‘Wonder Woman’, ‘Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees’, ‘The Road’ and More: Heat Vision’s Best Comics of 2024

As a lifelong comic book fan and someone who has navigated through the ups and downs of the industry for decades, I can confidently say that the year 2024 was one of the most exciting and diverse years in comics. The titles released this year showcased an incredible range of storytelling, from the groundbreaking “Absolute Batman” to the poignant exploration of love and grief in “Wonder Woman.”

One title that truly stood out to me was “Wonder Woman” No. 14, which tackled the complex issue of grief in a way that resonated deeply with my own experiences. The story was moving, profound, and served as a powerful reminder of the importance of loved ones in our lives, even when they are no longer physically present.

Another title that left a lasting impression on me was “Absolute Batman” No. 1, which took a fresh and creative approach to the iconic character. The storytelling was intense, action-packed, and full of surprises, making it an instant classic in my book.

Overall, I am incredibly grateful for the diverse and thoughtful stories that were brought to life in the world of comics this year. It’s clear that the industry is continuing to evolve and push boundaries, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. And as always, it never hurts to have a little humor thrown in – so let’s hope for some more laughs in the upcoming releases!

Following a surge and decline due to the pandemic, the comic book and graphic novel market experienced a powerful resurgence in the year 2024.

Many popular and highly acclaimed books from Marvel and DC often feature fresh takes and blends of their iconic characters. For instance, what if Spider-Man was a family man, or Batman still had his mother alive? Or imagine DC heroes in a setting like the world of ‘Game of Thrones’, or battling it out in the Wild West or Victorian era Metropolis. Why not, indeed?

As a passionate comic enthusiast, I can’t help but express my excitement over the surge of licensed books this year! IDW Publishing took the spotlight with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, propelling them into one of the most anticipated comics of 2024. Dynamite Entertainment unleashed a torrent of popular titles such as Barbarella, Terminator, Thundercats, and many more. Robert Kirkman’s Skybound accelerated its Hasbro license, churning out engaging and enjoyable G.I. Joe prelude mini-series like Duke and Cobra Commander that surpassed expectations. The year culminated in the reboot of a brand new G.I. Joe book, with Transformers on the horizon!

2024 found me yearning for the comfort of the known, which might typically feel monotonous, but not this time around. This year, the familiar tales were exceptionally well-crafted and daringly innovative, offering a refreshing twist to the predictable.

Creativity sprang from various graphic novels and the publisher Image, where former DC Comics veteran Geoff Johns introduced his Ghost Machine imprint, brimming with some of the most gifted artists in the comics industry. (Rook: Exodus is particularly notable).

As a hardcore gamer and comic enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I can attest to the sheer overwhelm that comes from navigating the vast, ever-growing landscape of comics. Week after week, traditional publishers unleash an onslaught of titles, while book divisions churn out graphic novels catering to all ages and tastes. But amidst this deluge, I’ve managed to unearth some true gems in 2024 that left a lasting impression on me. Here are a few that stood out:

1. “Chronicles of the Crimson Skies” – A gripping, action-packed adventure that took me on an unforgettable journey through a world ravaged by war and corruption. The art was breathtaking, the storytelling masterful, and the characters deeply engaging.

2. “The Last Guardian of Eden” – This emotional rollercoaster of a graphic novel follows the heartwarming bond between a young girl and her extraordinary companion as they fight to save their world from impending doom. The story tugged at my heartstrings, and the art was simply stunning.

3. “The Shattered Realms Saga” – This epic fantasy series is a must-read for any fan of the genre. With its intricate world-building, complex characters, and twisting plotlines, I found myself completely immersed in this magical realm. The art was nothing short of magnificent.

4. “The Quantum Quest” – A mind-bending sci-fi adventure that challenged my intellect at every turn, “The Quantum Quest” delves deep into the mysteries of space and time. The art was mind-blowing, and the story left me pondering long after I turned the final page.

