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We’re halfway through the year, and the comics have been incredible! Let’s take a moment to celebrate.
As June wraps up, it’s time to reflect on 2024’s incredible year in comic book reading. From single issues to original graphic novels, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re into all-ages stories or adult-only reads. If you stick to your favorite genres, you’ll find great content, but if you’re open to exploring beyond your usual picks, you’re bound to uncover some truly transformative works. Selecting the Best Comics of 2024 So Far is no easy task, but it’s a fun challenge!
Below, you’ll find our thirty top picks. Of course, these choices come with a few disclaimers. We’ve read a lot, but we haven’t covered everything. If your favorite isn’t included, let us know—we’re eager to check it out before finalizing our end-of-the-year selections. And hey, we’re a little quirky, so our tastes might not line up with yours. But that’s what makes it all the more exciting!
One of our biggest regrets this year? Not reading enough manga. We’ve picked up a few titles, but we need to explore more. Please share your recommendations—we want to know what you consider the best manga of 2024 so far!
We’re already planning a follow-up to this list and our end-of-the-year awards, The Stampies. We’ve also previewed some upcoming releases, and the future looks even more thrilling. Plus, there’s new work coming from Charles Burns—get hyped!
1. Armored (Clover Press)
When we crack open a comic that feels truly unique, we’re immediately captivated. Armored, written by Michael Schwartz and illustrated by Ismael Hernandez, has blown us away with its stunning watercolor art and incredible character expressions. The story follows a recently adopted boy who uncovers a haunted suit of armor with a terrifying creature lurking nearby. Although only two issues have been released so far this year, it’s already stolen our hearts. Fans of 80s classics like The Goonies, The Monster Squad, and House II: The Second Story will find its nostalgic vibe irresistible.
2. Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees (IDW Publishing)
We thought we loved Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees when it first launched last year, but we’re completely hooked now that it’s complete. It’s no surprise the book has earned praise from almost everyone. What started as a gripping concept—two serial killers clashing as their town falls apart—turned into an even more intense and disturbing story. The fact that all the characters are adorable animals makes the bloody violence more shocking. Even though most people in our circles have already devoured this book, we know it will attract a whole new audience when the trade paperback releases, and we’re sure it will be a long-term seller.
3. Birds of Prey (DC)
The best superhero comic of the year keeps delivering, month after month. As expected, writer Kelly Thompson captures the personalities of the diverse cast perfectly, giving us conversations we never imagined but now can’t live without. With talented artists like Leonardo Romero, Javier Pina, Gavin Guidry, and Jonathan Case, Birds of Prey shines in its action sequences while still packing in plenty of character depth and emotion. Superhero comics are thriving right now, but this team feels the most exciting and full of energy.
4. Barda (DC)
Few creators have taken on Jack Kirby’s Fourth World as writer and artist, but Walter Simonson and Ngozi Ukazu are among them. Barda is a unique Young Adult graphic novel that stands out. Ngozi Ukazu started as a Kirby fan and finished the project as a devoted Kirby enthusiast. Her love for his work shines on every page, though she doesn’t imitate his style—his influence is felt throughout the book. Barda follows the heroine as she begins to understand the rebellious power of love. It’s a romance but more about self-discovery than anything else. And yes, it includes the sweet meeting with Scott Free. Ukazu’s work left us grinning, and we’re thrilled she will continue with the Orion follow-up.
5. Boy Wonder (DC)
Is this a Juni Ba comic? If so, it’s making its way onto our end-of-the-year list, The Stampies. Ba has already tugged at our heartstrings with works like Djeliya, Monkey Meat, and Mobilis: My Life with Captain Nemo. Now, he’s turning his attention to Gotham, focusing on its most complex character, Damian Wayne. Often dismissed as a spoiled brat, Ba dives deep into Damian’s troubled soul as he struggles to find his place among Batman’s many Robins. Along the way, Ba masterfully showcases why each Robin is unique. If the Jason Todd issue doesn’t bring a tear to your eye, you might want to double-check your heart!
6. Brownstone (Versify)
What do we owe our parents, and who are we truly? Almudena grapples with her identity, having never met her father but always curious about him. When her white mother leaves for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, Almudena is left with her Guatemalan father, who speaks little English. Isolated and uncertain, she must renovate a rundown brownstone with him. Samuel Teer and Mar Julia masterfully capture Almudena’s teenage fears and her journey to reclaim her power. Brownstone is a poignant coming-of-age story that resonates deeply.
