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Regardless of whether we’re talking about Marvel, DC Comics, or independent comic books, comics continue to be one of the least respected mediums out there. Don’t get me wrong, even most outsiders recognize the craft and hard work that it takes to produce a comic book, but the respect factor comes into how it’s viewed alongside other mediums.
The demand for comics hasn’t been strong because, frankly, comics haven’t been seen as “cool.”
When it comes to novels or movies, comics get— as comedian Rodney Dangerfield once said— “no respect.” What I mean by that is, unlike other mediums, comic books aren’t experiencing a surge in popularity. This is strange to me, especially since comic book movies continue to dominate.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe just surpassed the $30 billion box office mark last year, while fans remain deeply invested in James Gunn’s plans for the DCU. Yet, comics aren’t reaping the benefits of this success. In fact, Marvel saw a significant dip in sales after Q4 of 2024. What’s going on?
Comics Still Aren’t as Popular as Other Mediums – Is Accessibility An Issue?
Comic Books Are More Accessible Than Ever Before, Yet Sales Are Struggling
When I was a kid, there was a local comic book shop just a few blocks away from the elementary school I attended. Well, at least I think it was a few blocks—being a little kid with no sense of direction, it’s hard to say. It’s not like I needed to know the exact coordinates at age 6 or 7. Anyway, geography aside, my dad would take me to that shop every Friday after school. I was always hunting for the latest Spider-Man comic since that was my favorite, but, of course, this is Spider-Man we’re talking about.
Back then, Spider-Man was everyone’s favorite, so his newest issues were always sold out. He was Marvel’s biggest and most iconic superhero, so it was no surprise. I bring this up to highlight how things were in the early 2000s. Fast forward to 2025, and every comic is available with just one click. For $9.99 a month, I can get a Marvel Unlimited subscription and instantly have every Spider-Man comic ever produced at my fingertips. The same goes for DC Comics—DC Universe Infinite offers thousands of comics for $7.99 a month.
Even independent publishers have embraced digital platforms. Amazon’s Comixology provides access to comics from BOOM! Studios, Dark Horse Comics, Valiant Comics, IDW Publishing, Dynamite Entertainment, and many others. While there are still challenges preventing comics from becoming mainstream, accessibility is no longer one of them. Thanks to user-friendly apps, every comic lover has a world of comics just a tap away. Not to mention that events like Free Comic Book Day and special promotions also make titles more accessible from a financial standpoint.
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The Cultural Divide: Why Manga Thrives While Comics Struggle to Gain Traction
Perceptions of Comics vs. Manga: Why One is Celebrated and the Other Is Seen as “For Kids”
Superheroes have become synonymous with pop culture, yet this hasn’t inspired many people to dive into the original source material. One could argue that, due to the enthusiasm for superhero movies and shows, audiences don’t feel the need to read comics, assuming the stories are the same. While that may be true to some extent, I’d counter that readers still feel compelled to read novels after seeing their movie adaptations. For some reason, comics don’t receive the same treatment. On the other hand, manga has become more popular than ever, co-existing alongside anime’s rise in popularity.
Manga was always huge when I was a kid, to the point where it was normalized for everyone to read. They even sold manga at Scholastic Book Fairs—remember those? Just me? Man, I’m old. The point is, no one would make fun of you for reading manga, while comic books and graphic novels were often seen as something for kids—and that perception still persists. The mass audience just tends to view comics as sillier compared to manga.
Are Comic Books Becoming Cool Again?
DC’s Success Suggests That the Comic Book Business is On the Verge of Booming Again
Comics continue to be a niche market for select audiences, and that contributes to a long-standing truth, especially when I was younger: comics just weren’t considered “cool.” Of course, we can also consider the rising prices of comics, particularly from DC and Marvel, driven by U.S. tariffs. These price hikes are another barrier to entry. Still, impulsive buyers aren’t that selective with their money. If there’s enough demand, people will pay, whether the comics are expensive or not. After all, superhero movies continue to be successful despite high ticket prices.
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What Was the Best-Selling Comic of 2024? It Seems DC Won With a Thin Margin
The numbers are in, and we now officially know the BEST-SELLING comic of 2024—and it’s DC claiming the honor, edging out Marvel’s top-selling title.
The demand for comics hasn’t been strong because, frankly, comics haven’t been seen as “cool.” But there’s hope on the horizon. While Marvel saw a dip in sales during Q4 of 2024, DC’s sales skyrocketed, thanks largely to the launch of their new Absolute Universe. Revamps like Absolute Batman have sparked renewed interest in previously stagnant characters, leading to unexpected success in 2024 and setting the stage for a promising 2025. Even Marvel is seeing a resurgence with Marvel Rivals, slowly but surely bringing their comics back into the spotlight. It’s clear that the tide is shifting, and both Marvel and DC are starting to get cool with fans again.
“}]] Superheroes are more popular than ever, but comics continue to suffer. Read More