Although it failed to make Diamond's Top 50 Graphic Novels list when it was released earlier this year, Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood, by Marjane Satrapi, is turning into one of the best-selling graphic novels of 2003. According to a Pantheon Books spokesperson, Persepolis has now sold over 35,000 copies, which puts it in the manga stratosphere of sales for graphic novels in the book channel. Sales have been fueled by great reviews, including one in the New York Times in May (see 'Persepolis Graphic Novel Reviewed in New York Times'). But because of its subject matter and audience, the book has been overlooked by many pop culture retailers. Pantheon has built a great line of graphic novels around a very small number of exceptional creators (e.g., Daniel Clowes, Chris Ware, Art Spiegelman). Retailers that aren't stocking Persepolis, or the rest of the Pantheon line, are missing an opportunity to sell the best that the medium has to offer. Over 35,000 Copies Sold
Posted by ICv2 on August 25, 2003 @ 11:00 pm CT
Although it failed to make Diamond's Top 50 Graphic Novels list when it was released earlier this year, Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood, by Marjane Satrapi, is turning into one of the best-selling graphic novels of 2003. According to a Pantheon Books spokesperson, Persepolis has now sold over 35,000 copies, which puts it in the manga stratosphere of sales for graphic novels in the book channel. Sales have been fueled by great reviews, including one in the New York Times in May (see 'Persepolis Graphic Novel Reviewed in New York Times'). But because of its subject matter and audience, the book has been overlooked by many pop culture retailers. Pantheon has built a great line of graphic novels around a very small number of exceptional creators (e.g., Daniel Clowes, Chris Ware, Art Spiegelman). Retailers that aren't stocking Persepolis, or the rest of the Pantheon line, are missing an opportunity to sell the best that the medium has to offer.