DC Comics Month-to-Month Sales: January 2007 — CORRECTED

by Marc-Oliver Frisch

The list of DC Comics’ new launches for January 2007 was surprisingly short and low-profile. They were limited to the crossover miniseries Superman and Batman vs. Aliens and Predators, two one-shots paving the way for the third-stringer title Doctor Fate, and the Vertigo imprint’s latest monthly series, Scalped. While DC managed to place three of its January releases in the Top 10, the company was left with only one comic — an issue of the weekly 52 — cracking the 100,000 unit barrier, and only because there was a variant cover edition. Along with a growing list of absent major releases and readers quickly losing interest in the bulk of its recently launched and revamped properties, this resulted in the lowest average sales for DC Comics releases since March 2005.

The month’s offenders in terms of lateness were Detective Comics, Superman/Batman, Action Comics Annual and Trials of SHAZAM, which were solicited for a January release, but failed to ship. The high-profile series All Star Batman, Justice League of America, Wildcats, Wonder Woman, Action Comics, Supergirl, and The Authority remained absent as well. The publisher has recently taken steps to address the issue aggressively by announcing retroactive creative team changes and fill-in issues on several of their major series, however. In some instances, remarkably, makeshift stories are being shoehorned into the middle of ongoing storylines — rather drastic measures, which have been out of fashion for decades. See below for the details.

Thanks to Milton Griepp and ICv2.com for the permission to use their figures. An overview of ICv2.com’s estimates can be found here.

—–

6/10/11/12/13 - 52
05/2006: 52 Week 1  -- 140,971          [143,611]
05/2006: 52 Week 2  -- 128,393 (- 8.9%) [130,704]
05/2006: 52 Week 3  -- 123,982 (- 3.4%) [126,913]
05/2006: 52 Week 4  -- 121,440 (- 2.1%) [125,297]
06/2006: 52 Week 5  -- 111,895 (- 7.9%) 
06/2006: 52 Week 6  -- 110,028 (- 1.7%) [111,732]
06/2006: 52 Week 7  -- 110,188 (+ 0.2%) [112,618]
06/2006: 52 Week 8  -- 105,107 (- 4.6%) [108,775]
07/2006: 52 Week 9  -- 102,142 (- 2.8%)
07/2006: 52 Week 10 -- 100,779 (- 1.3%)
07/2006: 52 Week 11 -- 122,016 (+21.1%) [123,724]
07/2006: 52 Week 12 --  98,667 (-19.1%) [102,362]
08/2006: 52 Week 13 -- 119,507 (+21.1%)
08/2006: 52 Week 14 -- 118,259 (- 1.4%)
08/2006: 52 Week 15 -- 119,411 (+ 1.0%)
08/2006: 52 Week 16 -- 117,472 (- 1.6%) [118,624]
08/2006: 52 Week 17 -- 116,637 (- 0.7%) [118,775]
09/2006: 52 Week 18 -- 111,830 (- 4.1%)
09/2006: 52 Week 19 -- 111,611 (- 0.2%)
09/2006: 52 Week 20 -- 111,099 (- 0.5%)
09/2006: 52 Week 21 -- 110,350 (- 0.7%) [111,986]
10/2006: 52 Week 22 -- 108,624 (- 1.6%)
10/2006: 52 Week 23 -- 107,962 (- 0.6%)
10/2006: 52 Week 24 -- 107,413 (- 0.5%)
10/2006: 52 Week 25 -- 106,332 (- 1.0%)
11/2006: 52 Week 26 -- 104,614 (- 1.6%)
11/2006: 52 Week 27 -- 104,265 (- 0.3%)
11/2006: 52 Week 28 -- 103,529 (- 0.7%)
11/2006: 52 Week 29 -- 102,699 (- 0.8%)
11/2006: 52 Week 30 -- 102,576 (- 0.1%)
12/2006: 52 Week 31 -- 100,596 (- 1.9%)
12/2006: 52 Week 32 --  99,634 (- 1.0%)
12/2006: 52 Week 33 --  99,441 (- 0.2%)
12/2006: 52 Week 34 --  98,379 (- 1.1%)
01/2007: 52 Week 35 -- 105,095 (+ 6.8%)
01/2007: 52 Week 36 --  96,815 (- 7.9%)
01/2007: 52 Week 37 --  96,612 (- 0.2%)
01/2007: 52 Week 38 --  95,945 (- 6.9%)
01/2007: 52 Week 39 --  94,865 (- 1.1%)
----------------
6 months: - 7.6%

January was another month with five Wednesdays, resulting in five new issues of the weekly 52. Apart from Week 35, whose sales were artificially boosted through a variant cover edition, 52 sales are beginning to decline faster than usual.

That said, those are still exceptional numbers by any standard. The news that 52 is to be followed immediately by another year-long, weekly title doesn’t come as a great surprise.

—–

8 - ALL STAR SUPERMAN
01/2006: All Star Superman #2  -- 124,328 (-27.2%) [129,616]
02/2006: --
03/2006: All Star Superman #3  -- 110,585 (-11.1%) [116,599]
04/2006: --
05/2006: --
06/2006: All Star Superman #4  -- 111,420 (+ 0.8%)
07/2006: --
08/2006: All Star Superman #5  -- 109,746 (- 1.5%)
09/2006: --
10/2006: --
11/2006: --
12/2006: --
01/2007: All Star Superman #6  --  98,802 (-10.0%)
----------------
6 months:  n.a.
1 year  : -20.5%

Having long since given up any pretense of a regular schedule, the best-selling of the three solo Superman titles made a rare appearance in January. (Its sister title, All Star Batman, hasn’t been published since May 2006, in case you were wondering.)

Sales are back in decline, despite enthusiastic reviews.

—–

15 - JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA
01/2004: JSA #56             --  44,713
01/2004: JSA #57             --  43,982
01/2005: JSA #69             --  43,650
---------------------------------------
01/2006: JSA #81             --  50,078 (-  1.5%)
02/2006: JSA #82             --  54,234 (+  8.3%)
03/2006: JSA #83             --  51,991 (-  4.1%) [ 58,624]
04/2006: JSA #84             --  53,245 (+  2.4%)
05/2006: JSA #85             --  52,620 (-  1.2%)
06/2006: JSA #86             --  50,338 (-  4.3%)
07/2006: JSA #87             --  49,583 (-  1.5%)
08/2006: --
09/2006: --
10/2006: --
11/2006: --
12/2006: Justice Society #1  -- 102,990 (+107.7%) [106,252]
01/2007: Justice Society #2  --  86,180 (- 16.3%)
-----------------
6 months: + 73.8%
1 year  : + 72.1%
2 years : + 97.4%

That’s a relatively soft second-issue drop, suggesting that the title might settle at a considerably higher level than its previous incarnation. The debut issue made the chart again as well in January, selling an additional 3,262 units.

—–

20 - BATMAN
01/2004: Batman #623 --  89,051
01/2005: Batman #636 --  58,630
-------------------------------
01/2005: Batman #649 --  62,379 (- 1.2%) [ 64,645]
02/2005: Batman #650 --  66,447 (+ 6.5%) [ 74,355]
03/2005: Batman #651 --  69,805 (+ 5.1%) [ 79,616]
04/2006: Batman #652 --  72,889 (+ 4.4%) [ 82,438]
05/2006: Batman #653 --  77,257 (+ 6.0%) [ 78,435]
06/2006: Batman #654 --  76,525 (- 1.0%) [ 78,671]
07/2006: Batman #655 -- 113,567 (+48.4%) [123,903]
08/2006: Batman #656 --  95,982 (-15.5%) [ 99,024]
09/2006: Batman #657 --  91,357 (- 4.8%) [ 96,127]
10/2006: --
11/2006: Batman #658 --  94,349 (+ 3.3%)
11/2006: Batman #659 --  90,651 (- 3.9%)
12/2006: Batman #660 --  76,967 (-15.1%)
12/2006: Batman #661 --  75,512 (- 1.9%)
01/2007: Batman #662 --  72,499 (- 4.0%)
----------------
6 months: -36.2%
1 year  : +16.2%
2 years : +23.7%

The January issue concluded the four-part filler story shoved in to accomodate the regular creative team. The fill-in was originally slated to begin with issue #660, we recall, which is why sales didn’t drop with #659. Given the content change, that issue was presumably made returnable.

For what it is, the arc certainly has achieved fabulous sales. Writer John Ostrander and artist Tom Mandrake may be established creators with a solid track record, but their collaboration would hardly have sold in the region of 70K if it hadn’t been shoehorned into a run by Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert. So, from that perspective, there’s no reason whatsoever to be unhappy with these numbers.

The litmus test, of course, will be the next couple of issues, when Morrison and Kubert return to the book. Whether or not the publisher’s use of fill-in stories will prove successful depends on whether the book can recover its former momentum.

On another note entirely, Batman #661 was one of eleven DC books which, originally released in the last week of December, made the chart again with what appear to be unusually strong re-orders in January — a whopping 13,847 units, in this case.

Incidentally, they are exactly the same titles of which significant quantities reportedly failed to reach the West Coast until January 2007, due to transportation problems. Now, since Diamond Comic Distributors usually only include copies in their charts which actually reached stores, my first impulse was to simply add the extra sales to the numbers from December and be done with it.

Unfortunately, as noted last month, there was nothing unusual about the numbers of those titles in the December chart. On the contrary: Adding the additional copies from the January chart would result in random sales spikes that make no sense whatsoever. In the case of Batman, Diamond would have us believe that issue #661 sold an estimated 89,359 units — a spectacular 16% increase from the previous issue — only to drop back by a brutal 19% for #662, all in the middle of a filler storyline. The numbers for the other involved books would look equally absurd.

Consequently, I’m not having any of that. Instead, I’ll presume that Diamond made an exception to their usual policy, in this instance, counting the copies which should have arrived at stores in December, rather than those which did arrive. Quite why they then went and counted the late-shipping units again on the January chart escapes me, to be frank, but I’m sure it must have seemed perfectly reasonable to them at the time. Whatever their intent, the resulting numbers plainly aren’t right, so I’m disregarding those supposed “re-orders” on the January chart.

(To confuse matters further: Yes, I know that Marvel’s Exiles #89, which was reportedly involved in the same transportation incident, did display a very noticeable drop in December. However, it was the only involved book which did so, and if you add the additional units which appeared on the January chart, the final number doesn’t make any sense, either. Someone clearly screwed up here, and the West Coast delay appears to have resulted in more than just one glitch on the sales charts for December and January.)

—–

23 - GREEN LANTERN
01/2004: Green Lantern #173 --  30,099
01/2005: --
--------------------------------------
01/2006: Green Lantern #7   --  84,723 (-  4.2%)
02/2006: Green Lantern #8   --  89,252 (+  5.4%)
02/2006: Green Lantern #9   --  86,554 (-  3.0%) [ 89,974]
03/2006: Green Lantern #10  --  79,745 (-  7.9%) [ 87,143]
04/2006: --
05/2006: Green Lantern #11  --  78,926 (-  1.0%)
06/2006: --
07/2006: Green Lantern #12  --  80,292 (+  1.7%)
08/2006: --
09/2006: Green Lantern #13  --  78,101 (-  2.7%)
10/2006: --
11/2006: Green Lantern #14  --  72,894 (-  6.7%)
11/2006: Green Lantern #15  --  70,148 (-  3.8%)
12/2006: --
01/2007: Green Lantern #16  --  66,105 (-  5.8%)
----------------
6 months: -17.7%
1 year  : -22.0% 
2 years :   n.a.

