AF Sales Figures

[DelBubs]

Marvel also clocked in with the highest debuts, with Avenegrs/Thunderbolts#1 at #30 and Cable Deadpool #1 at #31. Alpha Flight #1 landed at #39, with Captain America/Falcon #1 at #43, Marvel Age Spider-Man #1 at #50, the debut issues of She-Hulk and Iron Fist at #56 and #57, respectively.

http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11851

[Ben]

hey, now that's some pretty good news, and that's with an issue that got bum reviews! Here's hoping that with the positive feedback from #2, those stats will be even better!

Ben

[DelBubs]

I think that it's generally a given that second issue figures are normally lower than first issue, with sales picking up later, or not, depending on circumstances.

However, 39th was really good, didn't really expect to be so high, given reviews etc.

[Weapon Omega]

It's nice to see that Alpha Flight vol. 3 #1 at least got into the top 50. Here's hopin' the series sales numbers will increase. I'm really looking forward for this book to be around awhile!!

[Ben]

Well, though it may not seem like it, word of mouth is a powerful thing! When you are in the comic shop, see some other comic collecters, tell them about AF, convince them to buy an issue. If they like it, they may tell an other, and and other, it's a chain reaction. Spread the good word my deciples! And heck, while yer at it, tell them about AlphaFlight.net! That'll hook them! :lol:

[DelBubs]

From this, I would assume that AF #1 sold just over 51,000

37 49 52.19 ** JAN040254 OUTSIDERS #10 $2.50 DC
38 36 51.72 ** NOV032277 TRANSFORMERS/GI JOE #6 (Of 6) $2.95 DRE
39 35 51.08 JAN041572 ALPHA FLIGHT #1 $2.99 MAR
40 50 51.04 ** JAN040244 JSA #59 $2.50 DC
41 64 50.84 JAN040236 FLASH #208 $2.25 DC
42 28 50.45 ** DEC031560 HULK GRAY #6 (Of 6) $3.50 MAR
43 38 49.80 JAN041549 CAPTAIN AMERICA & FALCON #1 $2.99 MAR


Edited Amendment (28/04/04)
39. ALPHA FLIGHT
Mar Alpha Flight #1 - 42,586

The second of this month's new ongoing series. ALPHA FLIGHT was solicited as an X-book, a claim which is frankly rather tenuous. Yes, it's a spin-off, but so was DAZZLER. It's generally been self-contained - and it's interesting to note that in this month's solicitations, it's been shunted off to the "Marvel Heroes" section.

Sales aren't too bad for the first issue - it'll get a fair chance, at least.
Taken from
http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=36&t=002150

I think we can expect a substantial dip in second isue sales considering the bad reviews #1 got, but given that #2 was recieved better and it will definately be going to #12, hopefully we'll see a leveling out of figures and more people will come on boards if future reviews are as positive as #2's was.

[Ben]

if that's the numbers, we gotta get more of 'em over here! :) If we could only get 1% we'd be rockin'! :) Hopefully Marvel will prink my letter, as I make reference to the forum in it {guardian}

[DelBubs]

Figures for April (http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=3659)
=============================
47 43 50.27 ** FEB041585 CABLE DEADPOOL #2 (RES) $2.99 MAR
48 44 49.14 ** FEB041573 CAPTAIN AMERICA #25 $2.99 MAR
49 46 48.24 ** FEB041588 EXILES #45 $2.99 MAR
50 49 47.06 ** FEB040221 BATMAN GOTHAM KNIGHTS #52 $2.95 DC
51 47 46.82 ** FEB041603 CAPTAIN AMERICA & FALCON #2 $2.99 MAR
52 48 46.55 ** FEB041584 ALPHA FLIGHT #2 $2.99 MAR
53 56 44.83 ** FEB040245 SUPERMAN BIRTHRIGHT #9 (Of 12) $2.95 DC

=============================

Better than I thought.

[SwiftFox]

Sweet! Only dropped to 52... woo hoo! I'm not surprised though... I never saw a copy of #2 in stores. I was a little freaked when I was in the store last week and a HUGE stack of #3.... I was like 'Oh my god, the sales dropped off bigtime' but apparently that was their SECOND order of AF #3 :)

[Ben]

hmmm, not bad indeed. I was expecting a bit more of a slip with #1 not having gotten the greatest reviews.

