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.

Introduction

Comic Books Statistics: Comic books have dominated the world of entertainment arts for many years. Comic Books are one of the most fun categories of books to read as they come with pictures. Besides, they are the best fit for you if you want to develop some reading habits. Year after year, the comic book business continues to prosper and appreciates a large fan base across the globe, including occasional readers and serious fans in equal measure.

This article looks at the comic books' statistics market, the revenues and growth forecasts, and statistics on the most popular comics for 2025.

Back in 2016, comics and graphic novels were not a popular reading among Italian teenagers. In a survey, 59 percent of the respondents admitted not to like them, while another 12 percent would have read only Disney comics. Two years later, the trend among young readers seemed to have changed. A 2018 poll showed that comics and graphic novels were the favorite book category among teenagers between 10 and 14 years.

 A niche market getting bigger

Although being a market segment in Italy, the sales value of graphic novels, comics and manga in Italy increased significantly to 13.5 million euros as of 2017. The increasing trend was seen among small publishers too. The sales value of graphic novels released by small publishing houses went from 5.1 million euros in 2016 to 6.1 million euros in 2018. The growth of manga’s sales value was even greater and reached 1.4 million euros as of November 2018.

 A greater offer

The Italian market of graphic novels saw publications from outside the country. Between 2012 and 2017, the number of graphic novels created by foreign authors almost doubled. 2,702 works were available in 2012, five years later they were 4,145.

Introduction

New York, NY – April 03, 2025 - The global comic book market is projected to reach a value of approximately USD 28.7 billion by 2034, up from USD 17.1 billion in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2025 to 2034.

A comic book is a publication, typically a periodical, that uses a series of illustrations accompanied by text to narrate a story. These illustrations are usually organized into panels that depict sequential scenes, with dialogues and narrative descriptions often incorporated within speech balloons or captions. Comic books cover a wide range of genres and styles, appealing to different age groups and interests, from superhero tales and science fiction to horror and romance.

The comic book market is a dynamic segment of the publishing industry, significantly influenced by both longstanding fanbases and new generations of readers discovering comics through movies and digital platforms. The growth of this market can be attributed to the increasing mainstream popularity of comic book characters and stories, often propelled by successful film and television adaptations. Additionally, the rise of digital comics has expanded the accessibility of comic books, allowing instant access via smartphones, tablets, and computers.

This digital transition not only appeals to a tech-savvy young audience but also opens up global markets for comic book publishers. An opportunity within this market lies in the expanding demographic appeal, with publishers increasingly focusing on diverse characters and storylines to attract a broader audience. Furthermore, special edition releases and collector items continue to drive revenue, tapping into the collector’s market and nostalgic purchases.

US Comic Books Market size is expected to be worth around USD 3.4 Billion by 2034, from USD 1.3 Billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 10.2%.

The sales value of comics in Japan was estimated at ***** billion Japanese yen in 2024. The market size increased for the seventh year in a row. Makeup of the Japanese comic market The Japanese comic market comprises three segments: printed comic books, printed comic magazines, and digital comics, which also includes digitally published comic magazines. Owing to the influence of the internet, print media, in general, has tended to decline in Japan, while digitally published products enjoy increasing popularity. This is also true in the case of comics, which are usually referred to as “manga” in Japan. In the case of the publishing industry, however, it is common to speak of “comic” or “comics” when referring to manga as a segment. While the sales value of both printed comic books and magazines declined for many years, the comic book format saw significant growth in 2020 due to the popularity 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" sustained the momentum of the market. Magazines, however, were not able to profit significantly from these developments. Fan activities Manga enjoy a high popularity in their country of origin and are deeply entrenched in the daily lives of Japanese people. Manga-like characters, for instance, are often used by companies and municipalities for public relations purposes. The medium frequently serves as a source of material for other parts of the content industry. Manga is not only known for its distinctive style, but also for the openness of the industry when it comes to recruiting new talent. The medium is very accessible, as anyone with a pencil and a piece of paper can engage in the creation of new works. Twice a year, the self-published manga fair Comic Market (Comiket) takes place in Tokyo, attracting several hundred thousand visitors each during the Summer Comiket and the Winter Comiket. Manga traded at the fair include both purely original works as well as derivative works based on already existing franchises. Fans who engage in the practice of cosplay by dressing up as their favorite characters are a common sight during these events and add to the exciting atmosphere of the conventions.

The digital comics market size in Japan was estimated at ***** billion Japanese yen in 2024, which was an increase of **** billion yen compared to the previous year. Next to digital comics, the Japanese comic market also comprises printed comic books and printed comic magazines. The latter category also includes digital comic magazines.

Data on the distribution of comic store sales in the United States according to publisher revealed that Marvel Comics' dollar sales share in comic stores amounted to ** percent in the fourth quarter of 2023. Ranked second that quarter was DC Comics, with a market share of **** percent. Both companies compete for the top spot each month and command far larger shares than their smaller rivals.

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...

The webcomic and graphic novels market has evolved into a dynamic segment of the broader entertainment industry, captivating audiences and creators alike with its unique storytelling potential. With a current estimated market size reaching billions, this sector has seen significant growth, driven by the increasing a

Marvel Comics were the leading comic distributor for the year 2019, with 1,677 new titles shipped. DC comics ranked in second place with total unit sales of 1,233 in the same year. These two publishers dominate the global market and together make up for nearly a third of all sales.

The Original Comics Platform market has emerged as a dynamic segment within the broader entertainment and digital content landscape, showcasing a vibrant mix of creativity and technology. These platforms serve as vital ecosystems that facilitate the creation, distribution, and monetization of original comic content,

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This statistic depicts the sales value of graphic novels, comics and manga of small publishers in Italy from 2016 to 2018. According to data, the sales of graphic novels represented the most profitable market. Between 2016 and 2017, the sales of graphic novels slightly decreased going from roughly *** million euros to *** million. Eventually, they increased again to *** million euro by the end of November 2018.

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.

The Comics Creator Software market has evolved significantly, catering to a diverse array of users, from aspiring artists to established comic book publishers. This specialized software allows creators to design, illustrate, and publish comics with greater ease and efficiency, transforming the way stories are visual

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.

The Online Original Comics Platform market has emerged as a vibrant segment of the digital entertainment industry, catering to an ever-growing audience of comic enthusiasts and creators alike. This market facilitates the distribution and monetization of original comic content through digital platforms, allowing arti

The Anime and Comics PVC Figures market has seen significant growth over the past decade, becoming a vital segment within the broader collectibles industry. With the rise of anime and comic book fandoms worldwide, these intricately designed figures have transitioned from niche collectibles to mainstream products, at

The Digital Comics Publishing Platforms market has emerged as an innovative realm within the creative industry, revolutionizing how comics are produced, distributed, and consumed. This market encompasses a broad spectrum of online platforms that allow artists, writers, and publishers to create digital comic content