• Walt Disney World
    • WDW News
    • WDW Festivals & Events
    • WDW Foodie
    • WDW Resorts
    • WDW Dining
    • Magic Kingdom
    • Epcot
    • Hollywood Studios
    • Animal Kingdom
    • Disney Springs
    • WDW Transportation
    • Fairytale Weddings
  • Disney Cruise Line
    • DCL News
    • Disney Wish
    • Disney Dream
    • Disney Fantasy
    • Disney Wonder
    • Disney Magic
    • Onboard Activities & Entertainment
    • Castaway Cay
    • Port Adventures
  • Disneyland
    • Disneyland News
    • Disneyland Festivals & Events
    • Disneyland Foodie
    • Disney California Adventure Park
    • Disneyland Resorts
    • Disneyland Dining
    • Downtown Disney
  • Universal Studios
    • Universal News & Updates
    • Universal Studios Florida
    • Islands of Adventure
    • Volcano Bay
    • Universal Studios Hollywood
    • Universal Resorts
    • Universal Dining
    • Universal Entertainment & Events
    • Universal Foodie
  • Disney Destinations
    • Adventures by Disney
    • Aulani Resort
    • Disneyland Paris
    • Tokyo DisneySea
    • Tokyo Disneyland
    • Shanghai Disneyland
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • Preferred Partners
    • Get In Touch
    • Privacy Policy
  • Book Your Vacation

Explore

  • Walt Disney World
  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Disneyland
  • Universal Studios

Connect

The Kingdom Insider

Orlando and Family Travel News Lifestyle and Information

Disney News · September 13, 2017

Is Marvel Comics Dying? August 2017 Comic Book Sales Plunge 25% From August 2016

Can we finally admit that the American comic book industry is in its death throes?

Or at least that Marvel Comics, specifically, is in big, big trouble — which spells big trouble for the direct market?

According to comics news site Bleeding Cool, August 2017’s monthly comic book sales took a dive from last August.

August was a five-Wednesday month. Five weeks of new product rather than four. Usually that means the dollars spent on comics and graphic novels for that month is around 20% higher than a four-week month. But August was only up 10% on July, which is not good. And from August 2016, also a five-week month? Down 25% — that’s a whole quarter less spent on comics in the direct market in a comparable timeframe.

So how bad is that going to hurt comics?

To quote The Joker in Suicide Squad, “Really, really BAD.”

This is a game-changing drop; sales have fallen over a cliff. Overall, year on year, that’s almost 7% down on 2016 at the same time. (…) Things are getting worse, not better. 2017 looks like it may be an annus horribilus for the comic book direct market.

Of course if we’re talking market share, Disney-owned Marvel Comics still takes the lead with a 35% dollar share and 39% unit share.

However, you have to dig a little deeper to show that Marvel is only maintaining its market share by pumping out a lot of books… a lot of books that aren’t really selling all that well individually.

Even Comics Beat — a site I’ve found to be very hesitant to call the comic industry’s time of death — has admitted that Marvel is in a pretty dire state right now.

In fact, they even have a nice chart that illustrates Marvel’s predicament perfectly.

(Photo: Comics Beat)

According to comics sales analyst Todd Allen, the vast majority of Marvel’s titles are selling under 66,000 copies. And that’s only copies ordered by retailers, not the copies actually being sold to consumers… which is likely lower.

Marvel’s sweet spot appears to be issues getting ordered in at under 20K.  That’s an awful lot of comics with minimal to no shelf stocking.  If an ongoing comic is selling 40K at Marvel, it’s a hit.  Would 40K even have been considered mid-list a couple years ago?

To put it in perspective, Marvel used to cancel comics that sold “only” a few hundred thousand copies in the 1980s.

How times have changed.

Strangely, another comics news site — Comic Book Resources — is reporting that August 2017 was a great month for comics.

Maybe they’re the “half full” kind of people, but either way you look at it the glass doesn’t have as much water in it as it used to.

So where is Disney in all of this?

Oh, I have no doubt they’re watching the comic book direct market circle the drain and will likely step in to do a “course correction.” What that entails could be anything from relocating Marvel Comics to Burbank to keep a closer eye on them, shutting down Marvel as a publisher to focus on movies or something else entirely.

