Sales Review: January 2019

The comic book sales numbers for January 2019 were released last week and as always, ICv2 does a good job of breaking them down. Here is a link:
https://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/42557/top-500-comics-january-2019

I was a bit interested in seeing these numbers in the context of recent news regarding DC's number of titles. There were rumors that DC was going to slash their number of titles to 22 but this proved unfounded. Ultimately, the news broke that DC was paring down by about 10-15% of titles but also adding new 100 page spectaculars, making those books available in places other than Walgreens, and probably breaking even in total books solicited.

So that was much ado about nothing in a way. But when I hear that ongoing titles are going to be pruned, I always have to wonder and worry about the Girl of Steel.

We are in the middle of a space arc, one with a vengeful and surprisingly violent Supergirl. And sales have been a bit all over the place. (And yes, I know by sales I actually mean orders through Diamond,)

Supergirl #26 was released in January. It sported an Artgerm variant of Supergirl in a classic costume holding Streaky.

The book also saw the return of Kevin Maguire on art.

How did it sell?

The book landed in the #73 slot of the top 300 books released that month.

It sold surprisingly well, with 29,499 units being shipped to store.

I can't say that I am surprised. The issues with Artgerm variants definitely get more units ordered. The month prior, Supergirl #25 and it's rather excellent Amanda Conner variant only shipped 21,546. That's a 37% increase.

Surely DC can see the writing on the wall.

In case they can't here is the breakdown of sales with those issues with Artgerm covers noted.

The bottom line is this Andreyko run seems to be a 21K seller without these variants.

Now I doubt Supergirl will be one of the titles dropped in spate of cancellations. But it would be good to know that for sure.

I usually spotlight the sales of another Super book in the back half of these posts.

But I figured I would talk up one of the more fun comics I am reading these days, Mr. & Mrs. X, written by Kelly Thompson with art by Oscar Bazaldua.

The book is pure entertainment, joking about X-Men continuity while sending these two star-crossed lovers from one wild adventure to the next.

Alas, it is only selling about 18K.

People are missing out on a great little book. And the art is sumptuous.

Give it a shot!

Posted in: Reviews