It is time to check out the January 2023 single-issue comic book sales rankings. Things are getting murkier in terms of actual unit numbers. So, we will have to settle with going to ICv2 for their Top 200 sales rankings. It is not as good as actual unit numbers, but we have to work with what we get.
Keep in mind, that the Top 200 single-issue comic sales charts are based on orders tracked by the ComicHub system at local comic book shops selling American comics. This includes over 3,000 stores selling American comics worldwide. As always, it is important to remember that these rankings are also not actual sales. These rankings only represent the number of units ordered by local comic shops.
January 2023 Top 200 Single Issue Comic Rankings
The Battle for the Top 10
- Amazing Spider-Man #17 (Marvel Comics)
- Batman #131 (DC Comics)
- Scarlet Witch #1 (Marvel Comics)
- Nightwing #100 (DC Comics)
- Miles Morales Spider-Man #2 (Marvel Comics)
- Daredevil #7 (Marvel Comics)
- Amazing Spider-Man #18 Dark Web (Marvel Comics)
- Sins of Sinister #1 (Marvel Comics)
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Last Ronin Lost Years #1 (IDW Publishing)
- Batman & The Joker The Deadly Duo #3 (Of 7) (DC Comics)
Marvel Comics took first place by placing six titles in the Top 10. This was up from the five comics in the top 10 in December 2022. Year-over-year numbers were down as Marvel Comics had eight titles in the Top 10 in January 2022.
Peter Parker pulled off the nearly impossible task of dethroning Bruce Wayne from the overall number one spot. The Spider-Man franchise continues to be Marvel Comics’ crown jewel.
Scarlet Witch #1 had a brilliant debut coming in at the number 3 spot! I thought Scarlet Witch was a total dud. But, Kevin loved it. Clearly, there is massive fan interest in a Scarlet Witch title. It will be interesting to see if Scarlet Witch can follow the path of She-Hulk and remain a consistent Top 25 to Top 50 seller. Or if Scarlet Witch crashes down the sales chart like Strange.
Miles Morales Spider-Man #2 did fantastic by only dropping to the number 5 spot. That is incredibly impressive. The Spider-Man franchise will only grow in power if Marvel Comics can finally turn Miles Morales into a consistent Top 25 seller. This is going to be fascinating to watch.
Daredevil continues to be a sales beast. I don’t get it at all, but everyone seems to love this title. I know that Marvel Comics has to be pleased to see Daredevil continuing to rampage through the Top 10.
Again, it is the diversity of titles that powers Marvel Comics’ Top 10 success that is just so incredible. Marvel Comics pulls from the Spider-Man franchise, X-Men franchise, Scarlet Witch franchise, and Daredevil franchise in the Top 10.
DC Comics put three titles in the Top 10. This is down from the four titles that DC Comics had in the Top 10 in December 2022. Year-over-year numbers were up as DC Comics only had one title in the Top 10 in January 2022.
Unlike Marvel Comics, DC Comics has no diversity at all in their titles in the Top 10. All three titles were from the Batman franchise.
Having said that, it was a stunning month for Nightwing as Nightwing #100 scored the number 4 spot. Amazing. Nightwing is a title that normally lurks in the bottom third of the Top 50. However, Dark Crisis has been incredibly good to Nightwing and led to some impressive sales numbers. It is remarkable to see Dick Grayson in the Top 5. DC Comics is certainly hoping that all of these newer readers like what they read and decide to stick around on Nightwing for the long haul.
IDW Publishing took third place by placing one title in the Top 10. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles continues to be a massive boon for IDW Publishing.
The Battle for the Top 25
Based on historical numbers from the Comichron as well as projections through April 2022, the titles in the numbers 11-25 range typically sell in the 65,000 to 50,000 unit range.
- X-Men #18 (Marvel Comics)
- Spider-Man #4 (Marvel Comics)
- Lazarus Planet Alpha #1 (One-Shot) (DC Comics)
- Batman One Bad Day Bane #1 (One-Shot) (DC Comics)
- Venom #15 Dark Web (Marvel Comics)
- Fantastic Four #3 (2022) (Marvel Comics)
- Moon Knight #19 (Marvel Comics)
- Batman Spawn #1 (One-Shot) (DC Comics)
- Avengers #64 (Marvel Comics)
- X-Men Red #10 (Marvel Comics)
- Batman Superman World’s Finest #11 (DC Comics)
- Hulk #11 (Marvel Comics)
- Immortal X-Men #10 (Marvel Comics)
- Star Wars #30 (Marvel Comics)
- Action Comics #1051 (DC Comics)
Marvel Comics crushed everyone by placing sixteen titles in the Top 25. This is the same as what Marvel Comics did in December 2022. Year-over-year numbers were down as Marvel Comics put eighteen titles in the Top 25 in January 2022.
Marvel Comics continues to enjoy Top 25 success from a massive array of different franchises. Moon Knight continues to be a massive hit as it came in at the number 17 spot. Hulk #11 came in at the number 22 spot which is a bit lower than usual, but still a good sales number.
I am glad to see that Fantastic Four #3 came in at the number 16 spot. This is great to see fans rewarding Ryan North’s excellent work on this title. It looks like Marvel’s First Family has a good chance of becoming a consistent Top 25 title.
DC Comics slunk into second place with just eight titles in the Top 25. This is up from the seven titles that DC Comics had in the Top 25 in December 2022. Year-over-year numbers were also up as DC Comics placed five titles in the Top 25.
To no surprise, six out of DC Comics’ eight titles were from the Batman franchise. This continues to be a glaring problem for DC Comics. Marvel Comics is able to have such monstrous sales success due to them having nine different franchises in the Top 25.
IDW Publishing took third place with one title in the Top 25.
The Battle for the Top 50
Based on historical numbers from the Comichron as well as projections through April 2022, the titles in the numbers 26-50 range typically sell in the 49,000 to 30,000 unit range.
