When DC Comics came out on top of the Market and Dollar Share in September 2011, many shrugged their shoulders and said, “Let’s see what happens in October.” Diamond Comic Distributors has released the initial list of comics sold, and once again DC Comics has taken the Dollar and Unit Share for October 2011.
This is a win that has to make many at DC Comics jumping around with joy, simply because of the large margin separating it from marvel. In September, the margin between DC and Marvel was very small, but the company jumped passed Marvel in Dollar Share by taking 42% of the market compared to Marvel’s 29.10% share. On the Unit Share side, DC controlled over 50% of the market to Marvel’s 30%.
| PUBLISHER | DOLLAR SHARE | UNIT SHARE |
|---|---|---|
| DC COMICS | 42.47% | 50.97% |
| MARVEL COMICS | 29.10% | 30.29% |
| IMAGE COMICS | 4.49% | 3.98% |
| DARK HORSE COMICS | 4.44% | 3.28% |
| IDW PUBLISHING | 4.00% | 2.97% |
| DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT | 2.81% | 2.42% |
| BOOM! STUDIOS | 1.68% | 1.02% |
| EAGLEMOSS PUBLICATIONS | 1.28% | 0.30% |
| AVATAR PRESS | 0.98% | 0.53% |
| VIZ MEDIA | 0.84% | 0.32% |
| OTHER NON-TOP 10 | 7.91% | 3.92% |
It’s a weird situation to see after all these years of Marvel dominance, but there is good news for everyone publishing comics.
October was a strong month for comics sales, as sales increased by 6.78% over September and 24.37% over the previous October. Overall, print sales increased over September by 2.67% and 11.93% over the previous October.
| RANK | DESCRIPTION | PRICE | VENDOR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JUSTICE LEAGUE #2 | $3.99 | DC |
| 2 | BATMAN #2 | $2.99 | DC |
| 3 | ACTION COMICS #2 | $3.99 | DC |
| 4 | GREEN LANTERN #2 | $2.99 | DC |
| 5 | FLASH #2 | $2.99 | DC |
| 6 | DETECTIVE COMICS #2 [*] | $2.99 | DC |
| 7 | INCREDIBLE HULK #1 | $3.99 | MAR |
| 8 | WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN #1 | $3.99 | MAR |
| 9 | FEAR ITSELF #7 | $4.99 | MAR |
| 10 | SUPERMAN #2 [*] | $2.99 | DC |
We’ll have the complete list of the Top 300 comics sold in the direct market next week when Diamond releases the information.
Until then, the comment section is open, the no smoking sign has been turned off, and you may begin your discussions… now.
4 Comments
I’m interested in the numbers after November is over to see if Matthew’s stance on third month drop off holds true. I did notice that my place of comic purchasing ordered less of the smaller titled books than last month. Still impressive sales numbers from DC though.
More telling would be month over month numbers. DC took the crown in Units & Dollars, but how much of that was conquest sales from Marvel, vs. overall growth in the market. Is the huge exposure of the New 52 a rising tide lifting all boats or is it actually coming at the expense of Marvel, Image, et al.
If its conquest sales, its great news for DC but horrible news for the industry. This much hype and they couldn’t build the market?!?
If its growth overall in sales, by unit or dollar, kudos to DC for helping to inject some life into our moribund hobby.
Overall Sales are up Oct 2011 vs. Oct 2010 (24.37%) and Oct 2011 vs. Sept 2011 (6.78%). I’m sure they’re pulling some sales away from Marvel, but the overall pot has also grown significantly since this time last year – even after months of declining overall sales prior to the relaunch.
Funny. I was just curious about that. Interesting that it’s only 6.8% up from Sept, but 24% up from last year. The question would be what drove September sales? Flashpoint? Fear Itself? And was 2010 a valley to 2011’s peak?