The book is still losing readers faster than retailers can slash their orders. Sales should have long since bottomed out by now.

—–

26 - SUPERMAN
01/2004: Superman #201 --  35,986
01/2005: --
---------------------------------
01/2006: Superman #225 --  61,768 (-  3.1%)
02/2006: Superman #226 --  63,982 (+  3.6%)
03/2006: Superman #650 --  65,603 (+  2.5%) [ 77,783]
04/2006: Superman #651 --  73,355 (+ 11.8%)
05/2006: Superman #652 --  70,458 (-  4.0%)
06/2006: Superman #653 --  69,079 (-  2.0%)
07/2006: Superman #654 --  69,526 (+  0.7%)
08/2006: Superman #655 --  66,976 (-  3.7%)
09/2006: Superman #656 --  64,288 (-  4.0%)
10/2006: --
11/2006: Superman #657 --  62,327 (-  3.1%)
12/2006: --
01/2007: Superman #658 --  60,682 (-  2.6%)
----------------
6 months: -13.3%
1 year  : - 1.8%
2 years :   n.a.

Sales are slowly finding their level.

More importantly, though: The book is running two months late, and Superman #660 should have been released in January. Its contents did finally make it out in February, but they did so as issue #659 instead, and — contrary to the solicitation copy — with regular artist Carlos Pacheco nowhere in sight.

Whatever happened to the story originally slated for issue #659 is anyone’s guess, meanwhile, as I’m writing this; according to DC, the contents originally set to appear in issues #661 and #662 have been pushed back to #662 and #663, respectively, while issues #660 and #661, now both scheduled for March, will feature new one-shot stories by the regular writer and assorted fill-in artists.

Superman, you guessed it, is one of the books affected by DC’s shiny new set of responses to lateness, the sum total of which might give the impression that Jim Shooter is secretly running the company. If you think the schedule of Superman is screwed up, though, you don’t know half of it.

The sister title Action Comics, recently taken over with much fanfare by the high-profile creative team of co-writers Geoff Johns and Richard Donner and artist Adam Kubert, is running two months late, as well. “Adam Kubert is obviously taking much longer than anyone hoped,” an initial message board post by Johns reads, “it’s not me and Donner.” (Since diplomacy always comes easier once you’ve blown off some steam, Johns later gave an interview to Newsarama, clarifying that he “mentioned Adam’s timetable on the last issue elsewhere only to move the blame off Donner.”)

As a result of the delays, Johns, Donner and Kubert’s six-issue arc will now be split in the middle after the supposed February 28 release of Action Comics #846. The storyline will pick up again with June’s issue #851, after four months worth of hastily solicited fill-ins.

Another prominent example of the new approach is the much-hyped Wonder Woman relaunch by writer Allan Heinberg and artist Terry Dodson. Originally slated to be monthly, the book’s schedule was quickly changed to “bi-monthly,” but to no avail. While Wonder Woman #4 finally shipped in February — five months late, by the original schedule — issue #5 will now be a fill-in, before a new creative team takes over with the subsequent issue. This leaves the Heinberg/Dodson story to be concluded at a later date, if at all.

It’s a most remarkable shift in policy in this day and age, all told, and I’m curious about the numbers resulting from it in the short- and mid-term.

—–

27 - TEEN TITANS
01/2004: Teen Titans #7  -- 68,142
01/2005: Teen Titans #20 -- 65,953
----------------------------------
01/2006: Teen Titans #31 -- 65,223 (- 2.9%)
02/2006: Teen Titans #32 -- 69,131 (+ 6.0%)
03/2006: Teen Titans #33 -- 67,208 (- 2.8%)
04/2006: Teen Titans #34 -- 82,503 (+22.8%) [90,051]
05/2006: Teen Titans #35 -- 72,954 (-11.6%)
05/2006: Teen Titans #36 -- 71,486 (- 2.0%)
06/2006: --
07/2006: Teen Titans #37 -- 71,263 (- 0.3%)
08/2006: Teen Titans #38 -- 69,232 (- 2.9%)
09/2006: Teen Titans #39 -- 65,969 (- 4.7%)
10/2006: --
11/2006: Teen Titans #40 -- 64,176 (- 2.7%)
11/2006: Teen Titans #41 -- 61,714 (- 3.8%)
12/2006: Teen Titans #42 -- 60,165 (- 2.5%)
01/2007: Teen Titans #43 -- 60,290 (+ 0.2%)
----------------
6 months: -15.4%
1 year  : - 7.6%
2 years : - 8.6%

The beginning of a new arc brings a change of direction, arresting the book’s recent sales decline for the time being. A creative team change is on the horizon.

—–

31 - FLASH: THE FASTEST MAN ALIVE
01/2004: Flash #206     --  33,367
01/2005: Flash #218     --  41,668  
----------------------------------
01/2006: Flash #230     --  40,571 (-  2.1%) [42,392]
02/2006: --
03/2006: --
04/2006: --
05/2006: --
06/2006: Flash: FMA #1  -- 120,404 (+196.8%) [126,741]
07/2006: Flash: FMA #2  --  77,487 (- 35.6%) [ 82,501]
08/2006: Flash: FMA #3  --  70,633 (-  8.9%) [ 72,067]
09/2006: Flash: FMA #4  --  66,663 (-  5.6%)
10/2006: Flash: FMA #5  --  61,576 (-  7.6%)
11/2006: Flash: FMA #6  --  56,789 (-  7.8%)
12/2006: Flash: FMA #7  --  53,600 (-  5.6%)
01/2007: Flash: FMA #8  --  50,967 (-  4.9%)
----------------
6 months: -34.2%
1 year  : +25.6%
2 years : +22.3%

Having shed about 70,000 units or 58% of the relaunch’s initial sales in its first seven months, co-writers Bilson and DeMeo finish their tenure. In fairness, it should be mentioned that the book has suffered from fill-in artwork since issue #3, but it’s no exaggeration to say that the story has been met with mixed reactions as well.

—–

32 - BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL
12/2006: Batman Confidential #1  -- 61,119
01/2007: Batman Confidential #2  -- 47,451 (-22.4%)

A fairly average second-issue drop. The book follows in the footsteps of its sister title.

—–

42 - SUPERMAN CONFIDENTIAL
11/2006: Superman Confidential #1  -- 60,157
12/2006: Superman Confidential #2  -- 46,765 (-22.3%)
01/2007: Superman Confidential #3  -- 41,346 (-11.6%)

Speaking of which, a double-digit drop for issue #3 generally isn’t desirable, but the series is still performing at a decent level, so there’s nothing to worry about.

—–

43 - SUPERMAN AND BATMAN VS. ALIENS AND PREDATORS
01/2007: S&B vs. A&P #1 of 2 -- 40,889

The crossover by writer Mark Schultz and artist Ariel Olivetti is the publisher’s highest-ranking new launch for January. More importantly, it’s a $ 5.99 “prestige format” series, so these numbers are quite alright.

—–

48 - GREEN LANTERN CORPS
01/2006: GLC: Recharge #4 of 5   -- 59,952 (- 7.0%) [61,540]
02/2006: --
03/2006: GLC: Recharge #5 of 5   -- 60,123 (+ 0.3%)
04/2006: --
05/2006: --
06/2006: Green Lantern Corps #1  -- 76,686 (+27.6%)
07/2006: Green Lantern Corps #2  -- 56,886 (-25.8%)
08/2006: Green Lantern Corps #3  -- 51,485 (- 9.5%)
09/2006: Green Lantern Corps #4  -- 46,619 (- 9.5%)
10/2006: Green Lantern Corps #5  -- 43,546 (- 6.6%)
11/2006: Green Lantern Corps #6  -- 41,089 (- 5.6%)
12/2006: Green Lantern Corps #7  -- 38,737 (- 5.7%)
01/2007: Green Lantern Corps #8  -- 36,924 (- 4.7%)
----------------
6 months: -35.1%
1 year  : -38.4%

The book is in the middle of an arc by a guest writer, but it doesn’t seem to be making much of a difference to the ongoing decline.

—–

49 - OUTSIDERS
01/2004: Outsiders #8  -- 45,131
01/2005: Outsiders #19 -- 39,528
--------------------------------
01/2006: Outsiders #32 -- 44,027 (- 5.4%)
02/2006: Outsiders #33 -- 43,270 (- 1.7%)
03/2006: Outsiders #34 -- 47,286 (+ 9.3%) [51,527]
04/2006: Outsiders #35 -- 45,774 (- 3.2%)
05/2006: Outsiders #36 -- 45,705 (- 0.2%)
06/2006: Outsiders #37 -- 44,109 (- 3.5%)
07/2006: Outsiders #38 -- 41,974 (- 4.8%)
08/2006: Outsiders #39 -- 40,524 (- 3.5%)
09/2006: Outsiders #40 -- 38,626 (- 4.7%)
10/2006: Outsiders #41 -- 36,672 (- 5.1%)
11/2006: Outsiders #42 -- 35,598 (- 2.9%)
12/2006: Outsiders #43 -- 34,243 (- 3.8%)
01/2007: Outsiders #44 -- 34,437 (+ 0.6%)
----------------
6 months: -18.0%
1 year  : -21.8%
2 years : -12.9%

The first part of a flashback story featuring the Red Hood character puts a stop to the book’s recent sales decline.

—–

52 - NIGHTWING
01/2004: Nightwing #89  -- 28,835
01/2005: Nightwing #101 -- 38,098
01/2005: Nightwing #102 -- 36,093
---------------------------------
01/2006: Nightwing #116 -- 35,113 (- 1.6%) [37,851]
02/2006: Nightwing #117 -- 35,489 (+ 1.1%)
03/2006: Nightwing #118 -- 42,525 (+19.8%) [51,775]
04/2006: Nightwing #119 -- 46,336 (+ 9.0%)
05/2006: Nightwing #120 -- 46,076 (- 0.6%)
06/2006: Nightwing #121 -- 44,974 (- 2.4%)
07/2006: Nightwing #122 -- 42,542 (- 5.4%)
08/2006: Nightwing #123 -- 40,111 (- 5.7%)
09/2006: Nightwing #124 -- 38,251 (- 4.6%)
10/2006: Nightwing #125 -- 38,470 (+ 0.6%)
11/2006: Nightwing #126 -- 36,145 (- 6.0%)
12/2006: Nightwing #127 -- 34,889 (- 3.5%)
01/2007: Nightwing #128 -- 33,930 (- 2.8%)
----------------
6 months: -20.2%
1 year  : - 3.4%
2 years : - 8.5%

Declining, but leveling out again, it seems.

—–

54 - ION
04/2006: Ion #1  of 12 -- 66,453          [74,727]
05/2006: Ion #2  of 12 -- 55,532 (-16.4%) [57,415]
06/2006: Ion #3  of 12 -- 51,739 (- 6.8%)
07/2006: Ion #4  of 12 -- 49,981 (- 3.4%)
08/2006: Ion #5  of 12 -- 45,764 (- 8.4%)
09/2006: Ion #6  of 12 -- 41,832 (- 8.6%)
10/2006: Ion #7  of 12 -- 38,795 (- 7.3%)
11/2006: Ion #8  of 12 -- 36,541 (- 5.8%)
12/2006: Ion #9  of 12 -- 35,566 (- 2.7%)
01/2007: Ion #10 of 12 -- 33,719 (- 5.2%)
----------------
6 months: -32.5%

Declining.

