SWrodriguezcoverby Xavier Lancel

Welcome to a new analysis of the Marvel sales.

Reminder: I’m French, that’s why I’m talking funny. Please address your complaints to my you-can-fire-and-insult-your-employee-for-being-gay-because-eh-he’s-a-hairdresser country. If this memorable French court decision hasn’t reached your side of the ocean, I’d be delighted to share it with you in the comment section.

As expected, the cancellation list of All-New All-Different Marvel launches is starting to grow– way before many of these books books even reach their 10th issue, or the length of two paperbacks. Marvel is playing the silent card: very few people are reading those cancelled titles, so no need to make a fuss about their cancellation. People will find out once there are no new issues two months in a row or in the letter page of their last issue. Then, for cancelled series that are are scheduled to at least reach their second paperback, Marvel can still repackage the second story arc as a mini-series whose first issue will sell will sell at least two times more than it would have as a regular run issue #6. That’s modern marketing for you!

If the Spider-ladies and titles like Venom and Spiders Warriors are in trouble, Spider-Man and Deadpool are clearly the king and queen of the ball, so making them team-up in a new ongoing title is doing wonders, with, on top of good debut sales numbers, a quite noticeable reorder activity. Reading the never-ending list of Civil War themed comics in Marvel next solicitations already gave me a headache. Does anybody care about series volume numbers anymore? I wish them good luck.
On the trade paperback front, nothing particular this month. Each of the Star Wars and Darth Vader trades sell at least 1K per month in comics shops no matter what.

Reminder: those sales are estimates, sales to comics shops situated in North America. American comics do get sold somewhere else in their original floppy edition. Keep also in mind that just because a copy is sold to a shop doesn’t mean that it’s sold to a customer. That would be way too easy. Digital sales are not taken into account.

Many thanks to Milton Griepp and ICv2.com for the permission to use their figures. Also thanks to the Comics Zone shop in Lyon (my city in France!) for its help.


3- STAR WARS

01/15 Star Wars  #1 -  1,070,137                    
02/15 Star Wars  #2 -	   212,089  (-80.0%)
03/15 Star Wars  #3 -	   175,579  (-17.2%)
04/15 Star Wars  #4 -	   203,817  (+16.1%)
05/15 Star Wars  #5 -	   146,850  (-27.9%)
06/15 Star Wars  #6 -	   152,652  (+ 4.0%)
07/15 Star Wars  #7 -	   160,000  (+ 1.0%)
08/15 Star Wars #8  -	   145,066  (-  9.3%)
09/15 Star Wars #9  -	   135,817  (-  6.4%)
10/15 Star Wars#10 -    134,613  (-  0.9%)
11/15 Star Wars#11 -	   126,780  (-  5.8%)
11/15 Star Wars#12 -	   123,133  (-  2.9%)
12/15 Star Wars#13 - 	   139,918  (+13.6%)   (Vader Down)
01/16 Star Wars#14 - 	   118,471  (- 15.3%)
01/16 Star Wars#15 -     107,858  (-  9.0%)
02/16 Star Wars#16-	   110,407  (+ 2.4%)
03/16 Star Wars#17-	   107,058  (-  3.0%)

Since issue #2: -49.5%
TPB VOL.1: 33,180   [+1,390]
Average +%TPB sales issues 1-6: +18.9%
STAR WARS TP VOL.2:  9,914  [+1,031]
Average +% TPB Sales issues #7-12: +7.3%

I really don’t want to know this strange zone where every comic has a sales number with fewer than six digits.

5- 38-AMAZING SPIDER-MAN

04/14  Amazing v3 #1  - 532,586  ( 293.1%)
05/14  Amazing v3 #2  - 123,945  ( -76.7%)
...
04/15  Amazing v3 #17 -     99,964  ( +8.3%)
05/15  Amazing v3 #18 -	88,338  (-11.6%)
...
10/15 Amazing Spider-Man  #1 -  245,873 
10/15 Amazing Spider-Man  #2 -  111,322   (-54.7%)    
11/15 Amazing Spider-Man  #3 -   93,848    (-15.7%)
12/15 Amazing Spider-Man  #4 -   82,066    (-22.6%)
12/15 Amazing Spider-Man  #5 -   79,122    (- 3.6%)
01/16 Amazing Spider-Man  #6 -   76,517    (- 3.3%)
02/16 Amazing Spider-Man  #7 -   75,357    (- 1.5%)
02/16 Amazing Spider-Man  #8 -   71,599    (- 5.0%)
03/16 Amazing Spider-Man  #9 -   88,164   (+23.1%)

12/15 Amazing Spider-Man  #1.1 -  66,092
12/15 Amazing Spider-Man  #1.2 -  56,674  (-14.2%)
01/16 ---
02/16 Amazing Spider-Man  #1.3 -  47,892  (-15.5%)
03/16 Amazing Spider-Man  #1.4 -  44,160  (-  7.8%)

Since #2: -20.8%

Back to where it should have stayed. A new arc, Scorpio Rising, is starting. There are, among the variant covers, a Women of Power one and Classic Artist one but still, that’s not enough to justify such a nice rebound. Giuseppe Camuncoli is still doing a terrific job– he’s building quite an impressive run on this series!

 

6- 7- DARTH VADER

02/15 Darth Vader #1 -  304,373                     
02/15 Darth Vader #2 -  125,466  (-58.8%)
03/15 Darth Vader #3 -  126,278  (+ 0.6%)    
04/15 Darth Vader #4 -  136,451  (+ 8.1%)    
05/15 Darth Vader #5 -  113,025  (-17.2%)
06/15 Darth Vader #6 -  107,739  (- 4.7%)
07/15 Darth Vader #7 -  114,349  (+ 6.1%)
08/15 Darth Vader #8 -    98,994  (-13.4%)
09/15 Darth Vader #9 -  100,235  (+ 1.3%)
10/15 Darth Vader#10-    94,372  (-  5.8%)
10/15 Darth Vader#11-    92,866  (-  1.6%)
11/15 Darth Vader#12-    90,077  (-  3.0%)
11/15 Darth Vader#13-   113,448 (+25.9%)  (Vader Down)
12/15 Darth Vader#14-     97,457 (-14,1%)   (Vader Down)
01/16 Darth Vader#15-     98,405 (+ 1.0%)   (Vader Down)
02/16 Darth Vader#16-     81,147  (-17.5%)
03/16 Darth Vader#17-     80,269  (-  1.1%)
03/16 Darth Vader#18-     77,942  (-  2.9%)

Since issue #2: -37.9%
DARTH VADER TP VOL.1:  24,092 [+1,819]
Average +% TPB Sales issues #1-6: +19.1%
DARTH VADER TP VOL.2:  10.533  [+1,236]
Average +% TPB Sales issues #7-12: +11.2%

Absolutely no variant cover at all on issue #18, and that’s why the fall is a little more abrupt with this one. It seems that the title has settled into standard controlled attrition after this post-movie 10K plunge.

8- DEADPOOL

11/12  Deadpool #2 -  76,445 
...
03/14  Deadpool #25 -  48,775  (+ 18.6%)(Now)
... 
10/14  Deadpool #36 -  46,600  (+  7.0%)(Axis)
...
03/15  Deadpool #44 -  39,716  (- 11.5%)
04/15  Deadpool #45 -  96.897  (+144.0%)

11/15	Deadpool  #1 -  261,805                   
11/15	Deadpool  #2 -    92,008  (-64.9%) 
12/15   Deadpool #3 -    72,357  (-21.4%)   
12/15	Deadpool  #4 -    63,149  (-22.7%) 
01/16  Deadpool  #5 -    59,645  (-  5.5%)
01/16  Deadpool  #6 -    59.006  (-  1.1%)
02/16  Deadpool  #7 -    88,264  (+49.6%)
03/16  Deadpool  #8 -    72,706  (-17.6%)

Since issue#2 : - 21.0%

The title hasn’t bounced back yet to the previous numbers which it reached thanks to many variant covers and the empty hope that some people who loved the movie would pick up the comics (we already know it never happens with superhero comics).

9- INTERNATIONAL IRON MAN

03/16-  International Iron Man   #1  -  70,824              

The magical team of Bendis and Maleev is turning its attention to Iron Man, after Daredevil and Spider-Woman. That’s two Iron Man titles, which is a lot for a character who was never really able to sustain two ongoing series in the past. With the same writer on both books, it will be interesting to see who will lead the race. This title is starting at a way less impressive level than the Invincible Iron Man series: its sales are barely above those of Invicible Iron Man #2, which is quite surprising. Following the usual sales pattern, it should fall way below 40K with its second issue, putting it way behind the other Iron Man book despite having a similar and prestigious creative team.