[DelBubs]

Considering the reviews that #1 got I expected a bigger drop of for #2. Hopefully given the good reviews that two got, those who dropped the title may give it another look. With #4 promising the slugfest that people seem to be clamouring for, plus the humour aspects, I'm felling pretty chuffed to say the least.

[Ottawa Renegade]

That's some pretty decent company there...

[ladymako71]

when I was a collecting monster a decade ago I would follow the industry top 100 and 300 religiously. I dropped off a few years ago and only recently got back into collecting. But if the figures are the same as when I was following, 39 for AF#1 and 52 for AF #2 are very good numbers!

Here's a question because I spotted this the other day and Del mentioned it too...

The latest series for Alpha Flight was toted as an X-book, and I saw it sitting in the Marvel Heros section when I went looking for #3 (I also just reread Del's post where it mentions this very thing) I have always associated Alpha with X, mainly because at the time I first heard of it several of the more prominent characters were mutants. Yes other teams are mutant friendly but Alpha has always struck me as going with the whole 'we accept everybody' concept that the X-Titles strive for...admittedly I'm also only now beginning to actually collect AF, maybe I'm wrong. Thoughts?

[kozzi24]

Yes other teams are mutant friendly but Alpha has always struck me as going with the whole 'we accept everybody' concept that the X-Titles strive for
They accepted anyone to an extreme degree. In issue 3 or so of Volume 1, it was established that psych tests were given, even though the results seemed to have been ignored, buried or doctored to let people in. The psych problems of neither Aurora nor Marrina showed up on the tests (Aurora's personalities being so strongly divided that no trace showed up) but other characters, including Madison Jeffries and Roger Bochs, were pushed through.
Given origins of most characters that have debuted since V1#1, it is a safe bet that Department H and the various flights incorporated most superhumans in Canada, regardless of the source of their powers.
There could almost be an argument that Alpha is a good example that mutant superhumans are a writer's cop-out of having to create an origin of the character's powers.
Kudos here to Scott Lobdell for diversifying the nature of Vol 3's characters.

[ladymako71]

hmm good points all of them.

[DelBubs]

50 46 47.89 MAR041663 CABLE DEADPOOL #3 $2.99 MAR
51 51 45.59 ** MAR040295 SUPERMAN BIRTHRIGHT #10 (Of 12) $2.95 DC
52 52 45.36 ** MAR040272 DETECTIVE COMICS #794 $2.95 DC
53 67 44.29 ** MAR042271 SOULFIRE #0 $2.50 ASP
54 68 44.27 ** MAR040310 GREEN ARROW #38 $2.50 DC
55 55 44.19 ** MAR041689 CAPTAIN AMERICA & FALCON #3 $2.99 MAR
56 83 43.43 ** MAR040312 GREEN LANTERN #177 $2.25 DC
57 56 42.51 ** MAR041661 ALPHA FLIGHT #3 $2.99 MAR
58 79 41.42 ** MAR040285 BIRDS O/PREY #67 $2.50 DC
59 57 41.18 ** MAR041672 SPIDER-MAN UNLIMITED #3 $2.99 MAR
60 58 40.67 ** MAR041662 EMMA FROST #11 $2.99 MAR

It would seem from that that Alpha is holding pretty steady and is in some pretty good company.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=3804 for Full listing.

[Ben]

whoo! good news!

Ben

[ladymako71]

yes it is holding up quite well, and ahead of several popular books too. ish good kittish...

[DelBubs]

Plagerised from ComicCon.Pulse
===========================
57. ALPHA FLIGHT
Mar Alpha Flight #1 - 42,586
Apr Alpha Flight #2 - 36,551 (-14.2%)
May Alpha Flight #3 - 32,684 (-10.6%)

Getting worrying - that's on the steep side for a third issue drop, and the cancellation zone isn't all that far below.
===========================

At least we know that it's going to twelve and I think sales will pick up as each issue goes along.

[Ben]

well, with the drop in sales, vs. the drop in the relitively small drop in position, I would venture to say that it's a simple matter of lower comic sales in general. Nicer weather, people are outside, not thinking so much about reading. I'd venture to say it's not a worry just yet. If we see it drop below the top 100, then we can start freaking out.

Ben

[Nalyd Psycho]

well, with the drop in sales, vs. the drop in the relitively small drop in position, I would venture to say that it's a simple matter of lower comic sales in general. Nicer weather, people are outside, not thinking so much about reading. I'd venture to say it's not a worry just yet. If we see it drop below the top 100, then we can start freaking out.