—–

56 - SUPERGIRL AND THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES
01/2004: Legion #29           -- 24,908
01/2005: Legion of SH #2      -- 42,261
---------------------------------------
01/2006: Legion of SH #13     -- 32,730 (-  2.4%)
02/2006: Legion of SH #14     -- 32,513 (-  0.7%)
02/2006: Legion of SH #15     -- 31,649 (-  2.7%)
03/2006: Supergirl & LoSH #16 -- 47,426 (+ 49.9%) [54,788]
04/2006: Supergirl & LoSH #17 -- 44,827 (-  5.5%) [47,724]
05/2006: Supergirl & LoSH #18 -- 45,520 (+  1.6%)
06/2006: Supergirl & LoSH #19 -- 43,918 (-  3.5%)
07/2006: Supergirl & LoSH #20 -- 41,679 (-  5.1%)
08/2006: Supergirl & LoSH #21 -- 39,852 (-  4.4%)
09/2006: Supergirl & LoSH #22 -- 36,735 (-  7.8%)
10/2006: Supergirl & LoSH #23 -- 41,554 (+ 13.1%)
11/2006: Supergirl & LoSH #24 -- 33,985 (- 18.2%)
12/2006: Supergirl & LoSH #25 -- 33,288 (-  2.1%)
01/2007: Supergirl & LoSH #26 -- 32,342 (-  2.8%)
----------------
6 months: -22.4%
1 year  : - 1.2% 
2 years : -23.5%

The boost from March’s “One Year Later” stunt is gone now, but the book has yet to drop below the numbers it did in February 2006.

—–

58 - GREEN ARROW
01/2004: Green Arrow #34 -- 35,986
01/2005: Green Arrow #46 -- 32,469
----------------------------------
01/2006: Green Arrow #58 -- 30,990 (- 2.5%)
02/2006: Green Arrow #59 -- 31,250 (+ 0.8%)
03/2006: Green Arrow #60 -- 37,946 (+21.4%) [43,045]
04/2006: Green Arrow #61 -- 35,993 (- 5.2%) [40,621]
05/2006: Green Arrow #62 -- 39,185 (+ 8.9%)
06/2006: Green Arrow #63 -- 37,803 (- 3.5%)
07/2006: Green Arrow #64 -- 36,148 (- 4.4%)
08/2006: Green Arrow #65 -- 35,705 (- 1.2%)
09/2006: Green Arrow #66 -- 33,793 (- 5.4%)
10/2006: Green Arrow #67 -- 32,583 (- 3.6%)
11/2006: Green Arrow #68 -- 32,135 (- 1.4%)
12/2006: Green Arrow #69 -- 32,234 (+ 0.3%)
01/2007: Green Arrow #70 -- 31,798 (- 1.4%)
----------------
6 months: -12.0%
1 year  : + 2.6%
2 years : - 2.1%

Sales remain in their usual range between 30 and 35K.

—–

64 - ROBIN
01/2004: Robin #122 -- 26,413
01/2005: Robin #134 -- 32,850
-----------------------------
01/2006: Robin #146 -- 29,499 (+ 3.4%) [31,851]
02/2006: Robin #147 -- 32,120 (+ 8.9%)
03/2006: Robin #148 -- 36,717 (+14.3%) [42,442]
04/2006: Robin #149 -- 37,173 (+ 1.2%)
05/2006: Robin #150 -- 41,417 (+11.4%)
06/2006: Robin #151 -- 38,921 (- 6.0%)
07/2006: Robin #152 -- 37,466 (- 3.7%)
08/2006: Robin #153 -- 36,608 (- 2.3%)
09/2006: Robin #154 -- 34,387 (- 6.1%)
10/2006: Robin #155 -- 32,951 (- 4.2%)
11/2006: Robin #156 -- 31,682 (- 3.9%)
12/2006: Robin #157 -- 30,556 (- 3.6%)
01/2007: Robin #158 -- 29,464 (- 3.6%)
----------------
6 months: -21.4%
1 year  : - 0.1%
2 years : -10.3%

Declining, but still within the established spectrum.

—–

65 - BIRDS OF PREY
01/2004: Birds of Prey #63  -- 29,725
01/2005: Birds of Prey #78  -- 29,456
-------------------------------------
01/2006: Birds of Prey #90  -- 30,460 (- 0.6%)
02/2006: Birds of Prey #91  -- 29,835 (- 2.1%)
03/2006: Birds of Prey #92  -- 36,808 (+23.4%)
04/2006: Birds of Prey #93  -- 34,404 (- 6.5%)
05/2006: Birds of Prey #94  -- 34,905 (+ 1.5%)
06/2006: Birds of Prey #95  -- 33,954 (- 2.7%)
07/2006: Birds of Prey #96  -- 32,219 (- 5.1%)
08/2006: Birds of Prey #97  -- 31,578 (- 2.0%)
09/2006: Birds of Prey #98  -- 32,715 (+ 3.6%)
10/2006: Birds of Prey #99  -- 30,385 (- 7.1%)
11/2006: Birds of Prey #100 -- 34,607 (+13.9%)
12/2006: Birds of Prey #101 -- 29,825 (-13.8%)
01/2007: Birds of Prey #102 -- 29,043 (- 2.6%)
----------------
6 months: - 9.9%
1 year  : - 4.7%
2 years : - 1.4%

The numbers remain in the usual area, but the book’s makeover doesn’t seem to be catching on so far.

—–

68 - GEN13 (WildStorm)
10/2006: Gen13 #1  -- 47,535
11/2006: Gen13 #2  -- 33,494 (-29.5%)
12/2006: Gen13 #3  -- 30,233 (- 9.7%)
01/2007: Gen13 #4  -- 27,615 (- 8.7%)

Sales are finding their level rather slowly. Issue #4 was the last one with a variant cover edition, so the drop for #5 is likely to be ugly.

With Wildcats, The Authority and Astro City missing in action (the former two are currently supposed to ship in March, the latter came out in February), Gen13 was the best-selling WildStorm title in January. WildStorm’s average sales have dropped below 15K again just three months into the much-hyped relaunch of its WildStorm Universe line, meanwhile, which isn’t encouraging.

—–

70 - THE MIDNIGHTER (WildStorm)
11/2006: The Midnighter #1  -- 39,796
12/2006: The Midnighter #2  -- 30,464 (-23.5%)
01/2007: The Midnighter #3  -- 27,564 (- 9.5%)

An average third-issue drop.

—–

72 - THE SPIRIT
11/2006: Batman/The Spirit -- 35,541          [39,666]
12/2006: The Spirit #1     -- 34,558 (- 2.8%)
01/2007: The Spirit #2     -- 27,245 (-21.2%)

An average drop-off for a second issue, but these numbers are alright.

—–

78 - FABLES (Vertigo)
01/2004: Fables #21 -- 25,326
01/2005: Fables #33 -- 24,367
-----------------------------
01/2006: Fables #45 -- 24,297 (-0.9%)
02/2006: Fables #46 -- 24,134 (-0.7%)
03/2006: Fables #47 -- 24,278 (+0.6%)
04/2006: Fables #48 -- 24,476 (+0.8%)
05/2006: Fables #49 -- 24,444 (-0.1%)
06/2006: Fables #50 -- 26,210 (+7.2%)
07/2006: Fables #51 -- 25,087 (-4.3%)
08/2006: Fables #52 -- 25,378 (+1.2%)
09/2006: Fables #53 -- 25,388 (+0.0%)
10/2006: Fables #54 -- 25,534 (+0.6%)
11/2006: Fables #55 -- 25,635 (+0.4%)
12/2006: Fables #56 -- 25,892 (+1.0%)
01/2007: Fables #57 -- 25,744 (-0.6%)
---------------
6 months: +2.6%
1 year  : +6.0%
2 years : +5.7%

Leveling out around 26K.

—–

79 - Y: THE LAST MAN (Vertigo)
01/2004: Y: The Last Man #18 -- 26,341
01/2005: Y: The Last Man #30 -- 25,744
--------------------------------------
01/2006: Y: The Last Man #41 -- 25,931 (-0.3%)
02/2006: Y: The Last Man #42 -- 25,775 (-0.6%)
03/2006: Y: The Last Man #43 -- 25,877 (+0.4%)
04/2006: Y: The Last Man #44 -- 25,985 (+0.4%)
05/2006: Y: The Last Man #45 -- 25,866 (-0.5%)
06/2006: Y: The Last Man #46 -- 25,881 (+0.1%)
07/2006: Y: The Last Man #47 -- 25,791 (-0.4%)
08/2006: Y: The Last Man #48 -- 25,829 (+0.2%)
09/2006: Y: The Last Man #49 -- 25,690 (-0.5%)
10/2006: Y: The Last Man #50 -- 26,802 (+4.3%)
11/2006: Y: The Last Man #51 -- 25,606 (-4.5%)
12/2006: Y: The Last Man #52 -- 25,422 (-0.7%)
01/2007: Y: The Last Man #53 -- 25,375 (-0.2%)
---------------
6 months: -1.6%
1 year  : -2.1%
2 years : -1.4%

Sales are holding steady, as always. The book will finish its run with issue #60, and Vertigo have yet to find a successor, in terms of monthly sales.

—–

82/88 - THE HELMET OF FATE
01/2007: HoF: Detective Chimp #1     -- 25,338
01/2007: HoF: Ibis the Invincible #1 -- 24,113 (-4.8%)

The first two of five one-shots introducing Doctor Fate, a new monthly title launching in April. The numbers are more than respectable, given the obscure title characters.

—–

85/89 - JSA: CLASSIFIED
01/2006: JSA: Classified #7  -- 42,857 (- 5.4%)
02/2006: JSA: Classified #8  -- 39,656 (- 7.5%)
02/2006: JSA: Classified #9  -- 39,104 (- 1.4%)
03/2006: JSA: Classified #10 -- 41,332 (+ 5.7%)
04/2006: JSA: Classified #11 -- 37,815 (- 8.5%)
05/2006: JSA: Classified #12 -- 37,446 (- 1.0%)
06/2006: JSA: Classified #13 -- 36,066 (- 3.7%)
07/2006: JSA: Classified #14 -- 33,832 (- 6.2%)
08/2006: JSA: Classified #15 -- 32,308 (- 4.5%)
08/2006: JSA: Classified #16 -- 32,173 (- 0.4%)
09/2006: JSA: Classified #17 -- 30,340 (- 5.7%)
10/2006: JSA: Classified #18 -- 26,783 (-11.7%)
11/2006: JSA: Classified #19 -- 25,663 (- 4.2%)
12/2006: JSA: Classified #20 -- 24,722 (- 3.7%)
01/2007: JSA: Classified #21 -- 24,476 (- 1.0%)
01/2007: JSA: Classified #22 -- 23,830 (- 2.6%)
----------------
6 months: -28.6%
1 year  : -43.6%

The book had two issues out in January, making up parts two and three of a crossover with Hawkgirl. There’s no noticeable effect on sales.

—–

87 - MARTIAN MANHUNTER
08/2006: Martian Manhunter #1 of 8 -- 41,263
09/2006: Martian Manhunter #2 of 8 -- 32,624 (-20.9%)
10/2006: Martian Manhunter #3 of 8 -- 29,286 (-10.2%)
11/2006: Martian Manhunter #4 of 8 -- 27,390 (- 6.5%)
12/2006: Martian Manhunter #5 of 8 -- 25,522 (- 6.8%)
01/2007: Martian Manhunter #6 of 8 -- 24,128 (- 5.5%)

After the harsh initial drops, it’s settled into a standard limited series performance.