10- AVENGERS STANDOFF WELCOME TO PLEASANT HILL ($5)
   
02/16- Avengers....Pleasant Hill             -   57,559   
02/16- Avengers....Pleasant Hill Alpha  -   68,004  
    

God, that’s only the second comic out of 16 you’ll have to buy to follow this « small event ». It’s nice to see Jesus Saiz on such a high profile book at Marvel. So far, everybody should be happy with those numbers, the fans still seems to have money in their pockets after Secret Wars!

11- 171- 253-SPIDER-MAN DEADPOOL

01/16  Spider-Man Deadpool  #1  -  150,416                  [+10,295]
02/16  Spider-Man Deadpool  #2  -    75,409  (-49.9%)  [+5,608]
03/16  Spider-Man Deadpool  #3  -    68,003   (-9.8%)       

Since issue #2: -9.8%

Only one small Cliff Chiang variant cover. Yes, that means this is excellent issue#3 behavior for what could probably become the best selling MU ongoing serie. Issue#1 reappears with more than 10K extra sales, and issue#2 also, making issue#3 fall more than it did.

14- EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN

11/15	Extraordinary X-Men  #1 - 133,716   
11/15	Extraordinary X-Men  #2 -   64,595  (-51.7%)  
12/15	Extraordinary X-Men  #3 -   56,100  (-13.2%)
12/15  Extraordinary X-Men   #4 -   49,079  (-12.5%)
01/16  Extraordinary X-Men   #5 -   47,404  (-  3.4%)
01/16  Extraordinary X-Men   #6 -   47,572  (+ 0.4%)
02/16  Extraordinary X-Men   #7 -   47,219  ( -  0.7%)
03/16  Extraordinary X-Men   #8 -   62,576  (+32.5%)

Since issue #2 : -3.1%

Many many variant cover programs on, and the start of a new arc, called Apocalypse Wars, with a nod to a classic X-Factor cover which is probably one of the weakest! All this is making the title renew with its #2 sales level. The situation should be clearer next month.

15- BLACK WIDOW

03/16-  Black Widow   #1  -  62,375              

The magical team of Waid and Samnee is reunited after its acclaimed run on Daredevil. Tons of variants of course so next month could make the title fall already behind the 30K line, placing it not very far from Daredevil’s numbers in the end, when the same team was working on it.

16- SPIDER-MAN

02/16  Spider-Man  #1  -  99,951 
03/16  Spider-Man  #2  -  60,627  (-39.3%)              

Only one Captain America anniversary variant. Those numbers suggest that Miles succeeded in taking a slot into hardcore conservative MU fans’ heart.

17- OLDMAN  LOGAN 

05/15 Old Man Logan Ltd #1 -	122,702          
06/15 Old Man Logan Ltd #2 -	 78,426  (-36.1%)
07/15 Old Man Logan Ltd #3 -	 67,482  (-14.0%)
08/15 Old Man Logan Ltd #4 -	 69,122  (+ 2.4%)
09/15 ---
10/15 Old Man Logan Ltd #5 -	 62,716  (-  9.3%)
11/15 ---
12/15 ---
01/16 Old Man Logan  #1  -  104,362 
02/16 Old Man Logan  #2  -    63,932  (-38.7%) 
03/16 Old Man Logan  #3  -    58,855  (-  7.9%)         

Since issue #2: -7.9%

Be prepared for a future Old Man Nick Fury ongoing serie! And Old Man Professor Xavier after that!

18- X-MEN 92

06/15 X-Men 92 #1  - 104,943          
07/15 X-Men 92 #2  -  51,042  (-51.4%)
08/15 X-Men 92 #3  -  49,756  (-  2.5%)
09/15 X-Men 92 #4 -   41,826  (-15.9%)
...
03/16-  X-Men 92   #1  -  58,804             

The 5$ price tag is gone but Chris Sims is still here. Despite the help of many variant covers, this launch does barely better than its Secret Wars mini #2 numbers. With next issue, we should be where the title would have fell with its #5 SW issue.

 

19- CAPTAIN AMERICA SAM WILSON ($6) 

02/14  Capt AmericaV7 #16.Now – 36,534  (   9.3%)
...
09/14  Captain America v7 #24 – 33,517  (   8.4%)
10/14  Captain America v7 #25 – 74,183  ( 121.3%)
11/14  Captain America v8 #1  –120,500  (  62.4%)
12/14  Captain America v8 #2  – 50,077  ( -58.4%)
01/15  Captain America v8 #3  - 50,045  ( -0.1%)
02/15  Captain America v8 #4  - 41,222  (-17.6%)
03/15  Captain America v8 #5  - 38,871  (- 5.7%)
04/15  Captain America v8 #6  - 38,199  (- 1.7%)
...
10/15 Cap America S. Wilson  #1 -  62,535
10/15 Cap America S. Wilson  #2 -  40,224  (-35.7%)
11/15 Cap America S. Wilson  #3 -  33,984  (-15.5%)
12/15 Cap America S. Wilson  #4 -  29,512  (-13.2%)
01/16 Cap America S. Wilson  #5 -  29,081  (-  1.5%)
02/16 Cap America S. Wilson  #6 -  27,111  (-  6.8%)
03/16 Cap America S. Wilson  #7 -  54,881(+102.4%)

Since issue #2 : + 36.4%%

A train full of variant covers, a Stand-off event tie-in AND a 75th anniversary issue at the same time! This resulted into doubling sales.

 20- MIGHTY THOR 
  
12/12  Thor v5 #1   - 110,443
...
02/14  Thor #19.Now–  42.034  ( 10.1%)
...
09/14  Thor v5 #25 –  53,047  (  38.4%)
10/14  Thor v6 #1  – 150,862  ( 184.4%)
11/14  Thor v6 #2  –   89,131  ( -40.9%)
12/14  Thor v6 #3  –   72,563  ( -18.6%)
01/15  Thor v6 #4  -   69,497  ( -4.2%)
02/15  Thor v6 #5  -   69,513  ( +0.0%)
03/15  Thor v6 #6  -   70,569  ( +1.5%)
04/15  Thor v6 #7  -   71,372  ( +1.1%)
05/15  Thor v6 #8  -   86,222  (+20.1%)
...
11/15	Mighty Thor  #1 -  112,053        
12/15	Mighty Thor  #2 -    70,331  (-37.2%)
01/16  Mighty Thor   #3 -    60,345  (-14.2%)
02/16  Mighty Thor   #4 -    56,568  (-  6.3%)
03/16  Mighty Thor   #5 -    54,568  (-  3.5%)

Since issue #2: -22.3%

Good old Grunchy Odin/Donald is fighting fierce modern Thor/Hilary.

21- OBI-WAN AND ANAKIN LTD

01/16  Obi-Wan and Anakin #1 of 5  -  102,861   
02/16  Obi-Wan and Anakin #2 of 5  -    58,431  (-47.1%)
03/16  Obi-Wan and Anakin #3 of 5  -    53,636  (-  8.2%)           

Take a marker and write on your calendar: « On March 2016, a Marvel comics was released whithout a variant cover. The world shuddered ».

 22- ALL NEW ALL DIFFERENT AVENGERS 

11/15	ANAD Avengers  #1 -  128,570 
12/15	ANAD Avengers  #2 -    67,154 (-47.8%)    
01/16	ANAD Avengers  #3 -    57,584 (-14.3%)
01/16	ANAD Avengers  #4 -    57,114 (-  0.8%) 
02/16  ANAD Avengers  #5 -     51,740 (-  9.4%)
02/16  ANAD Avengers  #6 -     48,022  (- 7.2%)
03/16  ANAD Avengers  #7 -     52,631  (+9.6%)

Since issue #2 : - 21.6 %

A tie-in into Stand off and a Women of Power variant: that’s why.

23- DOCTOR STRANGE 

10/15 Doctor Strange  #1 – 145,456  
11/15 Doctor Strange  #2  -   65,091   (-55.3%)  
12/15 Doctor Strange  #3  -   57,135   (-12.2%) 
01/16 Doctor Strange  #4  -   52,388   (-  8.3%)
02/16 Doctor Strange  #5  -   43,796   (-16.4%)
03/16 Doctor Strange  #6  -   52,440  (+19.7%)

Since issue #2 : -19.6%  

This is the start of a new arc. Even though the issue has 2 variant covers, this is quite a performance to rebound like that. This could mean that Doc’s series will stay above 40K, which is simply mind-stunning!