- Amazing Spider-Man #16 (Marvel Comics)
- Wolverine #29 (Marvel Comics)
- Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #1 (Of 5) (BOOM! Studios)
- Star Wars Darth Vader #30 (Marvel Comics)
- Mary Jane & Black Cat #2 (Of 5) (Marvel Comics)
- Ghost Rider #10 (Marvel Comics)
- Dark Knights of Steel #9 (Of 12) (DC Comics)
- Batman One Bad Day Catwoman #1 (One-Shot) (DC Comics)
- Gold Goblin #3 (Of 5) (Marvel Comics)
- Star Wars Mandalorian #7 (Marvel Comics)
- X-Force #36 (Marvel Comics)
- Thor #30 (Marvel Comics)
- Something Is Killing The Children #28 (BOOM! Studios)
- Darkwing Duck #1 (Dynamite Ent.)
- Saga #61 (Image Comics)
- Gunslinger Spawn #16 (Image Comics)
- Star Wars High Republic #4 (Marvel Comics)
- Invincible Iron Man #2 (Marvel Comics)
- Joe Fixit #1 (Marvel Comics)
- Marauders #10 (Marvel Comics)
- Detective Comics #1068 (DC Comics)
- Lazarus Planet Assault On Krypton #1 (One-Shot) (DC Comics)
- Poison Ivy #8 (DC Comics)
- Spawn #337 (Image Comics)
- Deadpool #3 (Marvel Comics)
Marvel Comics grabbed first place with thirty titles in the Top 50. This was an improvement over the twenty-seven titles in the Top 50 in December 2022. Year-over-year numbers were down as Marvel Comics had thirty-three titles in the Top 50 in January 2022.
DC Comics came in a distant second place with just thirteen titles. This was down from the seventeen titles that DC Comics had in the Top 50 in December 2022. However, year-over-year numbers were up as DC Comics had eleven titles in the Top 50 in January 2022.
To no surprise, ten of DC Comics’ thirteen titles were from the Batman franchise.
Image Comics took third place with three titles. Boom! Studios came in fourth place with two titles. IDW Publishing and Dynamite Entertainment tied for fifth place with one title apiece.
The Battle for the Top 75
Based on historical numbers from the Comichron as well as projections through April 2022, the titles in the numbers 51-75 range typically sell in the 29,000 to 25,000 unit range.
- Predator #6 (Marvel Comics)
- Punisher #9 (Marvel Comics)
- Captain America Sentinel of Liberty #8 (Marvel Comics)
- Strange #10 (Marvel Comics)
- Avengers Forever #13 (Marvel Comics)
- Spawn Unwanted Violence #1 (Of 2) (Image Comics)
- Dark Web X-Men #3 (Of 3) (Marvel Comics)
- The Flash #790 One-Minute War (DC Comics)
- Joker The Man Who Stopped Laughing #4 (DC Comics)
- Nemesis Reloaded #1 (Of 5) (Image Comics)
- Carnage #9 (Marvel Comics)
- Human Target #10 (Of 12) (DC Comics)
- Planet Hulk Worldbreaker #3 (Of 5) (Marvel Comics)
- Avengers War Across Time #1 (Marvel Comics)
- Wasp #1 (Marvel Comics)
- Justice Society of America #2 (DC Comics)
- Alien #5 (Marvel Comics)
- Black Cloak #1 (Image Comics)
- Action Comics #1050 (DC Comics)
- Venom #14 (Marvel Comics)
- House of Slaughter #11 (BOOM! Studios)
- The Flash #791 One-Minute War (DC Comics)
- Gargoyles #2 (Dynamite Ent.)
- Legion of X #9 (Marvel Comics)
- Danger Street #2 (Of 12) (DC Comics)
Marvel Comics slotted forty-three titles in the Top 75. This was even better than the forty-two titles that Marvel Comics had in the Top 75 in December 2022. Year-over-year numbers were down as Marvel Comics had forty-seven titles in the Top 75 in January 2022.
DC Comics came in second place with just twenty titles in the Top 75. This was down from the twenty-three titles that DC Comics had in December 2022. Year-over-year numbers were up as DC Comics had nineteen titles in the Top 75 in January 2022.
Naturally, eleven of DC Comics’ twenty titles were from the Batman franchise.
Image Comics put six titles in the Top 75. Boom! Studios had three titles in the Top 75. Dynamite Entertainment had two titles. IDW Publishing had one title.
The Battle for the Top 100
Based on historical numbers from the Comichron as well as projections through April 2022, the titles in the numbers 76-100 range typically sell in the 24,000 to 18,000 unit range.
- Batman Beyond The White Knight #7 (Of 8) (DC Comics)
- Deadly Neighborhood Spider-Man #4 (Marvel Comics)
- Secret Invasion #3 (Of 5) (Marvel Comics)
- Lazarus Planet We Once Were Gods #1 (One-Shot) (DC Comics)
- Moon Knight #18 (Marvel Comics)
- I Hate Fairyland #3 (Image Comics)
- Detective Comics #1067 (DC Comics)
- Midnight Suns #5 (Of 5) (Marvel Comics)
- Incredible Hulk #1 Facsimile Edition (New Printing) (Marvel Comics)
- Spider-Man Lost Hunt #3 (Of 5) (Marvel Comics)
- Timeless 2022 #1 (Marvel Comics)
- Black Panther #13 (Marvel Comics)
- Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #2 (Of 5) (BOOM! Studios)
- Captain America Symbol of Truth #9 (Marvel Comics)
- Savage Avengers #9 (Marvel Comics)
- Captain Marvel #45 (Marvel Comics)
- Star Wars High Republic Blade #2 (Of 4) (Marvel Comics)
- Batman The Adventures Continue Season 3 #1 (Of 7) (DC Comics)
- Harley Quinn #26 (DC Comics)
- Brzrkr (Berzerker) #11 (Of 12) (BOOM! Studios)
- Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths #7 (Of 7) (DC Comics)
- Grim #7 (BOOM! Studios)
- Star Wars Yoda #3 (Marvel Comics)
- Gotham City Year One #4 (Of 6) (DC Comics)
- Wonder Woman #795 (DC Comics)
Marvel Comics won the Battle of the Top 100 with a whopping fifty-six titles. This tied the fifty-six titles that Marvel Comics had in the Top 100 in December 2022. In fact, this is now three straight months that Marvel Comics had placed fifty-six titles in the Top 100. Year-over-year numbers were down as Marvel Comics had sixty titles in the Top 100 in January 2022.
