The latest figures on comic and graphic novel sales showed that *** million U.S. dollars were generated by comic store sales in 2023, up by ** million from the previous year. Revenue derived from digital downloads declined year-on-year whereas sales from book channels increased, surpassing *** billion U.S. dollars for the first time.

The revenue from comic and graphic novel sales in North America reached **** billion U.S. dollars in 2022, up four percent from the ***** billion U.S. dollars in the previous year. The source noted that comic sales were flat, with all the growth accounted by for by graphic novels.

In April 2022, the fifth issue of 'TMNT The Last Ronin' was the top-selling comic book in North America, with an estimated ****** thousand units shipped to comic stores. In the same month, ***** thousand copies of the first issue of 'Amazing Spider-Man' were shipped to North American comic stores, placing the comic second in the ranking of best-sellers. The ranking excludes DC titles, which were reported separately.

In April 2022, 'Ghost in You HC A Reckless Book' was the top-selling graphic novel in North America according to the information provided by the source, with a total of ***** thousand copies shipped to comic book stores that month. Ranking second was 'House of Slaughter Vol. 1 Discover Now Ed' with an estimated **** thousand shipments.

According to Cognitive Market Research, The Global Comic Book market size is USD 10670.55 million in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.69% from 2024 to 2031.

North America Comic Book Market size is USD 2590.12 million in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.04% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe Comic Book Market size is USD 2198.57 million in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.50% from 2024 to 2031.
Asia Pacific Comic Book Market size is USD 5208.78 million in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.11% from 2024 to 2031.
South America Comic Book market size is USD 407.55 million in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.67% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa Comic Book market size is USD 265.53 million in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.19% from 2024 to 2031.
The non-digital segment is set to rise over the projected period. The printed word has numerous compelling advantages over reading on a screen. It is easier on the eyes, comfortable to browse, and comes with a certain durability that the moderately impermanent and effortlessly edited digital text does not have.
The growth is attributed to the rising income and interest and continuing outcomes in the format that have improved the overall reading experience. Moreover, comic books are increasingly prevalent in developed and developing nations. In addition, a majority of people in the US read these books every month.
The science-fiction held the highest comic book market revenue share in 2024.

Increasing Adoption of Digital Technology to Provide Viable Market Output

The increasing adoption of digital technology has revolutionized the comic book market. Digital platforms offer convenient access to comics, attracting new readers globally. Readers can now enjoy their favorite titles on smartphones, tablets, and e-readers, eliminating the need for physical copies. This shift has extended the reach of comic book publishers and independent creators, fostering a vibrant online community. The digital format also allows for interactive features, enhancing the reading experience and driving further engagement.

For instance, in July 2023, Kartoon Studios launched Stan Lee Comics, a queue of digital and print comic books established on never-before-released stories and characters designed by Stan Lee. The Company is partnering with an online book streaming medium and leading multimedia publisher Legible Inc to create and distribute around 12 original comic book series, based on Stan Lee's creations, across Legible's broad publishing and reading forum, making them available to a global market.

(Source: https://www.anbmedia.com/news/2023/07/kartoon-studios-announces-stan-lee-comics-and-deal-with-legible )

Rising Demand for Comic Books among Adults to Propel Market Growth

The comic book market has witnessed a surge in demand among adults, driven by diverse storytelling, sophisticated artwork, and nostalgic appeal. Adults increasingly appreciate comics as legitimate literature and art, exploring complex themes and characters. Moreover, the accessibility of digital platforms has broadened the audience base. This rising demand reflects a cultural shift where adults seek imaginative narratives and visual storytelling, positioning comic books as a vibrant and enduring medium in contemporary culture.

For instance, in August 2022, Marvel introduced a new hero, Anna Ameyama, with a new infinity comic, TEST Kitchen. The comic book contains a recipe in every case. The company's launch desires to develop into the culinary space to expand its food-centric 'Eat the Universe' brand.

