How many comic books were sold in the US in the 1960s, 70s and 80s? And in the UK?

Question

I've been trying to do some research into the health of the comic book industry (US and UK) and I've been finding it difficult to get hold of historical sales/circulation information. I can find (spotty) circulation figures for individual titles from past decades - these are available in the Circulation Statements that used to be published in US comics to meet mailing regulations - but I'm looking for details of the size of the overall comics market. I have even found some published estimates for total comics circulations in the US in the 1940s and 1950s. But how many comics IN TOTAL were sold (in the US?) in any given year in the 1960s, 70s and 80s? How many comics titles were being published? How many publishers were there? I would be very grateful for any information - especially published sources I can verify.

Answer 1

one

Answer 2

The eighty's delivered 2 out of my 3 pleasing toddlers, (the ninety's delivered the 0.33) which i'll consistently be happy approximately. The 60's and 70's have been terrible terrible cases for me, which is composed of residing on the streets, and in an orphanage, so do not elect to circulate back there! yet a minimum of I even have learnt from my experience, and supply to charities at the same time with keep the youngsters

Answer 3

A tough question, as you say records ar scatty and you may never get a full idea.

I would guess that if you contact Marvel & DC direct they would have an idea of sales as they would need it for their record / to work out profit.

You could also contact Diamond Distrabution. They are an import company who import most of the US comics into the UK - They should have figures too.

You could also contact the major comic shops direct, they could give you a few leads too.

Answer 4

I really don't know but between my brother and myself we bought a couple hundred-------------good luck with your question