Ben

It's more of a case of the big guns, Lee and Whedon forcing people to drop lesser titles. So with Superman boosted, Avengers Disassembled and X-Men Reloaded, mid level titles across the board went down in sales.

Concidering how easily Marvel has been cancelling titles lately, I'd say it's pretty safe to say Alpha Flight won't last. Even being inside the top 75 doesn't seem to be enough anymore. We'll see...

The other problem is that by and large, Marvel titles don't go up without some sort of event and hype.

[kozzi24]

Let's check out the sales figures for the issues where the originals are prominently featured. I think there's a lot of "Here's Sasquatch, but where's Alpha Flight in this Alpha Flight book?

[Nalyd Psycho]

I doubt it. For a new title it's doing decently well. I think it's more that every new launch by Marvel is screwed.

[Ben]

I doubt it. For a new title it's doing decently well. I think it's more that every new launch by Marvel is screwed.

I gotta say, they're not doing very well when it comes to marketing thier new books. Just sticking it on the shelf doesn't do that much....

Ben

[Nalyd Psycho]

It's frustrating because I would buy Alpha Flight to issue 100 and beyond, but won't get the chance.

[Phil]

The thing with the last few months is that the top 50 has been full with titles shipping 2 issues a month.

Alpha is well above mainstreams such as Iron Man.

[Nalyd Psycho]

The thing with the last few months is that the top 50 has been full with titles shipping 2 issues a month.

Alpha is well above mainstreams such as Iron Man.

But Alpha is a new title. Iron Man won't get cancelled, while Alpha has no such buffer. After Thanos was cancelled with decent sales, all bets are off.

[kozzi24]

Don't think Iron Man is absolutely safe considering the vague warnings that some Avengers books may be cancelled during or immediately after the Disassembled arc.

Wasn't Thanos also suffering from creator changes and other difficulties?

[Adam]

I really have no faith that Marvel can keep a new series around for very long, unless their doing phenomenal sales nothing in the past few years has really lasted past it's initial run (with a few exceptions like Exiles or Weapon X I suppose).

I'm just happy that there are some Alpha stories in print, but I'm savouring this time while it lasts...

[Mystic]

It's really sad to think that Alpha could end after #12. But the likelyhood of it happening are more real than vol.3 seeing #25. Marvel has done a horrible job with it's new titles. Runaways is being cancelled at #18, Thanos was cancelled (although I didn't know that til now), Elektra...after having some really awesome stories...was cancelled at #35. Even Avengers, which I think is better now than it was when Marvel ended it after Onslaught, is getting the axe.

Meanwhile, anything with an 'X' slapped on the cover gets numerous reprieves from the chopping block. It could be horrible, yet it still remains. Hell, as more of the quality titles are ending, Marvel is coming out with MORE X-Books. Nightcrawler and Gambit are both coming out with on-going titles. Rogue and Jubilee too.

Marvel might as well just stop all of their titles that aren't X-related...

I stopped reading Marvel for a long time after they cancelled vol.2 of Alpha Flight, and I'll more than likely stop again once vol.3 comes to an end. I'm so sick of them right now. At least DC gives their titles a chance...

-Mystic

[Phil]

Even Avengers, which I think is better now than it was when Marvel ended it after Onslaught, is getting the axe.

Avengers is being cancelled and restarted with a new #1 and getting a 2nd Avengers title (in the vein of West Coast) launching too.

[Ben]

If we are worried about AF getting the axe, let's get proactive about it. Start writing letter, tell Marvel how you feel about it, and tell them how you would react if they cancelled AF. Even if it means making idle theats, tell them you will stop buying all thier products, that you will boycot. We can get on top of this before it happens if we are motivated.

Ben

[Phil]

And at the same time write in about an Uncanny AF series :D or at least mini :D

And physical letters get taken way more seriously than e-mails.

Especially with the cross-globe comunity we have here.

[SwiftFox]

If we are worried about AF getting the axe, let's get proactive about it. Start writing letter, tell Marvel how you feel about it, and tell them how you would react if they cancelled AF. Even if it means making idle theats, tell them you will stop buying all thier products, that you will boycot. We can get on top of this before it happens if we are motivated.

Good point! After all, with volume 2 they repeatedly said that our show of support was too late to make a difference.