(Source: https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/test-kitchen-infinity-comics-series-interview-with-chef-paul-eschbach )

Growing trend of comic book collectors is driving market demand

Key Restraints for the Comic Book Market

Piracy and Unauthorized Distribution: Digital piracy continues to pose a considerable threat to revenue streams. Illegally shared scanned comic books are frequently distributed online, negatively impacting both digital and print sales, and deterring publishers from investing in original content.

High Production and Licensing Costs: The process of creating comics incurs expenses for writers, illustrators, c...

Snapshot img

Paper Comic Books Market Size 2024-2028

The paper comic books market size is forecast to increase by USD 892.5 million, at a CAGR of 2.15% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the success of TV shows and movies based on comic book characters. This trend is increasing the popularity of comic books among audiences, leading to an uptick in sales. Furthermore, the growing number of partnerships between comic book publishers and other industries is expanding the market. However, the rise of e-books poses a challenge to the market, as digital formats offer convenience and accessibility. To stay competitive, paper comic book publishers must focus on offering unique content and experiences that cannot be replicated digitally. By doing so, they can continue to attract and retain readers In the face of increasing competition.

What will be the Size of the Paper Comic Books Market During the Forecast Period?

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The paper comic books market continues to thrive as a vibrant and dynamic industry, fueled by the enduring passion for stories brought to life through art, writing, and unique styles. This market encompasses a diverse range of graphic narratives, from superheroes and adult content to independent and creator-owned titles. The market's size is significant, with a dedicated readership and collector base that spans various demographics. Comic books' cultural impact extends beyond their printed form, with adaptations into TV shows, movies, and e-commerce platforms. The influence of comic books is evident In the vast company landscape, which includes publishers, comic artists, and companies catering to the diverse needs of readers.
Data synthesis reveals that this market's growth is driven by the ongoing demand for both traditional printed formats and digital offerings. The comic book market's future direction remains strong, with continued innovation in storytelling, art styles, and distribution channels. As the industry evolves, it maintains its relevance in contemporary culture, providing a rich and engaging medium for both entertainment and artistic expression.

How is this Paper Comic Books Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The paper comic books industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Book stores
  Retail stores
  Online


Type

  Kids comics
  Comics in general
  Comics magazines


Geography

  APAC

    China
    Japan
    South Korea


  North America

    US


  Europe

    France


  South America



  Middle East and Africa

By Distribution Channel Insights

The book stores segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Comic books have long been a beloved form of storytelling, appealing to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Traditional paper comic books continue to thrive In the market, with local bookstores and chain retailers offering extensive collections across various genres, including fantasy, noir, romance, science fiction, and more. These stores provide not only access to a vast array of titles but also offer value-added services such as in-store cafes and community spaces, making them a popular destination for comic enthusiasts. Digital technology has also transformed the comic book industry, with online comic book platforms, digital subscriptions, webcomics, and mobile apps offering convenience and accessibility to readers.

Major publishers like Marvel have entered the digital space, collaborating with tech companies such as VeVe and IDC to create innovative digital comic experiences. The comic book market is further enriched by the contributions of comic artists, writers, and influencers, who continue to push the boundaries of storytelling and art styles. The comic book market landscape is diverse, with choices catering to various reader preferences and passions. The market includes publishers, data synthesis firms, e-commerce platforms, printed magazines, and online websites, among others. The adult and kids segments represent significant market opportunities, with comic books offering valuable editions and money-related issues resonating with both demographics.

