Sales of periodical comics by Diamond Comic Distributors declined again in August, the seventh consecutive month of declines.  The 9% drop (based on sales to comic stores of the Top 300 comics) was the third largest drop since a two year climb in comic sales ended last September. 

 

Although it was relatively easy to explain declines earlier this year based on tough comparables against Civil War and its spin-off titles in the corresponding months in 2007, the competition a year ago was less powerful in August, with World War Hulk the major Marvel event in August 2007. 

 

Sales of the top 100 graphic novel titles were up 16% vs. August 2007, small consolation once you realize that the increase is more than explained by sales on Watchmen.

For the top 300 comics in August, see "Top 300 Comics Actual--August 2008."

For the top 100 graphics novels in August, see "Top 100 Graphic Novels Actual--August 2008."

For an overview and analysis of the best-selling comics and graphic novels in August, see "'Watchmen' Top Dollar Book in August."

For the top 300 comics in July, see "Top 300 Comics Actual--July 2008."

For the top 100 graphics novels in July, see "Top 100 Graphic Novels Actual--July 2008."

For an overview and analysis of the best-selling comics and graphic novels in July, see "'Secret Invasion' Stays Strong in July."  For an analysis of the dollar trends in July, see "Comic Dollars Decline Continues."

For our index to our reports on the top comic and graphic novel preorders for January 2000 through August 2008, see "ICv2's Top 300 Comics and Top 100 GNs Index."