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Best Comics from 2024

2024 ended up being another exceptional year for me when it comes to comics. I read a couple of strong storylines and one-off issues from both Marvel and DC. I also loved reading Disney comics from Mickey Mouse to Uncle Scrooge. And of course I read the entirety of the masterful Saga this year. Here are seven works of this medium that defined this year for me.

7. The Dark Phoenix Saga

The Dark Phoenix Saga is my first Marvel read and I have to admit that it’s a very good one with some caveats – the silly dialogue and action was troublesome at times. Still, the characterization is strong, the overall story is terrific and Jean Grey’s arc remains iconic to this day. The comic ended in such an epic way and it’s so well drawn. It has its flaws, which is why it’s only on the last spot on this list, but it’s still a pretty commendable superhero storyline.

6. Tralla La

 I started reading Uncle Scrooge comics this year and these are just delightful. In this one, Scrooge is tired of everybody asking him for money, so he goes to a place in Tibet where there is no money to rest, but only to inadvertently bring capitalism to that place and destroy it in the process. This is one of the best issues that I’ve read so far and this story humanizes the character while still not forsaking his greedy personality.

5. Back to the Klondike

In this iconic issue, Scrooge McDuck returns to Klondike where he has made his fortune, bringing Donald and the three nephews along, to find back the gold he has left there. It has a fantastic setting wonderfully realized, it also has a terrific romance that was so well written, and Scrooge got a terrific arc for himself here. Goldie was a great addition to the character roster and she made this story so memorable.

4. The Brass-Mine Swindle

This year, I bought three volumes of the phenomenal Popeye comics and I ended up reading the entire first one, covering the late twenties era. In this story, Castor, Olive and Ham regain their fortunes from Dice Island. Castor proceeds to spend the entirety of his finances on purchasing a “brass mine” despite warnings from others that no such thing exists. This storyline continued the trend of these first stories relying heavily on money and scheming to get money. Castor’s stupid ideas made for a hilarious comic and the dialogue was truly exceptional here.

3. Dice Island

Castor’s uncle gives him Bernice, a rare Whiffle Hen with the ability to escape any form of potential trap or danger, spiraling into a series of kidnapping and deceptions leading Castor, Ham Gravy and Olive to the gambling center Dice Island. This was the comic that introduced Popeye to the world and not only was he instantly memorable, but the entire storyline is delightfully adventurous and fun. Amusing situations and strong dialogue abound in this one.

2. Batman: The Killing Joke

Batman: The Killing Joke is one of the best Batman stories of all time. This graphic novel forsakes action in favor of characterization and dialogue. The result is a sophisticated take on the Joker’s origin story and the complicated, fascinating relationship between Batman and his nemesis. It’s a psychologically complex story that is also gorgeously illustrated and striking in some of its disturbing imagery. It’s a renowned masterpiece for a reason and the best issue of any comic I’ve read all year.

1. Saga

But the best overall comic book I read in 2024 has to be this incredible, well, saga. Saga is one of the best-regarded modern comics and one of the longest-running science fiction stories in the medium today. I ended up reading all volumes published so far throughout the year and the vast majority of them were superb. Saga is well written in its complex characters, but also in realistic dialogue and scenarios. The illustration work is artistic and inspired while the tone constantly changes from comedic to brutally dark. Saga is such a powerful comic book series that whenever they killed off a major character, I was left in utter shock. It has that gripping hold on its readers because it’s so intricately imagined and superbly executed. It is one of my favorite comic book series that I’ve read so far.