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The book stores segment was valued at USD 2.99 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 85% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

For more insights on th

In 2022, the sales revenue of the South Korean comic book industry's online comic production and distribution sector amounted to around *** trillion South Korean won. It was the most successful sector, and was followed by the comic book publishing sector, which achieved sales of about ***** billion won. The total sales revenue of the South Korean comic book industry that year was approximately *** trillion won. Printed vs digital comics Korean comics have seen an increase in interest abroad, alongside their lasting popularity within South Korea. Most Koreans preferred reading comics online rather than through traditional print media. Surveys indicated that around ** percent of the population hardly ever read printed comics anymore. At the same time, digital comic consumption was a popular trend, with a frequency of *** to *** times per week. The rise of webtoons Digitally published comics, also known as “webtoons”, are becoming a popular format for both readers and creators. One of the leading comics and webtoon publishers in South Korea is Daewon C.I., as the company offers a wide variety of content like comics, webtoons, web novels, and also children’s books and magazines. Due to their easy accessibility, webtoons have become popular worldwide and their popularity is expected to continue to grow.

The sales value of printed comic books in Japan was estimated at ***** billion Japanese yen in 2024, which was a decrease of **** billion yen compared to the previous year. Comic books showed exceptional growth in 2020 due to the success of "Demon Slayer" and an increased demand for entertainment amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, further hit titles such as "Jujutsu Kaisen" and "Tokyo Revengers" contributed to the momentum of the market. The year 2022 was marked by a decrease in entertainment demand and a lack of hit titles, which led to a decline in comic book sales. This decline continued in 2023, although some titles, such as "Oshi no Ko" and "Frieren," managed to increase their sales due to successful anime adaptations. The year 2024 saw the end of several successful serializations. Next to the aforementioned "Jujutsu Kaisen" and "Oshi no Ko," this also included "My Hero Academia." Next to printed comic books, the Japanese comic market also comprises printed comic magazines and digital comics. The latter category also includes digital comic magazines.

In 2022, Pippendorfin kirjavat kummitukset was the most sold domestic children's book, with **** thousand copies sold. Followed by Supermarsun rohkeuskirja by the author Paula Noronen with ** thousand sold copies.

The global kids comics market is projected to grow from USD XXX million in 2022 to USD XXX million by 2030, at a CAGR of XX%. The growth is attributed to the increasing popularity of digital comics, the growing demand for educational content for children, and the rising number of children's entertainment options. Digital comics have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer a number of advantages over traditional print comics. They are more convenient to read, as they can be accessed on any device with an internet connection. They are also more affordable, as they do not require the cost of printing and distribution. Educational content is another key driver of the growth of the kids comics market. Comics can be used to teach children about a variety of subjects, such as history, science, and math. They can also be used to promote positive values, such as empathy and cooperation.

The sales value of digital comics in Japan was estimated at ***** billion Japanese yen in 2024, which made it the largest segment within the Japanese comic market. The total sales value of comics during that year reached ***** billion yen. While both printed comic books and digital comics profited considerably from the increased demand for entertainment during the COVID-19 pandemic and the release of several hit titles in 2020 and 2021, only digital comics were able to grow from 2022 onward, indicating an ongoing shift from print to digital consumption.

Snapshot img

Europe E-Books Market Size 2024-2028

The Europe e-books market size is forecast to increase by USD 1.1 billion at a CAGR of 7.1% between 2023 and 2028.

The Europe e-books market is experiencing significant growth, primarily driven by the high prices of printed books, which are encouraging more readers to turn to digital alternatives. E-books offer a more affordable and convenient way for readers to access literature, contributing to the market's expansion. 
Among the various genres, the fiction segment is expected to witness notable growth during the forecast period. With the increasing popularity of e-readers and digital platforms, fiction lovers are increasingly opting for e-books due to their easy accessibility, lower cost, and the ability to store large collections of books in one device. This trend highlights the growing shift toward digital reading in Europe.

What will be the size of the Europe E-Books Market during the forecast period?

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E-books are also cloud-based, allowing users to access their library from anywhere, and are lightweight and storage-efficient compared to print books. Despite these advantages, some users still prefer the tactile experience and authenticity of print books, including paper comic books. The European e-books market is expected to continue growing as technology advances and digital users seek more convenient, functional, and shareable content.

