The Top 300 Selling Comics For June 2003

This list comes from digging through sales figures, asking too many questions and using Diamond Comics information. The snotty comments in white are mine.

1 BATMAN #616 $2.25 DC 141,736

Still the number one comic, and all because of Jim Lee's art. I have liked the story well enough, but I still dislike Lee's overly staged and over crosshatched work. A lot of people love his work, and I guess if you are going to have a best selling comic, it could have been a lot worse.

2 ULTIMATE X-MEN #34 $2.25 MAR 110,753
3 ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #42 $2.25 MAR 100,151

Both are being written by Brian Bendis, and both show that he has a unique storytelling style that continues to get better with every story arc. The X-Men is a comic I didn't like under the previous writer, and with two issues it is now one of my favorites as it tells a simple story that is anything but boring.

4 WOLVERINE #2 $2.25 MAR 99,867

The second issue by the new creative team continues the good work done in the first issue. Rather than constant fighting and action, the story is building slowly, like a novel, and as such, when something violent does happen, it has that much more impact. The art is also very story based, not covering up flaws with flash. Highly recommended, even if you dislike super-hero or mutant comics.

5 NEW X-MEN #142 $2.25 MAR 97,897

Grant Morrison starts his final 12 issues with a bang, telling a murder mystery story in a super-hero context. As with all of Morrison's work, the story itself is a context for him to hang larger ideas on (much like Hitchcock) so that when the end comes, you don't get what you expect.

6 UNCANNY X-MEN #425 $2.25 MAR 91,547
7 UNCANNY X-MEN #426 $2.25 MAR 89,719

Chuck Austin seems to be Marvel's new "go to" guy, writing tons of fill-in stories, taking over comics that need new writers and generally filling a lot of pages. You would think that he would do his best work on Marvel's flagship book, but his work on these two issues of Uncanny is poorly thought out and painfully lacking in imagination and continuity of character. I have liked his other work on the title, but these issues are sub-par, pulling trick endings out of a hat and having characters act like idiots in order for the plot to work. Maybe he should take his time and do a better job than get two issues out a month.

8 INCREDIBLE HULK #56 $2.25 MAR 68,529

Continuing the "Absorbing Man" story that turns standard super-hero stuff on its head. What I like about this comic is that it takes standard super-hero situations and twists them in a horror context. Highly recommended.

9 TRANSFORMERS GENERATION ONE VOL 2 #3 (Of 6) $2.95 DRE 67,211

To all of you people buying this: TIME TO GROW UP. Thank you.

10 VENOM #2 $2.25 MAR 66,956

Would you people quit buying this shite? Not only is Venom as a character pretty played out, this is one of the ugliest books on the stands. Lacking in the kind of dark humor it would take for this comic to be worth reading, it's the kind of stuff that drove people away from comics in the 90's. And after I read it, I feel like I need a long shower.

11 SPIDER-MAN & WOLVERINE #1 (Of 4) $2.99 MAR 66,729

Another mini-series that will be a trade paperback about two weeks after the last issues comes out. Hopefully they can think of an interesting story, as these characters have met more often than The Who have farewell tours.

12 X-TREME X-MEN #27 $2.99 MAR 63,923

It's X-TREME! Storm as a pro skateboarder! Extreme Nacho flavored Rogue! BMXZ Gambit!

I am SO sick of Extreme being attached to everything. Oh, and this is Chris Claremont X-Men stories, so there's not much new here. If you like Claremont's endlessly expository dialogue and never ending subplots, there are all here.

13 BORN #1 (Of 4) (MR) $3.50 MAR 63,554

Another version of the early days of the Punisher in Veitnam. Which would make him in his 50's. But, it's by Garth Ennis, who is one of the few writers in comics who can do decent war stories. So, I'll buy the trade.

14 DAREDEVIL #48 $2.99 MAR 59,869

Highly recommended. Bendin brings back a character I always thought was a painful Elektra rip-off, Typhoid Mary, and does a great story with her...by not focusing on her. This comic has been one of Marvel's best since relaunching, and I think anyone who reads comics will find something to like about it, even if they hate super-heroes. Brilliantly paced, crisp dialogue and gritty, realistic art. Go buy it. NOW!

15 JLA #82 $2.25 DC 58,480

I have read that this book is going to get revolving creative teams after the next story arc, which is usually the kiss of death for sales, but I think the JLA needs it. The current team CAN do good work, but they sure aren't making me read this comic. Pass until the Claremont/Byrne issues, just so you can read the stories they'll be arguing about for the NEXT 20 years.

16 AVENGERS #68 $2.25 MAR 57,587

Geoff Johns remembers that the Avengers should be dealing with the BIG events in the Marvel universe, and does the kind of story people have been wanting on Captain America since the relaunch. A nice mix of super-hero drama and character interplay, with old school Marvel Subplots keeping my interest high, this is Highly Recommended for super-hero fans.

17 FANTASTIC FOUR #70 $2.25 MAR 53,066

Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo continue to show that they are the best team to work on this book since the 80's. Wieringo's art is smooth, engaging and flashy enough to do justice to the fact that they ARE Kirby characters and Waid has story come from character, rather than just dropping plots on top of the characters. Highly entertaining, and with enough new twists to keep even the most cynical fanboy amazed, this comic is highly recommended for any super-hero fan, and reminds us WHY the FF calls itself The World's Greatest Comic Magazine.

18 MARVEL UNIVERSE THE END #6 (Of 6) $2.99 MAR 50,004

Jim Starlin goes back to the Thanos well, and the fact that this mini-series actually had sales go UP with each issue shows that Starlin's cosmic stuff still can draw fans. It did so well, a Thanos series is on its way, and while I don't think that's a good idea, I will be picking up the trade of this.