 25- DEADPOOL MERCS FOR MONEY LTD

02/16  Deadpool Mercs for Money Ltd #1 of 5  -  90,186     
03/16  Deadpool Mercs for Money Ltd #2 of 5  -  52,331  (-42.0%)           

Many many variants on helped make this a slightly stronger success in floppy than it would ahve otherwise.

26- INVINCIBLE IRON MAN

03/14  Ir. Man #23.NOW  - 43,912  (  51.3%)
...
06/14  Iron Man v6 #28  - 28,027  (  -0.9%)
11/14  Sup. Iron Man #1 - 83,994  ( 199.7%)
11/14  Sup. Iron Man #2 - 42,621  ( -49.3%)
12/14  Sup. Iron Man #3 - 38,806  (  -9.0%)
01/15  Sup. Iron Man #4 – 38,515  (  -0,7%)
02/15  Sup. Iron Man #5 – 35,094  (  -8.9%)
03/15  Sup. Iron Man #6 – 37,113  (  +5.8%)
04/15  Sup. Iron Man #7 – 34,440  (  -7.2%)
05/15  Sup. Iron Man #8 – 32,006  (  -7.3%)
06/15  Sup. Iron Man #9 – 33,989  (  +6.2%)
...
10/15 Invincible Iron Man  #1 -  279,514  
10/15 Invincible Iron Man  #2 -    66,664  (-76.2%)         
11/15 Invincible Iron Man  #3 -    59,069  (-11.4%)
12/15 Invincible Iron Man  #4 -    57,639  (-  2.4%)
01/16 Invincible Iron Man  #5 -    49,225  (-14.6%)
02/16 Invincible Iron Man  #6 -    63,234 (+28.5%)               (War Machines)
03/16 Invincible Iron Man  #7 -    51,748 (-18.2%)                (War Machines)

Since issue #2: -22.4%

Almost back where it was, but not yet, thanks to a Women of Power variant..

 

29- GUARDIANS OF GALAXY

03/13 Guardians of Galaxy #1-   211,312
…
04/15  Guardians v3 #26 -  54,124  (-12.4%)
05/15  Guardians v3 #27 -  49,308  (- 8.9%)

07/15 Guardians of Knowhere Ltd #1  -  81,902
...
09/15 Guardians of Knowhere Ltd #4  -  39,523  (-22.4%)

10/15 Guardians of Galaxy  #1 -   118,342
11/15 Guardians of Galaxy  #2 -     51,690   (-56.3%)
12/15 Guardians of Galaxy  #3 -     53,627    (+3.7%)
01/16 Guardians of Galaxy  #4 -     46,215   (-13.8%)
02/16 Guardians of Galaxy  #5 -     40,581   (-12.2%)
03/16 Guardians of Galaxy  #6 -     48,330  (+19.1%)

Since issue #2 :  -6.5 %
GUARDIANS OTG VOL.4 HC: 2,241

Tons of variant covers (with the standart one by Arthur Adams) and the start of a new arc rocketed the sales by more than 20%. Gimmicks, gimmicks, you’re the kings of the mainstream market!

 

40- 30- UNCANNY AVENGERS

03/14  U Avengers #18.NOW   -  63,516  ( 19.4%)
...
10/14  Uncanny Avengers #25 –  53,263  (  7.7%)
10/14  Aven & X-Men Axis #1 – 138,966  (180.9%)
...
12/14  Aven & X-Men Axis #9 –  69,518  (  0.1%)
01/15  Uncanny Avengers v2 #1 – 74,849 
02/15  Uncanny Avengers v2 #2 – 51,339 (-31.4%)
---
04/15  Uncanny Avengers v2 #3 – 50,595 (-1.4%)
05/15  Uncanny Avengers v2 #4 – 46,682 (-7.7%)
06/15  Uncanny Avengers v2 #5 – 43,417 (-7.0%)

10/15 Uncanny Avengers  #1 - 105,234
11/15 Uncanny Avengers  #2 -   55,008 (-47.3%)
12/15 Uncanny Avengers  #3 -   53,216 (-  3.3%)
01/16 Uncanny Avengers  #4 -   47,172 (-11.4%)
02/16 Uncanny Avengers  #5 -   43,618  (- 7.5%)
03/16 Uncanny Avengers  #6 -   41,567  (- 4.7%)
03/16 Uncanny Avengers  #7 -   47,135 (+13.4%)

Since issue #2 : -  14.3%

Of course, issue 7 is a Stand-off tie-in, with a Women of Power variant.

31- 33- UNCANNY X-MEN

01/16-  Uncanny X-Men  #1  -  93,252    
01/16   Uncanny X-Men  #2  -   55.804  (-40.2%)     
02/16   Uncanny X-Men  #3  -   50,382   (- 9.7%)
03/16  Uncanny X-Men  #4 -     46,105  (- 8.5%)
03/16  Uncanny X-Men  #5 -     45,887  (- 0.5%)

Since issue #2: -17.8%

True sales to retailers, with no gimmicks. Two leading X-Men titles remaining at more than 40K would be more than satisfying.

32- SPIDER-GWEN

02/15 Spider-Gwen #1 -  278,575 
03/15 Spider-Gwen #2 -  107,070 (-61.6%)
04/15 spider-Gwen #3 -  102,234 (- 4.5%)
05/15 Spider-Gwen #4 -    86,586 (-15.3%)
06/15 Spider-Gwen #5 -    67,697 (-21.8%)
07/15 ---
08/15 ---
09/15 ---
10/15 Spider-Gwen  #1 -  197,103   
11/15 Spider-Gwen  #2 -    62,209  (-68.4%)
12/15 Spider-Gwen  #3 -    54,844  (-11.8%)
01/16 Spider-Gwen  #4 -    48,664  (-11.3%)
02/16 Spider-Gwen  #5 -    43,796  (-10.0%)
03/16 Spider-Gwen  #6 -    46,060  (+ 5.2%)

Since issue #2 : - 29.6%
SPIDER-GWEN VOL.0: 6,339 
Average +% TPB sales issues 1-5: +6.2%

Conclusion of the first arc. We can safely say that 10% of those sales are due to the Women of Power variant cover. One day, people will buy comics for the story inside and we will call them freaks.

 

35-DAREDEVIL

02/14  Daredevil v3 #36 – 31,494  ( -1.8%)
03/14  Daredevil v4 #1  - 76,006  (141.3%)
04/14  Daredevil v4 #2  - 42,811  (-11.7%)
...
09/15  Daredevil v4 #18 -  29,945  (+ 0.1%)
---
---
12/15 Daredevil  #1 -  84,500
12/15 Daredevil  #2 -  49,758  (-41.1%)
01/16 Daredevil  #3 -  45,885  (-  7.8%)
02/16 Daredevil  #4 -  43,741  ( - 4.7%)
03/16  Daredevil  #5 - 44,868  (+ 2.6%)

Since issue #2 : - 9.8%

The Women of Power variant hides a small fall (probably something like 3-4%). So far, this relaunch is a complete success.

 36- ALL NEW WOLVERINE

01/14  Wolverine v5 #13 -  31,164 ( -3.4%)
02/14  Wolverine v6 #1  -  88,923 (185.3%)
02/14  Wolverine v6 #2  -  47,339 (-46.8%)
...
08/14  Wolverine v6 #12 -  50,570 (  2.8%)
09/14  Death of Wolv #1 – 261,975 
09/14  Death of Wolv #2 - 129,999 (-50.4%)
10/14  Death of Wolv #3 – 141,567 (  8.9%)
10/14  Death of Wolv #4 -  165,582 ( 17.0%)
11/15  AN Wolverine  #1 -  119,786    
11/15  AN Wolverine  #2 -    55,634  (-53.6%)
12/15  AN Wolverine  #3 -    50,990  (-  8.3%)
01/16  AN Wolverine  #4 -    49,978  (-  2.0%)
02/16  AN Wolverine  #5 -    43,149  (-13.7%)
03/16  AN Wolverine  #6 -    44,668  (+ 3.5%)

Since issue #2 : -  19.7%

Women of Power variant of course!

