According to Nielsen Bookscan?s numbers, the graphic novel category is up 10% this year over 2013. As of September 14, graphic novels have sold 5,618,000 copies in 2014, up from 5,116,000 in 2013.
The number matches up with the most recent figures from Diamond Comics Distributors, which showed graphic novels up 3.81% YTD in dollars and 5.79% YTD in units.
While the increases seem to be driven by such perennial best sellers as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Batman and The Walking Dead, Saga from Image Comics has also been a juggernaut in all channels, appearing near the top of the best seller lists month after month. The SF tale by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples has captured many new readers, according to retailers. In July, Bryan Lee O?Malley?s Seconds was another big seller.
Where is the money in comics? Long form story telling.