Comic sales were up again in May with a 12% over-all increase over May 2003. Comics were up more strongly than graphic novels, with a 12% increase vs. a 7% increase in graphic novel sales.

These are estimates of the sales on graphic novels by Diamond U.S. to comic specialty stores during May 2004.

These are estimates of the sales by Diamond U.S. to comic specialty stores during May 2004.

Diamond Select Toys will produce an exclusive two-pack MiniMates set which will be sold later this summer exclusively through Tower.

Ilan Strasser of Fat Moose Comics in Whippany, New Jersey has decided to withdraw from the manga business.

Tim Davis of Alternate Reality in Chicago, Illinois, sent us an earlier comment on late Image books, which generated a response from Don Alsafi of G-Mart Comics, pointing out that he'd missed Spawn , which was running over a year late. Only a few days later, Image and Diamond both confirmed that Spawn orders would be canceled and re-solicited. Davis revisits the issue.

The change in Tokyopop's shipping made in conjunction with Diamond's new direct market exclusive took effect in May, according to Tokyopop COO John Parker.

Graphic novels took another step up in visibility at this year's BookExpo America show at McCormick Place in Chicago this weekend.

Representatives of both Diamond Comic Distributors and Image Comics confirmed that orders for all Spawn issues scheduled for release after August will be canceled and resolicited in the appropriate month.

Don Alsa fi of G-Mart Comics in Batavia, Illinois saw the Tim Davis comment on late books from Ima ge and added in the Spawn books.