Marvel's annual report, released last week, provided additional details on the increases in publishing revenues first reported in its press release on 2006 and Q4 earnings (see 'Publishing Bolsters Marvel').  Of the $16.1 million increase in publishing revenues in 2006 vs. 2005, $7.5 million was in trade paperback and hardcover sales into both primary channels.  $6.4 million of the increase was in comic sales into the direct market, primarily associated with Civil War and its tie-ins.  $1.5 million of the direct market comic sales increase was due to the cover price increase in April.

Custom publishing sales were up $1.1 million in 2006.

The cost of goods sold for publishing was up proportionately to sales; the percentage remained the same.  The report said that higher costs for talent and paper were offset by the price increase and higher unit sales.