Comic sales were weak again in January, with dollars dropping 3% over-all vs. January 2004. This continues the skid that started in the fourth quarter of 2004. Comics were down 4% and graphic novels up 8% vs. a year ago, also continuing a pattern of weak comic sales partially offset by stronger graphic novel sales that began in the fourth quarter.
Piece sales were also off in the quarter (see 'Marvel Owns 70K+') with sales on the top books down almost across the board. Those drops, coupled with a weaker graphic novel line-up, account for the decline in dollars vs. 2004 numbers.
For the top 100 graphics novels in January, see 'Top 100 Graphic Novels Actual--January 2005.'
For an over-view and analysis of the best-selling comics and graphic novels in January, see 'Marvel Owns 70K+.'
For the top 300 comics in December, see 'Top 300 Comics Actual--December 2004.'
For the top 100 graphics novels in December, see 'Top 100 Graphic Novels Actual--December 2004.'
For an over-view and analysis of the best-selling comics and graphic novels in December, see 'New Avengers #1 Tops 240K.' For an analysis of the dollar trends in December, see 'December Comic Dollars Up 7%.'
For our index to our reports on the top comic and graphic novel preorders for January 2000 through January 2005, see 'ICv2's Top 300 Comics and Top 100 GNs Index.'