The comic book industry experienced record growth in 2019, with combined sales of graphic novels and single issues in the United States and Canada equalling a total of $1.21 billion -- an 11% increase from 2018.
"The massive shift to graphic novels as the preferred format for comics continued in 2019, bringing sales in the book channel above the comic store channel in North America for the first time in the history of the medium," ICv2 CEO Milton Griepp said in a statement.
The biggest driving force behind sales were graphic novels, which tend to be sold in bookstores and comic book shops. Graphic novel sales accounted for around $765 million, while single issues totaled close to $355 million. Digital comics accounted for about $90 million, while sales made in bookstores totaled were closer to $570 million. Finally, approximately $525 million in sales came from local comic shops and $25 million in sales came via "other methods," including crowdfunding sites.
This news comes at a time where the comic industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. "The comics industry has displayed resilience during many difficult times over the decades," Comichron owner Jonathan Miller said. "While the pandemic may prove its biggest test yet, 2019 provided the business with a strong base."
"Demand for comics content remains high and retailers have been finding inventive ways to fill that demand," Griepp added.
KEEP READING: Black Mask Studios Donating Online Sales to Protestor Bail Funds
(via Publishers' Weekly)