Marvel was the only major comic publisher with U.S. direct market growth in 2001, according to our analysis of circulation and dollar data from the last two years.  Initial dollar orders for Marvel comics and graphic novels to Diamond U.S. grew 14% for the year, and posted a robust 25% second half growth rate.  Dollar orders for DC, Image, and Dark Horse comics and graphic novels all declined in 2001, by 10%, 22%, and 2% respectively.  Other than Marvel, Dark Horse was the best performer, with increases in three out of four quarters. 

The good news for the industry as a whole was in the difference between first half and second half rates of change.  All of the publishers improved their performance in the second half, with an average 11% difference between first half and second half growth rates for the four major comic publishers.  This confirms an underlying strength to the market, which hopefully portends positive full year growth rates for the industry for 2002.  U.S. comic and graphic novel orders dropped slightly over-all in 2001, but if current trends continue, that trend will reverse (see 'Graphic Novels and Q4 Comics 2001 Bright Spots').  For some of the reasons why comic orders are showing strength after a long decline, see 'Top Comic Stories of 2001.'

Year Over Year Rate of Change--2001 vs. 2000