DC Comics meekly took second place with just twenty-eight titles in the Top 100. This was slightly up from the twenty-seven titles that DC Comics had in the Top 100 in December 2022. Year-over-year numbers were up slightly as DC Comics had twenty-six titles in the Top 100 in January 2022. This is not the type of consistency that DC Comics wants to see in the Top 100.
To no surprise, sixteen of DC Comics’ twenty-eight titles were from the Batman franchise.
Image Comics came in third place with seven titles. Boom! Studios was nipping at Image’s heels with six titles. Dynamite Entertainment had two titles. IDW Publishing ended the Top 100 the same as they did the Top 10: one title. Wow. This would have been a brutal month for IDW if it had not been for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Last Ronin Lost Years #1!
Debut Issues
3 Scarlet Witch #1 (Marvel Comics)
8 Sins of Sinister #1 (Marvel Comics)
13 Lazarus Planet Alpha #1 (One-Shot) (DC Comics)
14 Batman One Bad Day Bane #1 (One-Shot) (DC Comics)
33 Batman One Bad Day Catwoman #1 (One-Shot) (DC Comics)
44 Joe Fixit #1 (Marvel Comics)
47 Lazarus Planet Assault On Krypton #1 (One-Shot) (DC Comics)
64 Avengers War Across Time #1 (Marvel Comics)
65 Wasp #1 (Marvel Comics)
79 Lazarus Planet We Once Were Gods #1 (One-Shot) (DC Comics)
93 Batman The Adventures Continue Season 3 #1 (Of 7) (DC Comics)
134 Murderworld Wolverine #1 (Marvel Comics)
180 Shang-Chi Master of The Ten Rings #1 (One-Shot) (Marvel Comics)
Unranked: Avengers Two: Wonder Man and Beast – Marvel Tales #1 (Marvel Comics)
Obviously, the big news is the monster sales number that Scarlet Witch #1 delivered in its debut. This has to exceed even Marvel Comics’ expectations. I know that I was not expecting Scarlet Witch to hit such a high number.
The Batman One Bad Day one-shots sold well. I am not surprised that Bane outsold Catwoman by a wide margin. But, the fact remains that both one-shots did quite well in the sales chart.
However, all in not gold for the Batman franchise as Batman The Adventures Continue Season 3 #1 barely managed to debut in the Top 100. I would expect this title to quickly drop down the rankings.
Joe Fixit #1 debuted at the number 44 spot. That is an average debut and lower than I was hoping for this title. I really loved this issue. However, it appears that I am in the minority when it comes to a desire for a Joe Fixit title. Hopefully, this title does not crash and burn in the sales charts over the next few months.
Wasp #1 had a massively disappointing debut coming in at the number 65 spot. Despite the MCU making the Wasp a much more well-known character, it seems that Marvel Comics cannot get readers interested in Janet van Dyne’s character. I would expect this new Wasp title to quickly plummet out of the Top 100 with just the second issue.
The interest in the refreshed MCU-styled Shang-Chi continues to be a total miss with readers. Shang-Chi’s one-shot issue barely even managed to break into the Top 200.
Big Events
8 Sins of Sinister #1 (Marvel Comics)
13 Lazarus Planet Alpha #1 (One-Shot) (DC Comics)
47 Lazarus Planet Assault On Krypton #1 (One-Shot) (DC Comics)
57 Dark Web X-Men #3 (Of 3) (Marvel Comics)
79 Lazarus Planet We Once Were Gods #1 (One-Shot) (DC Comics)
96 Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths #7 (Of 7) (Resolicitation)
101 Dark Web Ms. Marvel #2 (Of 2) (Marvel Comics)
132 Dark Web X-Men #2 (Of 3) (Marvel Comics)
198 Dark Web #1 (Resolicitation)
Sins of Sinister #1 had a nice debut coming in at the number 8 spot. This new X-Men big event certainly has plenty of promise. This story will run through three different limited series and the concluded in a finale one-shot. It will be interesting to see which of these limited series attracts the most reader attention.
Dark Web continues to be a sales disappointment for Marvel Comics. The best-selling Dark Web title was Dark Web X-Men #3 at the number 57 spot. I know that Dark Web did not hold any appeal for me at all. It appears that reader interest was rather average.
Lazarus Planet actually did quite well for DC Comics! Honestly, this was much better than I was expecting. Lazarus Planet came in at the numbers 13, 47, and 79 spots. DC Comics should be pleased with these results. Hopefully, DC Comics can build some momentum off of Lazarus Planet as they continue to roll out the Dawn of DC.
Star Wars Franchise
24 Star Wars #30
29 Star Wars Darth Vader #30
35 Star Wars Mandalorian #7
42 Star Wars High Republic #4
92 Star Wars High Republic Blade #2 (Of 4)
98 Star Wars Yoda #3
104 Star Wars Bounty Hunters #30
107 Star Wars Han Solo & Chewbacca #9
109 Star Wars Yoda #2 (Resolicitation)
111 Star Wars High Republic Blade #1 (Of 4) (Resolicitation)
133 Star Wars High Republic #3 (Resolicitation)
162 Star Wars High Republic Adventures #2 (Of 8) (Dark Horse Comics)
163 Star Wars Doctor Aphra #28
176 Star Wars Han Solo & Chewbacca #8 (Resolicitation)
189 Star Wars Doctor Aphra #27 (Resolicitation)
Star Wars had zero titles in the Top 10, one title in the Top 25, and four titles in the Top 50. This was better than December 2022 when Star Wars had zero titles in the Top 10, zero titles in the Top 25, and two titles in the Top 50. Year-over-year numbers were up as Star Wars had zero titles in the Top 10, zero titles in the Top 25, and three titles in the Top 50 in January 2022.
It is no surprise that the classic Star Wars title is the best-selling title from this franchise. Equally of no surprise is that Star Wars Darth Vader is usually the second best-selling Star Wars title. This remains the most popular era of Star Wars.
Having said that, it is a real surprise to me that Star Wars Yoda keeps falling like a shot bird. I have a hard time believing that a Yoda title cannot at least stay in the Top 75. It will be interesting to see what happens with this title going forward.