39- MOCKINGBIRD

03/16-  Mockingbird   #1  -  42,335             

With 5 variant covers and the usual fall from issue#1 pattern, this one could be in trouble as early as next month! Marvel tagline:« Mockingbird. Because you demanded it? » Really?!

41- POWER MAN AND IRON FIST

02/16 Power Man and Iron Fist  #1  -  79,069  
03/16 Power Man and Iron Fist  #2  -  41,104  (-48.0%)           

So far, so good. This serie is a love letter to people wearing yellow -no pun intended, if you found one.

42- 43- ALL NEW X-MEN

11/12  All-New X-Men #2  - 100,983  
...
01/14  All-New #22.NOW   -  76,565  (+21.8%)
...
08/14  All-New X-Men #30 -  54,882  ( -6.7%)
08/14  All-New X-Men #31 -  58,535  (  6.7%)
09/14  All-New X-Men #32 -  54,654  ( -6.6%)
10/14  All-New X-Men #33 -  60,032  (  9.8%)
11/14  ---
12/14  All-New X-Men #34 -  57,569  ( -4.1%)
01/15  All-New X-Men #35 -  51,823  (-10.0%)
02/15  All-New X-Men #36 -  49,464  ( -4.6%)
02/15  All-New X-Men #38 -  58,037  (+17.3%) B. Vortex
03/15  All-New X-Men #37 -  48,140  (-17.1%)
03/15  All-New X-Men #39 -  58,490  (+ 0.8%) B. vortex
04/15  All-New X-Men #40 -  57,797  (- 1.2%)
05/15  --
06/15  All-New X-Men #41 -  48,937  (-15.3%)

12/15 All New X-Men  #1 -  81,342
12/15 All New X-Men  #2 -  56,168  (-30.9%) 
01/16 All New X-Men  #3 -  50,557  (-10.0%)
02/16 All New X-Men  #4 -  50,160  (-  0.8%)
02/16 All New X-Men  #5 -  42,402  (-15.5%)
03/16 All New X-Men  #6 -  41,061  (-  3.2%)
03/16 All New X-Men  #7 -  40,346  (-  1.7%)

Since issue #2 : - 28.2%    

This stagnation in sales is real and conforting: there was no variant at all on issue #7.

 

45- KANAN THE LAST PADAWAN

04/15 Kanan TLP  #1 -  113,158                 
05/15 Kanan TLP  #2 -   64,960  (-42.6%)
06/15 Kanan TLP  #3 -   56,370  (-13.2%)
07/15 Kanan TLP  #4 -   52,260  (-  7.3%)
08/15 Kanan TLP  #5 -   46,351  (-11.3%)
09/15 Kanan TLP  #6 -   45,402  (- 2.0%)
10/15 Kanan TLP  #7 -   44,127  (- 2.8%)
11/15 Kanan TLP  #8 -   42,824  (- 3.0%)
12/15 Kanan TLP  #9 -   40,938  (-  4.4%)
01/16 Kanan TLP #10-   38,106  (-  6.9%)
02/16 Kanan TLP #11-   38,370  (+ 0.7%)
03/16 Kanan TLP #12-  36,649 (-  4.5%)   END

Since issue #2:  -43.6%

Children first!

53- A-FORCE

05/15 A-Force #1  -	114,528
---
07/15 A-Force #2  -	 60,330  (-47.3%)
08/15 A-Force #3  -     49,074  (-18.7%)
09/15 A-Force #4  -     46,636  (- 5.0%)
10/15 A-Force #5  -	 41,337  (-11.4%)
11/15 ---
12/15 ---
01/16 A-Force  #1  -     65,661   
02/16 A-Force  #2  -     35,571   (-45.8%) 
03/16 A-Force  #3  -     34,133   (-  4.0%)

Since issue #2: -4.0%       

Meanwhile, Female Force is still being published.

 54- 64- 71- INFINITY ENTITY LTD

03/16 Infinity Entity Ltd #1 of 4 -  33,914
03/16 Infinity Entity Ltd #2 of 4 -  29,610
03/16 Infinity Entity Ltd #3 of 4 -  28,135

This one underperformed for sure. But will reedeem itself with stellar trades sales, like all Deadpool TPBs.

58- TOTALLY AWESOME HULK 

12/15 Totally Awesome Hulk #1 -  74,471    
01/16 Totally Awesome Hulk #2 -  39,469  (-47.0%) 
02/16 Totally Awesome Hulk #3 -  35,709  ( - 9.5%)
03/16 Totally Awesome Hulk #4 -  35,285  ( - 1.2%)

Since issue #2: - 10.6%

Contrary to what you may believe, the title is not stabilized yet, because a Women of Power variant was on this month.

 

59- UNCANNY INHUMANS

04/14  Inhuman #1 - 58,309  
05/14  Inhuman #2 - 41,810 ( -28.3%) 
...
04/15  Inhuman #14- 26,194  (+ 2.7%)

04/15 Uncanny Inhumans #0 -  67.017
...
10/15 Uncanny Inhumans  #1 -   90,528
11/15 Uncanny Inhumans  #2 -   41,321  (-54.4%)
12/15 Uncanny Inhumans  #3 -   43,036  (+ 4.2%)
01/16 Uncanny Inhumans  #4 -   35,308  (-18.0%)
02/16 Uncanny Inhumans  #5 -   35,145  (  -0.5%)
03/16 Uncanny Inhumans  #6 -   32,256  (  -7.4%)

Since issue #2 : - 22.0%

We now have the confirmation that, in fact, the title is still sliding down the chart. It’s even truer this month, seeing that a Women of Power variant was on.

 60- MS MARVEL

02/14  Ms. Marvel #1 -  50,286  (  --- ) 
03/14  Ms. Marvel #2 -  38,357  (-23.7%)
...
02/15  Ms. Marvel #12 – 29,054  ( -2.7%)
03/15  Ms. Marvel #13 – 32,425  (+11.6%)
04/15  Ms. Marvel #14 – 32,058  (- 1.1%)
05/15  Ms. Marvel #15 – 32,185  (+ 0.4%)
06/15  Ms. Marvel #16 – 32,855  (+ 2.1%)
07/15 ---
08/15  Ms. Marvel #17 – 31,567  (- 3.9%)
09/15  Ms. Marvel #18 -  33,761  (+7.0%)

11/15  Ms Marvel  #1 -  79,222   
12/15  Ms Marvel  #2 -  46,610  (-41.2%)      
01/16  Ms Marvel  #3 -  32,364   (-30.6%)
02/16  Ms Marvel  #4 -  30,916   (-  4.5%) 
03/16  Ms Marvel  #5 -  31,871  (  +3.1%)

Since issue #2 : -31.7 %

Seems to have stabilized at almost the same level than before, which is nice. There was a Women of Power variant on this one.

61- HYPERION

03/16-  Hyperion  #1  -  31,679             

That a very weak debut, especially since there was 4 variant programs on this one. Even with a very cushioned fall from #1, it should place the title way below 20K with its issue #2. That’ too bad. Let’s just hope it will live longer than U.S.1, the last super-heroes Marvel series based on the adventures of a trucker, way back in the 80’s. Hyperion is looking way better, for starter. Perhaps a subtitle like, « Hunk in a trunk » would help?

 

62- 158-NEW AVENGERS 

01/13  New Avengers v3 # 1 -  116,280 
...
03/14  N Avengers #16.NOW  -  48,731  (  0.0%)
...
12/14  New Avengers v3 #28 -  39,855  ( -1.4%)
01/15  New Avengers v3 #29 -  41,116  (+3.1%) (SW prelude)
02/15  New Avengers v3 #30 -  42,827  (+4.2%) (SW prelude)
03/15  New Avengers v3 #31 -  44,444  (+3.8%) (SW prelude)
03/15  New Avengers v3 #32 -  40,583  (-8.7%) (SW prelude)
04/15  New Avengers v3 #33 -  55.437 (+36.6%) (Sw prelude) END

10/15 New Avengers  #1 -  71,243
10/15 New Avengers  #2 -  50,455  (-29.8%)
11/15 New Avengers  #3 -  41,630  (-17.5%)
12/15 New Avengers  #4 -  36,669  (-11.9%)
01/16 New Avengers  #5 -  33,010  (-10.0%)
02/16 New Avengers  #6 -  31,188  ( - 5.5%)
02/16 New Avengers  #7 -  30,662  (  -1.7%)   [+12,142]
03/16 New Avengers  #8 -  31,311  ( +2.1%)

Since issue #2 :  - 37.9%

As I presumed last month, shipping of issue#7 was divided beetween February and March, that’s why we see it again this month. Issue#8 is a Stand Off tie-in, which didn’t spark enthousiasm saleswise. This could mean the regular base of readers for this title is in fact falling again.

