GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Most Popular Graphic Novels

The most popular graphic novels exhibit high sales figures, diverse genres and themes, and widespread critical acclaim among readers.

Highlights: Most Popular Graphic Novels

  • The best-selling comic book of all time is "X-Men Vol. 2 #1" with around 8.1 million copies sold.
  • Manga series "One Piece" by Eiichiro Oda is the highest-grossing comic of all time, with over 5 billion dollars in total franchise revenue.
  • "Watchmen", a classic graphic novel, sold about 100,000 copies in 2020.
  • The best-selling graphic novel of 2020 in the United States was "Strange Planet" by Nathan W. Pyle.
  • "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" was the best-selling manga in Japan in 2020 with sales over 82.3 million copies.
  • "My Hero Academia" was the 2nd best-selling manga series in Japan in 2020, with sales over 6 million copies.
  • In 2020, "Batman: Three Jokers #1" was reported to have sold over 300,000 units, making it one of the best-selling graphic novels.
  • In 2019, children's graphic novel sales increased by 40% in the UK, with "Dog Man: Fetch-22" being the top-selling title.
  • "The Sandman" by Neil Gaiman has sold over 7 million copies worldwide as of 2020.
  • "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 1" sold approximately 200,000 copies in its first week of release in 2014.
  • The graphic novel "Persepolis" has sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.
  • "Power Pack" by Louise Simonson and June Brigman was the first mainstream superhero comic book to be created by women and has reached 500,000 readers as of its 2020 edition.
  • In 2019, the US graphic novel market grew by more than 11%, reaching $765 million in sales.
  • "V for Vendetta" sold approximately 100,000 copies in 2020.
  • "Saga" is one of the best-selling graphic novel series of the 2010s, with its first edition selling over 500,000 copies.
  • In the first half of 2020, Manga sales accounted for 80% of all graphic novels sales in Japan.
  • "The Walking Dead" first volume sales have exceeded 283,000 copies.
  • In 2018, it was recorded that over 395 million manga (Japanese graphic novels) volumes were in circulation.
  • "March: Book Three", a graphic novel by Congressman John Lewis, won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, making it the first graphic novel to receive that honor.

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The Latest Most Popular Graphic Novels Explained

The best-selling comic book of all time is “X-Men Vol. 2 #1” with around 8.1 million copies sold.

The statistic that the best-selling comic book of all time is “X-Men Vol. 2 #1” with around 8.1 million copies sold highlights the immense popularity and reach of this particular comic book. The large number of copies sold indicates the widespread appeal of the X-Men franchise and the success of this specific issue in capturing the interest of readers and fans. The impressive sales figures not only reflect the popularity of the X-Men characters and storyline but also point to the enduring cultural significance and impact of comic books as a form of entertainment and storytelling.

Manga series “One Piece” by Eiichiro Oda is the highest-grossing comic of all time, with over 5 billion dollars in total franchise revenue.

The statistic that the manga series “One Piece” by Eiichiro Oda is the highest-grossing comic of all time, with over $5 billion in total franchise revenue, highlights the immense commercial success and popularity of the series. This statistic indicates that “One Piece” has generated significant revenue through various channels such as manga sales, merchandise, licensing, and adaptations in anime and films. The impressive financial achievement of “One Piece” signifies its broad appeal and enduring popularity among audiences globally, making it a dominant force in the comic industry and a cultural phenomenon beyond its original manga format.

“Watchmen”, a classic graphic novel, sold about 100,000 copies in 2020.

The statistic “Watchmen, a classic graphic novel, sold about 100,000 copies in 2020” indicates that in the year 2020, approximately 100,000 copies of the graphic novel “Watchmen” were sold. This figure provides insight into the popularity and commercial success of the novel during that specific period, suggesting a strong interest and demand for the work. The number of copies sold serves as a quantitative measure of the book’s appeal and market performance in 2020, reflecting the level of engagement from readers and illustrating its enduring relevance among audiences.

The best-selling graphic novel of 2020 in the United States was “Strange Planet” by Nathan W. Pyle.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, the graphic novel “Strange Planet” by Nathan W. Pyle achieved the highest number of sales in the United States compared to other graphic novels. This suggests that the book was highly popular and well-received by readers throughout the year. The success of “Strange Planet” may be attributed to various factors such as engaging storytelling, unique artwork, effective marketing strategies, and positive reviews from readers and critics. Overall, this statistic highlights the significant impact and success of “Strange Planet” within the graphic novel genre in 2020.

