The numbers are in, and we now officially know the BEST-SELLING comic of 2024—and it’sDCclaiming the honor, edging outMarvel’stop-selling title by a narrow margin. The rest of the top 50 best-selling comics of the year provide valuable insights into the trends driving sales and the reasons behind them, making this an exceptionally intriguing dataset.
2024 was a standout year for DC in solidifying its position in the comic industry.
Drumroll, please:the best-selling comic of 2024 is none other than Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’sAbsolute Batman#1.This success proves thatDC’s ALL-IN initiativeand the launch of their Absolute Universe were the right moves for the publisher.
While there were strong contenders for the top spot, it’sno surpriseAbsolute Batmantook first place. The series has been a massive hit with readers, reimagining the Dark Knight in a bold and refreshing way after 86 years in comics.This data comes from ICv2, with dollar sale rankings based on ComicHub’s point-of-sale tracking at stores worldwide.
The Popularity of DC’sAbsolute& Marvel’sUltimateRuns Tell Us One Important Insight
Main Cover by Nick Dragotta & Frank Martin forAbsolute Batman#4 (2025)
Coming in second after DC’sAbsolute Batman#1 for the top-selling comic of 2024 is Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto’sUltimate Spider-Man#1. Following closely in sales areAbsolute Superman#1,Absolute Batman#2, andAbsolute Wonder Woman #1. DC’sAbsolutetitles truly shined this year, revitalizing the publisher with a momentum that has undoubtedly thrilled both creators and long-time fans. A look at the rest of the best-sellers reveals a clear trend:DC’sAbsoluteand Marvel’sUltimateruns dominated the year, raising the critical question—why?
What doAbsolute Batman, Absolute Wonder Woman, Ultimate Spider-Man, Ultimate X-Men,andAbsolute Supermanhave in common? Accessibility. These titles eliminate the need for prior reading, offering fresh starts for new readers. One of the biggest barriers to comics is the overwhelming backstory and history, with many titles tied to hundreds of issues or past events—an obstacle that often deters potential fans. Marvel’sUltimateand DC’sAbsolutelines solve this by providing self-contained stories that require no prior knowledge, making them perfect entry points for newcomers.This accessibility undoubtedly drove the high sales, allowing anyone to pick up these comics and dive right in.
The Comics Industry Better Listen: The Popularity of Ultimate Marvel and Absolute DC Comes Down to One Word
An award-winning comic writer breaks down the unprecedented success and popularity of the Ultimate Marvel and Absolute DC with one word.
DC Is Gaining Ground on Marvel in the Comic Market Shares
2nd Printing 1:25 Black & White Card Stock Virgin Variant Cover by Nick Dragotta forAbsolute Batman#1 (2024)
In addition to DC beating Marvel for the best-selling comic of the year, market trends show DC gaining significant ground in market share. According to theQ4 2024 Comic Store Market Share reportfrom ICv2, Marvel’s share dropped from 39.9% in Q3 to 33.3%. Meanwhile, DC Comics experienced a nearly equivalent rise, climbing to 26.9%, suggesting that Marvel’s loss became DC’s gain. Overall, 2024 was a standout year for DC in solidifying its position in the comic industry. That said,Marvelremains strong, but it will be fascinating to see if these trends continue to favorDCmoving forward.
