Beginning with figures for July 2001, Diamond Comic Distributors released its comic market shares based on actual shipments; in the past it has reported only shares based on preorders.  As was the case last month, DC was the greatest percentage gainer after reorder dollars were included.  There was one shift in ranks -- Viz topped CrossGen for the #6 slot--after reorders were included.  DC's share was about 1.5% higher when reorders were included; Marvel's was about the same.  Five of Diamond's top 20 reorder products for August were Marvels, only two were DCs. 

We note that there are several possible reasons for the differences between advance order number and shipment numbers.  One is a difference in reorders on new products.  A second is a difference in backlist orders.  And a third possible reason is a difference between when products were solicited and when they shipped. 

For our comparison of shipment and preorder shares for July 2001, click here.

To see Marvel President Bill Jemas' response to that article, click here.