Direct market sales of comic stores were up a modest 6% over the previous year in July, and graphic novels were up only 1% leading to a combined growth rate of 5% vs. 2006.  That was the lowest growth rate in over six months, but there were an unusual number of top 25 titles without previous issues in June, indicating that books are late or that there was a fifth week artifact.  Regardless, we rarely get too excited about single month trends because they tend to smooth out over a quarter.

The top few graphic novels accounted for fewer dollars in July than in June, contributing to a slight month to month drop.  Marvel captured the top spot with Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake - Vampire Hunter HC and DC's 52 Vol. 2 TP landed at the second position.  Strong titles lower in the list, such as the umptieth printing of Marvel Zombies, which came in at #6 in both pieces and dollars, kept the dollars from dropping much over-all vs. June, and up slightly from July 2006.

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

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

For an overview and analysis of the best-selling comics and graphic novels in July, see 'Thor' Tops Comics in July.'

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

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

For an over-view and analysis of the best-selling comics and graphic novels in June, see ''World War Hulk' Lays Waste to June.'  For an analysis of the dollar trends in June, see 'Graphic Novel Spur June Sales.'

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