Star Wars Mandalorian seems to be slowing its descent down the sales ranking. It appears that this title should remain a consistent Top 50 title.
The main Star Wars High Republic title managed to make it into the Top 50 which shows some hope for this title going forward. On the other hand, Star Wars High Republic Blade suffered a drop from the number 66 spot down to the number 92 spot.
Poor Dark Horse Comics continues to struggle to get any readers interested in their High Republic Adventures title.
On the other end of the spectrum, Star Wars Doctor Aphra continues to be the lowest-selling Star Wars title. This title continues to lurk around the 160-169 range.
Spider-Man Franchise
1 Amazing Spider-Man #17
5 Miles Morales Spider-Man #2
7 Amazing Spider-Man #18 Dark Web
12 Spider-Man #4
15 Venom #15 Dark Web
26 Amazing Spider-Man #16 (Resolicitation)
30 Mary Jane & Black Cat #2 (Of 5)
34 Gold Goblin #3 (Of 5)
61 Carnage #9
70 Venom #14 (Resolicitation)
77 Deadly Neighborhood Spider-Man #4
85 Spider-Man Lost Hunt #3 (Of 5)
110 Amazing Spider-Man #15 (Resolicitation)
123 Amazing Spider-Man #14 (Resolicitation)
126 Miles Morales Spider-Man #1 (Resolicitation)
151 Deadly Neighborhood Spider-Man #3 (Of 5) (Resolicitation)
155 Mary Jane & Black Cat #1 (Of 5) (Resolicitation)
158 Carnage #8 (Resolicitation)
184 Murderworld Spider-Man #1
Unranked: Peter Parker & Miles Morales: Spider-Men Double Trouble #3
The Spider-Man franchise had three titles in the Top 10, five titles in the Top 25, and eight titles in the Top 50. This was largely the same as in December 2022 when the Spider-Man franchise had three titles in the Top 10, six titles in the Top 25, and eight titles in the Top 50. Year-over-year numbers were up as the Spider-Man franchise had one title in the Top 10, four titles in the Top 25, and eight titles in the Top 50.
Peter Parker remains the class of North American comics. It is also clear that the Spider-Man franchise is the best-selling franchise that Marvel Comics has at the moment.
It is impressive to see Amazing Spider-Man slotting two issues in the Top 10. Normally, when one title rolls out two issues in a month, the second issue comes in much farther down in the rankings. That is not the case with Amazing Spider-Man. The fact that Amazing Spider-Man snagged the number 1 spot and the number 7 spot is phenomenal. Again, I am obviously the odd man out here. I still cannot get into this new direction for Spider-Man. But, it is obvious that readers love this new direction and cannot get enough of Peter Parker’s adventures.
What is even more impressive is that the resolicitation for Amazing Spider-Man #16 almost cracked the Top 25! What?! It is rare for a resolicitation for an issue to even make it into the Top 75. Making the number 26 spot? That is insane. This is the most obvious sign that readers cannot get enough of Peter Parker.
What is also crazy is that the resolicitation of Amazing Spider-Man #14 took the number 123 spot. This is an issue from November 2022! An issue from two months ago still cracking the Top 125 is rather impressive.
Dan Scott and Mark Bagley continue to have a massive hit on their hands with Spider-Man. Readers cannot get enough of this Spider-Verse adventure. Yeah, some of the characters are a bit cringe, but this story has been a complete blast to read. I am not surprised that this title has been this successful.
Venom shows absolutely no signs of slowing down at all. This title remains a Top 25 title each and every month.
Mary Jane & Black Cat #2 dropped from the number 17 spot to the number 30 spot. That is actually pretty good! That is a relatively small drop from what you normally see between a debut issue and the number 2 issue. It seems like this team-up of Peter’s ladies is retaining a good amount of the initial readership.
Gold Goblin continues to be a constant Top 50 seller. This is better than I was expecting since I was not that impressed with the first issue. Evidently, many readers are loving what Gold Goblin is delivering each month.
X-Men Franchise
8 Sins of Sinister #1
11 X-Men #18
20 X-Men Red #10
23 Immortal X-Men #10
27 Wolverine #29
36 X-Force #36
45 Marauders #10
50 Deadpool #3
57 Dark Web X-Men #3 (Of 3)
74 Legion of X #9
112 X-Terminators #5
117 X-Men Legends #5
132 Dark Web X-Men #2 (Of 3) (Resolicitation)
136 X-Men Annual #1 (Resolicitation)
139 Sabretooth & The Exiles #3
148 X-Treme X-Men #2 (Of 5) (Resolicitation)
168 New Mutants #33
169 Wolverine #28 (Resolicitation)
182 X-Terminators #4 (Of 5) (Resolicitation)
The X-Men franchise had one title in the Top 10, four titles in the Top 25, and eight titles in the Top 50. This was better than in December 2022 when the X-Men franchise had zero titles in the Top 10, four titles in the Top 25, and seven titles in the Top 50. Year-over-year numbers were down at the Top 10 but up at the Top 50 as the X-Men franchise had three titles in the Top 10, four titles in the Top 25, and six titles in the Top 50.
X-Men and X-Men Red return to form as they are the top two selling monthly X-Men franchise titles. In December 2022, it was Immortal X-Men #9 which was the best-selling X-Men franchise title. Immortal X-Men #10 still had a good result in January 2023 by taking the number 23 spot. These three X-Men titles remain the class of the franchise. And for good reason. These have been rather entertaining reads.
Logan continues to have success as Wolverine #29 just missed the Top 25. Still, Marvel Comics will be perfectly happy if Wolverine remains a Top 50 title each and every month.
I am glad to see X-Force continuing to flex its muscle and remain a constant Top 50 title. I really have enjoyed this title so I am glad to see X-Force getting love from the readership in general.
Marauders #10 cracked into the Top 50. I have to give this title its due. I think this title is completely unreadable, but Marauders continues to lurk just inside or just outside of the Top 50 every month. I am sure that Marvel Comics will be fine with Marauders if it can just remain in the 45-65 range every month.
Deadpool #3 fell down to the number 50 spot. This title just keeps dropping like a rock every month. This is a far cry from the number 6 spot that Deadpool #1 had in November 2022. I am interested to see if Deadpool can stop this freefall with issue #4.
