As 2024 draws to a close, fans of DC Comics reflect on an unforgettable year. With notable events ranging from the exciting “Beast World” crossover to the monumental debut of the Absolute Universe, the year provided a treasure trove of standout moments for comic enthusiasts.
Amidst these impressive narratives, certain individual issues emerged as remarkable highlights. Spanning from thrilling one-shots to key entries that marked beginnings and conclusions, the following ten issues exemplify the very best of what DC Comics had to offer in 2024.
10
Batgirl #1: Cassandra Cain Shines Again
Created by: Tate Brombal and Takeshi Miyazawa
Cassandra Cain fans were blessed with the return of their beloved character through a fresh series crafted by Tate Brombal and Takeshi Miyazawa. Right from the outset, this inaugural issue delivers a punch-packed experience as Batgirl reconnects with her mother, Lady Shiva, only to be ambushed by a lethal contingent of assassins, culminating in one of the year’s most breathtaking fight sequences.
Brombal’s skillful portrayal of Cass encapsulates her fierce demeanor while highlighting her emotional depth, maintaining her reputation as a formidable fighter that fans adore. Complementing this, Miyazawa’s artistic flair brings smooth, dynamic illustrations that resonate with a cinematic quality. Batgirl #1 sets a thrilling tone, captivating both long-time followers and new readers alike.
9
Ape-Ril Special: A Delightful Anthology
Created by: Joshua Hale Fialkov, Gene Luen Yang, John Layman, Bernard Chang, Phil Hester, and Karl Mostert
April Fool’s Day provided the perfect backdrop for the Ape-Ril Special, an entertaining anthology that celebrated the quirky heroes and villains of the DC Universe with an abundance of humor. As Gorilla Grodd takes a back seat, an eclectic crew of ape-themed characters assembles under Monsieur Mallah, called the Legion of D(oo-oo-ah-ah)m, facing off against the Jungle League of America.
This special comprises three engaging tales that range from laugh-out-loud hijinks, packed with playful monkey puns, to profound moments featuring the ever-charming Detective Chimp. The collaborative effort is evident, as each creative team exudes pure joy, manifesting a lighthearted, refreshing take on typical DC narratives.
8
Plastic Man No More! #1: A Gripping Tragicomedy
Created by: Christopher Cantwell, Alex Lins, and Jacob Edgar
This year wasn’t just about lighthearted moments; it also delivered profound emotional depth, especially in Plastic Man No More! #1 by Christopher Cantwell, Alex Lins, and Jacob Edgar. After a confrontation with Solaris, Plastic Man faces a dire personal crisis: his body is deteriorating with no preventive measures in sight, and his pleas for help are largely dismissed by the Justice League, even as his son Luke’s life hangs in the balance.
Balancing humor with poignant drama, the narrative features a compelling storytelling technique where Lins’ artwork transforms during key moments, depicting the pain endured by Plastic Man as the comic relief within the League. The issue combines joy and sorrow in a way that holds significant promise for the ongoing series.
7
Absolute Power #2: Heroes at Their Breaking Point
Created by: Mark Waid and Dan Mora
Nothing resonated more profoundly this year within the DC Universe than the storyline in Absolute Power. The second issue, under the creative guidance of Mark Waid and Dan Mora, escalates tension as it explores the aftermath of Amanda Waller’s drastic measures to neutralize Earth’s metahumans. With most heroes hiding in the Fortress of Solitude, their momentary peace is shattered by a shocking attack led by Waller’s A-Team, featuring the menacing Brainiac Queen and a manipulated Jon Kent.
6
Batman #150: The Heart of a Hero
Created by: Chip Zdarsky, Jorge Jiménez, Denys Cowan, and Mike Hawthorne
Batman narratives often shine in their exploration of Bruce Wayne’s positive impact on those around him. In Batman #150, the tale “Be Better,” by Chip Zdarsky, Denys Cowan, and Jorge Jiménez, delves into a former henchman grappling with his past while confronted with the repercussions of his decisions. As he reconnects with his child, who has been influenced by Batman’s belief in redemption, the henchman resolves to change his path, inspired by the very hero he once sought to betray.
This captivating story not only showcases epic fights but also presents a profoundly human examination of Bruce’s philosophy that people can redeem themselves with the right opportunities. The collaboration between Cowan and Jiménez enhances the emotional weight of the narrative significantly.
5
Wonder Woman #14: A Heartfelt Journey of Love and Loss
Created by: Tom King and Daniel Sampere
In a bold narrative shift during DC All In, Tom King and Daniel Sampere introduced a dramatic arc in Wonder Woman #14. The tragic death of Steve Trevor plunges Diana into profound grief, causing her to draw distant from the world as she mourns. In a poignant depiction of love and loss, she communicates with Trevor in the afterlife, where he encourages her to persevere and cherish their shared memories. Ultimately, Diana channels that love into creating a new legacy through their daughter, Trinity.
The narrative is rich with emotional depth, capturing the tumult of love and sorrow beautifully, while Sampere’s stunning visuals elevate pivotal moments, such as Diana and Steve’s last kiss.
4
Green Lantern: War Journal #12: A Touching Farewell
Created by: Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Montos
3
New Gods #1: A Grand Cosmic Adventure Begins
Created by: Ram V and Evan Cagle
With New Gods #1, Ram V and Evan Cagle launched a remarkable new series, reviving Jack Kirby’s timeless creations after many years. In this introduction, a prophecy looms large following Darkseid’s demise, heralding a haunting future. Highfather sends Orion on a critical mission to thwart a child destined to usher in calamity, leading him to enlist Mister Miracle’s support.
V orchestrates an epic narrative rich with significant human interactions, cleverly weaving in Mister Miracle’s life as a new parent. Cagle’s artwork enhances the grandeur of the storyline while retaining a personal touch, setting an impressive tone for the unfolding saga within the DC All In framework.
2
DC All In Special: A Launch into the Absolute Universe
Created by: Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Daniel Sampere, and Wes Craig
The anticipation around the DC All In Special was palpable as it set the stage for the All In initiative and the subsequent era. Following the dramatic conclusion of Absolute Power, chaos ensues as Darkseid loses touch with reality, merging with the Spectre while the Justice League prepares on an all-new Watchtower. This upheaval leads to a cataclysmic event with Darkseid’s physical form obliterated, generating widespread repercussions that continue to unfold.
1
Absolute Wonder Woman #1: A New Era Begins
Created by: Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman
DC Comics made an exciting start to its new wave of Absolute titles with Absolute Wonder Woman #1, crafted by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman. This issue introduces a radically different incarnation of Diana, raised by Circe in the sinister depths of Hell rather than on Paradise Island. Nevertheless, she emerges as a commendable warrior, ready to combat a demonic invasion threatening Earth.
Thompson and Sherman tackle the creative challenge with finesse, delivering a layered portrayal of Wonder Woman that underscores her inherent strength and compassion while showcasing an even more formidable character. The unique reinterpretation of Diana’s origins aligns seamlessly with Thompson’s evident affection for this iconic hero. Sherman’s artwork captivates, delivering the best new vision of Wonder Woman since her original conception.
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