Wow, is that the entire line? If so, it's utterly surreal to think there were only thirty books that month, given you put out about ninety books a month these days.

Posted by Fetsur on 2008-07-21 19:34:45
As interesting as speculation is when it comes to comparing sales numbers, one has to take that info with a grain of salt. The only ones with the whole picture is Marvel, and as awesome as it would be to have that complete picture, it would be a bad idea businesswise for Marvel to release the proper info. It could be used by rivals against them. Then there's the problem of properly interpreting the data and for that you need a business degree or alot of experience.

Doesn't stop fans from trying, or getting emotional about it. Some have sports. We are emotionally invested in Marvel's characters, after all.

Interesting stats from '98. From what I've been piecing together the comics weren't as good back then (I myself was more interested in Rap Metal than in comic books back at that time). No wonder 2008 stats look healthier, especially for the middle tier titles.

Posted by DRock1 on 2008-07-22 12:35:50
Freefalling
No matter the actual numers, it cannot be denied the average monthly sales of Amazing Spider-man have fallen for the sixth straight month. I do believe the people have spoken.

Posted by Motumbo on 2008-07-22 20:36:49
Spoken?
Spoken about what? He just said that those estimates people are referring to and boasting about as crystal clear evidence for agenda driven purposes to the people that actually RUN this business, are only that. Estimates... and they arent even accurate.

We are just people reading comics looking in. We will have no idea what the real numbers are. Unless you work for Marvel and has access to the reports.

I largely DISLIKE getting into these estimate debates (Because I see no point to them and I recognize the futility.), but also consider this; The subscriptions: Spider-man is having a damned good deal on subs. (I even convinced some of my friends to sub, instead of buying through the comic store. Gas was a considerate pull towards subscriptions for my success.) They wont be counted and you wont know about them.

International: As Canadian, my number as it were, was never a factor in direct market numbers. Or the internet estimates as people claim the evidence. I'm sure international counts for a good chunk of change. There's alot of people in Canada and UK, but they wont be counted and you wont know about them.

Aside from that, there is NO way you or I will know what is going on in reality. Marvel could be having a success internationally, or it could be a success with subs (Marvel Adventures is known for being #1 with subs, but with estimates it falls short compared to others.) or not. We wont know and staring into internet estimates isnt going to give us the real deal or insight. There are too many factors and variables to consider claiming anything.

Unless you work for Marvel and have access to said reports.

Posted by BlackToe on 2008-07-22 21:05:59
Tom, although your general points are well taken, I'm sure you understand why a large number of Spider-Man exiles are going to be continually scrutinizing any sales information we can find on the slim hope that OMD will be reversed. When you are not reading the books, sales are about all you have left to discuss.

Posted by theazor on 2008-07-23 15:51:23
Blacktoe, I'm with you on the futility thing. It just gets tiring for those of us who, y'know, actually read the books and like them and want to discuss them, to get constantly interrupted by people who aren't reading them and want to lecture us about how it's all going to be over soon (even though it isn't).

Theazor, if you're not interested in reading the books, you could try finding something else to do that's more interesting than scrutinising nonexistant sales figures?

Posted by Fetsur on 2008-07-23 20:20:53