DC Comics has revealed Absolute Batman #1 is the highest-selling comic of 2024. As a periodical sold through the direct market across all printings, DC Comics tells me Absolute Batman has sold just under 400,000 copies.
For context, IDW revealed earlier this year that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 sold over 300,000 copies.
Given the creators behind the issue, Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, and Clayton Cowles, is there any doubt this would have sold so many copies? That said, 400,000 issues solid is a lot of comics, with the highest-selling comic in 2023, Transformers #1, not reaching that figure (though surpassing 200,000 copies).
There are actually a few reasons you can attribute to the huge sales figures:
- First and possibly foremost, the first issue’s multiple printings and the Absolute Batman: Noir edition added to the sales figures and increased sales. Even with comic shops putting in high orders for the first printing, they still had to return for multiple printings.
- Secondly, the anticipation for Absolute Batman and the other Absolute Universe titles was high. DC had never relaunched its Trinity of heroes in a separate line before, similar to Marvel’s Ultimate Universe, which increased the extra interest. The fact that it was being billed as darker and edgier than the main universe also helped.
- Finally, Snyder’s previous run on Batman is one of the most popular and successful runs ever, and with him taking a break from DC for a few years, the anticipation was higher than ever to snatch up his next DC Comics work.
Of course, there are other factors as well, like Nick Dragotta’s dazzling art and design and the buzz for the first issue growing steadily thanks to press interviews and comic creators sharing their love of the comic before its release. Heck, the very fact that it’s Batman helped as well.
Here’s the road to the highest-selling comic:
- Absolute Batman #1 first printing—on sale 10/9; available now at your local comic book shop, while supplies last
- Absolute Batman #1 second printing—on sale 10/30; available now at your local comic book shop, while supplies last
- Absolute Batman: Noir Edition #1— on sale 11/13; available now at your local comic book shop, while supplies last
- Absolute Batman #1 third printing—on sale 11/27; preorder with your local comic book shop
Listen to our interview with Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta about the series below!
Check out the Absolute Batman #1 third printing covers below.
You must be logged in to post a comment.