When referring to Eric Powell's video, it's necessary to refer to Robert Kirkman's video.
We hadn't heard much from Kirkman this time out, until today. Kirkman is unique because he's the guy who made good. Real good. His properties like the Walking Dead and Invincible are the stuff of creator owned legend and fantasy. So he should know a thing or two.
Kirkman spoke to the topic a little over Twitter.
For those wanting me to chime in on this creator-owned hullabaloo, I've been silent mostly because I feel most people know where I stand…
…but also, only 11 out of the top 50 graphic novels of 2010 were NOT creator-owned. Only 5 in the top 100 were published by Marvel…
…and one of those was Kick-Ass, which is creator-owned. So I feel like things are progressing nicely. You can't compete with new ideas.
Everyone talks about Walking Dead, but there were Two Invincible TPBs in the top 100. More than a lot of corporate superheroes with movies.
Image Comics had 22 of the top 100 GNs for 2010. Including 5 in the top 10. Pretty awesome.
See, it's not so bad.
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I just saw this on twitter. Numbers are a powerful thing. At this point I can’t fathom what this will look like in 10 years. I’d love to see a ton of profitable self publishing via digital distribution.
This article seems like the positive follow up to the ‘Comics Industry Sinking Ship’ article.
@AnchorPete Also seems like the nice guy version of Powell’s rant.
@AnchorPete We aim to keep you unbalanced.
@stuclach Don 19t forget the growing tecnology in regards to print to demand. I think almost everything will be digital delivery with an option to print on demand in various formats.
Sweet! That’s some great news. Invincible, Walking Dead, Chew… all great books. Marvel’s got some nice ones too, but how many spiderman origin stories can you put out, or how many dimensions can you put him through. I dunno… good stuff though. Nice to see that creator owned stuff is finally making a noise.
I bought more creator owned graphic novels this year than any other year, and i purchased more graphic novels this year then i have ever. I am glad others are doing the same.
Ah numbers, a nice logical argument to show trends.
Make a statement, argue a point, give evidence in support, then follow up as more evidence appears. Crazy methodology here. 🙂
I can take someone like Kirkman seriously because he presents arguments intelligently with facts to back them up.
Very interesting statistics though. Very good news.
Its not about single issues for creator owned/independent books, if you are looking at those numbers you will always be disappointed. You have to look at trades and digital.
@zombox I’d love to see that option become prevalent.
I dunno, he didn’t mention rape even once. How can he be sure we’ll understand his position?
To be fair. It’s been Powells action that caused Kirmans statement and brought the attention to it. Not Kirkmans fault, but it’s easy to look like the wiser man on the back of that.
Nice to see Kirkman, and Image, is doing well in the trade department. They probaly still sell a good amount of Vol. 1 of Walking Dead and Invincible. 8 year old Spider-Man trades, if not from a hot or upcoming creative team, will probaly not see as many sales. A big advantage of creator owned work. A, usually, longer shelve-life.
@MaxPower HA! That joke works regardless of the side you take. Brilliant!
Also the top Graphic Novel from December 10 sold 12000 copies. Top from December 09 sold 5000
@JNewcomb Thanks. It was meant as a “unifying positive” message. Let’s hope I’m not forced to take it down.
@MaxPower You’re on fire Max!
Josh, I think you meant to say “See it’s not so bad *if you’re Robert Kirkman*”
Image had 5 books in the top 10 selling GNs of 2010? Yeah… and ALL 5 were The Walking Dead! C’mon guys, if we’re gonna use numbers at least be honest about them.
In terms of sales, there is no one else there like Kirkman. The Walking Dead is a massive hit but it’s out there on its own. Not many creator-owned books get helped along by their own TV show either. You can’t pick out one exceptional book or author and then conclude “things are progressing nicely”. Things are progressing nicely for Robert Kirkman. The rest? Plenty of indies struggle to sell a 10th of what Kirkman does. RIP Phonogram.
Publisher market share, including graphic novels:
Marvel: 38%
DC: 30%
Dark Horse: 5%
Image: 4%
“You can’t compete with new ideas”
@deadspace It’s amessage to creaters to A) say it’s just him and give up or B) Get charged by his words and give it a try
@OliverTwist Do you think there’s no one out there giving it a try?
@deadspace Do you really want me to answer that question, come on, I was implying, it’s his call to arms once agian.