The list of best selling comics for the month of May is in, and it was a pretty big one: comic shops ordered $48.16 million worth of comic books, up 8% from May of 2016. Marvel saw one of the biggest upward trends, as its Secret Empire event seems to be piquing the interest of readers–all three of the series’ issues released in May made the top 10. In fact, six of the top 10 comics last month came from Marvel, and they claimed the #1 and #2 spots thanks to the aforementioned Secret Empire, as well as the dubiously numbered Venom #150–their tenuous renumbering of the series to create an anniversary issue by melding together several series into one seems to have worked.
DC’s Lenticular Editions for Batman and The Flash continue to be big sellers, taking the #3 and #4 spots with Batman #22 and The Flash #22. The followup for Batman, issue #23, completes DC’s contributions to the top 10 at #7.
As usual, the only non-Big Two comic in the bunch is Image Comics’ The Walking Dead, as its emotional, groundbreaking issue #167 rounds out the top 10.
Data courtesy of chomichron.com
Writer: Nick Spencer
Artist: Steve McNiven
Publisher: Marvel Comics
1) Secret Empire #1
Estimated Sales: 157,517
AiPT! Score:
“This series is starting to give me House of M vibes in the best possible way. Reality has been altered, that is for sure, but the dynamics and character changes resulting from the event mean brand new stories and exciting ones at that.”
Writer: Mike Costa, Robbie Thompson, David Michelinie
Artist: Tradd Moore, Gerardo Sandoval, Ron Lim
Publisher: Marvel Comics
2) Venom #150
Estimated Sales: 141,757
AiPT! Score:
“In the end, I’m not sure how much the back half of Venom #150 would appeal to non-symbiote fans looking for a complete and/or compelling story. The first story, however, is great for anybody—and for 90’s-era fanboys like me, the whole thing is worth the price of admission.”
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Story: Tom King and Joshua Williamson
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Jason Fabok
Publisher: DC Comics
3) Batman #22 (Lenticular Edition)
Estimated Sales: 114,173
AiPT! Score:
“Batman may be changed forever. Do you need any more reason to read this book!?”
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Howard Porter
Publisher: DC Comics
4) The Flash #22 (Lenticular Edition)
Estimated Sales: 104,506
AiPT! Score:
“A great issue in that it sets up major elements to ponder later. It’s also filled with dramatic beats that are out of this world.”
Writer: Christopher Hastings
Artist: Tigh Walker
Publisher: Marvel Comics
5) Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout #1
Estimated Sales: 104,217
AiPT! Score:
“If you are in need of a Guardians fix, look no further. This captures the fun foibles of the team very well and it’s even good for a laugh. The price is a tad steep, but who’s to argue with your needs?”
Writer: Nick Spencer
Artist: Andrea Sorrentino
Publisher: Marvel Comics
6) Secret Empire #2
Estimated Sales: 100,983
AiPT! Score:
“Moody, dark and atmospheric, Secret Empire has an eclectic identity that’s exciting and filled with surprises. The heroes’ story is fleshed out in this issue in a variety of ways that are interesting and set the stage for what could be an event we’ll never forget.”
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7) Batman #23
Estimated Sales: 96,542
AiPT! Score:
“Batman #23 is an accomplishment not only for King’s Batman run, but for his oeuvre; it’s the sort of well-crafted, uniquely enjoyable offering that Bat-fans can offer up to Bat-King naysayers as proof that he’s still “got the juice to write stuff in the same lauded echelon as Vision and Omega Men; you just had to believe, man,” and delightful enough that even those naysayers will want to flip through its pages time and time again when all’s said and done.”
Writer: Nick Spencer
Artist: Rod Reis, Andrea Sorrentino
Publisher: Marvel Comics
8) Secret Empire #3
Estimated Sales: 91,611
AiPT! Score:
“This is another good chapter that progresses many story threads with solid dialogue and character beats we’ve all come to expect from event comic storytelling. The fact that you’re not confused by the end is a testament to the plotting, though some characters feel thin due to their developments in tie-in issues. The message, however, is loud and very clear: The heroes lost and there’s insurmountable odds to climb their way out. Unfortunately for them there’s a foot crushing their throats at every turn.”
Writer: Gerry Duggan
Artist: Aaron Kuder
Publisher: Marvel Comics
9) All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #1
Estimated Sales: 82,439
AiPT! Score:
“More than most series as of late, this series captures the fun of the movie series, but now in comic book form. The attitude and adventure is right up there with the cinematic take on these characters and it’s hard to deny this’ll be a series to keep your eye on.”
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Charlie Adlard
Publisher: Image Comics
10) The Walking Dead #167
Estimated Sales: 74,062
AiPT! Score:
“The Walking Dead has had many emotional issues centered on loss over the years, but this one is perhaps its most affecting. Between Kirkman’s words and Adlard’s subtle art, we get a true sense of the feeling of loss experienced by Rick and company. This is an issue fans will be talking about for years to come.”
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