Alright, listen up my magnificent munchkins! It’s time for another acid trip through the punny pages. We’ve got middle-aged heroes trading in their spandex for dad jeans, unlikely bromances that’ll make you question your own friendships, and enough magical mumbo-jumbo to make David Copperfield jealous. Oh, and let’s not forget the geriatric justice league - because nothing says “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” like arthritis and afternoon naps.
So grab your chimichangas, adjust your adult diapers, and get ready for a wild ride through thefour-color funny farms! It’s time to mock - I mean,marvelat the magnificent madness of modern mythos-making!
1Ultimate Spider-Man
The 2024 reboot of Ultimate Spider-Man by writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Marco Checchetto puts a novel spin on our favorite web-boy’s narrative. This innovative take portraysPeter Parker as a 40-something family man who has just become Spider-Man, diverging from the usual teenage backstory. In this new reality, Peter’s hitched to Mary Jane Watson, and they’ve got two kids, piling grown-up duties and family dynamics onto his alter ego’s double life.
The plot unfolds in a radically reshaped Ultimate Universe following the Ultimate Invasion crisis, with this fresh sociopolitical landscape impacting the characters. The series tackles coming-of-age themes of responsibility and work-life balance that will resonate with readers who grew up alongside Spidey. It’s about the universal struggle of maturity and middle-aged anxieties.
Hickman, Checchetto and colorist Matthew Wilson have also crafted visually spectacular panels paired with the signature thrilling action and emotional depth fans expect of our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. They’ve also breathed new life into familiar elements by keeping Uncle Ben alive, but then they made the Green Goblin…a good guy.Mixed reactions from everyone, but note-worthy nonetheless.
2Batman/Superman: World’s Finest
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest is easily one of the best comic series out there now for fans of our friendly neighborhood Overachiever In Tights, and Gotham’s Nocturnal Nanny. Penned by renowned writer Mark Waid and backed up by some stellar art from Dan Mora, this book delivers an engaging story that feels comforting and new at the same time. We kick things off withSupes getting an unexpected power boost after a run-in with Metallo, leaving him overwhelmed and seeking out his trusted ally Batman to help him figure things out.
Their fantastic chemistry plays out through the whole series, with crowd-pleasing appearances from Bat-family characters like Robin and Doom Patrol sprinkled in to keep things lively. Waid strikes a perfect balance between high-octane adventure and meaningful character moments. He seamlessly weaves together classic Silver Age vibes with contemporary sensibilities.
Visually (and I’m not saying this lightly), Dan Mora delivers some of the most dynamic and emotive artwork you’ll see in comics right now. There’s a fresh take on iconic costumes and settings that still feels respectful to tradition. If I had to sum it up, this thing is a triple threat with heart, humor, and truly cinematic thrills that no fan should miss out on.
The hype is real for John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America. This highly anticipated comic drops fans back into the creative mix of writer Si Spurrier and artist Aaron Campbell, the duo behind the critically celebrated previous Hellblazer run known for its bold storytelling and layered character exploration. In Dead in America, Constantine finds himself knee-deep in the occult crap once again.Our favorite cynical mage has famously cheated death, but now his heart’s stopped beating and his body’s decaying. He’s on the lam across the States with his buddy Nat and kid Noah, all dodging murder raps (because of course this is somehow Constantine’s fault).
As if that wasn’t messy enough, Dream himself—you know, the dream lord from the Sandman universe—shows up needing Constantine’s help. Some nasty mojo has taken root in America, using Dream’s own mystic sand to exert its influence. It’s up to Constantine to stop this force, and possibly leverage the favor to save himself and his crew.
Spurrier’s writing intricately explores the political landscape and drops clever quips, while Campbell’s art (elevated by Jordie Bellaire’s colors) fully delivers on the eerie, moody atmosphere. The comic also folds in touches from Dream and the Sandman universe, hitting readers right in the nostalgia and expanding Constantine’s adventure with a richer continuity.
4Avengers: Twilight
Avengers: Twilight, courtesy of writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Daniel Acuña, is another noteworthy arc for our little roundup here. This dystopian storyline envisions a future where the Avengers have epically failed in their heroic duties, resulting in an illusion of freedom in a totalitarian America following a cataclysmic event known as H-Day.