19 PETER PARKER SPIDER-MAN #57 $2.25 MAR 48,686

Last issue, drawn by Sam Keith (who did The Maxx and Zero Girl). I heard a LOT of fanboys in the shops complaining about Sam's impressionistic art, but I LOVE it. The story (all of the different aspects of Marvel's Sandman character gets their own "body") was interesting enough and a great showcase for Keith's wild art style. Recommended for Keith fans and people who don't mind impressionistic art, I guess.

20 OUTSIDERS #1 $2.50 DC 47,666

Another version of the Teen Titans, and for a first issue, it was OK. I'd say if you have a fondness for the Wolfman/Perez stuff, it's worth a look, otherwise it's pretty standare super-hero work.

21 GREEN ARROW #27 $2.50 DC 47,113

Losing...interest...rapidly...

22 CAPTAIN AMERICA #14 $2.99 MAR 45,639

The current storyline annoys me. NO ONE but Alan Moore or Grant Morrison can pull of the "everything you have known about thusandsuch is WRONG!", and I wish people would just quit trying to show that they can do it. Jae Lee's art has always rubbed me the wrong way as well, so it all adds up to a comic I just can't force myself through.

23 NEW MUTANTS #2 $2.50 MAR 45,568

I've been hearing good things about this comic. But I'll wait for a trade paperback and see what happens. I am NOT a big 80's nostalgia buff by any means.

24 JSA #49 $2.50 DC 43,740

DC's best super-hero book, bar none. Each issue feels like an Event, as if each story is VITAL to the characters. Combine that with some of the best super-hero art in comics and you have a super-hero book I highly recommend.

25 GI JOE #18 $2.95 IMA 41,146

It's lasted this long? Maybe if I just keep ignoring it, it will go away. The other GI Series have done that.

26 KINGPIN #1 (Of 6) $2.50 MAR 40,777

Marvel just can't help pumping out the mini-series, can they? Reminds me of DC in the early 90's, when EVERYONE got a mini-series.

27 BATMAN/SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN TRINITY #1 $6.95 DC 39,870

Matt Wagner story and art, which means it's fooking brilliant and beautiful to look at. Buy this NOW because you'll be kicking yourself if you don't. Highly recommended.

28 PUNISHER #28 $2.99 MAR 39,431

Garth Ennis is now working with Cam Kennedy, who's art style doesn't seem to fit the character all that well. However, Ennis still delivers a solid action story, even if he has pulled back on the dark humor he was infusing the series with. Mildly recommeded for action fans.

29 EXILES #28 $2.99 MAR 39,048

Chuck Austin is doing a fillin story for this comic, and it isn't half bad. It ties into his X-Men stuff without having to buy both books, and you don't need to know a LOT of old Marvel continuity like you do on a regular issue, but it's still a fan-friendly comic and casual reader unfriendly book.

30 DARK DAYS #1 30 DAYS O/NIGHT SEQUEL (MR) $3.99 IDW 38,751

The first mini-series did GREAT as a collected trade, even thought it was insaenly overpriced ($18 for less than 100 pages?). $4 for a 32 page comic is STILL too much in my mind. And it will be a trade when it's done. So pass until then.

31 PLANETARY/BATMAN NIGHT ON EARTH $5.95 DC 38,666

A nice way to reintroduce the idea of Planetary (doing stories based on different pop-culture story styles), this one dealing with the different versions of Batman over the years. However, there is a "been there, done that" aspect to it, since DC has done a LOT of stories based on the fact that Batman has evolved over his publishing history. This one doesn't have a lot new to say, but is mildly entertaining with great art. Mildly recommended.

32 JSA ALL STARS #2 (Of 8) $2.50 DC 38,127

Buying it as a collected trade. So there.

33 MYSTIQUE #3 $2.99 MAR 37,943

Marvel is turning it into a regular series. Or it was a regular series, and I didn't realize it. And soon it won't have the Linsner covers, so look for sales to drop at that point.

34 WOLVERINE SNIKT #2 (Of 6) $2.99 MAR 37,631

Already out as a trade paperback when I write this. And I'm NOT that far behind.

35 DETECTIVE COMICS #783 $2.75 DC 37,603

Still the better of the two Batman comics, but that's because I prefer the "Crime Noir" stuff to the flashy super-hero stuff. Still, it doesn't have the focus that the Greg Rucka issues did, and I find that I am waiting until each story arc is done before reading it.

36 HULK NIGHTMERICA #1 (Of 6) $2.99 MAR 37,347

Not only coming out in a trade in a few weeks, but also did well enough that it will be getting a sequel. I think Marvel has figured out how to use mini-series as stories people want to read, rather than places to dump half-assed creators.

37 AUTHORITY VOL 2 #2 (MR) $2.95 DC 37,092

Speaking of half assed - this comic is like s pale ripoff of the Authority series, and will be rocketing down the charts as people read it. Missing the sense of mission and sheer audacity of the first series, and in the hands of inferior creators, the Authority is one book that should have stayed canceled if they couldn't get a top notch creative team to work on it.

38 TRANSFORMERS ARMADA #12 $2.95 DRE 36,908
39 GREEN LANTERN #166 $2.25 DC 35,973

Dropped it. I read it while Judd Winnick worked on it because his character work was good, even if the super-hero stuff wasn't quite up to par. Now, the whole book is just too bland to keep reading. Almost a generic super-hero book and not worth my money.

40 TITANS/YOUNG JUSTICE GRADUATION DAY #3 (Of 3) $2.50 DC 35,774

Another Big Death that seems kind of pointless in the story. I'm glad the two books that spun out of this (Outsiders and Teen Titans) are doing well, as I always liked the characters, but this was a "Big Event" that felt VERY contrived, was too crowded and didn't give the character that did die a decent send-off. It felt more like they wanted to shock the reader than tell a story, and I just can't really be shocked without a good story anymore.

41 X-MEN UNLIMITED #48 $2.50 MAR 34,314

This series was ended just as it was finally getting its feet under it, which is a shame. The idea of letting other creative teams do X-Men stories that don't have to be part of a regular series is one I have always liked, and the last 10 issues of this series show how good they could have been. Highly recommended.