[DelBubs]

70 67 42.20 ** APR041690 EMMA FROST #12 $2.99 MAR
71 69 42.19 APR042550/
5098 GI JOE #31* $2.95 DDP
72 90 42.17 ** APR040273 BATGIRL #53 $2.50 DC
73 101 41.87** APR040286 NIGHTWING #94 $2.25 DC
74 68 41.84 ** APR041667 SPIDER-MAN/DOCTOR OCTOPUS YEAR ONE #1 (Of 5) $2.99 MAR
75 71 41.14 APR041706 IRON MAN #84 $2.99 MAR
76 72 41.12 APR041707 IRON MAN #85 $2.99 MAR
77 105 40.92 APR041679 MARY JANE #1 $2.25 MAR
78 75 40.80 APR041698 ALPHA FLIGHT #4 $2.99 MAR
79 107 40.59 ** APR040337 WONDER WOMAN #205 $2.25 DC
80 76 40.30 APR041722 WITCHES #1 $2.99 MAR
81 78 39.64 ** APR040356 EX MACHINA #1 (MR) $2.95 DC
82 77 39.14 ** APR041694 MYSTIQUE #16 $2.99 MAR
83 80 38.41 ** APR041715 THANOS #11 $2.99 MAR
84 81 38.39 APR041713 SHE-HULK #4 $2.99 MAR

A large drop in position, but sales wise not to drastic. I'm beginning to have a few concerns given that Mystique and Thanos have both gone tits up or so I believe. Another prob is that these first figures don't normally equate to true figures. We shall see what we shall see. For the full top 100 go to http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=3912

[Ben]

I too am a little concerned, but I'm keeping up hope. Send in yer letters folks! Talk to people about AF when yer in the comic shop. Tell them about the site, after all, it'll make a fan outta anyone ;) AF really should be one of the main stay titles that doesn't get canceled regardless of the sales IMO. As it adds quite a bit of diversity to the otherwise X-packed Marvel U. They will always have an FF, Avengers, and Spidy title, sales or no, it adds to the portfolio. But then, I always see the glass half full.

Ben

[PWalk]

We could all start buying 2 copies of the books. That'll help.

I'm with Ben where we need to start being more proactive now with our support for the title. Just logging on here will do nothing, we need to start flooding them with letters, emails, bricks through windows if need be. We learned our lesson with Vol. 2 and lets face it Vol 3 has already kicked 2's ass.

I only come back to comics for AF. I stopped collecting them in general about 10 years ago. I'd like to stick around with this title past 20 issues, you know.

[DelBubs]

These are the same June figures, but with an added column, 'Estimated Quantity' (The Last Figure)

77 40.92 MARY JANE #1 $2.25 MAR 29,471
78 40.8 ALPHA FLIGHT #4 $2.99 MAR 29,384
82 39.14 MYSTIQUE #16 $2.99 MAR 28,189
83 38.41 THANOS #11 $2.99 MAR 27,663
84 38.39 SHE-HULK #4 $2.99 MAR 27,648
90 36.76 WEAPON X #25 $2.99 MAR 26,475

Full list can be found at http://icv2.com/articles/home/5357.html

[ladymako71]

Looks like it's holding steady in the 70's.

I remember that decade...lol...uhg...

[DelBubs]

Further breakdowns of AF sales.
78. ALPHA FLIGHT
Mar Alpha Flight #1 - 42,586
Apr Alpha Flight #2 - 36,551 (-14.2%)
May Alpha Flight #3 - 32,684 (-10.6%)
Jun Alpha Flight #4 - 29,384 (-10.1%)

Okay, 10% drops on the fourth issue are a bad sign. This really needs to start levelling out urgently.


For a breakdown of Marvel sales (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=36&t=002610)over the last few months.

Just as an aside, added together the total fugure is 141,205 which is probably very close to the total monthly sales for vol 1 issues just before it went belly up.

[Ben]

ok, so it's time for the "Buy an Issue for A Friend" campagne. When you buy an issue of AF, but a second copy and give it to a friend. That helps with sales, and will help bring in new readers.

