Top 300 Comics Actual--March 2004
Sales Estimates for March Based on Diamond Indexes and Publisher Title Data
April 22, 2004
These are estimates of the sales by Diamond U.S. to comic specialty stores during March 2004.
For an overview and analysis of comic sales in March, see "Comic Numbers Pick Up in March."
14 91.32 JLA #94 Est.Qty 76,134
15 83.84 JLA #95 Est.Qty 69,898
Edited to fix HTML tags
This message has been edited by MattReed on Apr 22, 2004 5:09 PM This message has been edited by JasonMichalski on Apr 22, 2004 4:53 PM
A roughly 10% drop from first to second issue is encouraging. It means the majority of retailers are not practising the slash-by-a-third mentality that was so much a curse of the speculator boom -- especially when orders on the third issue were usually slashed again -- and all without the first issue even having reached the shelves.
Perhaps this indicates a sea change. We shall see.
The same estimates have show that JLA has been selling more or less constant at 58-60k for the last year. So a 25% jump to 75K looks really good. Of course these only unofficial estimates of the sales, but encouraging nethertheless.
"has been selling more or less constant at 58-60k for the last year."
You're kidding- before the Byrne arch the JLA books had some of the wrost stories and art I have seen in a long time.
I was going to cancel the book until I head about Byrne coming on and didn't bother because of the two month delay.
I appericate people who buy books because they love the characters but man most of those books were horrible.
I cannot believe they were selling that high.
A roughly 10% drop from first to second issue is encouraging. It means the majority of retailers are not practising the slash-by-a-third mentality
--------------------------
It appears that way. I'm wondering whether the fact that the Tenth Circle comes out every two weeks plays into these numbers and how retailers choose to "refine" their orders from issue to issue.
I'm wondering whether the fact that the Tenth Circle comes out every two weeks plays into these numbers and how retailers choose to "refine" their orders from issue to issue.
The drop's strange to me. It's an arc, not a new series. Why would the numbers change radically from one issue to another?
I think that its because it looks like a mini-series. OK it's within the normal JLA numbering, but each of these rotating creative team arcs could just as well be their own JLA mini-series.
The drop's strange to me. It's an arc, not a new series. Why would the numbers change radically from one issue to another?
I think that its because it looks like a mini-series. OK it's within the normal JLA numbering, but each of these rotating creative team arcs could just as well be their own JLA mini-series.
*****************
First Issue Mentality is still something of a problem. Even with the bulk of the speculeeches gone, there are still fans and retailers who think in terms of "first issues" being "collector's items".
When I was doing NEXT MEN, ten years ago, I started numbering the arcs, as in "1 of 4", "2 of 4" ect, and I noticed that the "first issue" bumped up in sales by as much as 20%.
I'm sure that for some retailers the two week publishing schedule is an important part of how much they order.
I base my initial orders on new title, or new creative teams on the reputation of the characters (if pre-existing) and/or the talent involved, along with whatever buzz I hear from people that frequent my shop.
I DO NOT base my orders on the buzz coming out of "Wizard." That way lies madness! Hell, "Wizard" probably gets some kickback from time to time to hype certain titles (I'm not saying that I know that "Wizard" actually does do that). Even if they don't, you can't gauge actual reader interest by what "Wizard" says. So, don't always go by what they say, be you a fan or a retailer.
Personally (if anyone cares) the books "initial shelf life" does usually play into the number of copies I order for the shelf. That said, for this arc, I bumped my numbers for the rack up threefold. Then, when it shipped, I doubled those numbers in re-orders. At this point, I think I have an idea of where it is in my shop and (hopefully) will have just the right amount for the rack.
For the record, several new and former JLA subscribers have told me to add JLA to their list, "for the rest of this arc." The reponse has been very favorable in my store. It's too bad the quality "can't" (won't) continue.
Usually, a strong arc can increase numbers that stick with the book for some time. (Many people dropped Batman after Jim Lee's last issue but a LOT were happy to continue buying it regularly.) Unfortunately, at least in my shop, most customers already have their minds made up on the works of Chuck Austen and Joe Kelly, based on previous experience. Not to say they have no supporters among my regulars but its usually applies to people liking something by them, from the beginning, rather then when they've followed another writer.
I got stuck with so many copies of the first post-Morrison X-Issue, it blew me away. "I was going to drop it at the start of the Reload but I know what to expect from Austen." Many people gave him the benefit of the doubt and read it in the shop. (As regular an occurance in my shop then at Borders or Barnes & Noble, it actually HELPS sales.) As far as me upholding the "you ordered it, you buy it" policy, I use a case by case rule of thumb and try to let them change the titles on there list, as they see fit. (I do my best to keep people aware of upcoming events and don't make anyone buy what they don't want.) Usually, it works out for the best but I can't remember the time I had such a mass exodus on one title. (Anybody need any copies of X-Men #155? Cheap??)
Oh well. Win some, lose some.
Sorry for rambling. That's why I try to stay quiet.
)