42 THUNDERCATS DOGS O/WAR #1 (Of 5) $2.95 DC 34,130
43 TRUTH RED WHITE BLACK #6 (Of 7) (RES) $3.50 MAR 33,875

Is it just me, or is the fact that this book is SO late make it feel like it has been going on forever? I KNOW I heard conservatives belly-aching about this comic last year, and we're in July already. I'm also waiting for it to be collected in a trade before buying it.

44 THUNDERCATS RETURN #5 (Of 5) $2.95 DC 33,662

Looking at the sales of this issue and the first issue of the next series, I would have to say that this is a toy license that people were glad to see back until it actually came back. Then, they didn't care.

45 SUPERMAN #194 $2.25 DC 33,563

I'm glad that DC is going to do something Big with Superman. The creative teams on all three Superman books have done great work, but for some reason, these books just aren't fun to read anymore.

46 THOR #65 $2.99 MAR 33,450
47 ASTRO CITY LOCAL HEROES #3 (Of 5) $2.95 DC 33,180
48 SUPERMAN RED SON #2 (Of 3) $5.95 DC 32,698

Pretty good for a $6 book that the writer is whining that DC didn't promote...and even thought it's sold out and DC has said they will be collecting it in a trade, he still whines that DC doesn't like him and won't promote his stuff because he works at Marvel. If Mark Millar was a GOOD writer, I might pay attention, but he isn't, so I don't. Oh, and I'm going to but the non-existant trade when DC ships it and Millar refuses to believe it.

49 FLASH #199 $2.25 DC 32,458

Geoff Johns is a great writer, but his work on The Flash has seemed a bit off until this most recent story arc. His new version of Reverse Flash is interesting

50 TMNT ANIMATED #1* $2.95 DRE 32,273

By Peter David and about the only 80's toy return that started as a comic book. How weird is it that the most popular toy license of the 80's was based on a parody of Frank Miller's Daredevil and Ronin? I wonder if kids watch the Daredevil movie and think they ripped off a lot of it from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?

51 IRON MAN #69 $2.99 MAR 31,976

Going through a shift in creative teams, so these stories read like fill-ins done at the last minute because they ARE fill-ins done at the last minute.

52 HULK MOVIE ADAPTATION $3.50 MAR 31,891

If it's like the movie, the first 2/3rd of the comic will be boring and slow and the last 1/3rd will be a lot of stuff drawn like old Image comics.

53 ACTION COMICS #804 $2.25 DC 31,494
54 AQUAMAN #7 $2.50 DC 30,615

Even the new Aquaman Video Game stinks. Maybe it's time they just change his name to get people interested enough to read the comic.

55 BATGIRL YEAR ONE #7 (Of 9) $2.95 DC 30,289

Already coming out in a trade paperback, so I don't think you need to hunt down the back issues.

56 BATGIRL #41 $2.50 DC 29,694
57 NIGHTWING #82 $2.25 DC 29,552

I used to like Devin Grayson's writing, and would actually seek it out, but since she has taken over this book, I can't remember anything that's been in the comic other than a good issue where Nightwing fights the old Teen Titans foe Deathstroke. Not remembering if you have read a comic is NOT a good sign that the comic is any good, so that that as your review.

58 HAWKMAN #16 $2.50 DC 29,481

Not as good as it was during the first 8 issues, but still does a good job of making a character I never cared about (Hawkman) and making it a solid, entertaining title. It also shows how a writer can USE a character's history, without being a slave to it.

59 BATMAN GOTHAM KNIGHTS #42 $2.75 DC 29,410

What is the reason for this comic again? Is this "Batman: Dumping Ground for stories we just don't give a damn about"?

60 ADVS O/SUPERMAN #617 $2.25 DC 29,183
61 INHUMANS #2 $2.50 MAR 28,645
62 NAMOR #3 $2.25 MAR 28,503
63 CAPTAIN MARVEL #11 $2.99 MAR 28,021

Another Peter David book, and while he has toned down the in-joke continuity aspect of the series, it still suffers from the old way of writing comics where you would "build to a story conclusion" over YEARS. The lead character has been "crazy" for the entire run on this series, and a few issues of the old series, which means he has not been acting "in character" for over a YEAR now. It's this kind of "long term" story writing that loses readers, who are now used to stories with beginnings, middles and ends within the same year.

64 ARKHAM ASYLUM LIVING HELL #2 (Of 6) $2.50 DC 27,851
65 PARADISE X #11 $2.99 MAR 27,639

The creators on the comic are complaining that Marvel brass doesn't like what they are doing with the book, and counter that it's a very continuity dense comic that requires thought on the part of the reader. I prefer to think of it as fanwank that shows the people involved want to plunder the characters and ideas and others rather than actually do some work at telling a new, unique story.

66 ALIAS #23 (MR) $2.99 MAR 27,426

Finally delving into why the lead character quit being a super-hero, and while it does lean on Marvel Universe history, it's totally readable by someone who has never read a comic before. As Marvel's first "adult" comic, it could have been very very bad, but in instead one of their best books and is highly recommended.

67 WOLVERINE DOOP #2 (Of 2) (RES) $2.99 MAR 27,398

A noble experiment that just didn't work for me. I liked the idea and the art, but the way Wolverine was used made it seem like they were using "Saturday Morning TV" rather than comparing and contrasting the idea of X-Statics being a media group and Wolverine sticking the the shadows and being unknown by the public.

68 LOBO UNBOUND #1 (Of 6) (MR) $2.95 DC 27,327
69 X-MEN RONIN #5 (Of 5) $2.99 MAR 26,859
70 JLA SCARY MONSTERS #4 (Of 6) $2.50 DC 26,831

And next up will be Chris Claremont and John Byrne doing a story arc on JLA. The story will prolly be fair to middling, but we'll get about a kerjillion interviews from each person, bitching about how the other one ruined their story for the next 20 years.