How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Genre

  Fiction
  Non-fiction and education
  Others


Geography

  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Italy

By Genre Insights

The fiction segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

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The Fiction segment was valued at USD 1.27 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

The European e-books market is experiencing significant growth as tech-savvy consumers and educational institutions increasingly embrace digital books. The debate between printed and digital books continues, with digital books offering convenience, portability, and offline accessibility. Schools and corporate organizations are adopting digital publishing for training purposes, while print publishers adapt to the digital era by offering both print versions and digital versions of content. Authenticity and functional shareability are key considerations for digital users, leading to the development of augmented reality experiences, read-aloud features, and interactive elements.

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

What are the key market drivers leading to the rise in adoption of Europe E-Books Market?

High prices of printed books is the key driver of the market.

In Europe's publishing industry, the shift from printed books to electronic books (e-books) continues to gain momentum. The high cost of printed books, particularly for higher education segments, has driven consumers towards more affordable digital alternatives. E-books offer numerous advantages, including convenience, portability, and offline accessibility. With a single digital device, users can store thousands of e-books, eliminating the need for physical storage space. Digitizing services have become increasingly functional, with e-books offering shareable content, read-aloud features, and interactive elements. Schools and corporate organizations are embracing digital publishing for training purposes, as e-books offer flexibility and ease of use.
The digital era has transformed the way we read, with e-books accessible on computers, e-book readers, tablets, smartphones, and even CDs and websites. E-books offer authenticity, with numbered pages and high-quality photographs and graphics. However, concerns regarding authenticity and the user experience are being addressed through advanced technology, such as augmented reality (AR) experiences and immersive environments. AR can provide a 3D image, enhancing the user experience and offering a more engaging reading experience. E-books offer self-assessments, quizzes, and exercises, making them ideal for assessment purposes. Sustainability is another advantage of e-books, as they do not require the manufacturing and publishing of print versions, reducing the carbon footprint.
In conclusion, the European e-books market is thriving, with e-books offering numerous advantages over traditional printed books. Whether

"Jujutsu Kaisen" was the best-selling manga series in Japan from November 2021 to November 2022. The series sold almost **** million volumes during that period. "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," which had topped the ranking in 2020, came in second with more than ** million copies. A popular pastime Manga are a popular form of entertainment in Japan. The origin of modern-day manga is usually traced back to Osamu Tezuka, who is credited with crucially developing the medium in the postwar years. The 1950s and 1960s were marked by a growing number of manga magazines, which played a pivotal role in introducing new artists and stories to readers. Comparatively low technical entry barriers and the availability of niche publications encourage the creative expression of artists and make it possible for the Japanese content industry to discover new talent. Today, the medium covers a wide range of genres and is read by people of all ages, with digital consumption enjoying increasing popularity. The sales value of digital comics has strongly increased in recent years and overtook the combined sales value of printed comic books and printed comic magazines for the first time in 2019. The flourishing of manga apps While there has been concern about the decline of printed manga works since the 1990s, which is usually considered to be a result of competing pastimes, such as video games and online content, the 2010s saw a renewed flourishing of the medium in the form of manga apps. As smartphones and tablets have made the mobile consumption of content increasingly convenient, more and more companies started to release their own manga apps, which intensified the competition in the market. Apps enjoying a high popularity include LINE Manga, which was released in 2013 by LINE Corporation, Shonen Jump+, which was released in 2014 by Shueisha Inc., and Piccoma, which was released in 2016 by Kakao Japan Corporation. As a ranking of the leading comic apps in terms of downloads shows, the most popular apps are downloaded several million times in the course of a single year.

In the United Kingdom in 2025, 29.2 percent of children and young people aged between eight and 18 years old reported having read print comics outside of school, the highest recorded since the 2017/2018 survey. Print was generally the preferred format for reading materials, with the exception of news and song lyrics, which more kids and teens chose to read on a screen.

