After a dismal March 2009 overall for comic books, sales rebounded nicely in April 2009. Sales overall were up and there were 2 titles ( Neil Gaiman's Detective #853 and Flash Rebirth #1) which broke 100,000 units sold. In fact, DC had half of the top 10 selling books. As always, my numbers are taken from ICv2's excellent reviews. Here is the link to the top 300 books:
http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/14979.html
As for Supergirl, sales are encouraging. I still feel that stability is crucial in the comic market. But adding readers has to be a good thing.
So sales for Supergirl actually went up with Supergirl #40 which sold 34,080 issues. Supergirl #39 sold 33,713. It is a modest leap of about 1% but this really is a wonderful thing with the title keeping readers in a tough economic time. It also is a tribute to the solid story and art in the title since Gates/Igle took over. Readers must like what they are seeing as sales remain stable rather than jumping ship like they were over the 2 years prior to Supergirl #34.
Here is a look at recent sales with some comments. It seems like outside of crossovers like New Krypton (or the upcoming Codename:Patriot), that sales hover around 34,000. We can always hope that more readers continue to slowly accrue.
This issue was the Superwoman reveal and so a few new readers may have picked up the title to see who was under the cowl. But there was no variant cover or other gimmick. And there was no link to an overall Superman title other than the green triangle. Let's hope the new readers stick around.
This issue was the Superwoman reveal and so a few new readers may have picked up the title to see who was under the cowl. But there was no variant cover or other gimmick. And there was no link to an overall Superman title other than the green triangle. Let's hope the new readers stick around.
The same increase in sales can be seen with Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the Eighth Grade #5. Hooray!
The penultimate issue sold 6,576 units. Supergirl Cosmic Adventures in the Eighth Grade #4 sold 6,200 issues. This is an increase of 6% but also the most the title has sold since the second issue! Now sales where up across the board in April but still an increase in sales of this size for an All Ages title is great. I have to think that word of mouth ... everyone has gushed about this title on-line ... may have finally filtered out so that new readers sought out the title.
I wonder at what point DC decides that a Cosmic Adventures sequel is viable. If we don't hear anything by November will we assume that nothing will be happening in the future? I really hope DC realizes how well received this title was.
So overall great news on the sales front for Supergirl fans.
Great numbers and a great comparison of the last few issues. While 1% may be small its still 1%, kind of like a penny jar that you count at the end of the year and see your total.
ReplyDeleteAn even bigger hooray for cosmic adventures. Perhaps we will see a climb next month for this title as well comsidering it was free comic book day in May which got the families to the stores. I wish I was going to a convention this year but if you are remember to put in a good word to the johnny DC people about the title.
When I bought Cosmic Adventures I either bought the second to the last issue, or the last issue in stock. Some of the other local comic book shops were completely sold out entirely.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me, that something like "Cosmic Adventures" ought to sell well as TPB, parents would wanna give the story in one go to their kids and all like that.
ReplyDeleteIf DC was smart they'd hype the TPB release just a bit and look for a place in the holiday gift market.
John Feer
Relieved to see that Supergirl's main title is still thankfully on the up and up along with Landry's Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade doing extremely well in the given month at that.
ReplyDeleteMan DC just HAVE to give Landry's baby a sequel ah! BD
This makes me happy.
ReplyDelete(Hi, I'm the one who links your posts on WFA, if you know about that. I LOVE your blog!)
While 1% may be small its still 1%, kind of like a penny jar that you count at the end of the year and see your total. .
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post and the great analogy.
I would love to see the numbers continue to creep up.
When I bought Cosmic Adventures I either bought the second to the last issue, or the last issue in stock. Some of the other local comic book shops were completely sold out entirely..
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post.
I always say that is good and bad news. Good because it sold out. Bad because more people may have been looking for it.
Still, I think good news.
It seems to me, that something like "Cosmic Adventures" ought to sell well as TPB, parents would wanna give the story in one go to their kids and all like that..
ReplyDeleteI agree.
I think the trade is slated for a December release. I plan to get it for the Supergirls at home.
(Sheds a tear)
Their first trade while owning the issues. They are growing so fast.
Man DC just HAVE to give Landry's baby a sequel ah! BD.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post.
I am hoping ... hoping ...
(Hi, I'm the one who links your posts on WFA, if you know about that. I LOVE your blog!).
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the post.
I love WFA and frequent it a lot and feel honored to have posts linked there.
I am so glad that I can thank you in person.