61- AMAZING SPIDER-MAN AND SILK: SPIDER(FLY) EFFECT LTD ($5)

03/16-  Spider-Man & Silk Spiderfly Effect Ltd  #1  -  30,806            

That’s one ugly one-shot title name! It collects the first two chapters of the Infinite web story of the same name. Seeing how poorly Marvel is releasing all those Infinite comics in print, like throwing randomly stones on water, it’s quite a performance that they sell so well (there was no variant cover on this one). Some of them could gain to be published in italian format, which would also make them noticeable right away but Marvel is probably still scared that buyers could be shoved away if they advertised too much on the « translation from an Infinite web Comics » side .

 65- CARNAGE

11/15	Carnage  #1 -  69,773    
11/15	Carnage  #2 -  41,576   (-40.4%)
12/15  Carnage  #3 -   34,852   (-16.2%)
01/16  Carnage  #4 -   31,687  (-  9.1%)
02/16  Carnage  #5 -   27,160  (-14.3%)
03/16  Carnage  #6 -   28,874  ( +6.3%)

Since issue #2 : -30.6%

The start of a new story arc and 2 variant covers on. Marvel seems to have find a way to attract attention effectively on the start of new story arcs for its titles

66- HAUNTE MANSION LTD

03/16-  Hanted Mansion Ltd  #1  -  28,739           

Continuing Marvel/Disney current program to run comics based on Disney theme park attractions. Marvel managed to preview nothing from Jorge Coelho art in its Preview catalog, despite a two page spread. Lots of variant. Next month should bring in « real numbers », closer if not below 10K.

 67- ULTIMATES

11/15	Ultimates  #1 -  61,406  
12/15  Ultimates  #2 -  37,055   (-39.7%)
01/16  Ultimates  #3 -  30,068   (-18.9%)
02/16  Ultimates  #4 -  27,177   (-  9.6%)
03/16  Ultimates  #5 -  28,627    (+5.3%)

Since issue #2 : - 22.7%

A Women of Power variant on. This one probably almost levelled out.

 

68- SPIDER-MAN 2099 

07/14 Spider-Man 2099  #1  -  90,690  ( --- )
08/14 Spider-Man 2099  #2  -  47,512  (-47.6%)
09/14 Spider-Man 2099  #3  -  43,418  ( -8.6%)
10/14 Spider-Man 2099  #4  -  40,755  ( -6.1%)
10/14 Spider-Man 2099  #5  -  40,880  (  0.3%)
11/14 Spider-Man 2099  #6  -  38,634  ( -5.5%)
---
01/15 Spider-Man 2099  #7 -  38,455 (-0.5%)
01/15 Spider-Man 2099  #8 -  37,484 (-2.5%)
02/15 Spider-Man 2099  #9 -  34,374 (-8.3%)
03/15 Spider-Man 2099 #10 -  33,528 (-2.5%)
04/15 Spider-Man 2099 #11 -  31,665 (-5.6%)
05/15 Spider-Man 2099 #12 -  28,916 (-8.7%)
...
10/15 Spider-Man 2099  #1 -  57,719
10/15 Spider-Man 2099  #2 -  40,701  (-29.5%)
11/15 Spider-Man 2099  #3 -  34,969  (-14.1%)
12/15 Spider-Man 2099  #4 -  32,464  (-  7.2%)
01/16 Spider-Man 2099  #5 -  28,489  (-12.2%)
02/16 Spider-Man 2099  #6 -  26,626  ( - 6.5%)
02/16 Spider-Man 2099  #7 -  26,163  (-  1.7%)
03/16 Spider-Man 2099  #8 -  28,580  ( +9.2%)

Since issue #2: -29.8%

Start of new arc, greated by two variant programs and so, a nice little fleeting bump.

69- CAPTAIN MARVEL

11/13  Captain Marvel v6 #17 - 18,173  (-20.5%)
...
03/14  Captain Marvel v7 #1  - 44,248  
04/14  Captain Marvel v7 #2  - 28,008 (-36.7%)
...
05/15  Captain Marvel v7 #15 – 19,740 (-35.4%)
...
06/15  Cap Marvel & Carol Corps Ltd #1 -  47,302
...
08/15  Cap Marvel & Carol Corps Ltd #4 -  22,106 (-   9.0%)
...
01/16  Captain Marvel  #1  -  52,972  
02/16  Captain Marvel  #2  -  28,962  (-45.4%)   
03/16  Captain Marvel  #3  -  28,469  (  -1.7%)  

A Women of Power variant hides an expected fall from issue#2. I’m really curious to see how the Alpha Flight cast is being written by Michele Fazekas & Tara Butters in this one.

 90- ALL NEW INHUMANS

12/15	All New Inhumans  #1 -  58,123
12/15	All New Inhumans  #2 -  34,471  (-40.7%)
01/16   All New Inhumans  #3 -  25,746  (-25.3%)
02/16   All New Inhumans  #4 -  22,334  (-13.3%)
03/16   All New Inhumans  #5 -  24,779  (+10.9%)

Since issue #2 : -28.1 %

New story arc, 3 variant covers, yada-yada-yada.

 78- ROCKET RACCOON AND GROOT

01/16	Rocket Raccoon & Groot  #1  -  59,028
02/16	Rocket Raccoon & Groot  #2  -  29,180  (-50.6%)    
03/16   Rocket Raccoon & Groot  #3  -  24,855  (-14.8%)

Since issue #2:  -14.8%

Will soon enter the « Marvel animal comics » sales zone.

 79- SILK

02/15 Silk #1 -  86,263 
03/15 Silk #2 -  69,369 (-19.6%)
04/15 Silk #3 -  58.755 (-15.3%)
05/15 Silk #4 -  44,316 (-24.6%)
06/15 Silk #5 -  38,798 (-12.5%)
07/15 ---
08/15 Silk #6 -  34,368 (-10.7%)
09/15 Silk #7 -  36,477 (+ 6.1%)
10/15 ---
11/15	Silk  #1 -  57,140     
12/15  Silk  #2 – 38,356   (-32.9%) 
01/16  Silk  #3 -  33,102   (-13.7%)
02/16  Silk  #4 -  26,786  (-19.1%)
02/16  Silk  #5 -  26,032  (-  2.8%)
03/16  Silk  #6 -  24,847  (-  4.6%)

Since issue #2 : - 35.2 %

The harsh reality of « no variant cover » sales numbers.

 

80- ALL NEW HAWKEYE

03/15  All New Hawkeye #1  -  66,608
04/15  All New Hawkeye #2  -  42,730  (-35.8%)
05/15  All New Hawkeye #3  -  38,087  (-10.9%)
06/15  ---
07/15  All New Hawkeye #4  -  31,661  (-16.9%)
08/15  ---
09/15	All New Hawkeye #5  - 31,141  (-  1.6%)
10/15  ---

11/15  All New Hawkeye  #1  -  68,933
12/15  All New Hawkeye  #2  -  35,363  (-48.7%)
01/16  All New Hawkeye  #3  -  26,913  (-23.9%)
02/16  All New Hawkeye  #4  -  24,903   (- 7.5%)
03/16  All New Hawkeye  #5  -  24,779   (- 0.5%)

Since issue #2 : - 30.0 %
HAWKEYE TPB VOL.5: 4,109
Average +%TPB sales issues 1-5: +13.0%

Marvel can’t seem to make its mind whether Hawkeye is a Marvel Heroes line title or an Avengers line one. So they put it, advertised as an Avengers one, in the middle of the Marvel Heroes line section of their Previews catalog. There is a Women of Power variant on, so the title is probably still sliding significantly.

 87- SQUADRON SUPREME

12/15	Squadron Supreme  #1 - 48,247
12/15  Squadron Supreme  #2 -  27,643  (-42.7%)
01/16  Squadron Supreme  #3 -  23,551  (-14.8%)
02/16  Squadron Supreme  #4 -  24,182  (+ 2.7%)
03/16  Squadron Supreme  #5 -  22,323  (-  7.7%)

Since issue #2 : - 19.2 % 

So far, that’s one of the titles who kept the most of its debut sales readers. I wouldn’t think of a stronger team duo name than James Robinson and Leonard Kirk to run it. Let’s juts hope they will have enougth time to build something interesting around those characters, away from silly crossovers.