The X-Terminators mini-series was a big sales disappointment. X-Terminators #1 crushed it by debuting at the number 27 spot. Then readers clearly had no interest in Leah Williams’ story as X-Terminators #2 plummeted all the way out of the Top 100 and down to the number 103 spot. X-Terminators 3 came in at the number 126 spot. X-Terminators #4 came in at the number 107 spot. X-Terminators #5 ended the mini-series at the number 112 spot.
Avengers Franchise
3 Scarlet Witch #1
19 Avengers #64
22 Hulk #11
37 Thor #30
43 Invincible Iron Man #2
44 Joe Fixit #1
53 Captain America Sentinel of Liberty #8
55 Avengers Forever #13
63 Planet Hulk Worldbreaker #3 (Of 5)
64 Avengers War Across Time #1
65 Wasp #1
84 Incredible Hulk #1 Facsimile Edition (New Printing)
87 Black Panther #13
89 Captain America Symbol of Truth #9
90 Savage Avengers #9
91 Captain Marvel #45
108 Monica Rambeau Photon #2 (Of 5)
122 She-Hulk #9 (Resolicitation)
152 All-Out Avengers #5
191 Savage She-Hulk #1 Facsimile Edition
Unranked: Avengers Two: Wonder Man and Beast – Marvel Tales #1
The Avengers franchise had one title in the Top 10, three titles in the Top 25, and six titles in the Top 50. This was better than December 2022 when the Avengers franchise had one titles in the Top 10, two titles in the Top 25, and three titles in the Top 50. Year-over-year numbers were down as the Avengers franchise had three titles in the Top 10, four titles in the Top 25, and six titles in the Top 50.
Avengers continues to experience a sales renaissance as Jason Aaron’s run comes to a conclusion. Avengers #64 grabbed the number 19 spot. This is the highest that I have seen an Avengers title in years. Hopefully, this leads to Avengers becoming a sustained Top 50 seller once the new creative team takes over the title.
Hulk #11 grabbed the number 22 spot. Bruce Banner continues to be a consistent Top 25 seller. I do not suspect that to change anytime soon.
Thor coming in at the number 37 spot is a bit of a lower-than-usual result in January 2023. I am sure this is just an odd blip due to scheduling and that Thor will rise up the sales chart next month.
Invincible Iron Man #2 fell down to the number 43 spot. This title had a nice debut coming in at the number 15 spot. However, many readers seemingly hoped right off this title once they realized Duggan would just be presenting us with “Demon in a Bottle” in a slightly different packaging. I am not at all surprised by Invincible Iron Man tumbling down the sales rankings. I think there is a good chance that this title to fall out of the Top 75 with just the third issue.
Captain America Sentinel of Liberty #8 came in the number 53 spot. Steve Rogers has found his happy place in the sales rankings. It looks like this title is going to consistently be in the 50-59 spot every month. I am sure that Marvel Comics would rather have one of its flagship characters in the Top 50 every single month. So, this is probably a bit disappointing, but not enough of a disappointment to induce Marvel Comics to make any changes to this title.
Captain America Symbol of Truth #9 came in at the number 89 spot. Sam Wilson continues to sell much worse than Steve Rogers. Having said that, at least Sam’s title managed to make it into the Top 100 which had not happened in a while. I continue to question Marvel Comics’ decision to have two Captain Americas active at the same time.
Savage Avengers #9 came in at the number 90 spot. This title seems to have found its place in the sales rankings as it continues to vacillate just inside of the Top 100. I will be curious to see how long Marvel Comics decides to publish Savage Avengers given these numbers.
Captain Marvel #45 came in at the number 91 spot. Carol Danvers’ title continues to be the lowest-selling ongoing title in the Avengers franchise. This is about where I would expect to see Carol’s title in the rankings.
Monica Rambeau Photon #2 came in at the number 108 spot. This mini-series had a terrible debut coming in at the number 53 spot. Such a low debut number usually indicates that the title is going to be outside of the Top 100 with the second issue. And that is exactly what happened with Monica Rambeau Photon #2. At this point, all this mini-series can hope to do is to finish up the five-issue story within the Top 150.
Batman Franchise
2 Batman #131
4 Nightwing #100
10 Batman & The Joker The Deadly Duo #3 (Of 7)
14 Batman One Bad Day Bane #1 (One-Shot)
18 Batman Spawn #1 (One-Shot) (Resolicitation)
21 Batman Superman World’s Finest #11
32 Dark Knights of Steel #9 (Of 12)
33 Batman One Bad Day Catwoman #1 (One-Shot)
46 Detective Comics #1068
48 Poison Ivy #8
59 Joker The Man Who Stopped Laughing #4
76 Batman Beyond The White Knight #7 (Of 8) (Resolicitation)
82 Detective Comics #1067 (Resolicitation)
93 Batman The Adventures Continue Season 3 #1 (Of 7)
94 Harley Quinn #26
105 Batman Fortress #8 (Of 8)
113 Batgirls #14
116 Punchline The Gotham Game #4 (Of 6)
119 Harley Quinn #25 (Resolicitation)
127 Riddler Year One #2 (Of 6) (Resolicitation)
130 Catwoman #51
135 Batman #130 (Resolicitation)
138 Batman Urban Legends #23
142 Harley Quinn The Animated Series Legion of Bats #4 (Of 6)
143 Batman Incorporated #4
146 Nightwing #99 (Resolicitation)
150 I Am Batman #17
171 Sword of Azrael #6 (Of 6)
178 Batman Gotham Knights Gilded City #4 (Of 6)
195 Tim Drake Robin #5
196 Batman & The Joker The Deadly Duo #2 (Of 7) (Resolicitation)
197 Batman vs Robin #4 (Of 5) (Resolicitation)
Unranked: GCPD: The Blue Wall #4
Unranked: Batman: Knightwatch #5
Unranked: The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #4
The Batman franchise had three titles in the Top 10, six titles in the Top 25, and ten titles in the Top 50. This was slightly worse than in December 2022 when the Batman franchise had three titles in the Top 10, six titles in the Top 25, and eleven titles in the Top 50. Year-over-year numbers were slightly up as the Batman franchise had one title in the Top 10, five titles in the Top 25, and ten titles in the Top 50.
