It’s still January, so why not try and cram in as many Top 10 lists as we can? The latest comes from Diamond Comic Distributors who sent us the top selling comics and graphic novels list for 2008. Can’t say I’m surprised by the results, as anyone who follows the Top 300 list each month can see those trending titles.
From Diamond:
Marvel Comics’ Secret Invasion #1 was the best-selling comic book title for 2008 based on total unit sales to comic book specialty shops, according to Diamond Comic Distributors, the world’s largest distributor of comics, graphic novels, and pop-culture products . All eight issues of the limited series crossover event placed in the top ten comics of 2008, and were joined by Uncanny X-men #500 (#6) and DC Comics’ first issue of its 2008 mega-event, Final Crisis #1 (#10).
[table “” not found /]In addition, Marvel Comics closed out 2008 as the top publisher, leading both Retail Dollar and Unit Market Shares, with a 46% Unit Market Share, and a 41% Retail Dollar Market Share. DC Comic’s was the comic book industry’s second leading publisher with 32% Unit Market Share, and a 30% Retail Dollar Market Share.
2008’s top-selling graphic novel was the perennial best-seller, DC Comics’ Watchmen TP, which enjoyed renewed success in the wake of the upcoming feature film in 2009. DC Comics also dominated graphic novel sales by taking seven of the top ten spots.
“Comic book and graphic novel sales through comic book specialty shops remained strong in 2008, with graphic novel sales increasing five-percent over 2007†remarked Diamond CEO Steve Geppi. “Our publishers did a tremendous job of creating compelling storylines that comic fans wanted to see, and we remain optimistic about the comic book industry heading into 2009.â€
2 Comments
TWD rarely cracks the Top #20 monthly, but consistently is up there in trades. Perhaps Kirkman’s pledge of On Time in ’09 might bring monthly sales more into parity. I’m one of the guys that does both (of that title at least) singles and trades.
So this would explain why I was able to pick up the entire Secret Invasion run on eBay for a buck an issue. So, so many were sold! My patience paid off!