 92- SCARLET WITCH

12/15	Scarlet Witch  #1 -   57,835
01/16  Scarlet Witch  #2  -  25,728  (-55.5%)
02/16  Scarlet Witch  #3  -  23,900  (-  7.1%)
03/16  Scarlet Witch  #4  -  21,094  (-11.7%)
   
Since issue #2: -18.0%

Seeing that there was a Women of Power variant on, this month turned into a severe beating for this title.

 

93- UNBEATTABLE SQUIRREL GIRL 

01/15 Unbeatteable Squirrel Girl #1 - 41,693
02/15 Unbeatteable Squirrel Girl #2 – 24,621  (-40.9%)
03/15 Unbeatteable Squirrel Girl #3 – 26,586  ( +8.0%)
04/15 unbeatteable Squirrel Girl #4 –  20,987  (-21.1%)
05/15 Unbeatteable Squirrel Girl #5 – 20,088  (- 4.3%)
06/15 Unbeatteable Squirrel Girl #6 – 19,341  (- 3.7%)
07/15 Unbeatteable Squirrel Girl #7 – 19,801  (+ 2.4%)
08/15 Unbeatteable Squirrel Girl #8 -  19,134  (- 3.4%)
09/15 ---
10/15 Unbeattable Squirrel Girl  #1 -  43,155
11/15 Unbeattable Squirrel Girl  #2 -  23,064  (-46.6%)
12/15 Unbeattable Squirrel Girl  #3 -  25,350  (+ 9.9%)
01/16 Unbeattable Squirrel Girl  #4 -  19,923  (-21.4%)
02/16 Unbeattable Squirrel Girl  #5 -  17,743  (-10.9%)
03/16 Unbeattable Squirrel Girl  #6 -  20,739 (+16.9%)

Since issue #2 : -10.1 % 
TPB VOL.1: 7,352 
Average +%TPB sales issues 1-4:  +29.9%
TPB VOL.2 : 2,928
Average +%TPB sales issues 5-8: +6.6%

Star of a new arc+ tons of variant + crossover with Howard The Duck. The paperbacks aren’t in this month’s TOP 300. Next month should put some light on whether this one is a steady TPB’s new juggernaut or not.

 94- SPIDER-WOMAN

11/14  Spider-Woman #1 -  93,723           (Spider-Verse)
12/14  Spider-Woman #2 -  44,618  ( -52.4%)(Spider-Verse)
01/15  Spider-Woman #3 -  38,484  (-13.8%) (spider-Verse)
02/15  Spider-Woman #4 -  36,058  (- 6.3%)
03/15  Spider-Woman #5 -  40,068  (+11.1%)
04/15  Spider-Woman #6 -  32,041  (-20.0%)
05/15  Spider-Woman #7 -  29,567  (- 7.3%)
06/15  Spider-Woman #8 -  26,568  (-10.1%)
07/15  Spider-Woman #9 -  24,354  (- 8.3%)
08/15 Spider-Woman #10-  23,005  (- 5.5%)
09/15 ---
10/15 ---
11/15 Spider-Woman  #1 -   53,885   
12/15 Spider-Woman  #2 -   27,801  (-48.4%)
01/16 Spider-Woman  #3 -   24,054  (-13.5%)
02/16 Spider-Woman  #4 -   20,747  (-13.7%)
03/16 Spider-Woman  #5 -   20,594  ( - 0.7%)

Since issue #2 : - 25.4 %

There was the sweetest standard variant cover by interior artist Javier Rodriguez. Soon will start of a mega-crossover beetween all of the Spider-women title. You can bet at least one spider-woman will die at the end of it. The big question is: what on Earth is Marvel gonna do with Jessica’s baby? You can’t say that Marvel has a nice record as a caring baby-sitter: it’s either « you don’t exist », « you grow up all of a sudden » or « you’re being send to the future »… Be nice for once, Marvel!

 

95- ASTONISHING ANT-MAN

01/15 Ant-Man #1 – 	73,370
02/15 Ant-Man #2 – 	40,192  (-45.2%)
03/15 Ant-Man #3 – 	37,139  (- 7.6%)
04/15 Ant-Man #4 – 	31,637  (-14.8%)
05/15 Ant-Man #5 – 	83,095 (+162.7%)
06/15 Ant-Man Larger than Life #1- 28,797 
07/15 Ant-Man Annual #1 – 		24,223
08/15 Ant-Man Last Days -  		35,594  (-57.2%)
09/15 ---
10/15 Astonishing Ant-Man #1 -  75,598
11/15 Astonishing Ant-Man #2 -  31,358  (-58.5%)
12/15 Astonishing Ant-Man #3 -  27,913  (-11.0%)
01/16 Astonishing Ant-Man #4 -  25,768  (-  7.7%)
02/16 Astonishing Ant-Man #5 -  22,168  (-14.0%)
03/16 Astonishing Ant-Man #6 -  20,375  (-  8.1%)

Since issue#2 :  - 35.0%
Average +% TPB sales #1-5 : +11.0%
ANT-MAN TPB VOL.1: 4,406

The writing on the wall isn’t pretty.

 

99- CONTEST OF CHAMPIONS

10/15 Contest of Champions #1 -  79,873
11/15 Contest of Champions #2 -  34,942  (-56.3%)
12/15 Contest of Champions #3 -  29,165  (-16.5%)
01/16 Contest of Champions  #4 -  27,028  (-  7.3%)
02/16 Contest of Champions  #5 -  21,430  (-20.7%)
03/16 Contest of Champions  #6 -  19,982  (-  6.8%)

Since issue #2 : - 42.8 %

The soon-to-be recordman of the worst debut sales readers loss.

 104- VENOM SPACEKNIGHT

11/15	Venom Spaceknight  #1 -  59,151
12/15  Venom Spaceknight  #2  -  32,210  (-45.5%)
01/16  Venom Spaceknight  #3  -  25,770  (-20.0%)
02/16  Venom Spaceknight  #4  -  21,545  (-16.4%)
03/16  Venom Spaceknight  #5  -  18,807  (-12.7%)

Since issue #2 : - 41.6%

No variant cover. Clearly, this one won’t be here for long anymore.

 106- VISION

11/15	Vision  # 1-  42,119 
12/15  Vision  # 2 -  36,107  (-14.3%)
01/16  Vision  # 3 -  34,807  (- 3.6%)
02/16  Vision  # 4 -  19,070  (-45.2%)
03/16  Vision   #5 -  18,636  (-  2.3%)

Since issue #2 : - 48.4 %

Now clinging hard to its real number of readers, first inflated by a special offer to retailers.

 107- WEB WARRIORS

11/15	Web Warriors  #1 - 62,096 
12/15  Web Warriors  #2 -  31,614    (-49.1%)  
01/16  Web Warriors  #3 -  25,407    (-19.6%)
02/16  Web Warriors  #4 -  20,198    (-20.5%)
03/16  Web Warriors  #5 -  18,621    (-  7.8%)

Since issue #2 : - 41.1 %

Twin brother of Venom Spaceknight. Spiders aren’t a nuisance except when there is always one in your eyesight. Meditate on that!

108- GUARDIANS OF INFINITY($5)

12/15 Guardians of Infinity   #1  -  121,407   
01/16  Guardians of Infinity  #2  -    27,112  (-77.7%)
02/16  Guardians of Infinity   #3  -   22,309  (-17.7%)
03/16  Guardians of Infinity   #4  -   18,598  (-15.6%)

Since issue #2: -31.4%

The Guardians of the Galaxy line of titles will have to shrink to survive.

112- AGENTS OF SHIELD 
    
12/14  SHIELD #1 -  94,503  
01/15  SHIELD #2 -  33,965  (- 64.1%)
...
09/15  SHIELD#10-  18,693  (- 17.3%)

09/15 Agent Carter SHIELD -  26,438
09/15 Fury SHIELD – 26,313
09/15 Mockingbird SHIELD ($5) – 25,593
09/15 Quake SHIELD – 25,193
09/15 Cavalry SHIELD – 23,831

10/15  SHIELD#11 -	20,121  (+ 7.6%)
11/15  SHIELD#12 -  17,470  (-13.2%)
12/15 ---
01/16 Agents of SHIELD  #1 -  35,382    
02/16 Agents of SHIELD  #2 -  18,771  (-47.0%)
03/16 Agents of SHIELD  #3 -  18,139  (-  3.4%)

Since issue #2: -3.4%

Before you think those are good news, that was a Stand Off tie-in. Bluh.