Batman & The Joker The Deadly Duo #3 came in at the number 10 spot. This title continues to be a sales beast. Readers cannot get enough of Bruce Wayne and the Joker. This mini-series should conclude its seven-issue story inside of the Top 25. That would be a smashing success for DC Comics.
Dark Knights of Steel #9 came in at the number 32 spot. I have enjoyed this fun Elseworlds story. It certainly appears that this twelve-issue story should finish inside of the Top 50. Another success for DC Comics.
Poison Ivy #8 slid all the way down to the number 48 spot. This was a surprise. I have not been impressed with this title, but the fact remains that it has been popular with many readers. Poison Ivy had been a strong seller over the course of the first seven issues. However, Poison Ivy #8 dropped a whopping 28 spots. It will be interesting to see if Poison Ivy can conclude its eleven-issue story inside of the Top 50.
Joker The Man Who Stopped Laughing #4 plummeted down from the number 16 spot all the way down to the number 59 spot. This does not surprise me in the least bit. I have found this title to be nearly unreadable. It seems that many readers have decided to abandon this title after three issues.
Harley Quinn #26 came in at the number 94 spot. This is the usual place where we find this title. DC Comics needs to look into a creative team switch at some point. There is no reason for Harley Quinn to be selling this poorly.
Batgirls #14 came in at the number 113 spot. Again, this is where we always find this title. Michael Conrad and Becky Cloonan have failed to attract much of a readership after a year in publication. At some point, DC Comics is going to have to make a decision about either changing the creative team or simply canceling the title.
Punchline The Gotham Game #4 came in at the number 116 spot. I will admit that I totally got it wrong with Punchline’s mini-series. Punchline is a popular new character and I thought that this mini-series was going to be a hot seller. I was totally wrong. Blake Howard and Tini Howard have not been able to generate much reader interest in this mini-series at all. At this point, all this mini-series can try to do is to finish in the Top 150.
Catwoman #51 crashed back to earth falling from the number 43 spot down to the number 130 spot. This is were we normally find the Catwoman title in the sales rankings. Catwoman enjoyed a massive boost in sales due to a cross-over with Punchline. I said that this was a prime opportunity for Tini Howard to convince these new readers to stay on Catwoman. Well, Tini Howard clearly failed in that effort. At this point, DC Comics needs to think about a creative team change. Catwoman is another title that should not be selling this poorly.
Harley Quinn The Animated Series Legion of Bats #4 came in at the number 142 spot. This mini-series has been a total sales failure as it has not been able to attract much of a readership. This is another DC mini-series that is just going to try and finish in the Top 150 by the conclusion of the story.
I Am Batman #17 came in at the number 150 spot. Normally, I Am Batman is the worst-selling Batman franchise ongoing monthly title. However, thanks to Tim Drake that is no longer the case! At any rate, I Am Batman continues to trudge along on life support as it struggles to even stay in the Top 150. Evidently, DC Comics does not care at all if this title ever makes any money.
Tim Drake Robin #5 barely made the Top 200 by coming in at the number 195 spot. This title has been a stunning disaster. I cannot believe that by just the fifth issue Tim Drake is almost out of the Top 200. DC Comics has made a total hash of Tim Drake. At this point, DC Comics needs to replace Meghan Fitzmartin as the writer as she is doing her best Carson Wentz impersonation at the moment. I am unsure if DC Comics can remedy the damage that has been done to Tim’s character. But, DC Comics cannot just sit idly by while this character becomes completely unviable.
Unranked: GCPD: The Blue Wall #4 was unranked. This mini-series has been a complete and total bust for DC Comics. This title has been unranked since the second issue.
Superman Franchise
21 Batman Superman World’s Finest #11
25 Action Comics #1051
47 Lazarus Planet Assault On Krypton #1 (One-Shot)
69 Action Comics #1050 (Resolicitation)
The Superman franchise had zero titles in the Top 10, one title in the Top 25, and three titles in the Top 50. This was better than December 2022 when the Superman franchise had zero titles in the Top 10, zero titles in the Top 25, and three titles in the Top 50. Year-over-year numbers were up as the Superman franchise had zero titles in the Top 10, zero titles in the Top 25, and one title in the Top 50.
Batman Superman World’s Finest #11 took the number 21 spot. This title continues to be the best-selling title starring Superman. This is no surprise because this title is an absolute gem. Readers are getting treated with a fantastic read every month.
Action Comics #1051 continues to rise up the sales rankings as it came in at the number 25 spot. It is so fantastic to see a Superman title in the Top 25. I hope that the Big Red S continues to see sales success as DC Comics appears ready to remedy many of its mistakes over the past few years.
Wonder Woman Franchise
79 Lazarus Planet We Once Were Gods #1 (One-Shot) (DC Comics)
100 Wonder Woman #795 (DC Comics)
165 Wonder Woman Historia The Amazons #3 (Of 3) (Resolicitation)
The Wonder Woman franchise had zero titles in the Top 10, zero titles in the Top 25, and zero titles in the Top 50. This was the same as in December 2022. Year-over-year numbers were also the same.
Wonder Woman crashed back down the sales chart as Wonder Woman #795 came in at the number 100 spot. The last two issues of Wonder Woman rose up to the number 88 and number 71 spots due to the Return of Kal-El. Sadly, many of those new readers did not stick around. Hopefully, this is a mere hiccup and Wonder Woman can rise back up the sales chart.
Justice League Franchise
58 The Flash #790 One-Minute War
72 The Flash #791 One-Minute War
144 Black Adam #7 (Of 12)
149 The Flash #123 Facsimile Edition (2023 Printing)
The Justice League franchise had zero titles in the Top 10, zero titles in the Top 25, and zero titles in the Top 50. This was the same as in December 2022. Year-over-year numbers were also the same.
The One-Minute War was a huge sales boost for Flash! The Flash rose from the number 101 spot in December 2022 up to the numbers 50 and 72 spots. DC Comics has to be pleased with this result. Again, it would be great if Flash could capitalize on this influx of new readers and retain enough to make this title consistently in the Top 75.
