Sales Review: July 2013

The sales numbers for July 2013 were released this week and, as usual, my go to site is ICV2. Here is a link to their Top 300 comics in sales: http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/26456.html



To be honest, as a fan of a number of mid-tier DC comic titles, I don't like months like July sales-wise. DC claimed the top spot in sales in July, narrowly beating Marvel. They took 6 of the top 10 slots. (Guardians of the Galaxy was Marvel's top seller??) As a DC fan I should be happy about this.



But the best sellers were Batman books, Justice League "Trinity War" crossovers, and two new high profile books - Superman Unchained and Batman/Superman. And this seems to perpetuate something I might consider a problem. And that is that as a business DC will see that only big events and Batman books sell well. So why shouldn't they make more of them.



I understand that DC and Warner Brothers need to make a profit. I just wish that there was an understanding that you need to support your other titles to create a universe that is broad and varied.

Supergirl #22 came out in July and was the second chapter of the Cyborg Superman story by Michael Alan Nelson and Diogenes Neves. Despite the announced loss of Mahmud Asrar (and that was a big loss to the book), I was pleased with the story. Maybe I am being hopeful but this story is a perfect set-up for a rethinking of the book with Kara accepting Earth and becoming a hero.

Sales remained relatively steady with 25,514 units sold (down just 1.5% from last month). Due to an influx of new books, despite the somewhat stable sales, Supergirl ranked at #99.



I find it sad that a book based on a video game where Superman killed Lois and the Joker outsells Supergirl. I also find it interesting that three DC books with female protagonists (Supergirl, Worlds' Finest, and Catwoman) are all bunched up in sales.

But remember, my concerns are about the variety in DC's market. Every book can't be dark and gritty and grim. I want to see other themes and styles.



I have been singing the praises of Vibe, a throwback of sorts, a book with a hero who wants to do good because it is the right thing to do, someone who inspires.

I suppose that it being Vibe made this a tougher sell. There might be those who think he'll be break dancing in the book. But I am shocked to see the book way down at #185, selling only 12,241 units. It's only a matter of time before the 'Final Issue' solicit happens. And that's a shame. DC should be promoting the hell out of this book.



I also think it is interesting that three of my favorite books - Brian Woods Conan, Vibe, and the recent Rocketeer mini-series - are all bunched down here together. Sad.



I suppose I could stop reporting these things, just read the books and enjoy them.

Posted in: Reviews