Graphic novel unit sales in the book channel were up 1.8% in 2022 over 2021, according to information provided by NPD BookScan. The small increase outpaced the overall book market, which was down 5.8%, by 7.6%.
The percentage increase was against 2021, which was a great year for graphic novel sales and the larger book market; graphic novel unit sales in 2022 were up 110.2% over sales in the last pre-Covid year, 2019.
The biggest growth driver was once again manga, with unit sales up 12% over 2021, and up 321.9% over 2019. Young Adult titles were up 21% for the year on a much smaller base.
NPD BookScan collects weekly point-of-sale data on print books from over 16,000 locations including e-tailers, chains, mass merchandisers, independent bookstores, and more. NPD BookScan covers approximately 85% of the U.S. trade print book market.

Overall Book Market Was Down
Posted by Milton Griepp on February 1, 2023 @ 4:27 am CT

MORE COMICS
Via Growth in Comic Stores
July 11, 2025
Sales of comics and graphic novels were up in 2024, almost entirely driven by sales growth in comic stores, according to a new estimate by ICv2.
Via Growth in Comic Stores
July 11, 2025
Sales of comics and graphic novels were up in 2024, almost entirely driven by sales growth in comic stores, according to a new estimate by ICv2.
MORE NEWS
Tina McIntyre to Head; Also Changes at Production Company
July 11, 2025
WEBTOON Entertainment has announced the formation of a Consumer Goods Division, with Tina McIntyre to head, along with changes at its production company.
Robot-fighting Card Game by DV Games
July 10, 2025
DV Games will release Rumblebots, a new card game, into retail.