What I do know of Disney is that they won’t allow things to continue as they are. The company hates losing money, and Marvel’s comics publishing arm has been a PR nightmare for years.

With an increased focus on digital media, the company probably doesn’t want to spend many more resources on a dying business model.

Things will change. Disney will intervene. Count on it.

RIP Comic Shops?

The days of the comic book shop are coming to a close, I’m afraid.

Should Marvel cut back on the number of books it publishes (or just drop publishing comics altogether) it would create a domino effect that would surely end in many shops closing their doors. A loss of Marvel would likely mean Diamond Distribution would suffer, and since comics retailers have painted themselves into a corner in which Diamond supplies them with most of their merchandise, what’s bad for Diamond is bad for the neighborhood comic shop.

Those that have diversified into games and pop culture will likely live to fight another day even if the direct market should implode. But the margins are tight on comic books, and retailers have been fighting to stay open even in relatively good years.

But Comics will live on in some form…

The direct market will end. It’s not a matter of if so much as a matter when.

Comic books are not immune to the same factors that hastened the demise of newspapers and print magazines. And for publishers to cater to a niche market in the digital age makes about as much sense as major record labels relying mostly on vinyl and CD sales to survive in the 21st century.

It’s just the natural evolution of physical media into the digital space.

Comics will live on in some form, it just won’t be in overpriced monthly pamphlets you can only buy at increasingly hard-to-find specialty retailers.

Graphic novels and trade paperbacks will be where it’s at for the “dead tree” version of comics, while more and more creators will make and distribute comics digitally.

One thing seems certain: Superheroes are here to stay. Even if Disney pulled the plug on all comics tomorrow, Marvel’s characters will live on in film and video games for decades to come.

So there’s that?

 

 

 

 

Posted By: TKI Newsroom · In: Disney News

Take A Look At The New Disney / Pixar ‘Coco’ Trailer
35 to Epcot 35: Day 18 – The Italy Pavilion

You’ll Also Love

LOKI Moves Premier Date To June 9th! See The Message From Tom Hiddleston Himself!
RELEASE DATE ANNOUNCED FOR GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: VOLUME 3!
MARVEL ANNOUNCES A NEW AVENGERS BOOK SERIES WITH A TWIST!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Even More Magic

  • Shop Disney
  • Find A Travel Agent
  • Pack Your Park Bag With TKI

Pack Your Bags, It’s Time to Set Sail!

Follow @thekingdominsider on Instagram!

The Vibe lounge on the Disney Wish cruise ship 🛳️✨ is the ultimate teens-exclusive space! Adults, prepare to want to be a teen again, as this space is one of the coolest ones we’ve seen onboard 😍 Teens ages 14-17 can meet new friends from around the world and chill out, listen to music, watch TV, play group games and more 🎵🎮

Inspired by a Parisian artists’ loft, the lounge features stylish architectural elements with an electric retro twist, sporting vibrant neon signs and funky pop art. Combine those with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean, and every angle in this chic space will offer a selfie-worthy backdrop for the trendiest teens on the high seas 🌊

More info: https://thekingdominsider.com/check-out-vibe-a-teens-exclusive-space-on-the-disney-wish-ks1/

🫧Book now with Academy Travel & save up to 35% on select sailings!🚢 Tap “Book Your Vacation” in our bio & an agent will be in touch with the best offers to sail!✨ 
•
•
•
•
•
#disneytravelprofessionals #disneycruise #cruise #disneycruiseline #disneywish #vibeteenslounge #vibedisneywish #disneywishteensclub #disneywishyouthclub #disneywishkidsslub #disneyvacation #disneycruiselife #disneyfun #disneyvacation #waltdisney #disney #disneystorytelling #disneygram #disneycreators #disneyinstagram
The Cove Cafe on Disney cruise ships is an adult-e The Cove Cafe on Disney cruise ships is an adult-exclusive getaway for coffee or drinks amidst a touch of tropical bliss. We especially love the Moana-themed ambiance of Cove Cafe in the Disney Wish! 🛳️ It’s the perfect place to take time out for specialty drinks, coffee beverage offerings or tea throughout the day (don’t forget to get some fun latte art!) ☕️ During the evening, Guests can unwind while socializing and enjoying cocktails, wine or a light bite. Adult beverage tastings are also available at select times for an additional fee 🍷