71 MAGDALENA VAMPIRELLA* $2.99 IMA 26,831

They still do these intercompany crossovers? And they could fit a decent story into 20 pages drawn in the Image 2 Panels A Page style? I think not.

72 BIRDS O/PREY #56 $2.50 DC 26,802
73 POWERS #32 (MR) $2.95 IMA 26,774

Still a great comic, and the story they are doing now is kind of an origin. Maybe. You'll see when you read it. Highly recommended.

74 SUPERMAN & BATMAN GENERATIONS III #6 (Of 12) $2.95 DC 26,604
75 DARKNESS VOL 2 #4 $2.99 IMA 26,561
76 ELEKTRA #24 $2.99 MAR 26,023

Going to another creative team, and while the comic is still GOOD, it is lacking that inner character conflict that Bendis and Rucka brought with their writing. Mildly recommended for people who like decent action thrillers.

77 BATMAN LEGENDS O/T DARK KNIGHT #168 $2.50 DC 26,009
78 Y THE LAST MAN #12 (MR) $2.95 DC 25,966
79 AGENT X #11 $2.99 MAR 25,824

Evan Dorkin brings back Fight Man in this very funny issue of this canceled comic. This and issue 10 were both by Dorkin, and well worth seeking out if you like your comics oddly twisted.

80 WONDER WOMAN #193 $2.25 DC 25,598

Walt Simonson and Jerry Ordway work together to produce one of the better Wonder Woman stories ever, which, sadly, isn't all that hard. However, if you aren't reading it by now, just wait and get a collected trade, as they don't read well as individual issues

81 HUMAN TORCH #3 $2.50 MAR 25,286

The art still is off-putting to me, but that's mostly because I'm NOT the target audience. It's a very flashy Manga style that actually makes the Torch seem cooler than he has been in a long time, and the story is very good. I think this is a good addition to Marvel's "outreach" line and it should do well in bookstores.

82 DOMINO #2 $2.50 MAR 25,272
83 FABLES #14 (MR) $2.50 DC 25,229

Still a good read, one of the few Vertigo series that I go out of my way to read when it comes out, since Bill Willingham has always been a good writer. Highly recommended, but start with a new story arc.

84 ETERNAL #1 (MR) $2.99 MAR 25,172
85 AGENT X #12 $2.99 MAR 24,350
86 TERRA OBSCURA #1 (Of 6) $2.95 DC 23,443

A new mini-series from Alan Moore's ABC line, but not primarily written by him. Again, waiting for the trade. I wonder if there is any reason to pick up a comic mini-series when you know it will be collected in a trade.

87 SPIDER-GIRL #61 $2.99 MAR 23,429

A nice little "old school" Marvel series that feels like a mid 80's Marvel series. A mix of soap opera plots, super-hero fight scenes and stuff that only long time Spider-Man fans will get, but done in such a way that they are "easter eggs" and not the focus of the comic. Mildly recommended for younger readers and Marvel Zombies.

88 CATWOMAN #20 $2.50 DC 23,231
89 SENTINEL #3 $2.50 MAR 23,174
90 VOLTRON DEFENDER O/T UNIVERSE #2 (Of 5) $2.95 IMA 22,975
91 WAR MACHINE 2.0 #1 (Of 3) (MR) $2.99 MAR 22,947
92 LEGION #21 $2.50 DC 22,749

The current storyline has gotten me interested in this comic again, after being pretty uncaring about it for the past couple of years. Oh, sod off, I have the Legion going back to the Superboy days, I'm not going to drop it just because it's mediocre. I'm a geek, remember?

93 ROBOTECH LOVE & WAR #1 (Of 6) $2.95 DC 22,706
94 SOJOURN #24 $2.95 CRO 22,678

The best-selling CrossGen book is actually charting pretty high. Rumors are that they are having money flow problems, which is too bad, since the books don't appeal to me, but do have a avid following. It would also be bad if their business model (getting trades out quickly and into book stores) didn't work out.

95 ROBIN #115 $2.25 DC 22,054

Easily the worst mainstream comic I have read in ages. I can't even explain the plot without it sounding even worse than it is. Bill Willingham is taking over the book with issue 121...so wait until then to buy it, because if you read it now, you'd drop it and scream "MY EYES!!! OH GHODS!! MY EYYYYYYYYES!!!"

96 WITCHBLADE #65 $2.99 IMA 21,941
97 CREW #2 $2.50 MAR 21,615
98 WAR MACHINE 2.0 #2 (Of 3) (MR) $2.99 MAR 21,402
99 TOMB RAIDER #31 $2.99 IMA 21,317

I'm thinking the fact that the second movie tanked, and made even less sense than the first one won't help sales on this comic. It's a shame, since the premise of the character is a good one, but with poor games, a bad movie and this mediocre comic series, it's just a matter of time before it fades like all the other Indiana Jones rip-offs.

100 WITCHBLADE #66 $2.99 IMA 20,835

Two issues this month, which means I get to ignore it twice!

101 RUNAWAYS #3 $2.50 MAR 20,778

I was actually surprised when I read the "Marvel Must Have" that had the first two issues of this series. I ignored it when it came out, since Marvel is dumping a TON of new series on the market, but this one was actually good. Now, REALLY good. It has an interesting set-up, the art is well done and the characters are clearly defined. I also think it would work for people who don't mind fantastic elements, but aren't into super-hero books, as it's not a super-hero comic. Highly recommended.

102 STAR WARS REPUBLIC #54 $2.99 DAR 20,467
103 JLA WELCOME TO WORKING WEEK $6.95 DC 19,928
104 HELLBOY WEIRD TALES #3 $2.99 DAR 19,900
105 HERO #5 $2.50 DC 19,886
106 LOSERS #1 (MR) $2.95 DC 19,815
107 STARTLING STORIES THING NIGHT FALLS ON YANCY ST #1 $3.50 MAR 19,715

Liking this series a lot, but if you are thinking, "It's by Even Dorkin, so it will be his kind of humor" you'd be wrong. Dorkin plays it pretty straight and this comic comes off as a mid-70's Marvel story. Not really startling, but OK in a nostalgic way. Mildly recommended.