—–

91/93/96 - JLA: CLASSIFIED
01/2005: JLA: Classified #3  -- 60,225
--------------------------------------
01/2006: JLA: Classified #16 -- 39,336 (- 6.2%)
02/2006: JLA: Classified #17 -- 38,014 (- 3.4%)
03/2006: JLA: Classified #18 -- 35,873 (- 5.6%)
03/2006: JLA: Classified #19 -- 35,300 (- 1.6%)
04/2006: JLA: Classified #20 -- 34,039 (- 3.6%)
05/2006: JLA: Classified #21 -- 33,800 (- 0.7%)
06/2006: JLA: Classified #22 -- 34,023 (+ 0.7%)
06/2006: JLA: Classified #23 -- 33,564 (- 1.4%)
07/2006: JLA: Classified #24 -- 31,697 (- 5.6%)
07/2006: JLA: Classified #25 -- 30,709 (- 3.1%)
08/2006: JLA: Classified #26 -- 27,816 (- 9.4%)
09/2006: JLA: Classified #27 -- 27,754 (- 0.2%)
10/2006: JLA: Classified #28 -- 26,003 (- 6.3%)
11/2006: JLA: Classified #29 -- 24,785 (- 4.7%)
12/2006: JLA: Classified #30 -- 23,644 (- 4.6%)
01/2007: JLA: Classified #31 -- 22,939 (- 3.0%)
01/2007: JLA: Classified #32 -- 23,091 (+ 0.7%)
01/2007: JLA: Classified #33 -- 22,504 (- 2.5%)
----------------
6 months: -26.8%
1 year  : -41.9%
2 years : -62.1%

The title went bi-weekly in January, resulting in three new issues. The first one wrapped up the story written by Howard Chaykin, the remaining two started off a new arc by Dan Slott and Dan Jurgens, explaining the slight increase for issue #32.

—–

95 - SHADOWPACT
05/2006: Shadowpact #1  -- 50,279
06/2006: Shadowpact #2  -- 39,969 (-20.5%)
07/2006: Shadowpact #3  -- 36,341 (- 9.1%)
08/2006: Shadowpact #4  -- 33,383 (- 8.1%)
09/2006: Shadowpact #5  -- 29,983 (-10.2%)
09/2006: Shadowpact #6  -- 27,276 (- 9.0%)
10/2006: --
11/2006: Shadowpact #7  -- 25,701 (- 5.8%)
12/2006: Shadowpact #8  -- 23,898 (- 7.0%)
01/2007: Shadowpact #9  -- 22,866 (- 4.3%)
----------------
6 months: -37.1%

The decline appears to be slowing down, but it’s still too swift for comfort.

—–

97 - UNCLE SAM & THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS
07/2006: Uncle Sam & FF #1 of 8 -- 40,736
08/2006: Uncle Sam & FF #2 of 8 -- 31,616 (-22.4%) [32,758]
09/2006: Uncle Sam & FF #3 of 8 -- 28,430 (-10.1%)
10/2006: Uncle Sam & FF #4 of 8 -- 26,527 (- 6.7%)
11/2006: Uncle Sam & FF #5 of 8 -- 25,144 (- 5.2%)
12/2006: Uncle Sam & FF #6 of 8 -- 23,321 (- 7.3%)
01/2007: Uncle Sam & FF #7 of 8 -- 22,460 (- 3.7%)
----------------
6 months: -44.9%

A standard limited series pattern, if you ignore the steep drops for the second and third issues.

—–

99 - BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT
01/2004: Batman: LotDK #175 -- 24,195
01/2005: Batman: LotDK #187 -- 26,853
-------------------------------------
01/2006: Batman: LotDK #199 -- 23,461 (- 2.3%)
02/2006: Batman: LotDK #200 -- 28,984 (+23.5%)
03/2006: Batman: LotDK #201 -- 24,516 (-15.4%)
03/2006: Batman: LotDK #202 -- 23,810 (- 2.9%)
04/2006: Batman: LotDK #203 -- 24,775 (+ 4.1%)
04/2006: Batman: LotDK #204 -- 24,155 (- 2.5%)
05/2006: Batman: LotDK #205 -- 24,421 (+ 1.1%)
05/2006: Batman: LotDK #206 -- 24,228 (- 0.8%)
06/2006: Batman: LotDK #207 -- 24,457 (+ 1.0%)
07/2006: Batman: LotDK #208 -- 23,974 (- 2.0%)
08/2006: Batman: LotDK #209 -- 24,101 (+ 0.5%)
09/2006: Batman: LotDK #210 -- 24,182 (+ 0.3%)
10/2006: Batman: LotDK #211 -- 24,236 (+ 0.2%)
11/2006: Batman: LotDK #212 -- 23,342 (- 3.7%)
12/2006: Batman: LotDK #213 -- 22,898 (- 1.9%)
01/2007: Batman: LotDK #214 -- 22,192 (- 3.1%)
----------------
6 months: - 7.4%
1 year  : - 5.4%
2 years : -17.4%

Axed. Batman Confidential has already taken its place.

—–

101 - CHECKMATE
04/2006: Checkmate #1  -- 49,156          [55,375]
05/2006: Checkmate #2  -- 41,773 (-15.5%)
06/2006: Checkmate #3  -- 37,551 (-10.1%)
07/2006: Checkmate #4  -- 34,661 (- 7.7%)
08/2006: Checkmate #5  -- 31,252 (- 9.8%)
09/2006: Checkmate #6  -- 28,887 (- 7.6%)
10/2006: Checkmate #7  -- 26,302 (- 9.0%)
11/2006: Checkmate #8  -- 24,899 (- 5.3%)
12/2006: Checkmate #9  -- 23,436 (- 5.9%)
01/2007: Checkmate #10 -- 22,032 (- 6.0%)
----------------
6 months: -36.4%

The steep decline continues.

—–

103 - BATMAN: THE MAD MONK
01/2006: Batman: Monster Men #3 of 6 -- 27,135 (- 6.9%)
02/2006: Batman: Monster Men #4 of 6 -- 26,320 (- 3.0%)
03/2006: Batman: Monster Men #5 of 6 -- 25,960 (- 1.4%)
04/2006: Batman: Monster Men #6 of 6 -- 25,650 (- 1.2%)
05/2006: --
06/2006: --
07/2006: --
08/2006: Batman: Mad Monk #1 of 6    -- 29,169 (+13.7%)
09/2006: Batman: Mad Monk #2 of 6    -- 25,516 (-12.5%)
10/2006: Batman: Mad Monk #3 of 6    -- 24,298 (- 4.8%)
11/2006: Batman: Mad Monk #4 of 6    -- 23,616 (- 2.8%)
12/2006: Batman: Mad Monk #5 of 6    -- 22,397 (- 5.2%)
01/2007: Batman: Mad Monk #6 of 6    -- 21,822 (- 2.6%)
----------------
6 months:  n.a.
1 year  : -19.6%

Finishing with perfectly decent numbers.

—–

105 - MYSTERY IN SPACE
09/2006: Mystery in Space #1 of 8 -- 46,610
10/2006: Mystery in Space #2 of 8 -- 28,781 (-38.3%)
11/2006: Mystery in Space #3 of 8 -- 25,804 (-10.3%)
12/2006: Mystery in Space #4 of 8 -- 23,575 (- 8.6%)
01/2007: Mystery in Space #5 of 8 -- 21,612 (- 8.3%)

Still declining faster than it should. They’re probably happy it’s still selling above 20K, though, which actually isn’t that bad for this type of thing.

—–

106 - CATWOMAN
01/2004: Catwoman #27 -- 25,023
01/2005: Catwoman #39 -- 24,161
-------------------------------
01/2006: Catwoman #51 -- 22,681 (- 6.0%)
02/2006: Catwoman #52 -- 21,954 (- 3.2%)
03/2006: Catwoman #53 -- 28,473 (+29.7%) [34,428]
04/2006: Catwoman #54 -- 28,922 (+ 1.6%)
05/2006: Catwoman #55 -- 30,184 (+ 4.4%)
06/2006: Catwoman #56 -- 28,942 (- 4.1%)
07/2006: Catwoman #57 -- 27,302 (- 5.7%)
08/2006: Catwoman #58 -- 26,568 (- 1.0%)
09/2006: Catwoman #59 -- 25,324 (- 4.7%)
10/2006: Catwoman #60 -- 24,117 (- 4.8%)
11/2006: Catwoman #61 -- 23,182 (- 3.9%)
12/2006: Catwoman #62 -- 22,305 (- 3.8%)
01/2007: Catwoman #63 -- 21,597 (- 3.2%)
----------------
6 months: -20.9%
1 year  : - 4.8%
2 years : -10.6%

The numbers continue to decline, falling below the level the book was selling at prior to March’s “One Year Later” boost.

—–

109 - THE ALL-NEW ATOM
07/2006: The All-New Atom #1  -- 49,969
08/2006: The All-New Atom #2  -- 38,239 (-23.5%)
09/2006: The All-New Atom #3  -- 33,254 (-13.0%)
10/2006: The All-New Atom #4  -- 28,450 (-14.5%)
11/2006: The All-New Atom #5  -- 25,569 (-10.1%)
12/2006: The All-New Atom #6  -- 22,852 (-10.6%)
01/2007: The All-New Atom #7  -- 20,996 (- 8.1%)
----------------
6 months: -58.0%

Well, at least the drops are now in the single digits. The six-month drop-off is awe-inspiring, obviously.

—–

112 - JACK OF FABLES (Vertigo)
07/2006: Jack of Fables #1  -- 27,097
08/2006: Jack of Fables #2  -- 23,554 (-13.1%)
09/2006: Jack of Fables #3  -- 22,373 (- 5.0%)
10/2006: Jack of Fables #4  -- 21,614 (- 3.4%)
11/2006: Jack of Fables #5  -- 21,191 (- 2.0%)
12/2006: Jack of Fables #6  -- 20,950 (- 1.1%)
01/2007: Jack of Fables #7  -- 20,314 (- 3.0%)
----------------
6 months: -25.0%

This one looks rather more healthy, on the other hand. Good numbers.

—–

113 - OMAC
07/2006: OMAC #1 of 8 -- 54,092
08/2006: OMAC #2 of 8 -- 42,011 (-22.3%)
09/2006: OMAC #3 of 8 -- 32,578 (-22.5%)
10/2006: OMAC #4 of 8 -- 26,745 (-17.9%)
11/2006: OMAC #5 of 8 -- 23,691 (-11.4%)
12/2006: OMAC #6 of 8 -- 21,705 (- 8.4%)
13/2006: OMAC #7 of 8 -- 19,966 (- 8.0%)
----------------
6 months: -63.1%

Another embarrassment. OMAC keeps bleeding units like there’s no tomorrow.

—–

114 - TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED
10/2006: Tales of the Unexpected #1 of 8 -- 35,486
11/2006: Tales of the Unexpected #2 of 8 -- 24,219 (-31.8%)
12/2006: Tales of the Unexpected #3 of 8 -- 21,166 (-12.6%)
01/2007: Tales of the Unexpected #4 of 8 -- 19,872 (- 6.1%)

It looks to be leveling out after the very harsh initial drops.