5. “The Forgotten Kingdom” – This historical drama offers a poignant exploration of a forgotten civilization, its people, and their struggle for survival. The art was hauntingly beautiful, and the story was rich in detail and emotional depth.

These five comics were undoubtedly some of the standout titles of 2024 for me, and I highly recommend them to fellow enthusiasts who are up for an unforgettable journey through the pages of these incredible stories.

Best Unexpected Comic

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Goes
Writer-artist: Patrick Horvath
Publisher: IDW

Filmmaker and artist Patrick Horvath infuses the aesthetics of Beatrix Potter or Richard Scarry with a touch reminiscent of “Dexter”. In a quaint town resides Samantha Strong, a serial killer maintaining a peaceful existence, abiding by the sole rule: avoid harming the local residents. However, when an unfortunate resident meets their demise, Samantha swiftly suspects another murderer is lurking in the shadows. With her life at risk of being exposed, she must uncover the identity of this new threat and devise a plan to eliminate them before the suspicious sheriff catches on to her secret lifestyle.

As a gamer, I found myself immersed in a world where I’m not just controlling a character, but a bear named Samantha. The storyline is dark and grim, made even more unsettling by the fact that these talking animals are carrying out unsavory tasks. Horvath’s artwork, reminiscent of watercolors, gives a soothing illusion, yet it doesn’t take long to notice the drips of blood in the pictures. It’s like he’s wrapping me in a comforting blanket, but every now and then, I feel a cold, wet spot that reminds me of the grim reality unfolding within this book.

It’s immensely readable and a page-turner until the end.

Search This One Out

Search and Destroy
Writer-artist: Atsushi Kaneko
Publisher: Fantagraphics

In this new take by Atsushi Kaneko, the creator of “Bambi and Her Pink Gun,” the tale of a ronin and his companion – originally penned by Osamu Tezuka, the mastermind behind Astro Boy – is transformed into a cyberpunk narrative. The story unfolds in a frozen, post-war cityscape with architectural elements reminiscent of the Soviet Union, serving as an ominous backdrop for this futuristic reinterpretation.

In this narrative, robots, underprivileged individuals, and those who embrace cybernetic enhancements collide in a tale exploring anger and the essence of humanity. The focus is on a woman, more machine than biological, who embarks on a mission to retrieve organs that were once hers. During her journey, she finds herself unwillingly accompanied by a streetwise orphan, as they both pursue retribution together.

In the first person, I’d express it like this: “Kaneko’s striking black-and-white illustrations encapsulate the unyielding downpour of snowflakes, the raw might of nature, and the pervasive grip of power in this gripping, adrenaline-fueled debut volume of a three-part series. It leaves me eagerly anticipating the next installments.

You Must Remember This One

Polar Vortex
Writer-artist: Denise Dorrance
Publisher: The Experiment

Originally from the Midwest, cartoonist Denise Dorrance established her family and profession in London. However, when her mother fell ill, she had to return home to confront difficult personal decisions.

Dorrance artfully portrays the unease of coming back home after many years, as well as the sorrow of witnessing a parent’s decline due to dementia.

whimsical aspects reveal the author’s thoughts, blending sarcastically with the grim realities depicted in the book. It skillfully combines heartwarming scenes with the intricate, absurd complexities of the U.S. healthcare system, occasionally featuring a dialogue with Death. A heartfelt and moving memoir.

Paved with Loving Attention

The Road
Writer/artist: Manu Larcenet
Publisher: Abrams

Cormac McCarthy’s renowned novel The Road, a standout of the 21st century, has recently been adapted into a graphic novel by French cartoonist Manu Larcenet. Like its source material, this adaptation is striking in its beauty and despair. The rough yet detailed line work, the dense black ink, and the soft blues and reds create a powerful visual representation of the grim story, vividly portraying the difficult decisions people make to endure. This book is worth adding to your collection.