108 CRIMINAL MACABRE CAL MCDONALD MYSTERY #2 (Of 5) $2.99 DAR 19,503
109 BATMAN NEVERMORE #3 (Of 5) $2.50 DC 19,489
110 FILTH #11 (Of 13) (MR) $2.95 DC 19,446

Yesh, it's Morrison, but it's also a mini-series. So I'm waiting. VERY IMPATIENTLY.

111 TRANSFORMERS MORE THAN MEETS EYE OFFICIAL GUIDE #3 $5.25 DRE 19,063
112 STAR WARS TALES #16* $5.99 DAR 19,035

Every time an issue of this comes out, it's like a crap shoot. Some have been really good, others have been filler. However, if you want to read about the Star Wars that we give a damn about (ie from the first 3 movies) this is the comic to buy.

113 MOTU VOL 2 SANTALUCIA CVR #4 $2.95 IMA 19,007
114 BRIAN PULIDO LADY DEATH #5 $2.95 CRO 18,964
115 THUNDERBOLTS #80 (Note Price) $2.25 MAR 18,766

Next to last issue. I wasn't able to make it through the "revamp" issues, and it looks like I wasn't alone.

116 TOKYO STORM WARNING #1 (Of 3) $2.95 DC 18,341

Hm...a Warren Ellis comic. That means the lead character will be a world weary, cigarette smoking cynic who is caught up in events beyond their control but still able to affect things beyond what they believe they can. In other words, FIND A NEW PLOT, WARREN!

117 RED STAR VOL 2 #2 $2.95 ARC 17,802
118 SOLDIER X #12 $2.99 MAR 17,547

This was either Cable or Maverick or...oh who cares.

119 GOTHAM CENTRAL #8 $2.50 DC 17,391

SHOULD BE SELLING BETTER!! A GREAT crime comic, set in Gotham City and ios being criminally ignored. PLEASE do youself a favor and pick up an issue of this book. You'll like it if you like gritty crime drama. Highly Recommended.

120 100 BULLETS #45 (MR) $2.50 DC 17,207

I have started reading this comic in trades, and other than a dreadful opening story arc, it is a decent comic in that format. I then tried to pick up a regualr issue and it just doesn't work at all. Buy the trades.

121 PROMETHEA #26 $2.95 DC 16,895

Best Alan Moore Comic being printed today. Highly intelligent, deeply thoughtful and entertaining if you like to learn while you read. The story is entertaining, but it's just so layered you can always get more out of each issue. Highly recommended.

122 SOLUS #4 $2.95 CRO 16,895

With sales like this, I wonder how long before George Perez has to be back on the comeback trail and will do another Big Superhero thing after CrossGen folds up shop.

123 MOTU ICONS O/EVIL BEAST MAN #1 $4.95 IMA 16,626
124 BIRDS O/PREY SECRET FILES 2003 $4.95 DC 16,569
125 HELLBLAZER #185 (MR) $2.75 DC 16,555
126 STARTLING STORIES THING NIGHT FALLS ON YANCY ST #2 $3.50 MAR 16,413

Two issues in one month. Go up about 20 places and read that review. It fits here too.

127 BOTP JASON ONE-SHOT $4.99 IMA 16,371
128 SUPERMAN METROPOLIS #5 (Of 12) $2.95 DC 16,200
129 VICTORY CVR #1 $2.95 IMA 16,158
130 BLACK PANTHER #60 $2.99 MAR 16,115

Next to last issue. Now, instead of hearing internet fans whine that people aren't grasping how brilliant this book is, you'll hear internet fans whine that this book should come back. Sad reality? It's overindulgent fanwank for the people who have read Christopher Priest's stuff for years so that they can figure out what the hell is going on, because no one else can.

131 WILDCATS VERSION 3.0 #10 (MR) $2.95 DC 16,073
132 HARLEY QUINN #33 $2.50 DC 16,030

Soon to go away if sales stay this bad. And the story is not going to save it.

133 GEN 13 #10 $2.95 DC 15,860
134 BLACK PANTHER #61 $2.99 MAR 15,704
135 BATMAN ADVENTURES #3 $2.25 DC 15,534
136 WILDCATS VERSION 3.0 #11 (MR) $2.95 DC 15,435
137 OUT THERE #18 $2.95 DC 14,981

Also last issue, at least for a while. And a shame, since it was an entertaining little book. Hopefully the creative team will go to a book that will draw some attention, so that their next non-super-hero project can get some decent sales.

138 WAY O/T RAT #14 $2.95 CRO 14,953
139 BTVS #58 SLAYER INTERRUPTED (3 Of 4)* $2.99 DAR 14,698
140 WARLANDS VOL 3 #6 $2.95 DRE 14,585
141 BLOOD & WATER #4 (Of 5) (MR) $2.95 DC 14,542
142 BTVS CHAOS BLEEDS ONE-SHOT* $2.99 DAR 14,542
143 CHIMERA #4 (Of 4) $2.95 CRO 14,230
144 JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVS #20 $2.25 DC 14,060
145 SIMPSONS COMICS #83 $2.50 BON 14,032

I say it every month...and this month is no different: At least as good as a good episode of the show, and sometimes better. Highly recommended.

146 EMPIRE #0 (Of 6) $4.95 DC 14,032

Reprinting the two issues that saw print of the failed mini-series, and one of the more interesting things that have come out of mainstream comics in a while: A villain has taken over the world. The heroes are gone. This is what happens now. Highly recommended, even if you hate super-heroes.

147 BRATH #5 $2.95 CRO 13,989
148 LUCIFER #39 (MR) $2.50 DC 13,692
149 STORMWATCH TEAM ACHILLES #12 (MR) $2.95 DC 13,507
150 CASEFILES SAM & TWITCH #1 (MR) $2.50 IMA 13,422

Starting over, without Bendis (who was the only reason to read this comic in it's first version) and horrid numbers like this kind of prove that McFarlane's time as an industry powerhouse are over. And the book isn't very good, either.