—–

115 - BLUE BEETLE
03/2006: Blue Beetle #1  -- 50,678          [69,752]
04/2006: Blue Beetle #2  -- 43,770 (-13.6%) [50,190]
05/2006: Blue Beetle #3  -- 41,711 (- 4.7%)
06/2006: Blue Beetle #4  -- 38,622 (- 7.4%)
07/2006: Blue Beetle #5  -- 35,490 (- 8.1%)
08/2006: Blue Beetle #6  -- 33,181 (- 6.5%)
09/2006: Blue Beetle #7  -- 29,079 (-12.4%)
10/2006: --
11/2006: Blue Beetle #8  -- 25,861 (-11.1%)
11/2006: Blue Beetle #9  -- 23,785 (- 8.0%)
12/2006: Blue Beetle #10 -- 21,358 (-10.2%)
01/2007: Blue Beetle #11 -- 19,865 (- 7.0%)
----------------
6 months: -44.0%

Down it goes. The original artist and the book’s co-writer abandoned ship after last issue, but it doesn’t seem to make much of a difference to sales, at this stage.

—–

116 - AQUAMAN: SWORD OF ATLANTIS
01/2004: Aquaman #14      -- 21,675
01/2005: Aquaman #26      -- 20,374
-----------------------------------
01/2006: Aquaman #38      -- 18,321 (-  6.7%)
02/2006: Aquaman #39      -- 18,326 (+  0.0%)
03/2006: Aquaman: SoA #40 -- 37,611 (+105.2%) -- [46,401]
04/2006: Aquaman: SoA #41 -- 37,567 (-  0.1%)
05/2006: Aquaman: SoA #42 -- 32,610 (- 13.2%)
06/2006: --
07/2006: Aquaman: SoA #43 -- 30,584 (-  6.2%)
08/2006: --
09/2006: Aquaman: SoA #44 -- 28,001 (-  8.5%)
10/2006: --
11/2006: Aquaman: SoA #45 -- 23,540 (- 15.9%)
11/2006: Aquaman: SoA #46 -- 21,974 (-  6.7%)
12/2006: Aquaman: SoA #47 -- 21,197 (-  3.5%)
01/2007: Aquaman: SoA #48 -- 19,459 (-  8.2%)
----------------
6 months: -36.4%
1 year  : + 6.2%
2 years : - 4.5%

The decline is accelerating again. In fairness, sales are still slightly above their pre-“One Year Later” level, but the book’s performance during the Kurt Busiek run is nothing to write home about, anyway.

A new creative team takes over with issue #50, but neither of the creators are known as sales magnets, so there’s cause to be skeptical regarding Aquaman‘s future.

—–

 - DEATHBLOW (WildStorm)
10/2006: Deathblow #1  -- 34,056
11/2006: Deathblow #2  -- 22,880 (-32.8%)
12/2006: --
01/2007: Deathblow #3  -- 18,813 (-17.8%)

Declining too fast for comfort. The book is now on a bi-monthly schedule, apparently.

—–

120 - EX MACHINA (WildStorm)
01/2005: --
---------------------------------
01/2006: Ex Machina #17 -- 21,196 (- 0.3%)
02/2006: --
03/2006: Ex Machina #18 -- 21,081 (- 0.5%)
04/2006: Ex Machina #19 -- 20,358 (- 3.4%)
05/2006: Ex Machina #20 -- 20,589 (+ 1.1%)
06/2006: Ex Machina #21 -- 20,195 (- 1.9%)
07/2006: --
08/2006: Ex Machina #22 -- 20,079 (- 0.6%)
09/2006: Ex Machina #23 -- 20,135 (+ 0.3%)
10/2006: --
11/2006: Ex Machina #24 -- 19,813 (- 1.6%)
12/2006: Ex Machina #25 -- 19,234 (- 2.9%)
01/2007: Ex Machina #26 -- 18,567 (- 3.5%)
----------------
6 months:   n.a.
1 year  : -12.4%  
2 years :   n.a.

The drops are getting larger. That’s not a good sign.

—–

121 - STORMWATCH: PHD (WildStorm)
01/2004: SW: Team Achilles #19 -- 10,579
----------------------------------------
11/2006: StormWatch: PHD #1    -- 29,975
12/2006: StormWatch: PHD #2    -- 21,605 (-27.9%)
01/2007: StormWatch: PHD #3    -- 18,371 (-15.0%)

You know the drill. It’s another recently relaunched WildStorm Universe title with unimpressive numbers.

—–

122 - WETWORKS (WildStorm)
09/2006: Wetworks #1  -- 43,824
10/2006: Wetworks #2  -- 28,181 (-35.7%)
11/2006: Wetworks #3  -- 24,493 (-13.1%)
12/2006: Wetworks #4  -- 23,267 (- 5.0%)
01/2007: Wetworks #5  -- 18,313 (-21.3%)

Issue #5 was the first one without a variant cover, so the huge drop doesn’t come as a surprise. Artist and series creator Whilce Portacio apparently leaves the book after issue #6, which is unlikely to inspire better sales.

—–

123 - JONAH HEX
01/2006: Jonah Hex #3  -- 24,671 (- 5.9%)
02/2006: Jonah Hex #4  -- 23,569 (- 4.5%)
03/2006: Jonah Hex #5  -- 23,496 (- 0.3%)
04/2006: Jonah Hex #6  -- 22,763 (- 3.1%)
05/2006: Jonah Hex #7  -- 21,910 (- 3.8%)
06/2006: Jonah Hex #8  -- 21,006 (- 4.1%)
07/2006: Jonah Hex #9  -- 20,385 (- 3.0%)
08/2006: Jonah Hex #10 -- 19,772 (- 3.0%)
09/2006: Jonah Hex #11 -- 18,957 (- 4.1%)
10/2006: Jonah Hex #12 -- 18,299 (- 3.5%)
11/2006: Jonah Hex #13 -- 18,747 (+ 2.5%)
12/2006: Jonah Hex #14 -- 18,295 (- 2.4%)
01/2007: Jonah Hex #15 -- 17,987 (- 1.7%)
----------------
6 months: -11.8%
1 year  : -27.1%

The decline is slowing down.

—–

130 - HAWKGIRL
01/2004: Hawkman #23  -- 35,140
01/2005: Hawkman #36  -- 20,468
-------------------------------
01/2006: Hawkman #48  -- 24,259 (- 1.9%)
02/2006: Hawkman #49  -- 25,031 (+ 3.2%)
03/2006: Hawkgirl #50 -- 34,728 (+38.7%) [38,135]
04/2006: Hawkgirl #51 -- 30,657 (-11.7%)
05/2006: Hawkgirl #52 -- 29,898 (- 2.5%)
06/2006: Hawkgirl #53 -- 27,786 (- 7.1%)
07/2006: Hawkgirl #54 -- 25,201 (- 9.3%)
08/2006: Hawkgirl #55 -- 23,880 (- 5.2%)
09/2006: Hawkgirl #56 -- 21,560 (- 9.7%)
10/2006: Hawkgirl #57 -- 19,909 (- 7.7%)
11/2006: Hawkgirl #58 -- 18,634 (- 6.4%)
12/2006: Hawkgirl #59 -- 18,141 (- 2.7%)
01/2007: Hawkgirl #60 -- 17,893 (- 1.4%)
----------------
6 months: -29.0%
1 year  : -26.2%
2 years : -12.6%

The crossover with JSA: Classified which begun in issue #59 and concluded in #60 has slowed down the book’s hefty sales decline for now.

—–

126 - MANHUNTER
01/2005: Manhunter #6  -- 14,335
--------------------------------
01/2006: Manhunter #18 -- 13,212 (- 3.0%)
02/2006: Manhunter #19 -- 12,970 (- 1.8%)
03/2006: Manhunter #20 -- 16,090 (+24.1%)
04/2006: Manhunter #21 -- 14,950 (- 7.1%)
05/2006: Manhunter #22 -- 15,668 (+ 4.8%)
06/2006: Manhunter #23 -- 15,542 (- 0.8%)
07/2006: Manhunter #24 -- 14,650 (- 5.7%)
08/2006: Manhunter #25 -- 15,175 (+ 3.6%)
09/2006: --
10/2006: --
11/2006: --
12/2006: Manhunter #26 -- 23,767 (+56.6%)
01/2007: Manhunter #27 -- 17,842 (-24.9%)
----------------
6 months: +21.8%
1 year  : +35.0%
2 years : +24.5%

Most of the boost from issue #26 is gone again, which might explain DC’s decision to cancel it with issue #30.

Except that’s yesterday’s news already, since it appears Manhunter has been granted another stay of execution.

For Hawkgirl and Jonah Hex, which are selling only marginally better, this probably means that they’re safe as well, for the time being, provided their numbers remain reasonably stable.

—–

132 - CONNOR HAWKE: DRAGON'S BLOOD
11/2006: Connor Hawke #1 of 6 -- 23,191
12/2006: Connor Hawke #2 of 6 -- 18,195 (-21.5%)
01/2007: Connor Hawke #3 of 6 -- 16,175 (-11.1%)

Not good for a limited series.

—–

136 - THE CREEPER
08/2006: The Creeper #1 of 6 -- 31,530
09/2006: The Creeper #2 of 6 -- 24,274 (-23.0%)
10/2006: The Creeper #3 of 6 -- 21,133 (-12.9%)
11/2006: The Creeper #4 of 6 -- 18,492 (-12.5%)
12/2006: The Creeper #5 of 6 -- 16,964 (- 8.3%)
01/2007: The Creeper #6 of 6 -- 15,885 (- 4.9%)

It’s been an awful decline, but the book’s final numbers are still somewhat dignified for a series starring the Creeper. I’m not sure that’s much of a consolation, though, considering it was one of the titles promoted with a low-priced 80-page loss-leader.

—–

141 - WELCOME TO TRANQUILITY (WildStorm)
12/2006: Welcome to Tranquility #1  -- 24,352
01/2007: Welcome to Tranquility #2  -- 15,087 (-38.1%)

A horrible drop, despite another variant cover edition. Obviously, WildStorm isn’t out of the doldrums quite yet; it’s Sleeper all over again.

—–

147 - SCALPED (Vertigo)
01/2007: Scalped #1  -- 13,644

The new crime series by writer Jason Aaron and artist R.M. Guéra debuts with marginally better numbers than Crossing Midnight, but these sales still don’t look hopeful.

Without the benefit of high-profile creators or the backing of popular franchises, Vertigo currently seems emphatically unable to get any new long-term projects off the ground.

—–

150 - DMZ (Vertigo)
01/2006: DMZ #3  -- 14,503 (- 2.3%)
02/2006: DMZ #4  -- 14,778 (+ 1.9%)
03/2006: DMZ #5  -- 14,952 (+ 1.2%)
04/2006: DMZ #6  -- 15,212 (+ 1.7%)
05/2006: DMZ #7  -- 15,026 (- 1.2%)
06/2006: DMZ #8  -- 14,999 (- 0.2%)
07/2006: DMZ #9  -- 14,786 (- 1.4%)
08/2006: DMZ #10 -- 14,704 (- 0.6%)
09/2006: DMZ #11 -- 14,562 (- 1.0%)
10/2006: DMZ #12 -- 14,640 (+ 0.5%)
11/2006: DMZ #13 -- 14,228 (- 2.8%)
12/2006: DMZ #14 -- 13,731 (- 3.5%)
01/2007: DMZ #15 -- 13,340 (- 2.9%)
----------------
6 months: - 9.8%
1 year  : - 8.0%

Sales are gently declining. DMZ remains the most successful new Vertigo property launched into the monthly market in recent memory.