🫧Book now with Academy Travel & save up to 35% on select sailings!🚢 Tap “Book Your Vacation” in our bio & an agent will be in touch with the best offers to sail!✨ 
•
•
•
•
•
#disneytravelprofessionals #disneycruise #cruise #disneycruiseline #covecafe  #disneyart #latteart #disneylatte art #disneywish #disneyfantasy #disneywonder #disneymagic #disneydream #disneylatteart #disneycruiseadultexclusive #disneywishbeverages #disneyvacation #disneycruiselife #disneyfun #disneyvacation #waltdisney #disney #disneystorytelling #disneygram #disneycreators #disneyinstagram
Today we’re raising a glass to the brave men & w Today we’re raising a glass to the brave men & women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 💙🇺🇸We get to travel & explore our beautiful land of the free, because of the brave. ❤️ Thank you for your service; here’s to you. 🥂 

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• #disneysaulani #aulani #disneyaulani #disneyaulaniresort #aulanidisneyresort #aulanidisney #hawaiistagram #hawaiistagram #hawaiivacation #hawaiiliving #disneyresort #disneyresorts #disneycreators #disneykid #disneyfamily #disneygram #disneyworldcommunity #disneyworld #disneyland #disneydestinations #mickeymouse #disneyphotography #disneyinsta #disneyfoodie #disneysnacks #disneyfood #disneyhungry
A dream is a WISH your heart makes 💕 The Disn A dream is a WISH your heart makes 💕 

The Disney Wish 🛳️ has the most elegant and gorgeous atrium (aka The Grand Hall), the enchanting centerpiece of the ship. From the glittering chandelier (the wishing star)✨, grand staircase, stained glass embellishments, and the bronze Cinderella statue, you will be in awe of all the details! 😍

The Grand Hall also features the first-ever atrium stage on a Disney ship, and hosts dedicated shows and interactive entertainment that puts guests front and center as they play a special role in the magic. Be sure to keep your eye out for special character appearances 👑

🫧Book now with Academy Travel & save up to 35% on select sailings!🚢 Tap “Book Your Vacation” in our bio & an agent will be in touch with the best offers to sail!✨ 
•
•
•
•
•
#disneytravelprofessionals #disneycruise #disneywish #disneywishcruiseship #cruise #disneycruiseline #cinderella #princecharming #princesstiana #naveen #rapunzel #tangled #flynnrider #castleontheseas #disneywishatrium #disneywishgrandhall #disneyvacation #disneycruiselife #disneyfun #disneyvacation #waltdisney #disney #disneystorytelling #disneygram #disneycreators #disneyinstagram
Feeling good at Hook’s Barbery on the Disney Wis Feeling good at Hook’s Barbery on the Disney Wish 💇🏻‍♂️🗡️💆🏻‍♂️✂️ Calling all Captains looking to be groomed on their 3 or 4 night cruises to the Bahamas! This upscale, relaxing and European-style barbery on Deck 4 Midship is inspired by Captain Hook and his personal quarters aboard the Jolly Roger 🏴‍☠️ Hot shaves, haircuts, beard trimmings and even mani-pedis can be enjoyed along with a whiskey cocktail from the hidden bar. Aside from the daytime services this space is sometimes used for nighttime tastings for guests 21+ 🥃 Appointments start at $29.00++ and can be made before boarding through the DCL Navigator App or once you are onboard by visiting the Senses Spa. 

Book now with Academy Travel & save up to 35% on select sailings!🚢 Tap “Book Your Vacation” in our bio & an agent will be in touch with the best offers to sail!✨
•
•
•
•
•
•
• #disneywish #dcl #disneycruise #disneycruiseline #hooksbarbery #hooksbarbershop #captainhook #jollyroger #barbershop #haircut #manipedi #manicure #pedicure #disneyadult #whiskey #whiskeytasting #sensesspa #disneyvacation #disneyvacay #hairsalon #spaday #cocktails #cocktailbar #disneywishcruise #beardtrim
Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure ❄️ is a M Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure ❄️ is a Main Dining restaurant within the innovative Rotational Dining experience on board the Disney Wish 🛳️ It’s one of the most unique character dining experiences, and trust us when we say it’s one dining adventure you DON’T want to miss out on✨