7. The Deep Dark (Graphix)
The Deep Dark is a satisfying read that tells an epic story about dangerous secrets. It forces the main character to cut ties with their community, showing that staying hidden can be just as deadly. Molly Knox Ostertag, the cartoonist, brings every line to life, creating familiar and relatable characters. This book is intense, and its passion will resonate with you, but you’ll also find deep warmth and beauty amid the anger. If you usually stick to weekly comics, don’t miss out on this one—check it out on the bookshelves!
8. Doom (Marvel)
No one portrays Doctor Doom quite like Jonathan Hickman. We discovered our love for his writing through his runs on Fantastic Four, Avengers, New Avengers, and Secret Wars, and we thought he had explored everything there was to explore about this complex character. But we were wrong! Hickman dives back into Doctor Doom’s story in Doom: The End, where he battles the world devourer, Galactus. This comic is both thought-provoking and entertaining. What makes it stand out is the incredible artwork by Sandford Greene, who delivers some of the best illustrations of his career. Greene’s work brings a cosmic quality to Doom’s story that will be celebrated for years.
9. Flash Gordon (King Features)
Dan Schkade has inspired us to revisit daily comic strips with his fresh take on Flash Gordon. In his version, Ming is absent, allowing for a look at Mongo without its tyrant and exploring the conflicts that can arise even in peaceful times. Flash, Dale, and Dr. Zarkov are still the main characters, but Schkade introduces new characters that add depth to the story while enhancing the favorites we already love. Since its relaunch late last year, Flash Gordon has delivered exciting elements like espionage, gladiatorial battles, giant monsters, and classic swashbuckling adventures, all presented with Schkade’s energetic style.
10. Friday (Panel Syndicate/Image Comics)
We didn’t want this comic to end. Seriously, could there be just one more chapter? Unfortunately, Ed Brubaker and Marcos Martin have wrapped up their supernatural detective story, and even though we wish it could go on, the ending is so well done that we can’t complain. Friday has come to a close, and it’s been a memorable journey. If you haven’t read this comic or its final chapter yet, please don’t look for more information about it. Just trust us and dive in! The third and final trade paperback will be out soon, but you should try the Panel Syndicate digital delivery system.
11. Griz Grobus (Image Comics)
Technically, we read this comic last year as Kickstarter backers, but since Image Comics has just released a beautiful trade paperback edition, we’re adding Griz Grobus to our 2024 favorites. Simon Roy‘s comics always grab your attention, especially these darkly funny sci-fi stories about Altamira (check out Habitat and Refugium, too). His exceptional design work brings to life machines, plants, and animals that are just as interesting as his characters and robots. Griz Grobus tackles themes of religion and environmentalism in a fun, engaging, and exciting way. Honestly, it’s just really clever!
12. Helen of Wyndhorn (Dark Horse Comics)
Tom King and Bilquis Evely should keep making comics together forever. Their work on Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow will be remembered as a classic collaboration, and after three issues of Helen of Wyndhorn, we expect the same. Conan the Barbarian and The Wizard of Oz inspired this fantasy story. While it pays tribute to those works, it celebrates its creators, especially Robert E. Howard, even more. Helen of Wyndhorn has inspired us to revisit those classic stories, and we’re truly thankful, even if they don’t reveal what lies ahead for Helen and her friends. King and Evely’s enchanting creation features a gripping mystery, but what fascinates us the most are the many layers of storytelling they explore.
13. Hexagon Bridge (Image Comics)
Yesterday, a bridge was built to connect people across dimensions. A husband and wife attempted to cross, but the A.I. controlling the bridge trapped them, leaving them stranded. Years later, their daughter, gifted with special mental abilities, partners with another A.I. to rescue them. The adventure quickly becomes complex. Richard Brake’s Hexagon Bridge feels like a tale pulled from a Heavy Metal comic from a distant dimension. With artwork as stunning as the poetic writing in its captions and dialogue, this story is perfect for those who appreciate a mix of sadness and hope.