Black Adam continues to be a mantle swap title that is drawing very little interest from readers. At this point, it is only a question if Black Adam can conclude its twelve-issue story inside of the Top 150 or not.
Mantle Swap Titles
5 Miles Morales Spider-Man #2 (Marvel Comics)
6 Daredevil #7 (Marvel Comics)
89 Captain America Symbol of Truth #9 (Marvel Comics)
91 Captain Marvel #45 (Marvel Comics)
101 Dark Web Ms. Marvel #2 (Of 2) (Marvel Comics)
126 Miles Morales Spider-Man #1 (Resolicitation)
129 New Champion of Shazam #4 (Of 4) (DC Comics)
144 Black Adam #7 (Of 12) (DC Comics)
150 I Am Batman #17 (DC Comics)
186 Blue Beetle Graduation Day #3 (Of 6) (DC Comics)
Unranked: Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #2
There were two mantle swap titles in the Top 10, two in the Top 25, and two in the Top 50. This was worse than in December 2022 when there were two mantle swap titles in the Top 10, two in the Top 25, and three in the Top 50.
This category is dominated by Miles Morales. Miles is shouldering the load and delivering the best-selling title. Of course, Daredevil is nipping at Miles’ heels.
The rest of the titles in the category? Rather poor sales rankings across the board. Miles continues to stand out as a real exception in this category.
Legacy Character Titles
4 Nightwing #100 (DC Comics)
58 The Flash #790 One-Minute War (DC Comics)
66 Justice Society of America #2 (DC Comics)
72 The Flash #791 One-Minute War (DC Comics)
113 Batgirls #14 (DC Comics)
116 Punchline The Gotham Game #4 (Of 6) (DC Comics)
125 Stargirl The Lost Children #3 (Of 6) (DC Comics)
146 Nightwing #99 (Resolicitation)
149 The Flash #123 Facsimile Edition (2023 Printing) (DC Comics)
166 Titans United Bloodpact #5 (Of 6) (DC Comics)
168 New Mutants #33 (Marvel Comics)
195 Tim Drake Robin #5 (DC Comics)
There was one legacy character title in the Top 10, one title in the Top 25, and one title in the Top 50. This was better at the Top 10 but the same in the Top 50 as in December 2022.
The Legacy Character category is dominated by Dick Grayson. No legacy character has been able to hit the same heights that Dick Grayson over the past year. It is impressive how DC Comics has been able to successfully elevate Dick Grayson’s character in the DCU.
Wally West is certainly the second most successful legacy character. The One-Minute War is collecting the entire Flash family together and is drawing many more readers to Waly’s title. Hopefully, these readers stick around for the long haul.
The rest of the legacy character titles sell well outside of the Top 100. There is no doubt that DC Comics is far more interested in legacy characters than Marvel Comics.
The Top Female Lead Titles
3 Scarlet Witch #1 (Marvel Comics)
30 Mary Jane & Black Cat #2 (Of 5) (Marvel Comics)
33 Batman One Bad Day Catwoman #1 (One-Shot) (DC Comics)
48 Poison Ivy #8 (DC Comics)
54 Strange #10 (Marvel Comics)
65 Wasp #1 (Marvel Comics)
91 Captain Marvel #45 (Marvel Comics)
94 Harley Quinn #26 (DC Comics)
100 Wonder Woman #795 (DC Comics)
101 Dark Web Ms. Marvel #2 (Of 2) (Marvel Comics)
108 Monica Rambeau Photon #2 (Of 5) (Marvel Comics)
112 X-Terminators #5 (Marvel Comics)
113 Batgirls #14 (DC Comics)
116 Punchline The Gotham Game #4 (Of 6) (DC Comics)
119 Harley Quinn #25 (Resolicitation)
122 She-Hulk #9 (Resolicitation)
125 Stargirl The Lost Children #3 (Of 6) (DC Comics)
129 New Champion of Shazam #4 (Of 4) (DC Comics)
130 Catwoman #51 (DC Comics)
142 Harley Quinn The Animated Series Legion of Bats #4 (Of 6) (DC Comics)
155 Mary Jane & Black Cat #1 (Of 5) (Resolicitation)
163 Star Wars Doctor Aphra #28 (Marvel Comics)
165 Wonder Woman Historia The Amazons #3 (Of 3) (DC Comics)
182 X-Terminators #4 (Of 5) (Resolicitation)
189 Star Wars Doctor Aphra #27 (Resolicitation)
191 Savage She-Hulk #1 Facsimile Edition (Marvel Comics)
Unranked: Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #2 (Marvel Comics)
Unranked: GCPD: The Blue Wall #4 (DC Comics)
There was one female lead title in the Top 10, one title in the Top 25, and four titles in the Top 50. This was better than in December 2022 when there were zero female lead titles in the Top 10, two titles in the Top 25, and three titles in the Top 50. Year-over-year numbers were down as there was one female lead title in the Top 10, two titles in the Top 25, and six titles in the Top 50.
Marvel Comics and DC Comics tied as both publishers had two female lead titles in the Top 50.
Marvel Comics barely beat DC Comics in the Battle of the Top 100. Marvel Comics had five female leads in the Top 50. DC Comics had four titles in the Top 100.
Overall, Marvel Comics edged out DC Comics as Marvel Comics had fourteen female lead titles in the Top 200. DC Comics had twelve female lead titles in the Top 200.
I continue to maintain that there is absolutely no reason why Marvel Comics should be beating DC Comics in this category. DC Comics has the better female characters in Wonder Woman, Catwoman, and Harley Quinn. All three of those titles should be in the Top 50 or at least the Top 75 every single month.