—–

153 - HELLBLAZER (Vertigo)
01/2004: Hellblazer #192 -- 15,094
01/2005: Hellblazer #204 -- 14,523
----------------------------------
01/2006: Hellblazer #216 -- 14,590 (+ 1.3%)
02/2006: Hellblazer #217 -- 14,306 (- 2.0%)
03/2006: Hellblazer #218 -- 14,129 (- 1.2%)
04/2006: Hellblazer #219 -- 14,206 (+ 0.6%)
05/2006: Hellblazer #220 -- 14,161 (- 0.3%)
06/2006: Hellblazer #221 -- 13,973 (- 1.3%)
07/2006: Hellblazer #222 -- 13,912 (- 0.4%)
08/2006: Hellblazer #223 -- 13,956 (+ 0.3%)
09/2006: Hellblazer #224 -- 13,704 (- 1.8%)
10/2006: Hellblazer #225 -- 13,629 (- 0.6%)
11/2006: Hellblazer #226 -- 13,388 (- 1.8%)
12/2006: Hellblazer #227 -- 13,231 (- 1.2%)
01/2007: Hellblazer #228 -- 12,956 (- 2.1%)
----------------
6 months: - 6.9%
1 year  : -11.2%
2 years : -10.8%

Slowly declining. A new writer takes over with issue #230.

—–

SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATRE: SLEEP OF REASON (Vertigo)
12/2006: Sleep of Reason #1 of 5 -- 17,472
01/2007: Sleep of Reason #2 of 5 -- 12,687 (-27.4%)

A very stiff drop for a limited series. (And a correction: Sandman Mystery Theatre is not part of the Sandman franchise, as I claimed last month.)

—–

155 - 100 BULLETS (Vertigo)
01/2004: --
01/2005: 100 Bullets #57 -- 15,068
----------------------------------
01/2006: 100 Bullets #68 -- 13,879 (- 2.0%)
02/2006: 100 Bullets #69 -- 13,708 (- 1.2%)
03/2006: 100 Bullets #70 -- 13,591 (- 0.9%)
04/2006: 100 Bullets #71 -- 13,514 (- 0.6%)
05/2006: 100 Bullets #72 -- 13,489 (- 0.2%)
06/2006: 100 Bullets #73 -- 13,407 (- 0.6%)
07/2006: 100 Bullets #74 -- 13,265 (- 1.1%)
08/2006: 100 Bullets #75 -- 13,322 (+ 0.4%)
09/2006: 100 Bullets #76 -- 13,082 (- 1.8%)
10/2006: 100 Bullets #77 -- 13,054 (- 0.2%)
11/2006: 100 Bullets #78 -- 12,954 (- 0.8%)
12/2006: 100 Bullets #79 -- 12,907 (- 0.4%)
01/2007: 100 Bullets #80 -- 12,651 (- 2.0%)
----------------
6 months: - 4.6%
1 year  : - 8.9%
2 years : -16.0%

Slowly declining.

—–

157 - OMEGA MEN
10/2006: Omega Men #1 of 6 -- 23,536
11/2006: Omega Men #2 of 6 -- 17,379 (-26.2%)
12/2006: Omega Men #3 of 6 -- 14,046 (-19.2%)
01/2007: Omega Men #4 of 6 -- 12,144 (-13.5%)

An utter disaster, but what did you expect?

—–

162/169 - AMERICAN VIRGIN (Vertigo)
03/2006: American Virgin #1  -- 19,455
04/2006: American Virgin #2  -- 15,780 (-18.9%)
05/2006: American Virgin #3  -- 14,764 (- 6.4%)
06/2006: American Virgin #4  -- 14,081 (- 4.6%)
07/2006: American Virgin #5  -- 13,265 (- 5.8%)
08/2006: American Virgin #6  -- 12,487 (- 5.9%)
09/2006: American Virgin #7  -- 11,767 (- 5.8%)
10/2006: --
11/2006: American Virgin #8  -- 11,275 (- 4.2%)
11/2006: American Virgin #9  -- 10,567 (- 6.3%)
12/2006: --
01/2007: American Virgin #10 -- 10,331 (- 2.2%)
01/2007: American Virgin #11 --  9,628 (- 6.8%)
----------------
6 months: -24.8%

Declining.

—–

163 - RED MENACE (WildStorm)
11/2006: Red Menace #1 of 6 -- 21,389
12/2006: Red Menace #2 of 6 -- 14,501 (-32.2%)
01/2007: Red Menace #3 of 6 -- 10,295 (-29.0%)

Awful numbers. Issue #3 was the first without a variant cover edition.

—–

170 - FRIDAY THE 13TH (WildStorm)
12/2006: Friday the 13th #1  -- 15,801
01/2007: Friday the 13th #2  --  9,555 (-39.5%)

The latest horror film adaptation from WildStorm follows in the footsteps of its predecessors. In other words, sales are crashing and burning.

—–

171 - THE EXTERMINATORS (Vertigo)
01/2006: The Exterminators #1  -- 16,187
02/2006: The Exterminators #2  -- 12,459 (-23.0%)
03/2006: The Exterminators #3  -- 11,678 (- 6.3%)
04/2006: The Exterminators #4  -- 11,342 (- 2.9%)
05/2006: The Exterminators #5  -- 10,978 (- 3.2%)
06/2006: The Exterminators #6  -- 11,004 (+ 0.2%)
07/2006: The Exterminators #7  -- 10,743 (- 2.4%)
08/2006: The Exterminators #8  -- 10,299 (- 4.1%)
09/2006: The Exterminators #9  -- 10,177 (- 1.2%)
10/2006: The Exterminators #10 --  9,970 (- 2.0%)
11/2006: The Exterminators #11 --  9,973 (+ 0.0%)
12/2006: The Exterminators #12 --  9,636 (- 3.4%)
01/2007: The Exterminators #13 --  9,447 (- 2.0%)
----------------
6 months: -12.1%
1 year  : -41.6%

Declining.

—–

172 - TEEN TITANS GO (Johnny DC)
01/2004: Teen Titans Go #3  -- 18,264
01/2005: Teen Titans Go #15 -- 14,294
-------------------------------------
01/2006: Teen Titans Go #27 -- 11,609 (- 1.5%)
02/2006: Teen Titans Go #28 -- 11,568 (- 0.4%)
03/2006: Teen Titans Go #29 -- 11,260 (- 2.7%)
04/2006: Teen Titans Go #30 -- 11,225 (- 0.3%)
05/2006: Teen Titans Go #31 -- 11,140 (- 0.8%)
06/2006: Teen Titans Go #32 -- 10,736 (- 3.6%)
07/2006: Teen Titans Go #33 -- 10,516 (- 2.1%)
08/2006: Teen Titans Go #34 -- 10,328 (- 1.8%)
09/2006: Teen Titans Go #35 --  9,940 (- 3.8%)
10/2006: Teen Titans Go #36 -- 10,214 (+ 2.8%)
11/2006: Teen Titans Go #37 --  9,642 (- 5.6%)
12/2006: Teen Titans Go #38 --  9,529 (- 1.2%)
01/2007: Teen Titans Go #39 --  9,425 (- 1.1%)
----------------
6 months: -10.4%
1 year  : -18.8%
2 years : -34.1%

174 - JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED (Johnny DC)
01/2004: JL Adventures #27 -- 12,325
01/2005: JL Unlimited #5   -- 12,717
------------------------------------
01/2006: JL Unlimited #17  -- 10,199 (- 5.3%)
02/2006: JL Unlimited #18  -- 10,206 (+ 0.1%)
03/2006: JL Unlimited #19  -- 10,534 (+ 3.2%)
04/2006: JL Unlimited #20  -- 10,620 (+ 0.8%)
05/2006: JL Unlimited #21  -- 10,430 (- 1.8%)
06/2006: JL Unlimited #22  -- 10,430 (  n.a.)
07/2006: JL Unlimited #23  -- 10,255 (- 1.7%)
08/2006: JL Unlimited #24  -- 10,117 (- 1.4%)
09/2006: JL Unlimited #25  --  9,985 (- 1.3%)
10/2006: JL Unlimited #26  --  9,696 (- 2.9%)
11/2006: JL Unlimited #27  --  9,690 (- 0.1%)
12/2006: JL Unlimited #28  --  9,713 (+ 0.2%)
01/2007: JL Unlimited #29 --   9,273 (- 4.5%)
----------------
6 months: - 9.6%
1 year  : - 9.1%
2 years : -27.1%

Two Johnny DC titles. See disclaimers.

—–

179 - DEADMAN (Vertigo)
08/2006: Deadman #1  -- 21,980
09/2006: Deadman #2  -- 15,494 (-29.5%)
10/2006: Deadman #3  -- 12,936 (-16.5%)
11/2006: Deadman #4  -- 11,294 (-12.7%)
12/2006: Deadman #5  -- 10,113 (-10.5%)
01/2007: Deadman #6  --  9,157 (- 9.5%)

182 - NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (WildStorm)
10/2006: Nightmare on Elm Street #1  -- 18,736
11/2006: Nightmare on Elm Street #2  -- 11,709 (-37.5%)
12/2006: Nightmare on Elm Street #3  -- 10,129 (-13.5%)
01/2007: Nightmare on Elm Street #4  --  9,019 (-11.0%)

188 - CROSSING MIDNIGHT (Vertigo)
11/2006: Crossing Midnight #1  -- 12,756
12/2006: Crossing Midnight #2  --  8,982 (-29.6%)
01/2007: Crossing Midnight #3  --  8,236 (- 8.3%)

189 - TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (WildStorm)
11/2006: Texas Chainsaw Massacre #1  -- 15,605
12/2006: Texas Chainsaw Massacre #2  --  9,706 (-37.8%)
01/2007: Texas Chainsaw Massacre #3  --  8,229 (-15.2%)

Assorted Vertigo and WildStorm titles, all performing dismally.

—–

187 - THE OTHER SIDE (Vertigo)
10/2006: The Other Side #1 of 5 -- 12,336
11/2006: The Other Side #2 of 5 --  9,359 (-24.1%)
12/2006: The Other Side #3 of 5 --  8,436 (- 9.9%)
01/2007: The Other Side #4 of 5 --  7,989 (- 5.3%)

The monthly direct market sales are predictably dreadful, but the book has garnered enough critical acclaim for DC to have already solicited a collection — quite unusual for Vertigo limited series not attached to any established franchise.

—–

194 - TESTAMENT (Vertigo)
01/2006: Testament #2  -- 13,518 (-20.0%)
02/2006: Testament #3  -- 12,831 (- 5.1%)
03/2006: Testament #4  -- 13,074 (+ 1.9%)
04/2006: Testament #5  -- 12,770 (- 2.3%)
05/2006: Testament #6  -- 12,361 (- 3.2%)
06/2006: Testament #7  -- 11,770 (- 4.8%)
07/2006: Testament #8  -- 11,073 (- 5.9%)
08/2006: Testament #9  -- 10,462 (- 5.5%)
09/2006: Testament #10 --  9,629 (- 8.0%)
10/2006: Testament #11 --  9,059 (- 5.9%)
11/2006: Testament #12 --  8,690 (- 4.1%)
12/2006: Testament #13 --  8,320 (- 4.3%)
01/2007: Testament #14 --  7,960 (- 4.3%)
----------------
6 months: -28.1%
1 year  : -41.1%

Declining.

