’s not necessary to dive into The Kryptonian Age.

2 Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter (DC Elseworlds)

Writer Jay Kristoff, Artist Tirso Cons (Ongoing Series with 5 Issues Released Thus Far)

Jay Kristoff and Tirso Cons’ Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter is a thrilling, Deathstroke-centric continuation of Tom Taylor’s Dark Knights of Steel saga, offering a unique twist on the familiar DCU by reimagining fan-favorite characters in the medieval fantasy setting of Earth-118. While Allwinter is a completely separate story from Taylor’s Dark Knights of Steel and focuses on new characters, reading the original series is highly recommended as it will deepen your appreciation for this epic alternate universe.

This comic is also a must-read for Slade Wilson fans, as it captures the very best of Deathstroke while positioning him more as an anti-hero than his classic villain persona. Other notable characters include Rose “Ravager” Wilson, Alec “Swamp Thing” Holland, Mr. Freeze, Vandal Savage, and even a cameo from the Dark Knight himself. With its rich world-building, dynamic characters, and epic battles, Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter is an unforgettable read.

1 The Boy Wonder (DC Black Label)

Writer & Artist Juni Ba (5 Issue Complete Series)

Juni Ba’s The Boy Wonder is the ultimate love letter to the character of Damian Wayne, offering a fresh perspective on his origins and his evolution into a young hero. This five-issue series tracks Damian’s journey as he seeks his place within the Bat-Family, struggling to overcome his bloody past as an al Ghul and heir to the League of Assassins.

What sets this series apart is its focus on Damian’s relationships with the former Robins—Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, and Tim Drake—with three of the five issues dedicated to exploring these connections. Additionally, the series delves into the emotional complexity of Damian’s relationship with his mother, Talia al Ghul. The Boy Wonder is the ultimate character study, showcasing Damian’s transformation from a ruthless assassin to a hero while exploring universal themes of identity, family, and trauma.