The Top Minority Lead Titles
5 Miles Morales Spider-Man #2 (Marvel Comics)
87 Black Panther #13 (Marvel Comics)
89 Captain America Symbol of Truth #9 (Marvel Comics)
101 Dark Web Ms. Marvel #2 (Of 2) (Marvel Comics)
108 Monica Rambeau Photon #2 (Of 5) (Marvel Comics)
126 Miles Morales Spider-Man #1 (Marvel Comics)
144 Black Adam #7 (Of 12) (DC Comics)
145 Wakanda #4 (Marvel Comics)
150 I Am Batman #17 (DC Comics)
163 Star Wars Doctor Aphra #28 (Marvel Comics)
180 Shang-Chi Master of The Ten Rings #1 (One-Shot) (Marvel Comics)
186 Blue Beetle Graduation Day #3 (Of 6) (DC Comics)
189 Star Wars Doctor Aphra #27 (Resolicitation)
192 Monkey Prince #10 (Of 12) (DC Comics)
200 Tiger Division #3 (Of 5) (Marvel Comics)
Unranked: Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #2 (Marvel Comics)
Unranked: Peter Parker & Miles Morales: Spider-Men Double Trouble #3 (Marvel Comics)
Unranked: GCPD: The Blue Wall #4 (DC Comics)
There was one minority lead title in the Top 10, one title in the Top 25, and one title in the Top 50. This was the same as in December 2022. Year-over-year numbers were up in the Top 10 but the same in the Top 50 as there were zero minority lead titles in the Top 10, zero titles in the Top 25, and one title in the Top 50.
Marvel Comics crushed DC Comics as it had three minority lead titles in the Top 100. DC Comics had zero. Overall, Marvel Comics placed eleven minority lead titles in the Top 200. DC Comics only managed four minority lead titles in the Top 200.
One big difference is that Marvel Comics offered six minority lead titles that are unique characters and only two mantle swap characters. On the other hand, three of DC Comics’ minority lead titles were mantle swap titles. DC Comics might want to change up its strategy because it is just not working.
It looks like not even the Lazarus Planet big event that features Monkey King can get readers interested in that title. That was a nice idea by DC Comics, but Monkey King appears to be a character that is just not connecting with readers.
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur crashed out of the Top 200 with just the second issue. That is a disastrous result for Marvel Comics.
I am bummed to see that Tiger Division #3 barely made it into the sales rankings by taking the number 200 spot. It looks like this title will be unranked in the next issue. That is too bad. I have enjoyed this title.
Dead Titles Walking
Based on historical numbers from the Comichron as well as projections through April 2022, titles outside of the Top 100 are usually selling under the 18,000 unit sales mark. These are the Marvel Comics and DC Comics titles that are dead titles walking.
Marvel Comics
101 Dark Web Ms. Marvel #2 (Of 2)
104 Star Wars Bounty Hunters #30
107 Star Wars Han Solo & Chewbacca #9
108 Monica Rambeau Photon #2 (Of 5)
112 X-Terminators #5
117 X-Men Legends #5
128 Doctor Strange Fall Sunrise #3
132 Dark Web X-Men #2 (Of 3)
134 Murderworld Wolverine #1
139 Sabretooth & The Exiles #3
145 Wakanda #4
152 All-Out Avengers #5
160 Midnight Suns #4 (Of 5)
163 Star Wars Doctor Aphra #28
168 New Mutants #33
172 Strange Academy Finals #3
173 Doctor Strange Fall Sunrise #2 (Of 4)
180 Shang-Chi Master of The Ten Rings #1 (One-Shot)
185 Namor Conquered Shores #4
200 Tiger Division #3 (Of 5)
Unranked: Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #2
Unranked: Avengers Two: Wonder Man and Beast – Marvel Tales #1
Unranked: Peter Parker & Miles Morales: Spider-Men Double Trouble #3
Unranked: Ultraman: The Mystery of Ultraseven #5
Marvel Comics had twenty-four dead titles walking. This means 30% of Marvel Comic’s new titles in January 2023 were dead titles walking. This is up from the twenty-one dead titles walking that Marvel Comics had in December 2022. Year-over-year numbers were up big as Marvel Comics had twelve dead titles walking in January 2022.
Poor Ethan Sacks was the only writer to place two titles in this category. Hopefully, February 2023 will be a bit better for him!
DC Comics
100 Wonder Woman #795
102 Wildcats #3
105 Batman Fortress #8 (Of 8)
106 Human Target #11 (Of 12)
113 Batgirls #14
115 DC Horror Presents Sgt Rock Vs The Army of The Dead #5 (Of 6)
116 Punchline The Gotham Game #4 (Of 6)
125 Stargirl The Lost Children #3 (Of 6)
129 New Champion of Shazam #4 (Of 4)
130 Catwoman #51
138 Batman Urban Legends #23
142 Harley Quinn The Animated Series Legion of Bats #4 (Of 6)
143 Batman Incorporated #4
144 Black Adam #7 (Of 12)
150 I Am Batman #17
166 Titans United Bloodpact #5 (Of 6)
171 Sword of Azrael #6 (Of 6)
178 Batman Gotham Knights Gilded City #4 (Of 6)
186 Blue Beetle Graduation Day #3 (Of 6)
192 Monkey Prince #10 (Of 12)
195 Tim Drake Robin #5
Unranked: GCPD: The Blue Wall #4
Unranked: Batman: Knightwatch #5
Unranked: Fables #157
Unranked: Dead Boy Detectives #2
Unranked: The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #4
Unranked: Looney Tunes #270
DC Comics had twenty-seven dead titles walking. This means that 49% of the new DC Comics titles in January 2022 were dead titles walking. This is up from the twenty-six dead titles walking that DC Comics had in December 2022. However, year-over-year numbers were down as DC Comics had thirty-one dead titles walking in January 2022.
There were several writers for DC Comics who had two titles in this category. Michael Conrad, Becky Cloonan, and Tini Howard all placed two titles apiece in the Dead Titles Walking category. I am a bit mystified why DC Comics keeps giving these writers work given their constant failures in the sales charts.
However, the writer who had the most dead titles walking in January 2023 was John Ridley. Ridley had two dead titles walking for DC Comics and one dead title walking for Marvel Comics. I have always believed that just because someone is a successful screenwriter, TV writer, or TV director does not mean that they will be a good comic book writer. Writing comic books is incredibly difficult and is often looked down upon by people in other fields of entertainment. Ridley’s lack of sales success should emphasize that not everyone can write comic books and have success.
All right, that is it for January 2023 Will Marvel Comics continue its domination of the Top 200 in February 2023? We will find out. Until then, everyone stay safe and be good!
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