In this grim future landscape, the Avengers are no longer revered and Ultron’s calamitous attack has led to the deaths of numerous superheroes. The narrative followsan aging Steve Rogers as he reprises his Captain America role after getting his hands back on the Super-Soldier Serum.He assembles a ragtag team featuring Ms. Marvel, Thor, Tony Stark, and a new Hawkeye to challenge their oppressors, including archnemesis Red Skull, who has somehow weaponized a rampaging Hulk.
Throughout the story, the Avengers face ethical dilemmas and struggle with reclaiming their heroic ideals in a world that has turned against them. The dramatic climax sees the Avengers joining forces with the Defenders to oppose Red Skull’s coup, leading to devastating sacrifices—including Iron Man’s last stand and Thor’s excruciating choice to kill Banner’s alter-ego Hulk (per his request).
5Birds Of Prey
Get ready for a fresh take on DC’s leading ladies in Birds of Prey, the new 2024 comic series written by Kelly Thompson and brought to life by Leonardo Romero’s energetic art. This book brings together a badass squad of heroines - Black Canary, Big Barda, Zealot, Cassandra Cain, and Harley Quinn. Their mission is tostorm the island of Themyscira and save Dinah’s sister/daughter Sin from danger.
But it won’t be easy with Wonder Woman and her fellow Amazons unaware of the real supernatural threat they face - some entity named Megaera with sinister plans for Sin. Cue awesome action sequences courtesy of Romero, whose style has been compared to the legendary Darwyn Cooke. His bold, retro-flavored art captures all the intensity you’d expect when these women collide.
While some fans critique inconsistencies in the plot and character development, particularly in the portrayal of Wonder Woman and the new team’s dynamics, there’s still lots to enjoy in Birds of Prey. Thompson brings humor and wit to the table through quippy dialogue. And though they have their conflicts, seeing these heroes unite with strength and loyalty at their core is pretty inspiring.
6Ultimate X-Men
Peach Momoko is spearheading an innovative reboot of the Ultimate X-Men in Marvel’s Ultimate Universe coming out in 2024. This edgy take sets the X-Men as a pack of misfit teenagers trying to survive in a Japan where urban legends and mutants are running wild after the Ultimate Invasion threw things out of whack.
The story follows Hisako Ichiki, who wants nothing more than a normal life, but gets more than she bargained for when her mutant powers kick in unexpectedly.She’ll join up with other freaked out mutants like Maystorm and attempt to handle her changing identity along with the social turmoil surrounding mutants.
Momoko is known for her unique manga-influenced artistic flair, so you can expect some stunning and emotionally hard-hitting visuals. The coming-of-age storyline blends horror and humor to tackle weighty topics like suicide and domestic violence while also exploring the isolation and identity struggles many teens face. A lot of people out there are pumped about how this series puts a refreshing spin on X-Men while keeping the core franchise themes intact.
7Dark Knights Of Steel: Allwinter
The hit fantasy comic series Dark Knights Of Steel is back with an exciting new adventure titled Allwinter. Written by the talented Jay Kristoff and featuring grim art by Tirso, this six-issue miniseries delivers a harsher, more intense vision of the DC Universe medieval world. Centered on the sword-swinging mercenary Deathstroke in a brutal Norse-inspired setting, it’s darker and more action-packed than its predecessor.
The story throws theapathetic, coin-chasing Deathstroke into a bleak, icy wasteland dominated by a Vandal Savage-esque villain named Jarl Vandara.When a magical, land-freezing threat arises, Slade is forced to challenge his indifference and reluctantly embrace the hero within. Along the journey, he engages in visceral battles and grapples with moral dilemmas, transitioning from a heartless gun-for-hire to a champion who may be able to save the frozen realm. The stark gray and white art magnifies the desolation and inner conflict, with occasional spurts of color highlighting meaningful story beats.
In addition to the main Slade-centric plotline, Allwinter also includes a second arc titled “Heir to the Sea,” focused on Jonathan and Martha Kent’s pre-Superman warrior days. When the undersea tyrant Emperor Manta attempts to eliminate their adopted son Arthur (the future Aquaman) and seize his oceanic birthright, the stage is set for an engaging origin story that expands the lore.
Anyhoozy, these were some of my current favorite picks for the year. If there’s something you feel like I’ve missed out on, or should check out and consider adding it to the list, do drop a lil' comment down below, and I’ll make sure to do so. After all, the list is ever-expanding. Stay safe, comrades.