Ben

[DelBubs]

78 75 40.80 APR041698 ALPHA FLIGHT #4 $2.99 MAR

For #5
70 65 43.09 TRANS MICROMASTERS #1 $2.95 DRE
71 64 42.66 EMMA FROST #13 $2.99 MAR
72 39 41.71 OFFICIAL HANDBOOK MARVEL UNIVERSE AVENGERS 2004 $3.99 MAR
73 107 40.62 WONDER WOMAN #206 $2.25 DC
74 69 40.43 GI JOE #32 $2.95 DEV
75 92 40.20 BOOKS O/MAGICK LDW#1 $2.50 DC
76 95 39.26 DCP GREEN LANTERN #1 $2.50 DC
77 71 39.14 STARJAMMERS #1 $2.99 MAR
78 98 39.10 DCP MYSTERY I/SPACE #1 $2.50 DC
79 72 38.94 ALPHA FLIGHT #5 $2.99 MAR
80 74 38.69 MYSTIQUE #17 $2.99 MAR
81 80 38.58 Y THE LAST MAN #24 (MR) $2.95 DC
82 77 38.40 SPIDER-MAN UNLIMITED #4 $2.99 MAR
83 79 38.08 THANOS #12 $2.99 MAR

A 2,000 drop, but of course, these are just initial figures, if we check back to #4, we'll see a 10,000 difference from initial to actual figures. Hopefully when the full figures come out we won't have gone below 28,000. Otherwise, I believe we are in deep doodoo.

[Ben]

well, here's hoping this is the point at which it levels off, and can build on the fanbase. I really think that with proper solicitations, a bit of strategic advertising, and Mavel offering subscriptions, this book could still fly.

Ben

[birdygirl]

I've actually been buying four copies of the book. My husband gets two of them from a friend of his that owns a comics store; and I have two reserved at the nearby comics shop. (Gotta support these local businesses --and Alpha also-- y'know! :wink: )

[kozzi24]

Here's a good news perspective for you, Ben. Of the new title launches, She-Hulk (86) and Iron Fist (116) weren't far below Alpha in sales. My perspective is that fact may set a trend for newer titles. She Hulk was also extended for 6 issues Alpha is leading the retro titles od the recent restarts.
Cap & Falcon is doing better, but there's the Priest factor.
Cable & Deadpool is doing better, but that title combines two fan-fave characters.
Titles get the axe for poor sales, but some (like v1) get the axe because the publisher needs room for a new project. Emma Frost has been axed at #71, and that may be to make room for things like Rogue.

Keeping the letters flowing will remind the powers of be that Alpha has a loyal readership and may guide AF through any axes that fall in areas where sales are not the ONLY consideration.

[Major Mapleleaf Jr]

Emma Frost, a VERY engrossing read about an anti-hero/former villain who seems more human in this series than any stray the X-Men have taken in (Rogue, Wolverine, et al) gets the axe, and the ROGUE miniseries gets priority? Baffling. Completely and utterly baffling.

Does anyone figure that hordes of X-fans are gonna run to the stands for this miniseries, when the vast majority of those fans have stopped giving a crap about Rogue's origins years ago?

[kozzi24]

Probably right, especially as Rogue hasn't been used well enough in years to be of much interest to as many people.
But the first issue was pretty good, art and story. I'll be picking up the 2nd.

[DelBubs]

For your perusal, these are, as we know, initial figures.

90 90 35.42 ** JUN041606 WEAPON X #27 $2.99 MAR
91 100 35.3 ** JUN040414 MANHUNTER #1 $2.50 DC
92 103 34.69 ** JUN040943 FABLES #28 (MR) $2.50 DC
93 104 34.69 ** JUN040386 DC COMICS PRESENTS ATOM #1 $2.50 DC
94 92 34.59 ** JUN041586 ALPHA FLIGHT #6 $2.99 MAR
95 93 34.24 JUN041589 SHE HULK #6 $2.99 MAR
96 109 33.25 ** JUN040401 HAWKMAN #31 $2.50 DC
97 30 32.5 ** JUN040196 BATMAN/CATWOMAN TRAIL O/T GUN #1 (Of 2) $5.95 DC
98 113 32.49 ** JUN040382 AQUAMAN #21 $2.50 DC
99 114 32.48 ** JUN040412 LEGION #37 $2.50 DC
100 115 32.27 ** JUN040413 LEGION #38 $2.50 DC

Top 300 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=4210)

[Ben]

that's bad....

Ben

[Mokole]

But fixable.

[DelBubs]

It would be reassuring to hear from Scott and see if he's been signed up for further issues or if he's scripted any past #12.