14. Hogbook and Lazer Eyes (Fantagraphics)
Long before Comic Book Couples Counseling, comedian Maria Bamford unknowingly became our go-to life coach. Already captivated by her albums, memoirs, and appearances on TV and in movies, we were thrilled to learn she and her husband, Scott Marvel Cassidy, would share their love story in a graphic novel, the format we treasure most. While Hogbook and Lazer Eyes don’t directly tell their story, it does so cleverly through their elderly pugs, adding a unique twist to the romance. This heartfelt and powerful tale has a sweet, memorable charm that elevates it beyond a typical autobiography. It’s a comic we keep revisiting, and we know it will hold a special place in our hearts for years to come.
15. I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together (Pantheon)
If 2024 ended today, I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together would be our top comic of the year. Maurice Vellekoop dedicated eleven years to bringing his vision to life, and we’re so grateful he committed his last decade to this project without hesitation. This comic feels like a deeply personal look into Vellekoop’s life, sharing his childhood and adulthood experiences. It dives bravely into themes like sexuality, religion, depression, the struggles of being an artist, and the weight of parental expectations. If you visit a bookstore, find Vellekoop’s comic and open it to any page—you’ll be captivated by its beauty instantly.
16. Judge Dredd: A Better World (2000 AD)
Just as Dan Schkade brought us back to daily comic strips, Rob Williams has reignited our interest in Judge Dredd. Williams captures Dredd with a sharp, modern edge that keeps him relevant, showcasing Mega-City One’s toughest enforcer with intense purpose. Teaming up with co-writer Arthur Wyatt and the classic Dredd artist Henry Flint, Williams delivers a gritty, thought-provoking crime story that deserves more attention. In Judge Dredd: A Better World, the question arises: What if Mega-City One invested Judge resources into social programs instead? Can the city handle the answer? And, more importantly, can Dredd?
17. Karate Prom (First Second Books)
People are finally noticing Kyle Stark’s talent, and it’s amazing to see! We’ve followed him since Sexcastle, so we’ve loved his other works like Marvel Unleashed, I Hate This Place, Peacemaker Tries Hard, and the soon-to-come Barfly: From the World of Minor Threats. But when Starks dives in as a complete cartoonist, it’s something truly unique. Karate Prom is special because it brings Starks to a new YA audience, blending a fun romance with exciting martial arts moves, like one-punch fights and nunchuks. It’s a blast, and as with all of Stark’s comics, the real magic is in its heartfelt story.
18. Love Everlasting (Image Comics)
When Love Everlasting first started, the story was hard to pin down. Joan seemed stuck in different romance comic scenarios, but each time she found love, a mysterious cowboy would appear and shoot her, repeating the cycle. This year, the reasons behind Joan’s endless loop became clearer, and the story’s intensity grew as they did. Tom King and Elsa Charretier are pausing Joan’s story for now, but we hope it won’t be for long. The fifteenth issue ended with a bittersweet victory, leaving us eagerly awaiting what’s next. Classic romance comics inspire love Everlasting but feel fresh and essential, with the power to change or radicalize readers.
19. Lunar New Year Love Story (First Second Books)
Released in January, Lunar New Year Love Story quickly became one of the standout comics of 2024. Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham have created a coming-of-age romantic comedy that isn’t afraid to get a little spooky. Some scenes even feel like they’re straight out of Guillermo del Toro’s most haunting films. The story follows young Val, who has given up on love after seeing the damage it caused to her family. But then, two lion dancers stir something new in her heart. Can she truly trust this feeling?
20. Man’s Best (Boom Studios)
How far can comics go? Jesse Lonergan explores this in Man’s Best, his latest collaboration with Pornsak Pichetshote. This gripping sci-fi adventure follows three loyal support animals lost on an alien planet as they search for their owner. The harsh environment pushes their physical and emotional limits, allowing Lonergan to experiment with dynamic, boundary-pushing panel layouts. Pichetshote structures the story, leading readers through unexpected turns and deeper insights. With just a few issues remaining, this is a comic journey you won’t want to miss.
Conclusion
The best comics of 2024 highlight an incredible range of storytelling, artistry, and emotional depth, showcasing the medium’s diverse voices and innovative ideas. From touching coming-of-age stories to pulse-pounding sci-fi adventures, each title offers something distinct, encouraging readers to discover new worlds and experiences. Whether it’s through humor, horror, or romance, these comics entertain, provoke thought, and spark meaningful conversations, proving that the comic book medium continues to evolve and resonate with audiences. Looking back on this year’s standout works, it’s clear that these stories will have a lasting influence and help shape the future of comics.
