secret-invasion

Now that 2008 is over, we get to see some of the best and worst of 2008. Diamond Comics Distributors has released their top 10 lists of best selling comic books and graphic novels.

The ever popular Secret Invasion(s) took over the top 10 comic books chart earning a massive 8 of the top 10 positions leaving only two slots open for Uncanny X-Men # 500 from Marvel in 7th place and Final Crisis #1 from DC coming in at 9th place. So overall a record shattering year for the power of Secret Invasion.

DC might have had only one comic hit the top 10 comics list but they made their presence felt on the top 10 graphic novels list, taking 7 out of the 10 bestselling graphic novels of the year. DC also earned the number one spot for their novel, soon to be released movie, Watchmen.

As for the numbers, Marvel grabbed over 45 percent of all comic books and graphic novels that were sold to Direct Market retailers in 2008 and 40 percent of every dollar that retailers spent. DC reported a 31 percent share and 29 percent dollar share, which contradicts their one placement in the top ten comics.

It’s not surprising that Marvel Comics took the lead in both categories but it might surprise some that in 2007 they reported a 44 percent unit share and 40 percent dollar share.

So where did the other margin points go? Well they went to Dark Horse, IDW and to other companies that all got more points in 2008 compared to 2007.  Do you think some of these runner-up company’s may begin to chip away even more at the big guys in 2009?

Source:  USAToday