[Ben]

I actually dropped him an email earlier today asking just that question.

Ben

[mvranas]

I came across an article over at Newsarama announcing Paul Pelletier as the new She-Hulk artist.

Of interest to this thread were the statements from She-Hulk writer Dan Jolley, plucked from his post on the She-Hulk message board. Apparently, the series will continue past issue #15, which would be, counting all the former series’ issue numbers, the 100th issue of a She-Hulk comic book.

Mr. Jolley also states that the book is not suffering from low sales, but low orders - as in Retailer orders. With She-Hulk and Alpha Flight doing relatively the same on the Sales chart, do you guys believe that this statement may apply to AF, as well?

-Mike

[DelBubs]

So the retailers are not ordering the numbers, but surely that reflects demand? I think I'm gonna need someone more in the know to elaborate on that for me :?

[mvranas]

...the book is not suffering from low sales, but low orders - as in Retailer orders. With She-Hulk and Alpha Flight doing relatively the same on the Sales chart, do you guys believe that this statement may apply to AF, as well?

What I mean by this last part is, when you guys visit your LCS, do you notice issues of Alpha Flight still on the shelf? Or, are they running through their copies and ordering just enough to fill demand, not expecting anyone to pick up an issue on impulse.

-M.

[DelBubs]

Ah, thanks for the elaboration MIke. Normally I see a few copies on the shelf, but when they are shifted from 'fresh in' shelf to previous weeks shelf that number is down a bit. I asked the guy in my store how AF does in the shop. He said that basically he considers it a reasonable seller. He has three catergories, Strong, Medium and Weak. AF clears enough in his store to be considered medium which normally means between 20-40 issues shifted over the month.

[Ben]

from what many people have been saying, AF could well be in the same position. I know that here there are always a few back copies left, but I have heard many srories of place selling out. Here is not a good way to compair, as this little island has a very low number of comic readers.

Ben

[Mokole]

I found one issue of #7 in Regina, besides the one I bought. I have no idea how many were ordered but each store I went to did order AF.

It will be around past #12 and #20 et al but confirmation from MArvel would be nice. {nemesis}

[varo]

not sure if you guys checked the entire 300 out or not but some interesting titles in interesting places:

superman/batman: 297

uncanny: 292

superman: 293 (is that one austen also?)


not sure how they can justify keeping those titles around.

BUT.....i guarentee when uncanny changes writers they will advertise the crap out of it and sales will climb again.

why can't they do that with their second tier titles?

[ladymako71]

because thanks to two very successful cartoon series, two exceptionally successful box office smash flicks, and a consistant track record in sales, Marvel isn't about to turn their back on their big cash cow. And putting effort into second tier series is just that! At least so it seems.

[mvranas]

not sure if you guys checked the entire 300 out or not but some interesting titles in interesting places:

superman/batman: 297

uncanny: 292

superman: 293 (is that one austen also?)

not sure how they can justify keeping those titles around.

At first, I wasn't sure if you were kidding about this.

The current issues of these three titles land in the top ten every month. What you've listed here are the reorders on the previous month's issues.

-Mike

[varo]

ahhhhh....

yeah, seemed odd to me too.


woops.

:oops:

[cmdrkoenig67]

If we are worried about AF getting the axe, let's get proactive about it. Start writing letter, tell Marvel how you feel about it, and tell them how you would react if they cancelled AF. Even if it means making idle theats, tell them you will stop buying all thier products, that you will boycot. We can get on top of this before it happens if we are motivated.

Ben

AF is the ONLY comic, I'm buying from Marvel, at the moment(I pretty much detest everything else they're putting out now)....and even that is on shakey ground. I really do need to write them though. Which would be better...email or snail mail...or both?

Dana

[Ben]

They take Snail Mail more seriously, probably because it takes more effort. I usually do both when I want to send them a letter, but word them differently so it doesn't come off as a duplicate.

Ben

[cmdrkoenig67]

Does anyone know where to see sales figures for Vol.2(entire run)? I heard mention that sales went up quite a bit at the end of the series(but cancellation was already announced), due to the reappearance of the original AF. I was just curious if this was really true.

Dana

[Phil]

115 116 32.68 ** JUL042029 ALPHA FLIGHT #7 $2.99 MAR

[Mokole]

Sales figures for volume 2 went up slightly at the end due to the Weapon X storyline, but reorders were lower than for 9-12 of v2. Original crew return didn't add much.