In 2022, the sales revenue of the South Korean publishing industry amounted to around **** trillion South Korean won. This was the highest sales revenue recorded for the industry, and continues a trend of annual increases. After a few years of decline, the number of businesses in the publishing industry started to increase again. Growing popularity overseas With the rising popularity of South Korean content and products, the publishing industry saw an increasing trend in its export value. The highest figure was recorded in 2021, accounting for over *** million U.S. dollars for the first time. According to a 2023 survey about the worldwide popularity of South Korean books and comics ("manhwa"), around ** percent of respondents answered that books and manhwa were very popular in their country. Although books and manhwa were less popular than K-dramas, movies, and entertainment shows, Korean comics were generally perceived as more known than music content from South Korea. Advantages and challenges for the e-book sector Since 2015, e-books have gained popularity again. The leading reason for reading e-books was the convenience of storing and carrying them, closely followed by their availability to be read anywhere at any time. Despite that, more people preferred to buy a physical copy of a book than read an e-book. In particular, readers wanted e-publishing services to improve on their variety of offered content services for a better reading experience. In comparison to other e-publishing services, e-books seemed to be less popular. For example, the usage rate of digital comics showed a growing popularity over the years, sitting at around ** percent in 2023.

With annual sales of more than *** billion Japanese yen, Shueisha Inc. topped the list of the largest Japanese publishing companies during the period from 2021 to 2022. Headquartered in Tokyo, Shueisha publishes manga, books, and magazines. The company also operates the popular manga app Shonen Jump+. Shueisha was followed by Kodansha Ltd., which generated sales of almost *** billion yen. Digital shift in the publishing industry As the online media content market expands rapidly, the internet has significantly shaped the trends and evolution of the publishing sector. While the print publishing industry has experienced a consistent decline in sales value in recent years, digital publishing has exhibited robust and enduring growth. Notably, comics have emerged as the most successful segment of the digital publishing market, overshadowing books and magazines with considerably smaller market shares. Digital transformation (DX) initiatives In response to several structural challenges faced by the publishing industry, Marubeni Corporation, Marubeni Forest LinX Co., Ltd., Kodansha Ltd., Shueisha Inc., and Shogakukan Inc. established the joint venture PubteX Co., Ltd. in March 2022. The joint venture aims to reduce the return of publications via an AI-based optimization of the supply chain and to improve inventory management by using radio frequency identifiers (RFIDs). The proposed changes are also intended to help with the operation of bookstores in Japan, which face a long-term decline due to the shift to digital publications.

Box office market share of movies based on comics and graphic novels peaked in 2022, at 30.96 percent, before plunging to 3.2 percent in 2024. In 2022, three different MCU movies were released.

As of 2025, three Avengers-related movies were among Marvel Comics' presumably most profitable films. The production costs of "Avengers: Endgame" (2019), "The Avengers" (2012), and "Avengers: Age of Ultron" (2015) amounted to *** million, *** million, and *** million U.S. dollars, respectively, while their global box office revenue stood, in the same order, at **** billion, *** billion, and **** billion dollars. Superheroes as a facet of Hollywood Superhero movies have been on trend for years, experiencing a surge in popularity along with comics and graphic novels. But it isn’t just Marvel leading the way. DC Comics' "Aquaman" (2018) made over *** million U.S. dollars in box office revenue worldwide, knocking 2016 movies "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" and "Suicide Squad." In 2017, "Wonder Woman" grossed over *** million dollars, beating "Justice League," which was released that same year and generated *** million dollars in box office revenue. A trope for the ages Although the audience has remained loyal for years, the percentage of American adults who said they like the genre but are getting tired of superhero movies increased over the past few years, standing at ** percent at the end of 2021. Yet the special effects and explosive battle scenes tend to benefit from the big screen. During a mid-2022 survey, blockbusters and franchise movies recorded the highest share of internet users willing to see the films in the theaters first. Over a third of the respondents said they could wait at least ** days before this type of movie was made available on streaming platforms.