Graphic novels were purchased by 8% of online book buyers, according to an online survey conducted by Zogby International for Random House.

This week, John Riley talks about how retailers play a role in the success of new products.

This week, Steve Bennett talks about his travels to Vegas and Chicago.

Mary Alice Wilson of Dark Star Books and Comics in Yellow Springs , Ohio saw responses to Steve Bennett’s recent column on low-selling titles and believes readers may be missing the point of the column.

Dara Hannon of Pyrimid Comics & Games in Sierra Vista, Arizona saw Steve Bennett’s recent column on low-selling titles and retailer comments, and says the Top 300 list should not dictate ordering in comic shops.

Manga giant Tokyopop announced this morning that it is spinning off its comics-to-film and digital units into a new company, Tokyopop Media LLC; publishing operations will remain in Tokyopop Inc. Publishing production will be reduced by roughly 50% through the rest of the year.

Floor traffic was light at the recently concluded Book Expo America at the Los Angeles Convention Center , but graphic novels were a bright spot.

Jay Bardyla of Happy Harbor Comics in Edmonton , Alberta saw Steve Bennett’s recent column on less popular series and feels a responsibility to order for his customers.

This week, Bennett talks about a possible reaction to challenging economic times, and talks about comics that really shouldn’t be made into movies.

An ICv2 Release. ICv2 has announced the release of ICv2 Guide #55: Graphic Novels , which includes a profile of Art Spiegelman, a Pulitzer prize winner and a lynchpin figure in the development of the graphic novel in North America.