“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” was the best-selling manga in Japan in 2020 with sales over 82.3 million copies.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” achieved the highest sales among all manga titles in Japan, with a total of over 82.3 million copies sold. This achievement highlights the immense popularity and widespread success of the manga series within the Japanese market during that year. The impressive sales figure suggests a strong fan base and significant consumer demand for the series, potentially driven by factors such as engaging storytelling, compelling characters, and captivating visuals. This statistic reflects the dominance of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” in the manga industry in Japan in 2020, positioning it as a standout and high-performing title within the market.

“My Hero Academia” was the 2nd best-selling manga series in Japan in 2020, with sales over 6 million copies.

The statistic “My Hero Academia was the 2nd best-selling manga series in Japan in 2020, with sales over 6 million copies” indicates that the manga series My Hero Academia ranked as the second highest in terms of total sales among all manga titles in Japan during the year 2020. The fact that it sold over 6 million copies highlights its popularity and strong market presence during that year. This statistic not only reflects the commercial success of My Hero Academia but also suggests a significant fan base and consumer interest in the storyline and characters depicted in the series.

In 2020, “Batman: Three Jokers #1” was reported to have sold over 300,000 units, making it one of the best-selling graphic novels.

The statistic highlights that in 2020, the graphic novel “Batman: Three Jokers #1” achieved notable commercial success by selling over 300,000 units. This figure helps establish the comic’s popularity and commercial viability within the graphic novel market. By surpassing the 300,000 units mark, it is considered one of the best-selling graphic novels during that year. This statistic not only reflects the significant demand for the “Batman: Three Jokers” storyline but also indicates a strong fan base and sustained interest in the Batman franchise. Overall, the reported sales performance of “Batman: Three Jokers #1” showcases its market appeal and success within the comic book industry.

In 2019, children’s graphic novel sales increased by 40% in the UK, with “Dog Man: Fetch-22” being the top-selling title.

The statistic indicates that in the UK in 2019, sales of children’s graphic novels experienced a significant growth of 40% compared to the previous year. This surge in popularity was likely driven by the top-selling title “Dog Man: Fetch-22”, which was the most purchased graphic novel among children during that period. The success of this specific title potentially contributed to the overall increase in sales within the genre, indicating a notable trend towards the preference for graphic novels among young readers in the UK.

“The Sandman” by Neil Gaiman has sold over 7 million copies worldwide as of 2020.

The statistic, “The Sandman” by Neil Gaiman has sold over 7 million copies worldwide as of 2020, indicates the significant commercial success and widespread popularity of the graphic novel series. This figure implies that the series has resonated with a large global audience, leading to strong sales and distribution across various regions. By surpassing the 7 million mark in sales, “The Sandman” demonstrates its enduring appeal and enduring relevance in the literary world, solidifying its status as a beloved and influential work in the genre of graphic novels.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 1” sold approximately 200,000 copies in its first week of release in 2014.

The statistic states that the movie “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 1” sold around 200,000 copies in its first week of release in 2014. This indicates the strong initial popularity and success of the movie in the home entertainment market. The number of copies sold is a direct reflection of the demand and interest in the film among consumers during its initial release period. This statistic could be used by the movie industry to gauge the commercial performance and impact of the movie in its early stages of distribution, as well as to make predictions about its future success in terms of sales and revenue.

The graphic novel “Persepolis” has sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.

The statistic that the graphic novel “Persepolis” has sold more than 2 million copies worldwide indicates a significant level of popularity and widespread acclaim for the book. This measurement of sales success reflects the strong appeal and broad reach of “Persepolis” as a work of literature and art in the graphic novel genre. The impressive sales figure of over 2 million copies not only demonstrates the book’s commercial success but also highlights its cultural impact and relevance to audiences around the world. This statistic underscores the value and influence of “Persepolis” as a widely appreciated and widely read piece of storytelling that has resonated with readers on a global scale.

“Power Pack” by Louise Simonson and June Brigman was the first mainstream superhero comic book to be created by women and has reached 500,000 readers as of its 2020 edition.

The statistic indicates that “Power Pack,” a superhero comic book created by women Louise Simonson and June Brigman, holds the distinction of being the first mainstream superhero comic book primarily crafted by female creators. By highlighting this milestone, the statistic underscores the importance of representation and diversity within the comic book industry. Additionally, the fact that the 2020 edition of “Power Pack” has reached 500,000 readers speaks to the enduring popularity and impact of this comic book series. This statistic not only recognizes the trailblazing efforts of Simonson and Brigman but also signifies the significant readership and cultural influence that “Power Pack” has garnered over the years.

