In a climate where the freedom to read is increasingly under threat, authors, publishers, and creators are intensifying their commitment to present critical narratives while safeguarding their works from censorship. The comic book realm has especially embraced the unusual and the extraordinary, with independent creators and publishers delivering some of the most captivating content in recent years.
Identifying the standout comics and graphic novels of 2024 is a formidable task, one that The Mary Sue approaches with earnestness and dedication. Below is our meticulously curated list of the most impressive titles that graced the shelves this past year.
15. Black Panther: Reign At Dusk
Writer Eve L. Ewing’s ambitious 10-issue arc, Black Panther: Reign At Dusk, offers a fresh perspective on Wakanda, introducing a formidable new adversary, Kivu’Ma (co-created by Ewing and artist Mack Chater). This narrative chronicles T’Challa’s exile from the throne as he strives to safeguard his homeland, despite facing resistance from those he seeks to protect.
Richly layered and politically charged, Reign At Dusk is a self-contained marvel that showcases Ewing’s remarkable storytelling, complemented by the artistry of Chris Allen, Craig Yeung, Mack Chater, Matt Horak, and Oren Junior. The collaboration of letterer Joe Sabino and colorists Jesus Aburtov and Andrew Dalhouse further elevates this must-read title.
14. Dawnrunner
Set a century after monstrous Tetza, who emerged from a portal over Central America, wreaked havoc, Dawnrunner follows elite I-K pilot Anita Marr as she commands an innovative mech that links technology with human consciousness. The objective is not only to enhance combat efficiency but also to uncover the Tetza’s true intentions.
While its premise pays homage to genre classics like Pacific Rim and Giga, Dawnrunner transcends conventional narratives, offering a profound critique of capitalism and the human experience. Written by Ram V with visuals by Evan Cagle, the book is a testament to artistry, propelled by stunning colors from Dave Stewart and precise lettering by Aditya Bidikar.
13. Visitations
Through the graphic memoir Visitations, Corey Egbert reflects on a turbulent chapter of his adolescence, where his mentally unstable mother, driven by paranoia, took him and his sister through the vast Nevada desert, often invoking divine guidance. This journey exposes Egbert’s struggle to decipher his mother’s beliefs, compounded by ghostly encounters that challenge complacency and advocate for self-discovery.
Offering poignant insights into life within the Mormon faith, the ramifications of mental illness, and the complexities of faith, Visitations is a profound narrative that resonates long after the last page is turned.
12. Age 16
Age 16, the debut YA offering from Rosena Fung, intertwines her family history to narrate the intertwined journeys of three women grappling with self-worth within oppressive cultures. The backstory unfolds across three timelines: 2000 Toronto, 1972 Hong Kong, and 1954 Guangdong, through Roz’s quest for a prom dress amid family turmoil.
This compelling exploration reveals themes of intergenerational trauma and body image, ultimately showcasing the similarities that bind these women together while unearthing the nuances of their stories, making Fung’s literary and visual talents shine.
11. Sapphic Pulp
Natasha Alterici, known for her work on Heathen, presents the audacious self-published anthology Sapphic Pulp. This adults-only collection encapsulates short erotic comics exploring themes like desire, identity, and consent. Featuring Alterici’s artistic and narrative flair, along with contributions from talented artists including Rye Hickman and Chloe Brailsford, this volume promises both aesthetic pleasure and emotional depth with nuanced portrayals of intimacy.
10. Alas
In Alas, debuting at the 2024 ShortBox Comics Fair, Sajan Rai introduces a lighthearted narrative revolving around a Grey, a Gnome, and a Shakespeare trapped in a bizarre interplanetary prison. The humor resonates with cartoonish charm, while Rai’s sharp writing induces spontaneous laughter and a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of late-night animation.
9. Cartoonists for Palestine
Following their online archive launch in March, the Cartoonists for Palestine initiative, in collaboration with Crucial Comix, published the Cartoonists for Palestine Anthology. This profound collection showcases contributions from 50 global artists, tying together diverse storytelling techniques into a cohesive narrative. Edited by Yazan al-Saadi, Tracy Chahwan, Shay Mirk, and Andy Warner, the anthology not only moves hearts but seeks to support Palestinian aid organizations through its sales.
Moreover, the collective has made a free PDF available online, making their powerful messages accessible to all.
8. My Favorite Thing Is Monsters Book Two
Emil Ferris astounds with My Favorite Thing Is Monsters Book Two, continuing the tale of ten-year-old Karen Reyes as she delves into the murder of her Holocaust survivor neighbor against the backdrop of late 1960s Chicago. Ferris’s intricate pen work captivates, drawing readers into Karen’s traumatic exploration of self-discovery amid a vibrant yet haunting narrative.
This concluding installment, characterized by its compelling pacing and remarkable artistry, affirmatively reinforces Ferris’s adeptness at crafting deeply resonating stories with emotional impact.
7. The Deep Dark
Molly Knox Ostertag’s latest work, The Deep Dark, showcases her extraordinary talent, following high school senior Mags Herrera as she grapples with personal secrets and care for her ailing grandmother while navigating complex relationships. The story, rich in dialogue, visuals, and an evolving color palette, tackles themes surrounding identity and intimate connections.
Through a unique narrative style, Ostertag investigates the dichotomies of safety and fear, presenting an artful examination of self-advocacy in the face of life’s challenges.
6. Soft (Director’s Cut)
Jane Mai’s Soft (Director’s Cut) depicts the story of Laura, who experiences an all-consuming love for a mysterious girl named Carmilla. This adaptation of Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla is remarkable, offering a deeply emotional narration through diary entries that echo the ease and turbulence of first love, enriched by newly expanded content and refined artwork.
5. Sunflowers
In the autobiographical graphic novel Sunflowers, Keezy Young candidly explores their experiences with Bipolar I disorder. The book juxtaposes vibrant visuals with poignant narrative elements, fostering an intimate glimpse into the realities of living with a mental health condition while challenging societal perceptions of mania.
The work stands out for its vulnerability and insight, representing a significant contribution to mental health discourse within graphic literature.
4. Loving, Ohio
Loving, Ohio delves into the struggles of a close-knit friend group following the suicide of a member before a community mission trip, unraveling the sinister atmosphere surrounding the local religious cult. Matthew Erman weaves a haunting narrative entwined with themes of grief and identity, while Sam Beck’s art masterfully evokes levels of reality, enhancing the emotional weight of the storytelling.
3. Brittle Joints
Maria Sweeney’s graphic memoir Brittle Joints offers a profound exploration of chronic pain and disability through her experience with Bruck Syndrome. Sweeney’s art combines immersive illustrations and firsthand narration, engaging readers with the intricate landscape of her emotions and the realities faced by those battling rare diseases.
2. Punk Rock Karaoke
In Punk Rock Karaoke, Bianca Xunise introduces Ariel Grace Jones and her friends as they navigate life post-high school with their punk band, Baby Hares. Xunise brilliantly captures the complexities of friendship and ambition amid disruptions from a local idol, creating a coming-of-age tale that resonates with authenticity through vibrant visuals, engaging dialogue, and relevant cultural critique.
1. Mary Tyler MooreHawk
Mary Tyler MooreHawk by Dave Baker presents a uniquely layered narrative, blending a teenage girl’s adventure in a sci-fi setting with an investigative magazine serial unraveling the story behind her namesake TV series. This inventive comic offers sharp commentary on capitalism and connection while thrilling with its unexpected twists and insights. Its ability to reveal new layers upon each reading confirms its selection as our top choice for the best comics and graphic novels of 2024.
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