An ICv2 Release.  ICv2 has announced the release of its sixth Retailers Guide to Graphic Novels.  The Guide is being distributed free to retailers by comic and book distributors, by mail, and at shows.  Content includes updated coverage of the graphic novel market based on recent interviews with key graphic novel retailers and distributors (see 'Graphic Novel Growth Continues').

In this issue ICv2 notes that graphic novel sales growth (on a percentage basis) may well have been more robust in the comic shop market, which posted seven straight months of double digit graphic novel sales gains over 2004, than in the bookstores.  We also examine the major graphic novel sales phenomenon of 2005 and discuss the different sales drivers behind the growth of different elements of the graphic novel market such as manga, traditional American comics, and alternative/literary graphic novels.  In addition to our listing of the Top 25 Manga Properties and the top releases in all the various graphic novel market segments the new Guide also includes a 'Holiday Gift Guide' listing some of the many excellent graphic novel/comic art gift books available.

The Guide is available free to retailers (send an email to DViau@icv2.com) and to others for $10 plus postage and handling via the ICv2 online store (click here).