Guests are cordially invited to celebrate the royal engagement of Queen Anna and Kristoff. Savor delectable Norwegian-inspired dishes (made by Oaken himself!) while enjoying performances by Ana, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf ⛄️, and even a few “local” musicians 🎶 

Check out our full review on our website: https://thekingdominsider.com/review-of-arendelle-a-frozen-dining-adventure-on-the-disney-wish-ks1/

🫧Book now with Academy Travel & save up to 35% on select sailings!🚢 Tap “Book Your Vacation” in our bio & an agent will be in touch with the best offers to sail!✨ 
•
•
•
•
•
#disneytravelprofessionals #frozen #arendellafrozendiningadventure #arendelle #disneycruise #cruise #disneycruiseline #disneywish #disneycruiserotationaldining #disneywishrotationaldining #annaandelsa #kristoff #olaf #disneyvacation #disneycruiselife #disneyfun #disneyvacation #waltdisney #disney #disneystorytelling #disneygram #disneycreators #disneyinstagram
Name a better brunch…we’ll wait 🤤 For $45.0 Name a better brunch…we’ll wait 🤤 For $45.00 per adult on the Disney Wish you can enjoy an endless amount of breakfast & lunch while enjoying the views of Nassau (3 & 4 night cruises) or the sea (4 night cruises) 🌊 There was not one thing we wouldn’t have ordered again — that’s how good the menu was. Each meal comes with a complimentary champagne or mimosa (the group opted for OJ 🍊but I opted for pineapple 🍍) and additional beverages can be ordered while you enjoy your meal for a nominal fee. When it comes to the menu…you can enjoy anything from pancakes to ravioli, croissants to soup and the servers are wonderful making sure your meal is timed out just right. My favorite part was confirming that the food truly tasted as good as it looked. This is something I wouldn’t miss on any Disney cruise, but especially the Wish. The venue is beautiful, sleek and perfectly themed 🕰️ Have you dined at Palo before? 

Book now with Academy Travel & save up to 35% on select sailings!🚢 Tap “Book Your Vacation” in our bio & an agent will be in touch with the best offers to sail!✨
•
•
•
•
•
• #disneycruise #disneycruiseline #disneywish #disney #disneyadult #palo #palosteakhouse #brunch #brunchgoals #disneywishcruise #mickeywaffles #pancakes #soup #mimosa #brunch #breadbasket #disneyvacation #vacay #vacayvibes #academytravel #eggcellent #scrumptious #disneyeats #disneyrestaurant #disneybrunch #mickeyshapedfood #mickeywaffle
Piano Bar Paradise 🎹💟 Nightingale's is one o Piano Bar Paradise 🎹💟 Nightingale's is one of the best spots for pre or post dinner drinks on the Disney Wish. The best part of the location is how close it’s located to the Grand Hall. Close enough to the action, but far enough to enjoy an adult exclusive fairytale setting. This bar is inspired by Cinderella’s rendition of “Sing Sweet Nightingale” 🎶 The pearlescent bubble chandelier & music note touches are so intentional. The music was enjoyable and the pianist added a special touch to be remembered. We tried the 🦋Butterfly🦋 from the Smoke Bubbles menu: Bombay Sapphire, Butterfly Pea Tea, Citrus. Delicious!! The beverage names are so clever and if you love Cinderella like us, you’ll want to check this out.

Book now with Academy Travel & save up to 35% on select sailings!🚢 Tap “Book Your Vacation” in our bio & an agent will be in touch with the best offers to sail!✨
•
•
•
•
•
• #disneywish #dcl #disney #disneycruise #disneyaddict #disneyadult #nightingale #cinderella #havecourageandbekind #butterfly #smokebubbles #cocktails #cocktailbar #purpledrinks #gusgus #disneydrinks #fancydrink #fairytale #bubbles #music #disneyinsta #prettydrink #cocktailtime
  • Get In Touch
  • About Us
  • Shop Disney

Copyright © 2023 The Kingdom Insider · Theme by 17th Avenue