Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Sales Review: December 2017


The sales numbers for December 2017 were released recently and as usual ICv2 does a great job with coverage. Here is that link:
https://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/39349/top-300-comics-december-2017

As usual, the numbers spell gloom and doom for the print media. But we'll ignore that for now. The death of the comics business is like the death of Hyman Roth in The Godfather Part II, something we have heard about for years. Remember? "He's been dying of the same heart attack for the last 20 years."

Anyways, on to some specifics.


Supergirl #16 was released last month and continued the new invigoration of the title with Kara in school and on the run from the DEO. Despite that, she continues to be the hero.

And, as usual, the book sported a beautiful Artgerm variant.

For whatever reason, whether a new focus or new covers, the book has been selling well these last few months. So did that trend continue?



Supergirl #16 had 28450 issues ordered.

Hard to believe, but that was a drop in sales! For years, I would have craved 28K in sales. This is a dip from the 30K we have seen recently. But I'm still happy.

And I wonder if there will be reorders from stores. I know at mine, the book seems to be moving a bit more.


I always take a look at other books as well in these posts.

New Super-Man is about to also get a re-invigoration, becoming New Super-Man and the Justice League of China. New Super-Man #18 was the big ending of the first mega-arc. This could have easily been a 'Final Issue'.


It sold like a last issue, coming in at #168, selling 10387.

Superwoman, canceled this month, sold over 14K.

I wonder why DC put some faith in this book, enough to keep it going and changing the focus.

I also would not be surprised if the sales for New Super-Man #19, a Laney Lan rest issue, dips under 10K.

Hey, remember ... I like this book. Just wondering why it is moving on!

5 comments:

  1. I wonder why Supergirl's sales dropped. Or why the sales are going up and down every month. I mean, if it was people buying the Artgem's covers, I think the sold units would be... steadier?

    Anyway, December was a pretty terrible month. Most of non-Batman DC books barely sell above the 30,000 mark. Even Trinity has been cancelled, which proves the presence of the Bat doesn't automatically guarantees great sales.

    "I wonder why DC put some faith in this book, enough to keep it going and changing the focus."

    Some people claim trades are selling good; but I'd take such claims with a pinch of salt.

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  2. I think the low sales for Supergirl compared to Novembers, was because of the damaged covers and eventhough DC did ship out new issues, I guess it was too late.

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  3. The new solicitations were also recently released. Looks like Orlando is bringing over the Viking Judge from The Unexpected into Supergirl. Heh, I can't help but think that Orlando is bringing his wrestling love into his comics when I hear that name. I can almost hear the cry of that wrestling presenter:

    - "... and Director Bones clearly out of line brings in five more villains into the ring to pummel the lone Supergirl. This will not end well! Wait, what's that? Director Bones has attracted the attention of someone, and she looks angry about this lack of fair play! Iiiit's the dispenser of cooold justice, the rectifier Valkyre, the Viiiiking Juuuuudge!"

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  4. "I think the low sales for Supergirl compared to Novembers, was because of the damaged covers and eventhough DC did ship out new issues, I guess it was too late."

    You know, it's not an unlikely scenario.

    So the Maid of Might was adversely affected by DC's incompetence. How usual.

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  5. Professor FeetlebaumJanuary 23, 2018 at 5:13 PM

    In addition to the problem with the damaged covers (which makes sense) I will also suggest that the holidays may have had something to do with the sales dip. If all that's true, sales should get back up in January.

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