 143- HOWARD THE DUCK 

03/15 Howard the Duck #1 – 85,929
04/15 Howard the Duck #2 – 43,572 (-49.3%)
05/15 Howard the Duck #3 – 35,391 (-18.2%)
06/15 Howard the Duck #4 – 34,043 (- 3.8%)
07/15 ---
08/15 Howard the Duck #5 – 26,891 (-21.0%)
09/15 ---
10/15 ---
11/15 Howard The Duck  #1 -  69,177                   
12/15 Howard The Duck  #2 -  33,578  (-51.5%)
01/16 Howard The Duck  #3 -  28,971  (-13.7%)
02/16 Howard The Duck  #4 -  20,965  (-27.6%)
03/16 Howard The Duck  #5 -  17,995  (-14.2%)

Since issue #2 : -46.4 %

That’s not a pretty sight.

 117- STAR-LORD

07/14  Star Lord #1 – 78,501
08/14  Star Lord #2 – 37,109 (-52.7%)
09/14  Star Lord #3 – 32,918 (-11.3%)
10/14  Star Lord #4 – 37,123 ( 12.8%)
11/14  Star Lord #5 – 36,905 ( -0.6%)
12/14  Star Lord #6 – 32,863 (-11.0%)
01/15  Star Lord #7 – 28,174 (-14.3%)
01/15  Star Lord #8 – 25,227 (-10.5%)
02/15  Star Lord #9 – 38,655 (+53.2%)   B. Vortex
03/15  Star Lord#10 – 40,836 (+ 4.5%)   B. Vortex
04/15  Star Lord#11 – 41,325 (+ 1.2%)   B. Vortex
05/15  Star Lord#12 – 25,580 (-38.1%)
---
07/15  Star-Lord & Kitty Pride Ltd #1 -  44,760 
08/15  Star-Lord & Kitty Pride Ltd #2 -  32,578  (-27.2%)
09/15  Star-Lord & Kitty Pride Ltd #3 -  31,012  (-  4.8%)

11/15	Star-Lord  #1 -  47,104   
12/15  Star-Lord  #2  - 26,348 (-44.1%)
01/16  Star-Lord  #3  - 22,698 (-13.9%)
02/16  Star-Lord  #4  - 19,117 (-15.8%)
03/16  Star-Lord  #5  - 17,374   (-9.1%)

Since issue #2 : - 34.1 %

The problem is not really to sell a little less than 20K, it’s to have a stabilized title. Losing 10% of your readership per issue at this point isn’t permitted.

 118- NOVA

02/14  Nova#13.Now – 26,147  (   4.4%)
03/14  Nova v5 #14 – 23,459  ( -10.3%)
...
05/15  Nova v5 #31 – 18,129  ( -2.7%)

11/15	Nova  #1 -  45,536  
12/15  Nova  #2 -  27,120   (-40.4%)
01/16  Nova  #3 -  23,464   (-13.5%)
02/16  Nova  #4 -  18,187   (-22.5%)
03/16  Nova  #5  - 16,886   (-  7.2%)

Since issue #2 : - 37.7 %

The relaunch only allowed the production of 4 more issues. It’s getting ridiculous.

 124- PATSY WALKER HELLCAT

12/15	Patsy Walker Hellcat  #1 -  46,198  
01/16  Patsy Walker Hellcat  #2 -  20,836  (-54.9%)
02/16  Patsy Walker Hellcat  #3 -  16,587  (-18.6%)  
03/16  Patsy Walker Hellcat  #4 -  15,971  (-  3.7%)

Since issue #2: -23.3%

If there wasn’t a Women of Power variant on, this would have been good news.

 

128- X-MEN WORST X-MAN EVER LTD

02/16 X-Men Worst X-Man Ever Ltd #1 of 5 -  21,399
03/16 X-Men Worst X-Man Ever Ltd #2 of 5 -  15,169  (-29.1%)

No a bad fall, especially with no variant cover at all.

 

129- ANGELA QUEEN OF HELL 

12/14  Angela #1 -  61,398  
01/15  Angela #2 -  36,992  (-39.8%)
02/15  Angela #3 -  31,096  (-15.9%)
03/15  Angela #4 -  25,529  (-17.9%)
04/15  Angela #5 -  23,551  (- 7.7%)
05/15  Angela #6 -  22,272  (- 5.4%)

06/15 1602 Witch Hunter Angela Ltd #1 – 37,996
07/15 1602 Witch Hunter Angela Ltd #2 – 26,481  (-30.3%)
08/15 ---
09/15 1602 Witch Hunter Angela Ltd #3 – 23,058  (-12.9%)
10/15 1602 Witch Hunter Angela Ltd #4 - 19,545

10/15 Angela Queen of Hel  #1-     39,271
11/15 Angela Queen of Hel  #2-     23,264  (-40.8%)
12/15 Angela Queen of Hel  #3 -    20,958  (-  9.9%)
01/16 Angela Queen of Hel  #4 -    18,917  (-  9.7%)
02/16 Angela Queen of Hel  #5 -    15,968  (-15.6%)
03/16 Angela Queen of Hel  #6 -    14,986  (-  6.1%)

Since issue #2 : - 35.6 %

Cancelled next month. It seems that Marvel will reveal its titles cancellations as late as possible. You have here a perfect example of a modern buzz effect: everybody went crazy with the arrival of Angela in the Marvel Universe -when nobody was asking for the character’s return in fact- and, as it was feared, those fleeting buyers went to the next « hot topic » of the month rather quickly.

 130- MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR

11/15	Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur  #1 -  38,133
12/15  Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur  #2 -   21,715  (-43.1%)
01/16  Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur  #3 -   18,424  (-15.2%)
02/16  Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur  #4 -   14,941  (-18.9%)
03/16  Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur  #5 -   14,771  (-  1.1%)

Since issue #2 : -32.0 %

Before getting your hopes high, there was a Women of Power variant involved.

 143- ILLUMINATI

11/15	Illuminati  #1 -  44,163    
12/15  Illuminati  #2 -  23,090  (-47.7%)
01/16  Illuminati  #3 -  19,025  (-17.6%)
02/16  Illuminati  #4 -  15,280  (-19.7%)
03/16  Illuminati  #5 -  13,561  (-11.2%)

Since issue #2: -41.3%

Who switched off the light? [ it was too tempting and I may not have that many months left to do the joke]

 144- BLACK KNIGHT

11/15	Black Knight  #1 -  39,381 
12/15  Black Knight  #2 -  22,081  (-43.9%)
01/16  Black Knight  #3 -  17,118  (-22.5%)
02/16  Black Knight  #4 -  14,346  (-16.2%)
03/16  Black Knight  #5 -  13,499  (-  5.9%)    END

Since issue #2 : - 38.9 %

The black sheep of the All New Marvel relaunches. Cancelled. What Marvel doesn’t know is that at least half of the All New flock is black.

 149- DRAX

11/15	Drax  #1 -  49,601     
12/15  Drax  #2 -  23,054  (-53.5%)
01/16  Drax  #3 -  18,837  (-18.3%)
02/16  Drax  #4 -  14,620  (-22.4%)
03/16  Drax  #5 -  13,042  (-10.8%)

Since issue #2 : - 43.4%

I’m still waiting for my C.M. Punk shirtless variant cover. There isn’t that much time left…

 152- HERCULES

11/15	Hercules  #1 -  44,512  
12/15  Hercules  #2 –  20,719   (-53.5%)
01/16  Hercules  #3 -  16,310    (-21.3%)
02/16  Hercules  #4 -  13,767    (-15.6%)
03/16  Hercules  #5 -  12,701    (-  7.7%)

Since issue #2 : -38.7 %

The next arc will be sold as a mini-series, which, at this point, can’t be worse. We can safely assume that will be it for Hercules new adventures.

 

153- HOWLING COMMANDOS OF SHIELD 

10/15 Howling Commandos of SHIELD  #1 -  44,532
11/15 Howling Commandos of SHIELD  #2 -  20,498  (-54.0%)
12/15 Howling Commandos of SHIELD  #3 -  18,002  (-  8.3%)
01/16 Howling Commandos of SHIELD  #4 -  14,091  (-21.7%)
02/16 Howling Commandos of SHIELD  #5 -  12,281  (-12.8%)
03/16 Howling Commandos of SHIELD  #6  - 12,700   (+3.4%)   END

Since issue #2 : -38.0%

Cancelled quietly. It finished with something new, a rise in sales, even if due to a Stand Off tie-in.