I see #7 levelled off, so I expect #8 to gain about 3000, #9 to gain about 6000+. :D

[cmdrkoenig67]

Sales figures for volume 2 went up slightly at the end due to the Weapon X storyline, but reorders were lower than for 9-12 of v2. Original crew return didn't add much.


Um...."due to the Weapon X storyline"....that was when the Original team returned(together).

Dana

[Ahab]

I know that Scott is not known for hanging out on forums, but has anyone from the group tried to contact him lately to find out if there's any good news to keep us hopeful that AF is going to still be around after issue #12? I'd like to think that he'd tell this forum if ANADAF needed more fan support to keep it going.

[Ben]

I know that Scott is not known for hanging out on forums, but has anyone from the group tried to contact him lately to find out if there's any good news to keep us hopeful that AF is going to still be around after issue #12? I'd like to think that he'd tell this forum if ANADAF needed more fan support to keep it going.


As of a couple weeks ago he had not been informed of a cancellation.

Ben

[DelBubs]

I know that Scott is not known for hanging out on forums, but has anyone from the group tried to contact him lately to find out if there's any good news to keep us hopeful that AF is going to still be around after issue #12? I'd like to think that he'd tell this forum if ANADAF needed more fan support to keep it going.


As of a couple weeks ago he had not been informed of a cancellation.

Ben
It would reassuring to know that he had written scripts for issues #12. Most writers like to work well in advance unless your '______________' (insert your choice here). Or if he hasn't, is it because he's been asked to hold off or whatever.

[Phil]

I know for a fact Scott's written #12 and has done for a few months now.

[varo]

sweet. find out what the next story arc is.

:D

[Mokole]

Well then we need to know if he or anyone else has written #13 or #14 or.... {nemesis}

[Ahab]

I agree. Knowing that another arc has been planned gives at least some sense of relief. What have you moderators been doing lately? Get out there and stalk Lobdell like the crazed lunatics that you know you are! :D

[Ben]

I agree. Knowing that another arc has been planned gives at least some sense of relief. What have you moderators been doing lately? Get out there and stalk Lobdell like the crazed lunatics that you know you are! :D


Tempting....but....;)

He's been a pretty busy guy what with his film and all lately. He still comes by the forum regularily, just often reads without having time, or a chance to get into posting. But fear not, he has some irons in the fire for keepin AF alive that I'm not at liberty to discuss unfortunately.

Ben

[Mokole]

Good to know he is talking to you Ben and has plans way beyond #12. No point in wasting time worrying :wink: , I've written Marvel about 3 times with 3 e-mails to boot. We really should post a lot oanywhere when #9 is coming out to get more people to buy it and get us up to 30000 per issue, which we will have by #10 anyway. :D

[Phil]

102 102 31.39 ** AUG041845 ALPHA FLIGHT #8 $2.99 MAR

!!!!

compared to:
115 116 32.68 ** JUL042029 ALPHA FLIGHT #7 $2.99 MAR

A slight drop in sales, but a rise in place.... could work in our advantage.

[Scarlettspiderg]

Can I ask how a comic raises in position when sales figures dip?

Hopefully 9 will be in the top 100.

[Phil]

The comics previously above it selling even less.

[varo]

so has their been any confirmation of the series running past #12?

supposedly that would be the last issue.


beuler? beuler?

[Phil]

Each month we are asked what the different rankings on the Top 300 list mean in terms of sales for each book. While the publishers and Diamond keep the total number of copies distributed closely guarded (the numbers are not released and those that do get printed are only estimates), they do provide a guide by which you can compare the success of one book to another.

The quantity ranking is obvious, it's the ranking of comics based on total issues printed. The Retail Rank is based on the price of a specific issue and the overall dollars it produced in sales. Finally, there's that enigmatic "index" number. The index shows retailers roughly how many of a product is being ordered in comparison to the other products. The index says that the average store orders 100 copies of Batman (a consistent seller) and then compares other titles to this. In this month's case, if "Batman" #633 sold 100,000 copies (we've no idea many it actually sold) that would mean the #1 comic, "Identity Crisis" #5, sold 75% more copies (once again, we've no idea of the number of actual sales).

[Phil]

Just checked the full list and apart from the Marvel Age titles, AF is the lowest selling non-cancelled Marvel book... :|