—–

200 - BATMAN STRIKES! (Johnny DC)
01/2004: Batman Adventures #10 -- 12,877
01/2005: Batman Strikes! #5    -- 11,808
----------------------------------------
01/2006: Batman Strikes! #17   --  8,172 (- 3.4%)
02/2006: Batman Strikes! #18   --  8,626 (+ 5.6%)
03/2006: Batman Strikes! #19   --  8,244 (- 4.4%)
04/2006: Batman Strikes! #20   --  8,331 (+ 1.1%)
05/2006: Batman Strikes! #21   --  8,467 (+ 1.6%)
06/2006: Batman Strikes! #22   --  8,104 (- 4.3%)
07/2006: Batman Strikes! #23   --  8,154 (+ 0.6%)
08/2006: Batman Strikes! #24   --  8,139 (- 0.2%)
09/2006: Batman Strikes! #25   --  7,765 (- 4.6%)
10/2006: Batman Strikes! #26   --  7,560 (- 2.6%)
11/2006: Batman Strikes! #27   --  7,567 (+ 0.1%)
12/2006: Batman Strikes! #28   --  7,427 (- 1.9%)
01/2007: Batman Strikes! #29   --  7,330 (- 1.3%)
----------------
6 months: -10.1%
1 year  : -10.3%
2 years : -37.9%

Johnny DC.

—–

204 - NINJA SCROLL (WildStorm)
09/2006: Ninja Scroll #1 -- 16,819
10/2006: --
11/2006: Ninja Scroll #2 -- 12,143 (-27.8%)
12/2006: Ninja Scroll #3 -- 10,468 (-13.8%)
12/2006: Ninja Scroll #4 --  7,781 (-25.7%)
01/2007: Ninja Scroll #5 --  6,895 (-11.4%)

206 - RUSH CITY
07/2006: Rush City #1 of 6 -- 13,083
08/2006: --
09/2006: Rush City #2 of 6 -- 11,867 (- 9.3%)
10/2006: --
11/2006: Rush City #3 of 6 --  8,539 (-28.1%)
12/2006: --
01/2007: Rush City #4 of 6 --  6,873 (-19.5%)
----------------
6 months: -47.5%

228 - SKYE RUNNER (WildStorm)
04/2006: Skye Runner #1 of 6 -- 14,600
05/2006: Skye Runner #2 of 6 --  9,464 (-35.2%)
06/2006: --
07/2006: Skye Runner #3 of 6 --  8,165 (-13.7%)
08/2006: --
09/2006: Skye Runner #4 of 6 --  8,652 (+ 6.0%)
10/2006: Skye Runner #5 of 6 --  7,691 (-11.1%)
11/2006: --
12/2006: --
01/2007: Skye Runner #6 of 6 --  5,582 (-27.4%)
----------------
6 months: -31.6%

The two WildStorm books and the General Motors advert in comics form (really!) keep tanking.

—–

239 - KRYPTO THE SUPERDOG (Johnny DC)
09/2006: Krypto the Superdog #1 of 6 -- 10,369
10/2006: Krypto the Superdog #2 of 6 --  7,023 (-32.3%)
11/2006: Krypto the Superdog #3 of 6 --  6,019 (-14.3%)
12/2006: Krypto the Superdog #4 of 6 --  5,519 (- 8.3%)
01/2007: Krypto the Superdog #5 of 6 --  4,966 (-10.0%)

253 - SCOOBY DOO (Johnny DC)
01/2004: Scooby Doo #80  -- 5,307
01/2005: Scooby Doo #92  -- 4,872
---------------------------------
01/2006: Scooby Doo #104 -- 4,454 (- 0.8%)
02/2006: Scooby Doo #105 -- 4,326 (- 2.9%)
03/2006: Scooby Doo #106 -- 4,419 (+ 2.2%)
04/2006: Scooby Doo #107 -- 4,359 (- 1.4%)
05/2006: Scooby Doo #108 -- 4,496 (+ 3.1%)
06/2006: Scooby Doo #109 -- 4,423 (- 1.6%)
07/2006: Scooby Doo #110 -- 4,781 (+ 8.1%)
08/2006: Scooby Doo #111 -- 4,492 (- 6.1%)
09/2006: Scooby Doo #112 -- 4,385 (- 2.4%)
10/2006: Scooby Doo #113 -- 4,339 (- 1.1%)
11/2006: Scooby Doo #114 -- 4,387 (+ 1.1%)
12/2006: Scooby Doo #115 -- 4,364 (- 0.5%)
01/2007: Scooby Doo #116 -- 4,285 (- 1.8%)
----------------
6 months: -10.4%
1 year  : - 3.8%
2 years : -12.1%

289 - LOONEY TUNES (Johnny DC)
01/2004: Looney Tunes #110 -- 3,197
01/2005: Looney Tunes #122 -- 2,896
-----------------------------------
01/2006: Looney Tunes #134 -- 2,601 (- 1.2%)
02/2006: Looney Tunes #135 -- 2,631 (+ 1.2%)
03/2006: Looney Tunes #136 -- 2,792 (+ 6.1%)
04/2006: Looney Tunes #137 -- 2,558 (- 8.4%)
05/2006: Looney Tunes #138 -- 2,774 (+ 8.4%)
06/2006: Looney Tunes #139 -- 2,694 (- 2.9%)
07/2006: Looney Tunes #140 -- 2,680 (- 0.5%)
08/2006: Looney Tunes #141 -- 2,783 (+ 3.8%)
09/2006: Looney Tunes #142 -- 2,695 (- 3.2%)
10/2006: Looney Tunes #143 -- 2,741 (+ 1.7%)
11/2006: Looney Tunes #144 -- ?????
12/2006: Looney Tunes #145 -- 2,732
01/2007: Looney Tunes #146 -- 2,588 (- 5.3%)
----------------
6 months: - 3.4%
1 year  : - 0.5%
2 years : -10.6%

Johnny DC.

—–

RE-ORDERS:
272:  3,262 -- Justice Society of America #1
293:  2,414 -- Justice League of America #4

—–

Average Sales per Title
(not counting reprints, re-orders shipping after the initial month of release, Johnny DC titles and magazines)

DC COMICS
01/2004: 24,889
01/2005: 24,650
---------------
01/2006: 33,019 (- 8.7%)
02/2006: 32,292 (- 2.2%)
03/2006: 36,077 (+11.7%)
04/2006: 33,566 (- 7.0%)
05/2006: 42,860 (+27.7%)
06/2006: 40,778 (- 4.9%)
07/2006: 39,915 (- 2.1%)
08/2006: 42,497 (+ 6.5%)
09/2006: 34,920 (-17.8%)
10/2006: 33,406 (- 4.3%)
11/2006: 34,906 (+ 4.5%)
12/2006: 34,418 (- 1.4%)
01/2007: 29,706 (-13.7%)
----------------
6 months: -25.6%
1 year  : -10.0%
2 years : +20.5%
3 years : +19.4%

DC UNIVERSE
01/2004: 29,783
01/2005: 30,156
---------------
01/2006: 40,118 (-10.3%)
02/2006: 40,823 (+ 1.8%)
03/2006: 44,854 (+ 9.9%)
04/2006: 45,129 (+ 0.6%)
05/2006: 56,982 (+26.3%)
06/2006: 51,088 (-10.3%)
07/2006: 49,638 (- 2.8%)
08/2006: 54,382 (+10.0%)
09/2006: 46,329 (-14.8%)
10/2006: 42,581 (- 8.1%)
11/2006: 45,399 (+ 6.6%)
12/2006: 44,641 (- 1.7%)
01/2007: 38,302 (-14.2%)
----------------
6 months: -22.8%
1 year  : - 4.5%
2 years : +27.0%
3 years : +28.6%

VERTIGO
01/2004: 15,069
01/2005: 13,262
---------------
01/2006: 15,036 (- 7.9%)
02/2006: 15,026 (- 0.1%)
03/2006: 15,812 (+ 5.2%)
04/2006: 15,473 (- 2.1%)
05/2006: 15,266 (- 1.3%)
06/2006: 14,965 (- 2.0%)
07/2006: 16,684 (+11.5%)
08/2006: 16,107 (- 3.5%)
09/2006: 15,399 (- 4.4%)
10/2006: 15,189 (- 1.4%)
11/2006: 13,773 (- 9.3%)
12/2006: 13,834 (+ 0.4%)
01/2007: 13,572 (- 1.9%)
----------------
6 months: -18.7%
1 year  : - 9.7%
2 years : + 2.3%
3 years : - 9.9%

WILDSTORM
01/2004: 14,234
01/2005: 17,591
---------------
01/2006: 17,505 (+16.2%)
02/2006: 13,610 (-22.3%)
03/2006: 14,210 (+ 4.4%)
04/2006: 16,036 (+12.9%)
05/2006: 12,737 (-20.6%)
06/2006: 15,056 (+18.2%)
07/2006: 12,778 (-15.1%)
08/2006: 14,741 (+15.4%)
09/2006: 13,285 (- 9.9%)
10/2006: 25,747 (+93.8%)
11/2006: 18,987 (-26.3%)
12/2006: 17,288 (- 9.0%)
01/2007: 14,525 (-16.0%)
----------------
6 months: +13.7%
1 year  : -17.0%
2 years : -17.4%
3 years : + 2.0%

—–

6-MONTH COMPARISONS
+ 73.8%: Justice Society
+ 21.8%: Manhunter
+  2.6%: Fables
-  1.6%: Y: The Last Man
-  3.4%: Looney Tunes
-  4.6%: 100 Bullets
-  6.9%: Hellblazer
-  7.2%: 52
-  7.4%: Batman: LotDK
-  9.6%: JL Unlimited
-  9.8%: DMZ
-  9.9%: Birds of Prey
- 10.1%: Batman Strikes!
- 10.4%: Scooby-Doo
- 10.4%: Teen Titans Go
- 11.8%: Jonah Hex
- 12.0%: Green Arrow
- 12.1%: The Exterminators
- 13.3%: Superman
- 15.4%: Teen Titans
- 17.7%: Green Lantern
- 18.0%: Outsiders
- 20.2%: Nightwing
- 20.9%: Catwoman
- 21.4%: Robin
- 22.4%: Supergirl and the Legion
- 24.8%: American Virgin
- 25.0%: Jack of Fables
- 26.8%: JLA: Classified
- 28.1%: Testament
- 28.6%: JSA: Classified
- 29.0%: Hawkgirl
- 31.6%: Skye Runner
- 32.5%: Ion
- 34.2%: FLash
- 35.1%: Green Lantern Corps
- 36.2%: Batman
- 36.4%: Aquaman
- 36.4%: Checkmate
- 37.1%: Shadowpact
- 44.0%: Blue Beetle
- 44.9%: Uncle Sam
- 47.5%: Rush City
- 58.0%: The All-New Atom
- 63.1%: OMAC

