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10 comic book moments that weren’t on my 2024 bingo card

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10 comic book moments that weren't on my 2024 bingo card

As a lifelong comic book enthusiast and a connoisseur of the extraordinary, I must say that the events of 2024 in the world of comics were nothing short of breathtaking! From Starscream’s heartbreaking transformation to Doctor Doom’s ascension to Sorcerer Supreme, each moment was as captivating as the last.

In the realm of comic books, there are specific events you might frequently encounter. For instance, heroes may find themselves engaged in conflicts with one another, such as the ongoing tussle between the X-Men and Avengers, as portrayed by Jed MacKay in both Avengers and two separate X-Men teams (in MacKay’s X-Men and Gail Simone’s Uncanny X-Men). Moreover, there’s a recurring theme where characters might lose their powers, a plotline that was extensively explored in DC Comics’ Absolute Power. Isn’t it commonplace to witness such occurrences within the comic book world?

Here are some unexpected instances that truly took us aback, and I can assure you, none of these events were foreseen by even the most astute guessers in 2024 – including myself.

Baroness joining G.I. Joe

  • Comic book: Duke
  • Writer: Joshua Williamson
  • Artist: Tom Reilly

In contrast to traditional portrayals of the character and various media adaptations, the Baroness in Image Comics / Skybound’s Energon Universe is depicted differently. While she remains a manipulative and privileged woman, her backstory sets her apart from her usual dark trajectory. Here, Duke managed to intervene before the formation of Cobra, preventing her from embracing the villainous lifestyle we are familiar with.

As a devoted admirer, I must admit it’s intriguing to speculate that she might one day change her allegiance. Fervently, I hope she remains loyal, but the suspense of such a possibility makes this situation all the more captivating.

Wolverine and Sabretooth

  • Comic book: Wolverine: Sabretooth War
  • Writers: Victor Lavalle and Benjamin Percy
  • Artist: Geoffrey Shaw and Cory Smith

Following Victor Creed’s slaughter of Daken and other mutants, Logan ultimately resolves to put an end to Creed permanently. Rather than beheading him and abandoning his body, Wolverine employs the Muramasa Blade to dismember him completely. It was a long journey spanning over ten issues, but it proved to be well worth it.

The authors, Victor Lavalle and Benjamin Percy, delivered on their promise of an intense and brutal tale, and the Wolverine: Sabretooth War story is one that will linger in our memories for quite some time.

The Justice League Watchtower

  • Comic book: Absolute Power No. 4
  • Writer: Mark Waid
  • Artist: Dan Mora

It wasn’t anticipated that the Justice League’s Watchtower would first appear in DC Comics, but it was quite appealing. The concept of every superhero being part of the Justice League ensures a safer world for people globally.

Consequently, this could lead to the League’s demise becoming a significant topic throughout the year. Such an accumulation of power in a single location is unlikely to endure perpetually, as such durability is rare within the DC Universe.

Nightwing being afraid of heights

  • Comic book: Nightwing No. 117
  • Writer: Tom Taylor
  • Artist: Bruno Redondo

In a recent DC narrative, stripping Nightwing of his fearlessness had an intense emotional impact. It wasn’t merely his inability to perform acrobatics as before; it was the vivid portrayal of terror in his eyes by the artists that truly underscored the gravity of the situation.

Once he recovered his self-assurance, looking back, those earlier moments seemed valuable. It was an unexpected trip, something even dedicated Nightwing fans didn’t foresee; yet, it undeniably added depth to his character.

Reed Richards stretching to MSG

  • Comic Book: Fantastic Four No. 21
  • Writer: Ryan North
  • Artist: Ivan Fiorelli

The incredible reach of Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards) never ceases to amaze, with writer Ryan North consistently expanding on this in his tenure of the Fantastic Four series.

Over the comics, Mr. Fantastic has accomplished awe-inspiring feats, and let me tell you, nothing quite compares to witnessing him elongate himself – from the Museum of Modern Art to Madison Square Garden. I must admit, the pun was too good to resist!

Raphael and Michelangelo fighting

  • Comic Book: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles No. 2
  • Writer: Jason Aaron
  • Artist: Rafael Albuquerque

It’s no secret that Michelangelo’s brothers underestimate him, especially Raphael. Some of it is because Mikey acts too goofy and is unserious at inopportune times. That’s led to insecurities that came to a head in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles No. 2.

Initially, when Mikey lays eyes on Raph, he launches an immediate assault, leading one to suspect it might be due to hallucinations. However, this notion fades away as soon as Mikey recognizes his brother in the following issue. This encounter wasn’t a typical sibling squabble; instead, Mikey was intent on causing harm to Raphael. In Jason Aaron’s comic series, this is a first-time occurrence, but it seems probable that it won’t be the last.

Starscream cares about life

  • Comic Book: Transformers Nos. 13 and 14
  • Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson
  • Artist: Jason Howard

Initially, Starscream from the Image/Skybound Energon Universe wasn’t a malicious Decepticon who took pleasure in causing harm. Instead, he had a nurturing side and harbored a deep desire to explore the cosmos and chart the stars. However, a sequence of incidents transformed him into the ruthless foe we know today.

Initially, my closest companion met an unfortunate end at the hands of an Autobot. Amidst my sorrow and despair, Megatron stepped in to offer a new path. One of my initial missions with him involved manipulating Starscream’s mind, compelling him to eliminate Autobots. At first, this role filled me with revulsion. However, as days turned into weeks, I found myself smiling as I carried out the destruction of my former comrades.

Everything Jean Grey has done as Phoenix

  • Comic Book: Phoenix Nos. 1-5
  • Writer: Stephanie Phillips
  • Artist: Yasmine Putri

In each issue, it’s not a choice to make which incredible feat of Jean Grey to highlight because you simply select them all.

Jean stabilized a black hole, restarted a sun, killed Gorr the God Butcher then turned him into a star, and beat the Black Order without breaking a sweat. Seriously, you can’t pick one out of these cosmically amazing moments. Imagine what she’ll do in 2025.

Doctor Doom becomes Sorcerer Supreme

  • Comic Book: Blood Hunt No. 5
  • Writer: Jed MacKay
  • Artist: Pepe Larraz

Among all these instances, this one seems the most plausible. After all, Victor von Doom has often been on the brink of becoming the Sorcerer Supreme. In fact, even Stephen Strange acknowledges that Doom excels in certain areas compared to him.

Unexpectedly, the timing turned out to be impeccable. It’s not beyond belief that a time-traveler might show up to inform him of the precise moment to prepare for.

Time-traveling Doomsday

  • Comic Book: Superman Nos. 19 and 20
  • Writer: Joshua Williamson
  • Artist: Dan Mora

2024 isn’t a year anyone could have predicted saying, “Doom’s Day arrives disguised as Time itself, aiding Superman against his younger version.” The mere idea of Doom’s Day reappearing is somewhat plausible given their history; he is undoubtedly Superman’s most formidable adversary. However, the additional elements make this one of the most extraordinary events of the year.

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2024-12-07 23:01

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