24 (Collection)
24 (Collection) – IDW Publishing
đ “The clock is ticking.” With the critical success of the 24 television series, IDW Publishing extended the high-octane world of Jack Bauer into comics starting in 2004. These adaptations expand the show’s universe with original stories and intense artwork, perfectly capturing the breakneck pace and moral ambiguity fans came to love.
đ§Ź Genre
Action | Espionage Thriller | Political Drama | Crime
đŠž♂️ Main Characters
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Jack Bauer – The relentless CTU agent known for his extreme methods and unwavering sense of duty.
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Tony Almeida – Jack’s loyal colleague with his own complicated moral compass.
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Chloe O'Brian – Tech-savvy and brilliant analyst, indispensable in CTU operations.
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David Palmer – The principled President often drawn into Bauer’s operations.
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Nina Myers – A duplicitous former agent whose betrayal haunts Jack throughout.
đ️ Writer
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J.C. Vaughn
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Mark L. Haynes
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Beau Smith
đš Artist
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Jean Diaz
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Leandro Oliveira
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Steve Bryant
đ Editor Details
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Chris Ryall – Senior Editor overseeing development and story consistency with the TV series.
đą Publisher and Brand
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IDW Publishing
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Part of IDW’s licensed property line, known for adapting major entertainment franchises into comics.
đ Release Year
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Initial Release: 2004
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Subsequent Volumes and Specials: Spanning until late 2000s
đ Brief Plot Summary
The 24 comic collection features standalone stories and prequels that dive deep into Jack Bauer’s life before and between seasons of the TV show. Whether defusing chemical threats, chasing rogue agents, or unearthing political conspiracies, Jack’s loyalty is tested at every turn. The stakes are global, but the cost is always personal.
From the jungles of South America to Washington D.C., these comics paint a broader canvas of international espionage, moral dilemmas, and betrayal — all unfolding in real-time intensity.
đ Notable Arcs or Storylines
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“24: One Shot” – A brutal operation in Beirut sets the tone for Jack’s pre-Season 1 temperament.
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“24: Nightfall” – Explores the infamous mission that haunted Jack throughout Season 1.
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“24: Cold Warriors” – A nerve-wracking rescue in a snow-locked terrain filled with biohazard threats.
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“24: Midnight Sun” – An oil rig explosion leads to global stakes — and Jack is the only line of defense.
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“24: Underground” – A post-Season 8 look at Jack in exile, hunted yet unrelenting.
đ§ Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Jack’s Descent into Isolation: Many fans see the comics as a gradual arc showing how Jack becomes the lonely, nomadic figure seen in later seasons.
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Chloe’s Evolution: Comic appearances hint at deeper roots in CTU’s tech infrastructure, possibly making her more vital than the show let on.
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Palmer’s Political Intrigue: The comics subtly imply covert operations that even the President might not be clean from, adding layers to his legacy.
⭐ Review Summary
IDW’s 24 comics masterfully retain the tension and urgency of the TV show. The art style ranges from gritty realism to stylized panels that evoke chaos and control. Writers adeptly translate Jack Bauer’s internal torment into visual storytelling, adding depth to familiar characters while introducing new threats that feel organic to the 24 world.
While some arcs deliver more narrative punch than others, the overall execution is commendable for fans craving more Jack Bauer action. The visuals often lean into cinematic framing, making each issue feel like a storyboard for a lost episode. đŹđŁ
đ”️♂️ Whether you're a fan of political thrillers or explosive action, 24 by IDW is a must-read extension of the beloved series.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)