Comic sales were up in comic stores again in April, with an over-all 6% increase over April 2003. This follows a 15% increase in March, the first month we have been able to do year over year comparisons for a year (see 'Comic Dollars Up 15% in March'). The lower growth rate is probably tied to piece sale drops on most top books vs. March (see 'Supes #204 Over 230k').
Comic periodical sales were up 8%, while graphic novels were down 10% vs. last April; both subcategories showed a drop in strength since March.
Three of the Big Four posted substantial increases, with Marvel dollars up 25%, DC up 14%, and Dark Horse up 7% over April 2003. Image dolars were down 37% vs. last year.
For the top 300 comics in April, see 'Top 300 Comics Actual--April 2004.'
For the top 100 graphics novels in April, see 'Top 100 Graphic Novels Actual--April 2004.'
For an over-view and analysis of the best-selling comics and graphic novels in April, see 'Supes #204 Over 230k.'
For the top 300 comics in March, see 'Top 300 Comics Actual--March 2004.'
For the top 100 graphics novels in March, see 'Top 100 Graphic Novels Actual--March 2004.'
For an over-view and analysis of the best-selling comics and graphic novels in March, see 'Comic Numbers Pick Up in March.'
For our index to our reports on the top comic and graphic novel preorders for January 2000 through April 2004, see 'ICv2's Top 300 Comics and Top 50 GNs Index.'