Graphic novel growth outpaced that of comic periodicals again in March, with a 24% increase in graphic novel dollars trumping a 2% increase in comic periodical dollars to pull the over-all comic market in the direct channel up 6% vs. March 2004.  This was also the pattern for the first quarter of 2005, in which a 27% growth rate for graphic novels pulled the 3% growth rate for comic periodicals up to a 6% over-all growth rate for the category. 

 

Sales on graphic novels have grown faster than sales on comic periodicals for each of the past three quarters.  The Q1 2005 spread was the biggest of the three.

 

The first quarter over-all market increase also strongly reversed the downward trend in Q4 2004, which now looks like a temporary aberration.

 

For the top 300 comics in March, see 'Top 300 Comics Actual--March 2005.'
 
For the top 100 graphics novels in March, see 'Top 100 Graphic Novels Actual--March 2005.'
 
For an overview and analysis of the best-selling comics and graphic novels in March, see 'New Marvels Drive Up Numbers in March.'
 
For the top 300 comics in February, see 'Top 300 Comics Actual--February 2005.'
 
For the top 100 graphics novels in February, see 'Top 100 Graphic Novels Actual--February 2005.'
 
For an over-view and analysis of the best-selling comics and graphic novels in February, see 'Comics Edge Up.'  For an analysis of the dollar trends in February, see 'Comic Dollars Up 15%.'
 
For our index to our reports on the top comic and graphic novel preorders for January 2000 through March 2005, see 'ICv2's Top 300 Comics and Top 100 GNs Index.'