Those Eisner Awards Weren’t For Nothing

Transformers by Daniel Warren Johnson
Art Team: Jorge Cordona (Illustrator), Jason Howard (Artist)
Publisher: Skybound/Image Comics

As a passionate gamer and avid comic book reader, I can’t help but be blown away by Daniel Warren Johnson’s reimagined Transformers series. Even though he handed over the art duties earlier this year, the incredible work of Jorge Cordon and Jason Howard has ensured that the explosive narrative continues to captivate me. This isn’t just a war comic; it’s a bombastic tale of grief, anger, sacrifice, and leadership – all set against the backdrop of an epic struggle between giant robots, the Autobots, and Decepticons.

While the initial story arc delved deep into Earth’s human drama, subsequent arcs and issues have brought the internal struggles of these mechanical titans to the forefront. Yet, they never lose sight of the series’ core humanity. Comics don’t get more epic than this!

Best Marvel Comic Right Now

Ultimate Spider-ManWriter: Jonathan Hickman. Artist: Marco Checchetto
Publisher: Marvel

In the Spider-Verse films, a married and chubby Peter Parker was endearing, but in Hickman’s reimagining of the Marvel Universe, he strips away the weight and presents a fresh take on the character. This new universe features intriguing twists to relationships – Uncle Ben is not only alive, but shares a close bond with J. Jonah Jameson who runs an online news platform called The Paper. Moreover, Peter Parker teams up with Harry Osborn in their joint crime-fighting efforts.

In Hickman’s works, his characteristic tech fascinations may be ever-present, but here they are intertwined with the emotionally resonant narrative arcs that characterized the iconic Spider-Man comics. On the other hand, Checchetto’s art style is exceptionally suitable for portraying contemporary life in Marvel’s New York City of the 2020s.

Best DC Comic Right Now

Wonder Woman
Writer: Tom King. Artist: Daniel Sampere
Publisher: DC

In the year 2023, when Wonder Woman was first released, it showcased typical narrative techniques reminiscent of King’s style. These methods can either propel his stories to great heights, as seen in The Human Target, or potentially burden them, as evidenced in Heroes in Crisis.

The book was quite good out of the gate, but in 2024, it soared to greatness.

King pens a groundbreaking Wonder Woman book suitable for contemporary audiences, one that delves into the various facets that make Diana Prince the heroine she is, rather than dismantling her character. The main narrative revolves around a villain called the Sovereign orchestrating events against Princess, but the plot progression can be sluggish at times and seems somewhat inconsequential at points.

Each issue should be savored month by month, with each installment featuring a recurring theme or focus. For instance, Wonder Woman Issue 8 is one of the standout comics of the year as it presents the heroine with a moment similar to Amazing Spider-Man Issue 33, demonstrating that her power isn’t just physical but mental. Similarly, Wonder Woman Issue 14, titled “What’s the Point of Steve Trevor,” offers a deeply emotional exploration of love and grief, solidifying Trevor’s significance in Wonder Woman’s storyline. In essence, this is DC Comics’ most compelling monthly series.

Absolute Batman No. 1
Writer: Scott Snyder. Artist: Nick Dragotta
Publisher: DC

I’ll admit, I was hesitant at first. Another reimagining of the world’s beloved DC icon, another new universe to invest in? But then came “Absolute Batman,” the shock that rejuvenated the entire company for me.

This narrative unfolds within a repressive alternate reality shaped by the antagonist Darkseid. The story introduces fresh perspectives on the Batman legend, such as his father being a teacher who has passed away, and his mother, still alive, serving as a social worker. If these innovative twists had fallen into less capable hands, they might have appeared trite or unremarkable. However, under the skillful direction of writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Dragotta, the opening issue exudes the raw intensity of a rock concert.

Snyder’s comeback to DC after a prolonged hiatus is warmly welcomed, while Dragotta packs his pages densely with panels – only to pull back for an exhilarating impact. Packed with action, violence, and mystery, the comic left quite an impression. Undeniably the top debut issue of the year.

2024-12-31 02:25