151 SCION #37 $2.95 CRO 13,394
152 BEWARE THE CREEPER #3 (Of 5) (MR) $2.95 DC 13,337

I liked the first issue, even though it was almost "rote Vertigo". Subsequent issues haven't had the same sort of energy and charm.

153 MICRONAUTS #8 $2.95 IMA 12,997
154 POWER COMPANY #17 $2.75 DC 12,855

Last issue, and it didn't go out on a "kill everyone" way that most comics are doing these days. It's too bad this comic never really hit with an audience, as I don't see much different between it and most other super-hero teams. But Grummett's art was really nice.

155 SILKEN GHOST #2 (Of 5) $2.95 CRO 12,799
156 HUMANS DEFENSE CORPS #2 (Of 6) $2.50 DC 12,459
157 DOOM PATROL #21 $2.50 DC 12,331

Last issue? I liked this series, but not enough to say "Dammit!" It was doomed from the start with it's off-kilter storytelling style, and I think it was kept going hoping that the very talented artist working on it would take off. He'll be big on other comics in the future, tho.

158 NEGATION #19 $2.95 CRO 12,048
159 MYSTIC #37 $2.95 CRO 11,778
160 CRUX #27 $2.95 CRO 11,537

It seems like the main-line CrossGen books have found their audience, and if they ever want to grow, they'll either have to look for outside markets (which they are doing) or change their subject matter. I hope they last, as they are hitting a market not being served by Marvel and DC, even if I don't much care for their books.

And when did it happen that people felt the need to say, "I hate all fantasy books, so I hope these get canceled!" If a comic isn't for YOU, as long as it's well-done, someone may like it.

161 STRANGERS IN PARADISE VOL III #58 $2.95 ABS 11,396
162 SIGIL #37 $2.95 CRO 11,367
163 HUNTER AGE O/MAGIC #24 (MR) $2.75 DC 11,211
164 RUSE #21 $2.95 CRO 11,211
165 MARK OF CHARON #4 (Of 5) $2.95 CRO 11,169
166 ROUTE 666 #13 $2.95 CRO 11,155
167 MERIDIAN #37 $2.95 CRO 11,084
168 FIRST #32 $2.95 CRO 11,041
169 JUDGE DREDD VS ALIENS INCUBUS #4 (OF 4) $2.99 DAR 10,956

Is there ANY comic character who hasn't fought the Aliens? If so, please let Dark Horse know as soon as possible.

170 CALL #3 $2.25 MAR 10,800
171 MOTU VOL 2 VALLEJO BELL CVR #4 $5.95 IMA 10,077
172 XIN JOURNEY O/T MONKEY KING #2* $2.99 HAR 9,666
173 EVEN MORE SECRET ORIGINS 80-PG GIANT $6.95 DC 9,596

The next one will be called "And here's some more secret origins, what the hell do you want from us, you dominating bastards?"

174 SANDSCAPE #4 $2.95 DRE 9,567
175 DH GOON #1 $2.99 DAR 9,567
176 SLEEPER #6 (MR) $2.95 DC 9,440

The first issue of this comic was one of the best I had ever read...and subsequent issues have been of declining quality. Still good, but I wonder if the creator put all of their effort into the first issue and thought he could coast on that work...

177 PATH #16 $2.95 CRO 9,369
178 SPYBOY 13.2 MANGA AFFAIR #2 (Of 3) $2.99 DAR 9,156
179 CROSSOVERS #6 $2.95 CRO 8,958
180 SHONEN JUMP VOL 1 #7 JUL 2003 $4.95 VIZ 8,944

Outside comic stores? Sells 1/4 of a million. In comic stores? Less than 9000. Tell me there isn't a big problem here. Tell me so I can slap you silly and tell you what a BIG MORON you are.

181 AMERICAN CENTURY #25 (MR) $2.75 DC 8,944
182 MOTU VOL 2 EDWARDS HOLOFOIL CVR $5.95 IMA 8,873
183 VAMPIRELLA #21 REG ED $2.99 HAR 8,717
184 R A SALVATORE DEMON WARS VOL 2 #2 EYE FOR EYE $2.95 CRO 8,518
185 TOP COW BOOK O/REVELATIONS 2003 $3.99 IMA 8,447

Hey, kids, want to know what might happen in the books from Top Cow if they don't change creative teams? Give me $4 and I'll give you a bunch of T&A shots and some cryptic hints toward stories you won't give a damn about 10 minutes after you finish reading them.

186 VERTIGO POP BANGKOK #2 (Of 4) (MR) $2.95 DC 7,951
187 SOUL O/SAMURAI #1 (Of 4) $5.95 IMA 7,923
188 21 DOWN #10 $2.95 DC 7,852
189 POWERPUFF GIRLS #39 $2.25 DC 7,810
190 USAGI YOJIMBO #66 $2.99 DAR 7,484
191 SWEATSHOP #3 $2.95 DC 7,342

LOVE THIS COMIC! It's really just a situation comedy set in a comic strip studio, with goofy characters and Peter Bagge's sensibility. The stories are well constructed and funny, and the characters tend to grow just a tiny bit in any story that features them, but this sort of comic won't make it in the current market. And that's a shame, but it's nice that DC at least tried something new and different.

192 TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #10 (Note Price) $3.95 MIR 7,073
193 UNCLE SCROOGE #319 $6.95 GEM 7,073

The Disney books are back, and I have bought all of the previous Disney comics, mostly because they have great Carl Barks stories and very good new work, but $7 for 48 pages is a bit too much for me. Either up the page count or lower the price or sales will stay down here, and kids won't be getting them.

