Marvel Comics took the position for top comic book publisher for the second month running, according to Diamond Distributor's sales charts for August. However, the top ten comics of the month were nearly split down the middle, with Marvel only narrowly pulling head. The publisher had half of the top ten comics, with Spider-Man leading the way. "Amazing Spider-Man" #5 was the publisher's bestseller title for the month at second, followed by "Original Sin" #7 in third, "Superior Spider-Man" #32, "Amazing Spider-Man" #1.4 in eighth and -- representing the only non-Spider-title for Marvel in the top ten -- "Guardians of the Galaxy" #18 in ninth.

By contrast, DC Comics had four titles in the top ten, nearly all Batman-related. "Batman" #34 was the month's top bestselling title, while the debut issue of "The Multiversity" clocked in at fourth, "Harley Quinn" continued its success in the top ten at seventh and "Batman Eternal" #18 ended up in tenth.

Image Comics also had a showing in the top ten: Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard's "The Walking Dead" #130 came in at sixth.

Sales were down a significant amount from July -- between 20 and 24 percent in both comics and graphic novels for dollars and units -- but up when compared to August 2013 and year-to-date.

The graphic novels and trade paperbacks were also dominated by Marvel and DC during August, with "Thanos: The Infinity Revelation" OGN leading the way. "Deadpool Vs. Carnage" and "Guardians of the Galaxy" Vol. 1 also charted at third and sixth, respectively. DC had a particularly strong showing with four titles in the top ten graphic novels: "Fables Volume 20" came in at second, "Trillium" in fourth, "Batman: Earth One" at fifth and the "Watchmen" hardcover at ninth. Image Comics had three titles in the top ten graphic novels: all three volumes of "Saga."

Look at the graphics below and check back next week for John Mayo's look at the Top 300 and in-depth analysis.

TOP COMIC BOOK PUBLISHERSNEW TITLES SHIPPED

COMPARATIVE SALES STATISTICSTOP 10 COMIC BOOKS