Comic periodical dollars were down 12% in comic stores in November, and a robust 29% growth in the graphic novel category wasn't enough to pull the combined total positive; comics and graphic novel sales were down 5%.  That's the first drop in monthly sales vs. the previous year since September, 2005, when monthly sales were down fractionally. 

Marvel's Civil War was rocking and rolling in the year ago period, making the comparison tough.  It also looks like there was a five week/four week comparison issue, with five issues of DC's 52 all selling better in November 2006 than Countdown in 2007.

The graphic novel growth was driven by several unusually strong releases at the top of the chart, including DC's Heroes and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: The Black Dossier, and Marvel's Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born.

For the top 300 comics in November, see 'Top 300 Comics Actual--November 2007.'

For the top 100 graphics novels in November, see 'Top 100 Graphic Novels Actual--November 2007.'

For an overview and analysis of the best-selling comics and graphic novels in November, see ''World War Hulk' Finishes Strong.'

For the top 300 comics in October, see 'Top 300 Comics Actual--October 2007.'

For the top 100 graphics novels in October, see 'Top 100 Graphic Novels Actual--October 2007.'

For an over-view and analysis of the best-selling comics and graphic novels in October, see ''World War Hulk' Conquers Again.'  For an analysis of the dollar trends in October, see 'Comics Up 20%.'

For our index to our reports on the top comic and graphic novel preorders for January 2000 through November 2007, see 'ICv2's Top 300 Comics and Top 100 GNs Index.'