194 QUEEN & COUNTRY #16 (MR) $2.99 ONI 7,058
195 GRENDEL GOD & DEVIL #5 (Of 10) (MR) $3.50 DAR 7,030

Not bad for a near 20 year old reprint. But wait and get the trade paperback of one of the GREAT comic stories of the 80's.

196 TERMINATOR 3 BEFORE THE RISE #1 (MR) $5.95 BEC 7,016
197 KORE #2 $2.95 IMA 6,988
198 REX MUNDI #4 $2.95 IMA 6,973
199 BATMAN #615 $2.25 DC 6,874

Still selling a 4 month old issue. THAT'S why DC is poised to well over the long-term...they keep the hot books available (either in overprints, reprints or "bumper" editions). If Marvel did such a thing, they would be able to be sell even more of their product. Oh, and I reviewed this a few months ago. Go read my review there.

200 OH MY GODDESS #98 PHANTOM RACER (3 Of 4) $2.99 DAR 6,846
201 KNIGHTS O/T DINNER TABLE #80 $3.99 KZR 6,775

Not the BEST comic, but easily my favorite. The art is really bad, but the stories are great fun, and even if you aren't a gamer, you can enjoy the ups and downs of the gaming characters. If you ARE a gamer, it's a 100 page magazine with articles and comic strips for $4. Highly recommended.

202 NOBLE CAUSES EXTENDED FAMILY ONE-SHOT $6.95 IMA 6,704
203 CLOCKMAKER #4 (Of 12) $2.50 IMA 6,647
204 MYTHSTALKERS #3 $2.95 IMA 6,492
205 KODT MINI-SERIES PX SP VOL 1 #3 (Of 3)* $2.99 KZR 6,449

Just the strips for Knights of the Dinner Table, and these stand on their own, so if you want to see why I recommend the comic every month, this would be a good way to take the concept for a test run.

206 BLADE O/T IMMORTAL #79 WIND & CRANE (MR) $2.99 DAR 6,137
207 CEREBUS #289 & #290 $4.50 AAR 6,080

Sim does another issue as he brings Cerebus in for a landing. It'll be odd when the book ends, as it feels like it has been around forever. Like everyone else, I don't buy the single issues, but instead just buy the trade paperbacks.

208 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #124 $2.19 ARC 6,052
209 SCOOBY DOO #73 $2.25 DC 5,925
210 GRRL SCOUTS WORK SUCKS #4 (Of 4) $2.95 IMA 5,514
211 HEIRS O/ETERNITY #2 (Of 5) $2.95 IMA 5,414
212 BLACKBURNE COVENANT #3 (Of 4) $2.99 DAR 5,173
213 SUPER MANGA BLAST #32 (MR) $5.99 DAR 4,947

Losing sales, but still a Highly Recommended anthology of Manga stories, and probably the one that appeals to the mainstream comic fan more than any of the other manga collections.

214 CVO COVERT VAMPIRIC OPERATIONS (MR) $5.99 IDW 4,847
215 BEAR #1 $2.95 SLA 4,833

No, it's not about big, hairy men. Unless it is. OK, I haven't seen it, but I know it's not a documentary about Bears, as documentary comics don't really exist.

216 CANNON GOD EXAXXION #14 (MR) $3.50 DAR 4,564
217 WALT DISNEYS COMICS & STORIES #634 $6.95 GEM 4,564
218 LOVE FIGHTS #1 $2.99 ONI 4,054

Now, is this fight over love? People who love to fight? Love fighting with other abstract concepts? Help me out here, people!

219 PLANETARY READER $5.95 DC 4,039

A nice way of saying, "Yeah, we haven't done a new issue in two years, now pay us to remind you of what this comic is about."

220 MOTU VOL 2 #1* $2.95 IMA 4,011
221 TOO MUCH HOPELESS SAVAGES #1 (Of 4) $2.99 ONI 3,671
222 LOONEY TUNES #103 $2.25 DC 3,543
223 WARREN ELLIS SCARS #6 (Of 6) (MR) $3.50 AVA 3,501

Cory's Comic Rule #1: If the writer's name is in the title, the book sucks. Unless the rest fo the title is Astro City.

224 ZEET #1 $2.95 SLA 3,416
225 ARCHIE #537 $2.19 ARC 3,416
226 ARTESIA AFIRE #1 (Of 6) (MR) $3.95 ARC 3,302
227 GLOOM COOKIE #16 (MR) $2.95 SLA 3,288

Love This Book! A nice little gothy soap opera with horror overtones, currently doing a continued story featuring the death (?) of the main character. Highly recommended.

228 DEATHMASK #2 $2.99 FUT 3,217
229 ZEN #1 $2.95 ZEN 3,203
230 BETTY & VERONICA #189 $2.19 ARC 3,090
231 KODT ILLUSTRATED #23 $2.99 KZR 2,976
232 NIGHTMARES & FAIRY TALES #5 $2.95 SLA 2,948

The other book by Serina Valetino (who writes Gloomcookie) and also a comic with horror overtones done in a very stylized way. This was a stand-alone issue that was one of the best horror stories I have read since the Creepy and Eerie days and is Highly Recommended.

233 BETTY #127 $2.19 ARC 2,920
234 VERONICA #141 $2.19 ARC 2,863
235 SABRINA VOL 2 #46 $2.19 ARC 2,835
236 MUCHA LUCHA #3 (Of 3) $2.25 DC 2,821

And 2000 of the people who bought it misread the title, thinking it was about getting a really big lunch.

237 POPBOT #4 (MR) $7.99 IDW 2,721
238 UNCANNY X-MEN #424 $2.25 MAR 2,707
239 BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #116 $3.59 ARC 2,650
240 CARTOON CARTOONS #19 $2.25 DC 2,594
241 ARCHIE & FRIENDS #72 $2.19 ARC 2,594
242 SIDEKICKS SUPER SUMMER FUN SP ONE-SHOT $2.99 ONI 2,551
243 GHOST I/T SHELL 2 MAN/MACHINE INTERFACE #2 NEW PRTG $3.50 DAR 2,537
244 METALLIX #5 $3.50 FUT 2,537

I guess this is why Future Comics is going to just do trade paperbacks. Somehow, older comic creators doing bland super-hero comics don't sell very well. I wonder why that is? Oh, that's right, because they suck!