156- ALL NEW ALL DIFFERENT MARVEL UNIVERSE ($5)

03/16-  ANAD Marvel Universe  #1  -  28,739           

All New All Different Marvel Universe but Same Old Same Marketing Ploys to make you spend money.

 

163- WEIRDWORLD  

06/15 Weirdworld #1  -  48,688
07/15 Weirdworld #2  -  26,307  (-46.0%)
08/15 Weirdworld #3  -  23,784  (-  9.6%)
09/15 Weirdworld #4  -  22,206  (-  6.6%)
10/15 Weirdworld #5  -  18,996  (-14.5%)
11/15 ---
12/15 Weirdworld  #1 -  30,288
01/16 Weirdworld  #2 -  17,759  (-41.4%)
02/16 Weirdworld  #3 -  14,190  (-20.1%)
03/16 Weirdworld  #4 -  11,993  (-15.5%)

Since issue #2: -32.5%

Sad results but a fantastic Mike Del Mundo psychedelic cover!

 175- RED WOLF

12/15	Red Wolf #1 -  39,288
01/16   Red Wolf #2 -  26,662  (-32.2%)
02/16   Red Wolf #3 -  12,211  (-54.2%)
03/16   Red Wolf #4 -    9,932  (-18.7%)

Since issue #2: -62.7%

Will probably break Deathlok recent abyssal sales record. Has already been cancelled whithout us knowing it.

212- MU AVENGERS ASSEMBLE CIVIL WAR LTD ($3)

03/16-  MU Avengers Civil War Ltd #1 -  7,253          

This is the only line with Marvel not caring at all about the covers. There is not variants and Marvel doesn’t care to even credit the covers in its Previews.

 223- STAR BRAND AND NIGHTMASK

12/15	Star Brand and Nightmask #1 -  27,969
01/16	Star Brand and Nightmask #2 -  11,677  (-58.3%)
02/16	Star Brand and Nightmask #3 -    8,956  (-23.3%)
03/16  Star Brand and Nightmask #4 -     6,678  (-25.4%)
      
Since issue #2: -42.8%

This one probably didn’t deserve such a severe blow in sales. Except if it’s supposed to be in fact a new MU/ kid title in disguise, it has already been cancelled.

235-TRUE BELIEVERS ($1)

02/16  Deadpool #1          – 58,383   [+6,120]

Never has a Rob Liefeld floppy comic been so successful since the 90’s.

258- MU ULT SPIDER-MAN CONTEST OF CHAMPIONS LTD ($3)

03/16-  MU Spider-Man Contest of Champions Ltd #1 -  5,447          

On a side note, isn’t it nice to see DC releasing collections of its Batman Adventures and Superman Adventures comics? Great writers and artists worked on that, they are worth every dime in your pocket.

 

272- MARVEL UNIVERSE GUARDIANS OF GALAXY ($3) 

02/15 MU guardians of Galaxy #1       – 12,047 
03/15 MU guardians of Galaxy #2       –  9,108 (-24.4%)
04/15 MU guardians of galaxy #3 of  4 -  8,406 (- 7.7%)
05/15 MU guardians of Galaxy #4 of  4 -  7,468 (-18.0%)

10/15 MU Guardians of Galaxy  #1 - 11,751
11/15 MU Guardians of Galaxy  #2 -  7,364  (-37.3%)
12/15 MU Guardians of Galaxy  #3 -  6,159  (-16.4%)
01/16 MU Guardians of Galaxy  #4 -  5,662  (-  8.1%)
02/16 MU Guardians of Galaxy  #5 -  5,198  (-  8.2%)
03/16 MU Guardians of Galaxy  #6 -  4,937  (- 5.0%)

Since issue #2: -33.0%

Insert snarky comment on now having to flip through 3 different Previews catalog (Marvel’s , DC’s and the main Preview) to choose what to preorder. Preordering comics is becoming a challenge!


Thanks for reading until the end! I hope to see you next time. Meanwhile, feel free to comment, express your rage or your love for french sarcasm! I’ll hug everyone, no matter what. And if you’re a hairdresser, I wouldn’t recommand for you to come working in France. Love you!

17 COMMENTS

  1. I’ve noticed that Marvel is making some some noise on the covers of some issues about the fact that it is the first issue of a new arc. Probably a helpful thing to do.

  2. French expression translation: In France, “Italian format” is the horizontal format used, for example, in many comic strip reprints.

    There are actually very few comics published in Italy with this format nowadays. I always think of the Bonelli format (an intermediary format between US comic size and Digest size) when I hear that one. About 90% of the italian comics are in Bonelli format nowadays. Including a whole bunch of french comics reprints…

  3. “The sad part is…..some of these poor-selling books are REALLY quite good…..”

    Doubtful. It’s corporate-owned superhero garbage. Let’s bury it, grow up, and move on to more imaginative creator-owned books.

  4. Not necessarily, Skottie. I mean, that was the thought behind the Image founders and can you say that what they (not Image Central, which eventually became a major force for improvement in comics, but the founders themselves) did was better than Marvel’s “corporate-owned superhero garbage”? Creator-owned garbage is as much garbage as corporate-owned garbage!

    But the US comics market is seriously deformed, so let’s go foor a better case study. Let’s say, our host’s Xavier Lancel market, the french.

    In France, almost every comic is creator-owned. ALMOST! Particularly in recent years, companies have been acquiring IPs of famous series whose creators are dead or retired. It’s not a full corporate ownership deal, the original creators’ heirs usually have a say on what is published and get a slice of the pie, but for all intents and purposes it’s the closest France has to the US corporate-owned properties.

    And, well, it’s not really a black and white situation. Corporate-owned Asterix has been MUCH better than the last few years of creator-owned Asterix. Same for Lucky Luke. Spirou has been corporate-owned almost from the bebinning and has a truckload of masterpieces. Other famous french-belgian series, Blake and Mortimer, has arguably put out books as good than most of their original creator. Meanwhile, the french market has quite a lot of garbage (I would say 90%, according to Sturgeon’s law) that is mostly creator-owned.

    Of course, french comic book publishers are, well, comic book publishers, not IP farmers for big entertainment corporations that don’t care for comics. I think THAT is the most important factor in the equation. When DC and Marvel had comics as their core business, the quality was arguably much higher!

  5. Skottie, why do you comment on every one of these sales charts if you don’t like the comics? who are you trying to impress?

  6. Skottie’s on a grumpy rant this week, I see. Same “corporate garbage” comments on lots of posts. Weirdworld is a really, honestly excellent title! It’ll be sad to see it go, because it is!

  7. “I’m really curious to see how the Alpha Flight cast is being written by Michele Fazekas & Tara Butters in this one.”

    Enough to make me drop the title. Puck as a Captain Marvel fanboy is dumb IMO.

  8. “Skottie, why do you comment on every one of these sales charts if you don’t like the comics?”

    Just glad to see sales for corporate-driven drek tanking.

    “who are you trying to impress?”

    Look how many of you get butthurt every time I tell you to stop buying garbage. It’s working.

  9. “Look how many of you get butthurt every time I tell you to stop buying garbage. It’s working.”

    What’s working? That I’m offended or that I’ve stopped buying Marvel comics? Sorry to say it’s neither. Your posts on these boards probably aren’t going to change anyone’s mind about what they buy.

    I only buy a few of these titles. I also buy stuff from DC and other publishers too. Tanking sales are a problem across the entire industry, not just Big Two Corporate Comics. Nobody seems to know how to sustain reader interest. It’s definitely not an indication of quality either. Plus Image and the other indies are putting out just as much crap as Marvel and DC, and most of it sells 10 times worse.

  10. “French comic book publishers are, well, comic book publishers, not IP farmers for big entertainment corporations that don’t care for comics.”

    Similarly in Japan.

    I always warned that an over-reliance on superhero movies would end up reducing DC & Marvel to pitch factories for Big Hollywood; I always warned that the superhero monoculture wasn’t healthy in the long term, but as usual no-one listened…

  11. “That I’m offended or that I’ve stopped buying Marvel comics? Sorry to say it’s neither.”

    Thanks for writing an essay explaining how not-offended you are.

    It’s definitely working.

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