Gains in the combined sales of periodical comics and graphic novels slowed from 13% during the first half of 2007 to 6% in the third quarter.  Periodical comic sales drove the numbers in Q1 posting a 14% growth over Q1 2006, while graphic novels boosted the numbers in Q2 with a phenomenal 48% growth.  In Q3 both periodical comics and graphic novels posted more modest single digit gains.

Periodical comics grew by 6% in Q3 (versus Q3 2006), down slightly from a 7% growth in Q2.  Driven by sales of Marvel's Civil War and DC's 52, the third quarter of 2006 was exceptionally strong (it posted an 11% gain over 2005), so the solid, if unspectacular growth posted by comics in the most recent quarter is no mean feat.

Graphic novels led the way in September posting a 22% increase over 2006 and more than making up for the 6% decline in graphic novel sales in August and a 1% gain in July and allowing graphic novels to post a 4% increase for the quarter.  Comic sales grew by just 5% in September, but the steep increase in graphic novels sales resulted in an 8% overall gain for the month, the best month's performance of the quarter overall.

For the top 300 comics in September, see 'Top 300 Comics Actual--September 2007.'

For the top 100 graphics novels in September, see 'Top 100 Graphic Novels Actual--September 2007.'

For an overview and analysis of the best-selling comics and graphic novels in September, see '''World War Hulk' Conquers Again.'

For the top 300 comics in August, see 'Top 300 Comics Actual--August 2007.'

For the top 100 graphics novels in August, see 'Top 100 Graphic Novels Actual--August 2007.'

For an over-view and analysis of the best-selling comics and graphic novels in August, see '''World War Hulk' Back on Top.'  For an analysis of the dollar trends in August, see 'Tough Comps Bring August Down.'

For our index to our reports on the top comic and graphic novel preorders for January 2000 through September 2007, see 'ICv2's Top 300 Comics and Top 100 GNs Index.'