245 ALICE IN SEXLAND EXTREME #2 (A) $3.50 ERO 2,452

Not only do we take a children's story character and have her have sex, but its on SKATEBOARDS! DUDE! IT'S EXTREME!

246 NINJA HIGH SCHOOL #106 $3.50 ANT 2,438
247 PALS N GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #76 $3.59 ARC 2,367
248 AKIKO #50 $3.50 SIR 2,353
249 BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #139 $2.39 ARC 2,353
250 NEW X-MEN #141 $2.25 MAR 2,296
251 ARCHIE DIGEST #199 $2.39 ARC 2,282
252 JUGHEADS DOUBLE DIGEST #95 $3.59 ARC 2,254
253 HOT MOMS #1 (A) $3.95 ERO 2,225

OK, the only people who would be interested in this shouldn't be allowed to buy it unless they have a fake ID.

254 WOLVERINE #1 $2.25 MAR 2,211
255 JUGHEAD #151 $2.19 ARC 2,169
256 BLACK TIDE #6* $2.95 ANG 2,055
257 TITANS/YOUNG JUSTICE GRADUATION DAY #2 (Of 3) $2.50 DC 2,055

I'm kind of shocked that there were reorders for this, since the story was just so damn bad.

258 GENUS #59 (A) (Note Price) $3.50 RAD 2,013
259 CAVEWOMAN HE SAID SHE SAID ONE-SHOT (RES) $3.50 AMR 2,013

Look! A Cavewoman comic that isn't just pin-ups? This one is...um...oh who gives a rats ass. No one picks this comic up for a story.

260 ARCHIE MYSTERIES #28 $2.19 ARC 1,984
261 ULTIMATE X-MEN #33 $2.25 MAR 1,970
262 FLASH #198 $2.25 DC 1,942
263 LURID #3 (MR) $2.99 IDW 1,899
264 MIKE HOFFMANS LOST WORLDS O/FANTASY & SCI-FI #1 $2.95 AMR 1,885

And with less than 2,000 sold, I'm guessing they are still lost.

265 CRIMINAL MACABRE CAL MCDONALD MYSTERY #1 (OF 5) $2.99 DAR 1,871
266 JUGHEAD W/ARCHIE DIGEST #184 $2.39 ARC 1,871
267 RAIJIN COMICS #25 (MR) $4.95 GUT 1,857
268 RAIJIN COMICS #26 (MR) $4.95 GUT 1,857
269 RAIJIN COMICS #27 (MR) $4.95 GUT 1,843
270 RAIJIN COMICS #28 (MR) $4.95 GUT 1,814

If these aren't selling well outside comic stores, they are losing a LOT of money every time they go to press. The good thing about the series is that they are reprinting the kind of stuff that does get into Japanese comics but hasn't been brought over much. The bad thing is that the covers are SO poorly designed, I can't figure out a damn thing about them.

271 ALRAUNE #6 (A) $3.50 ERO 1,800
272 HALO & SPROCKET #4 $2.95 SLA 1,715
273 VAMPI OMEGA #1 PROTOTYPE ED $4.95 HAR 1,687
274 SUPERMAN #193 $2.25 DC 1,672
275 BATMAN #614 $2.25 DC 1,672
276 PS238 #2 $2.99 DOR 1,644
277 NEOTOPIA #5 $3.95 ANT 1,644
278 ULTIMATES #10 $2.25 MAR 1,602
279 COUNTER OPS #2 (Of 5) $3.95 ANT 1,559
280 LITTLE SCROWLIE #2 $2.95 SLA 1,531

Would have been Little Scowly, but they figure with the extra "R", they could get people to mispronounce it and it could sell even worse.

281 LUFTWAFFE 1946 #10 $5.95 ANT 1,417
282 WARREN ELLIS SCARS WRAP CVR #6 (Of 6) (MR) $3.95 AVA 1,389
283 GHOST I/T SHELL 2 MAN/MACHINE INTERFACE #4 (MR) $3.50 DAR 1,375
284 FINDER #31 (MR) $2.95 LIG 1,361
285 INCREDIBLE HULK ACE ED #1 $13.99 WIZ 1,361
286 BIG O PART 4 #4 (Of 4) $3.50 VIZ 1,332

One of the reasons VIZ no longer publishes monthly comics.

287 TRANSFORMERS GENERATION ONE VOL 2 #1 (Of 6) $2.95 DRE 1,318
288 HERO DOUBLE FEATURE $4.95 DC 1,318
289 SHOUJO #1 $5.95 ANT 1,290
290 SNAPDRAGONS #3 $2.99 DOR 1,276
291 ARKHAM ASYLUM LIVING HELL #1 (Of 6) $2.50 DC 1,276
292 BIPOLAR #4 $2.95 ALT 1,261

I like this comic.
No, wait, it sucks.
Wait, I was wrong, it's pretty good.
No it isn't, fuck you and fuck this comic!
I'm sorry, it's really not horrible.

293 FADE FROM BLUE #7 $1.50 SEC 1,261
294 SOUL ASSASSIN ONE-SHOT $3.50 AER 1,247

I feel like my soul has been assassinated everytime I go into Blockbuster Video. Is this comic about that?

295 SPIRIT O/T AMAZON #2 (RES) (MR) $2.95 NWS 1,247
296 MONSTER CLUB #6 $3.50 CMX 1,120
297 PETEY #1 $2.95 BAB 1,120
298 REHD #0 $2.50 ANT 1,106
299 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #53 $2.25 MAR 1,106
300 CLASSIC ILLUS JR #519 PAUL BUNYAN $3.99 JAC 1,106

How much do you want to bet that 1000 of these were bought by Minnesota comic shops?

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