As we close the book on 2024, it’s clear this has been a landmark year for comic books. From breathtaking artwork to heart-pounding stories, the medium has continued to evolve, offering unforgettable experiences for readers of all ages. This year brought us new creative voices, bold reimaginings of beloved characters, and groundbreaking moments that reminded us why comics are such a powerful form of storytelling.
At AIPT Comics, we’re constantly inspired by the passion and dedication of fans for comics at-large. This year’s best-of awards were no exception, with thousands of readers casting votes to recognize the artists, writers, and stories that defined 2024. Your participation underscores the vibrant, passionate community that keeps this industry thriving.
Join us as we celebrate the creators and works that made this year one to remember. Whether it was a jaw-dropping panel that stopped us in our tracks, or a miniseries that had us counting the days until the next issue, these awards honor the very best of what comics had to offer.
Thank you for voting and helping us shine a spotlight on these incredible achievements. Let’s dive into the winners and relive the moments that made 2024 a year to celebrate in comics!
Best Artist of 2024
The best artist category celebrates the incredible talent that brought comic book pages to life with stunning visuals and storytelling throughout the year. This year’s top contenders included Bilquis Evely, whose breathtakingly intricate linework and storytelling in Helen of Wyndhorn captivated readers; Dan Mora, who delivered dynamic and energetic artwork on series like Batman/Superman: World’s Finest and Absolute Power; and Ariel Olivetti, renowned for his polished and striking visuals that elevated every story he touched. These artists pushed the boundaries of the medium, creating unforgettable imagery that made comics an art form worth celebrating in 2024.
Best Writer of 2024
Writing is the heart of comics, and this year’s nominees for best writer embodied the magic of compelling narratives. Josh Gad and the Berkowitz Brothers took fans by surprise with their witty and heartfelt storytelling in The Writer, a breakout title that combined humor, heart, and fantasy. Tom King continued to showcase his mastery of layered, emotional storytelling with standout works like Wonder Woman and Jenny Sparks, solidifying his reputation as one of the industry’s greats. Meanwhile, Geoff Johns thrilled readers with Justice Society of America and his Ghost Machine titles, proving his ability to weave rich, interconnected stories that honor comic history while pushing it forward. These writers shaped 2024 into an unforgettable year for comic book storytelling.
OMG Panel of the Year
Comics are often defined by the unforgettable moments captured in a single panel, and the “OMG Panel of the Year” prize celebrated these highlights. This was a fascinating category in that nearly every submission was unique!
The top panels of 2024 included The Flash breaking through time in The Flash #11, an unforgettable visual that underscored the stakes of the multiverse saga. Another iconic moment was the cliffhangers in Feral. These panels represent the sheer power of the medium, delivering emotions and spectacle that stay with readers long after the page is turned.
Best #1 Issue of the Year
A great first issue sets the tone for the entire series, and this year’s nominees for best #1 issue delivered unforgettable beginnings that immediately hooked readers.
Absolute Batman launched with a gripping and atmospheric debut, reimagining the Dark Knight in a bold, cinematic way that left fans eager for more. The Writer #1 stood out with its unique premise and sharp execution, drawing readers into a thrilling narrative filled with twists and intrigue. Meanwhile, The Power Fantasy #1 delivered a fresh take on superhumans under the fear of annihilation. These first issues proved that a strong start can leave a lasting impression and set the foundation for an incredible story.
Best Miniseries of 2024
This year’s best miniseries nominees delivered complete and satisfying narratives within a limited run, showcasing the strength of compact storytelling. Titles like The Writer, Helen of Wyndhorn, and Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved in a handful of issues. These stories balanced tight pacing, rich character arcs, and memorable visuals, proving that sometimes less is truly more.
Best Ongoing Series
The best ongoing series category highlights the titles that consistently delivered outstanding storytelling and artistry throughout the year. Wonder Woman continued to shine under the expert direction of Tom King, blending mythic grandeur with emotional depth and redefining Diana’s role in the DC Universe.
Meanwhile, The Power Fantasy brought a fresh and dark take on superhero tropes, quickly becoming a fan-favorite for its clever writing and fully realized characters. Meanwhile, Ultimate Spider-Man reintroduced readers to Peter Parker in a bold new direction, offering a perfect balance of action, heart, and classic Spidey storytelling.
These series demonstrated the power of ongoing narratives to keep readers eagerly turning the page month after month.
Best Event of 2024
Events are where comics go big, and this year’s nominees captured the grand spectacle fans crave. Coming in with the top slot was Absolute Power with 34.8%, which pushed the heroes to the brink with their powers removed. Marvel’s Blood Hunt was second, with 18%, bringing horror to the summer event schedule. Rounding things out was “Fall of X,” which wrapped up in the spring.
Best Horror Comic
The best horror comics category celebrates the spine-chilling stories that left readers on edge in 2024.
The Deviant delivered a masterclass in psychological horror, blending disturbing imagery with an unsettling exploration of human nature. There’s still one more issue to come out, but it’s a great example of solid storytelling.
Hyde Street brought atmospheric terror to life, showing how Ghost Machine came out swinging in its first year.
Meanwhile, Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees subverted expectations with its mix of cozy, cartoonish visuals and dark, grisly storytelling, creating a horror experience unlike any other.
These titles proved that horror comics remain one of the most innovative and unsettling genres in the medium.