—–

1-YEAR COMPARISONS
+ 72.1%: Justice Society
+ 35.0%: Manhunter
+ 25.6%: Flash
+ 16.2%: Batman
+  6.2%: Aquaman
+  6.0%: Fables
+  2.6%: Green Arrow
-  0.1%: Robin
-  0.5%: Looney Tunes
-  1.2%: Supergirl and the Legion
-  1.8%: Superman
-  2.1%: Y: The Last Man
-  3.4%: Nightwing
-  3.8%: Scooby-Doo
-  4.7%: Birds of Prey
-  4.8%: Catwoman
-  5.4%: Batman: LotDK
-  7.6%: Teen Titans
-  8.0%: DMZ
-  8.9%: 100 Bullets
-  9.1%: JL Unlimited
- 10.3%: Batman Strikes!
- 11.2%: Hellblazer
- 12.4%: Ex Machina
- 18.8%: Teen Titans Go
- 19.6%: Batman: Mad Monk
- 20.5%: All Star Superman
- 21.8%: Outsiders
- 22.0%: Green Lantern
- 26.2%: Hawkgirl
- 27.1%: Jonah Hex
- 38.4%: Green Lantern Corps
- 41.1%: Testament
- 41.6%: The Exterminators
- 41.9%: JLA: Classified
- 43.6%: JSA: Classified

—–

2-YEAR COMPARISONS
+ 97.4%: Justice Society
+ 24.5%: Manhunter
+ 23.7%: Batman
+ 22.3%: Flash
+  5.7%: Fables
-  1.4%: Birds of Prey
-  1.4%: Y: The Last Man
-  2.1%: Green Arrow
-  4.5%: Aquaman
-  8.5%: Nightwing
-  8.6%: Teen Titans
- 10.3%: Robin
- 10.6%: Catwoman
- 10.6%: Looney Tunes
- 10.8%: Hellblazer
- 12.1%: Scooby-Doo
- 12.6%: Hawkgirl
- 12.9%: Outsiders
- 16.0%: 100 Bullets
- 17.4%: Batman: LotDK
- 23.5%: Supergirl and the Legion
- 27.1%: JL Unlimited
- 34.1%: Teen Titans Go
- 37.9%: Batman Strikes!
- 62.1%: JLA: Classified

—–
OTHER PUBLISHERS

50 - STAR WARS: LEGACY (Dark Horse)
06/2006: Star Wars: Legacy #1 -- 34,758         [36,375]
07/2006: Star Wars: Legacy #2 -- 33,298 (-4.2%)
08/2006: --
09/2006: Star Wars: Legacy #3 -- 34,268 (+2.9%)
09/2006: Star Wars: Legacy #4 -- 34,362 (+0.3%)
10/2006: --
11/2006: Star Wars: Legacy #5 -- 34,362 (   0%)
11/2006: Star Wars: Legacy #6 -- 33,003 (-4.0%)
12/2006: --
01/2007: Star Wars: Legacy #7 -- 34,249 (+3.8%)
----------------
6 months: + 2.9%

61 - STAR WARS: DARK TIMES (Dark Horse)
11/2006: Star Wars: Dark Times #1 of 5 -- 34,513
12/2006: --
01/2007: Star Wars: Dark Times #2 of 5 -- 30,500 (-11.6%)

83/86 - STAR WARS: KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC (Dark Horse)
01/2006: Star Wars: KotOR #1  -- 23,486         [25,140]
02/2006: Star Wars: KotOR #2  -- 21,203 (-9.7%)
03/2006: Star Wars: KotOR #3  -- 21,346 (+0.7%)
04/2006: Star Wars: KotOR #4  -- 22,581 (+5.8%)
05/2006: Star Wars: KotOR #5  -- 23,223 (+2.8%)
06/2006: Star Wars: KotOR #6  -- 23,424 (+0.9%)
07/2006: Star Wars: KotOR #7  -- 23,531 (+0.5%)
08/2006: --
09/2006: Star Wars: KotOR #8  -- 24,374 (+3.6%)
10/2006: Star Wars: KotOR #9  -- 24,229 (-0.6%)
11/2006: Star Wars: KotOR #10 -- 24,021 (-0.9%)
12/2006: Star Wars: KotOR #11 -- 24,437 (+1.7%)
01/2007: Star Wars: KotOR #12 -- 24,940 (+2.1%)
01/2007: Star Wars: KotOR #13 -- 24,149 (-3.2%)
----------------
6 months: + 4.3%
1 year  : + 4.5%

Dark Horse’s Star Wars books keep up rock-solid month-to-month performances, despite probably being aimed more at bookstores than at comics stores.

—–

75 - CONAN (Dark Horse)
01/2005: Conan #12 -- 39,311
----------------------------
01/2006: Conan #24 -- 31,907 (- 2.1%)
02/2006: Conan #25 -- 31,675 (- 0.7%)
03/2006: Conan #26 -- 31,573 (- 0.3%)
04/2006: Conan #27 -- 31,710 (+ 0.4%)
05/2006: Conan #28 -- 31,675 (- 0.1%)
06/2006: Conan #29 -- 32,049 (+ 1.2%)
07/2006: Conan #30 -- 31,095 (- 3.0%)
08/2006: Conan #31 -- 30,887 (- 0.7%)
09/2006: Conan #32 -- 29,070 (- 5.9%)
10/2006: Conan #33 -- 29,137 (+ 0.2%)
11/2006: Conan #34 -- 28,144 (- 3.4%)
12/2006: Conan #35 -- 27,115 (- 3.7%)
01/2006: Conan #36 -- 26,245 (- 3.2%)
----------------
6 months: -15.6%
1 year  : -17.8%

This one continues to lose readers at an unhealthy rate, on the other hand.

—–

92 - RED SONJA (Dynamite)
01/2006: Red Sonja #4  -- 41,856 (- 0.0%)
02/2006: Red Sonja #5  -- 38,798 (- 7.3%)
02/2006: Red Sonja #6  -- 35,031 (- 9.7%)
03/2006: Red Sonja #7  -- 34,560 (- 1.5%)
03/2006: Red Sonja #8  -- 34,700 (+ 0.4%)
04/2006: Red Sonja #9  -- 32,334 (- 6.8%)
05/2006: Red Sonja #10 -- 32,479 (+ 0.5%)
06/2006: Red Sonja #11 -- 31,176 (- 4.0%)
07/2006: Red Sonja #12 -- 33,252 (+ 6.7%)
08/2006: Red Sonja #13 -- 28,996 (-12.8%)
09/2006: Red Sonja #14 -- 25,891 (-10.7%)
10/2006: Red Sonja #15 -- 25,303 (- 2.3%)
11/2006: Red Sonja #16 -- 25,644 (+ 1.4%)
12/2006: Red Sonja #17 -- 23,552 (- 8.2%)
01/2007: Red Sonja #18 -- 23,040 (- 2.2%)
----------------
6 months: -30.7%
1 year  : -45.0% 

Is it finding its level, or are we just waiting for another large drop? Judging from the book’s erratic performance so far, it’s impossible to tell. All we know is that issue #18 comes with a truckload of variant cover editions, as usual.

—–

94 - WITCHBLADE (Image/Top Cow)
01/2004: --
01/2005: Witchblade #82  -- 16,551
----------------------------------
01/2006: Witchblade #93  -- 14,696 (- 10.1%)
01/2006: Witchblade #94  -- 14,322 (-  2.6%)
02/2006: Witchblade #95  -- 14,578 (+  1.8%)
03/2006: Witchblade #96  -- 14,505 (-  0.5%)
04/2006: Witchblade #97  -- 15,970 (+ 10.1%)
05/2006: Witchblade #98  -- 14,192 (- 11.1%)
06/2006: Witchblade #99  -- 14,524 (+  2.3%)
07/2006: Witchblade #100 -- 33,832 (+132.9%)
08/2006: --
09/2006: Witchblade #101 -- 14,727 (- 56.5%)
10/2006: --
12/2006: Witchblade #102 -- 14,331 (-  2.7%)
01/2007: Witchblade #103 -- 22,888 (+ 59.7%)
-----------------
6 months: - 32.4%
1 year  : + 57.8%
2 years : + 38.3%

Issue #103 was touted as a major change in direction and hyped with two variant cover editions.

—–

107 - THE WALKING DEAD (Image)
01/2004: Walking Dead #4  --  7,017
01/2005: -- 
-----------------------------------
01/2006: Walking Dead #25 -- 19,337 (+ 4.3%)
02/2006: --
03/2006: Walking Dead #26 -- 19,385 (+ 0.3%)
03/2006: Walking Dead #27 -- 18,868 (- 2.7%)
04/2006: --
05/2006: --
06/2006: Walking Dead #28 -- 19,537 (+ 2.2%)
07/2006: Walking Dead #29 -- 20,385 (+ 4.3%)
08/2006: Walking Dead #30 -- 20,540 (+ 0.8%)
09/2006: Walking Dead #31 -- 21,368 (+ 4.0%)
10/2006: --
11/2006: Walking Dead #32 -- 21,191 (- 0.8%)
12/2006: Walking Dead #33 -- 21,235 (+ 0.2%)
01/2007: Walking Dead #34 -- 21,184 (- 0.2%)
-----------------
6 months: +  3.9% 
1 year  : +  9.6% 
2 years :    n.a.

148 - INVINCIBLE (Image)
01/2004: --
01/2005: Invincible #19 --  9,680
---------------------------------
01/2006: --
02/2006: Invincible #28 -- 12,147 (+ 3.2%)
03/2006: Invincible #29 -- 12,698 (+ 4.5%)
03/2006: Invincible #30 -- 12,300 (- 3.1%)
04/2006: Invincible #31 -- 12,056 (- 2.0%)
05/2006: --
06/2006: Invincible #32 -- 12,910 (+ 7.1%)
06/2006: Invincible #33 -- 12,940 (+ 0.2%)
07/2006: --
08/2006: Invincible #34 -- 13,610 (+ 5.2%)
09/2006: Invincible #35 -- 13,320 (- 2.1%)
10/2006: --
11/2006: Invincible #36 -- 13,473 (+ 1.2%)
12/2006: Invincible #37 -- 13,523 (+ 0.4%)
01/2007: Invincible #38 -- 13,470 (- 0.4%)
----------------
6 months:   n.a.
1 year  :   n.a.
2 years : +39.2%

Sales of writer Robert Kirkman’s two creator-owned series have stopped climbing, for the time being, and have settled into very comfortable niches upwards of 21K and 13K, respectively.

—–
Disclaimers, et cetera

The numbers above are estimates for comic book sales in the North American direct market, as calculated by ICv2.com according to the chart and index information provided by Diamond Comic Distributors. ICv2.com’s estimates are traditionally known to be somewhat lower than the actual numbers, but they are consistent from month to month, so the trends they show are fairly accurate.

Bear in mind that the figures measure sales to retailers, not customers. Also, these numbers do not include sales to bookstores, newsstands, other mass market retail chains or the United Kingdom. Re-orders are included, so long as they either reached stores in a book’s initial month of release or were strong enough to make the chart again in a subsequent month.

If additional copies of an issue did appear on the chart after the book’s initial month of release, you can see the total number of copies sold in parenthesis behind those issues (e.g. “[36,599]”). Should more than one issue have shipped in a month which is relevant for one of the long-term comparisons, the average will be used.

Titles released under the Johnny DC imprint and magazines, such as Mad, mostly sell through channels other than the direct market, so direct market sales don’t tell us much about their performance. For Vertigo and WildStorm titles, collection sales tend to be a significant factor, so the numbers for those books should be taken with a grain of salt as well.

—–
Germany-based Marc-Oliver Frisch has a weblog and regularly contributes to German online magazine Comicgate.