ICv2: Graphic novel market grows to over $205 million

Retailer website ICv2 teases the release of its fourth Retailers Guide to Graphic Novels by noting that the market for graphic novels in the United States and Canada grew about 25 percent last year to an estimated $205 million to $210 million at retail. That figure takes into account bookstores and the direct market.

Although the growth rate was down from about 50 percent in 2003 to 25 percent in 2004, "the dollar increase was actually up."

ICv2 found that bookstores and other specialty retail stores accounted for about $140 million of the graphic novel business in 2004, compared to about $105 million the previous year. Comic stores were responsible for $65 million to $70 million, up slightly from $60 million in 2003.