Best Publisher
The best publisher category celebrated the companies bringing fans the stories they love. DC Comics and Image Comics came in with a tie at 14%. DC earned accolades for its bold storytelling and innovative series like Nightwing and Absolute Wonder Woman. Meanwhile, Image Comics is one of the premier indie comic creator publishing houses, with a wide variety of sci-fi, action, and more. Coming in just behind with third was Dark Horse Comics at 13.3% — and for good reason, as they continue to innovate with strong indie comics showings, Hellboy comics, and much more.
Best Manga
The best manga category highlighted the richness of Japanese storytelling in 2024. The fan-favorite Chainsaw Man came in first with 12.5%, followed by One Piece, and finally, DanDaDan stood out with its quirky blend of humor and horror, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. These stories proved that manga continues to be an unstoppable force in the comics industry.
Best Graphic Novel of 2024
The best graphic novel category honors the self-contained stories that captivated readers in 2024. This year’s top selections included We Called Them Giants, a sweeping and emotional exploration of mythology and legacy brought to life with breathtaking art; Huge Detective, a quirky and imaginative mystery that combined humor, intrigue, and unforgettable characters, and Mary Tyler Moorehawk, a bold and inventive tale that fused sharp satire with a heartfelt narrative.
These graphic novels demonstrated the power of standalone stories to leave a lasting impression, showcasing the creativity and artistry of the medium.
Best Single Issue of 2024
The best single issue category recognizes standalone stories that left a lasting impact on readers in 2024. The Writer #1 delivered a gripping, meta-narrative tale that combined sharp commentary on storytelling with a thrilling occult twist, cementing it as a standout issue. Doom, a bold and ambitious one-shot, showcased Doctor Doom’s journey through time and space to save the Marvel Universe, offering fans a perfect blend of character depth and cosmic stakes. Meanwhile, Huge Detective impressed with its unique pairing of a human and a giant investigator, delivering a noir-inspired mystery full of intrigue and surprising emotional weight. These issues demonstrated the power of single stories to captivate, inspire, and entertain.
Best Letterer of 2024
Lettering is an often-unsung art that plays such a vital role in guiding readers through the story, and this year’s category highlighted the craft at its finest. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou continued to set the gold standard with his dynamic and expressive lettering, bringing a unique energy to every page he worked on. DC Hopkins demonstrated remarkable versatility, seamlessly adapting his style to enhance the tone and pacing of each story, from intense action to quiet, emotional moments. Frank Cvetkovic stood out for his meticulous attention to detail, using innovative typography and layouts to elevate the narrative experience. These letterers proved that their craft is essential to storytelling, creating work that’s as visually impactful as the art itself.
Best Substack of 2024
The fans have spoken, and Chip Zdarsky wins best Substack of 2024. It came in with a whopping 19.4%, a much higher percentage than most winners in this entire article.
Following him is N/A, meaning they didn’t put an answer, while Jonathan Hickman’s 3w/3m came in at third with 5.6% of the votes.
Best Adapted Series of 2024
The best adapted series category celebrates the incredible work of bringing beloved characters and stories from other mediums into the world of comics. Now, I don’t think this really is an adaptation, but the readers have spoken and picked The Penguin, which captivated readers with its gritty, character-driven narrative, offering a deep dive into Gotham’s criminal underworld and the complex psyche of Oswald Cobblepot. The Terminator brought the iconic sci-fi franchise back with thrilling action and high-stakes drama, perfectly capturing the relentless intensity that fans have come to expect. Meanwhile, Universal Monsters: Dracula breathed new life into the classic horror tale with stunning visuals and a fresh perspective on Bram Stoker’s timeless story.
These adaptations proved that reimagining familiar stories in comics can deliver fresh, compelling experiences for readers.
Best Anthology of 2024
Anthologies bring together diverse voices and ideas, creating collections of stories that resonate in unique ways. This year’s nominees showcased the versatility and creativity of the format. Cruel Universe delivered a series of gripping, interconnected tales that explored humanity’s darkest and most poignant moments, leaving readers both unsettled and reflective. Ice Cream Man, a perennial favorite, continued to push boundaries with its blend of surreal horror and philosophical introspection, delivering standalone stories that linger long after the final page. Meanwhile, Creepshow offered a masterful mix of campy horror and genuine scares, celebrating the spirit of classic horror anthologies while introducing fresh, spine-chilling narratives. These collections demonstrated the enduring power of the anthology format to surprise, terrify, and move readers.
Best Colorist of 2024
Colorists bring life and atmosphere to comic book pages, and this year’s nominees showcased exceptional talent and creativity. Jordie Bellaire continued to set the bar with her versatile palette and ability to evoke emotion, enhancing everything from moody noir tales to vibrant superhero adventures. Ariel Olivetti not only impressed as an artist but also as a colorist, blending striking tones and textures to elevate his already stunning visuals. Brad Anderson, a master of depth and lighting, brought incredible vibrancy and cinematic quality to his work, making each page feel larger than life. These colorists demonstrated the essential role their craft plays in immersing readers in the worlds of comics.
Most Anticipated Comic of 2025
As we look ahead to 2025, excitement is already building for the comics that promise to define the next year. Topping the list of most anticipated titles is Absolute Martian Manhunter, which is set to explore the depths of one of DC’s most enigmatic and compelling heroes. Absolute Green Lantern also has fans buzzing, promising a bold new take on the cosmic mythology of the Lantern Corps. Meanwhile, Aquaman returns with a fresh series that aims to dive deeper into the King of Atlantis’ world, blending epic underwater action with character-driven storytelling.
These upcoming titles have set the stage for another thrilling year in comics.
That’s a wrap on the first-ever AIPT readers poll! Be sure to share far and wide, as we’d love to continue to support the readers and their take on the best comics for 2025 and beyond.
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