In 2019, the US graphic novel market grew by more than 11%, reaching $765 million in sales.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, the graphic novel market in the United States experienced a significant growth rate of over 11% compared to the previous year, achieving total sales of $765 million. This growth suggests a strong and increasing demand for graphic novels among consumers during that period. Factors contributing to this growth could include rising popularity of graphic novels as a form of entertainment, successful marketing strategies by publishers, and potentially an expanding audience beyond traditional comic book fans. The increase in sales not only signifies a prosperous market for publishers and retailers within the graphic novel industry, but also reflects the evolving preferences and interests of consumers in the literary and visual arts landscape.

“V for Vendetta” sold approximately 100,000 copies in 2020.

The statistic that “V for Vendetta” sold approximately 100,000 copies in 2020 indicates the number of units of the book that were purchased within that year. This figure provides insight into the popularity and market demand for the book during that specific time period. Analyzing sales data such as this can be crucial for publishers and authors to understand how well their work is performing in the market and can also be used to project future sales trends or inform marketing strategies. Additionally, comparing this number to sales figures from previous years could help evaluate the book’s long-term success and track its overall market performance.

“Saga” is one of the best-selling graphic novel series of the 2010s, with its first edition selling over 500,000 copies.

The statistic that “Saga” is one of the best-selling graphic novel series of the 2010s, with its first edition selling over 500,000 copies, highlights the significant commercial success and popularity of this particular graphic novel series within its genre. Selling over 500,000 copies of its first edition is a notable achievement in the graphic novel market, indicating a strong appeal to readers and potentially a wide reach in terms of audience. This statistic suggests that “Saga” has resonated with consumers and established itself as a standout series in the graphic novel landscape during the 2010s, likely driving interest and sales for subsequent editions as well.

In the first half of 2020, Manga sales accounted for 80% of all graphic novels sales in Japan.

The statistic indicates that in the first half of 2020, manga sales comprised 80% of the total sales of graphic novels in Japan. This suggests that manga, a form of Japanese comic books or graphic novels, was the dominant category within the broader graphic novel market during this period. The high market share of manga sales highlights the significant popularity and demand for manga among readers in Japan. This statistic is crucial for publishers, retailers, and stakeholders in the graphic novel industry as it demonstrates the importance of manga sales in driving the overall market performance in Japan during the specified timeframe.

“The Walking Dead” first volume sales have exceeded 283,000 copies.

The statistic ‘The Walking Dead’ first volume sales have exceeded 283,000 copies indicates that the initial collected edition of the popular comic book series ‘The Walking Dead’ has been very successful in terms of sales, surpassing a total of 283,000 copies purchased. This statistic highlights the strong interest and demand among readers for this particular volume, possibly due to factors such as the popularity of the TV adaptation and the engaging storyline of the comic. The high sales figure suggests a wide readership and indicates that the series has a significant and dedicated fan base supporting its success in the market.

In 2018, it was recorded that over 395 million manga (Japanese graphic novels) volumes were in circulation.

The statistic that in 2018, over 395 million manga volumes were in circulation indicates the widespread popularity and influence of Japanese graphic novels worldwide. This figure highlights the significant demand and consumption of manga as a form of entertainment across different demographics and age groups. The large number of circulated volumes reflects the cultural impact of manga, not only in Japan but also in other countries where it has gained a devoted following. Additionally, the statistic suggests a thriving industry that continues to produce a wide variety of manga genres and series to meet the diverse interests of readers globally.

“March: Book Three”, a graphic novel by Congressman John Lewis, won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, making it the first graphic novel to receive that honor.

The statistic highlights a significant milestone in the world of literature, as “March: Book Three” by Congressman John Lewis made history by becoming the first graphic novel to win the prestigious National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. This achievement signifies a breaking of traditional literary boundaries and a recognition of the graphic novel genre as a powerful medium for storytelling and conveying important messages. Congressman John Lewis’s work not only stands out for its artistic and literary merit but also for its impactful portrayal of the Civil Rights Movement, bringing attention to issues of social justice and equality. This recognition of “March: Book Three” underscores the growing appreciation and acknowledgment of graphic novels as a valid and powerful form of literature.

References

0. – https://www.icv2.com

1. – https://www.bookriot.com

2. – https://www.www.wbur.org

3. – https://www.www.publishersweekly.com

4. – https://www.graphicpolicy.com

5. – https://www.bleedingcool.com

6. – https://www.www.japantimes.co.jp

7. – https://www.www.comicsbeat.com

8. – https://www.bleedingfool.com

9. – https://www.www.guinnessworldrecords.com

10. – https://www.www.animenewsnetwork.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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