The Global Comic Book Market size is expected to reach $15.0 billion by 2030, rising at a market growth of 10.2% CAGR during the forecast period.
Non-fiction comics make complex topics more accessible and engaging. They use visual storytelling to simplify and clarify information, making it easier for readers to understand and retain knowledge. Non-fiction comics are increasingly used in educational settings. Therefore, the non-fiction segment captured $943.0 million revenue in the market in 2022. Non-fiction comics humanize historical figures, scientific concepts, and real-world events. Through character-driven narratives, they provide a personal and relatable perspective, helping readers connect with complex subjects. Some of the factors impacting the market are creation of box sets and special editions of these books, increasing emergence of independent creators, and storage constraints for physical comics.
Collectors highly seek after box sets and special editions. Limited print runs and exclusive packaging make these items valuable for enthusiasts who want to own a piece of history. The release of box sets, and special editions often results in a boost in sales for publishers and retailers. Box sets are an excellent way to curate and package entire series or story arcs, making it convenient for readers to collect and enjoy an entire narrative in one set. Additionally, independent creators often prioritize diverse characters and storylines, addressing underrepresented voices, themes, and experiences that may not be as prevalent in mainstream comics. This diversity attracts a broader audience. Independent creators are known for experimenting with innovative storytelling techniques, pushing the boundaries of the medium. The increasing emergence of independent creators has significantly expanded and enriched the market.
However, physical comics, especially when collected in large quantities, can take up a significant amount of space. This becomes a concern for readers with limited storage space at home. Collectors may need to invest in specialized storage options such as boxes, bags, and boards. These additional costs can deter potential collectors. Moving or relocating a collection can be logistically challenging, especially if it is extensive and valuable. This uncertainty can affect the long-term value of a collection. Storage constraints for physical comics can pose challenges for the market.
Format Outlook
Based on format, the market is classified into hard copy, e-book, and audiobooks. In 2022, the hard copy segment witnessed the largest revenue share in the market. One of the primary advantages of hard copies is the tactile experience they provide. Readers can feel the weight of the paper, turn pages, and physically engage with the artwork and story. Many enthusiasts and collectors highly value this hands-on experience. The benefits of hard copies in the market include the tactile experience, collectability, artistic appreciation, ease of sharing, accessibility, and historical significance.
Genre Outlook
On the basis of genre, the market is divided into science-fiction, manga, superhero, non-fiction, and others. The manga segment garnered a significant revenue share in the market in 2022. Manga caters to a broad range of readers, from children to adults. Its diverse genres and themes, including romance, fantasy, science fiction, horror, slice of life, and more, ensure something for everyone. Manga showcases various artistic styles, from highly detailed and realistic to simplistic and stylized. This diversity appeals to readers with various artistic preferences.
Type Outlook
By type, the market is categorized into digital and non-digital. The non-digital segment covered the highest revenue share in the market in 2022. Traditional print comics, including single issues and graphic novels, remain a cornerstone of the market. These physical, collectible formats appeal to collectors, enthusiasts, and readers who enjoy the tactile experience of flipping through pages. Publishers continue to produce and distribute print comics, catering to a dedicated audience. The non-digital segment embraces the collectible aspect of these, contributing to the market's uplift.
Regional Outlook
Region-wise, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. In 2022, the Asia Pacific region led the market by generating the highest revenue share. Digital platforms and mobile apps have made comics and webtoons accessible to a global audience. Online distribution has played a crucial role in the growth of the market in the region. Many comics and manga in the Asia-Pacific region are adapted into animation (anime) and live-action films and television series. These adaptations often result in increased visibility and a broader audience.
The market research report covers the analysis of key stake holders of the market. Key companies profiled in the report include Marvel Entertainment, LLC (The Walt Disney Company), DC Comics (Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.), Image Comics, Inc., Idea and Design Works LLC (IDW Publishing), Dark Horse Comics LLC (Embracer Group), Shogakukan Co., Ltd., Hakusensha Co., Ltd., Shueisha Inc., TOKYOPOP, and Panini S.p.A.
Strategies deployed in the Market
- Oct-2023: IDW Publishing partnered with ABRAMS, a publishing art and illustrated books company, and Mattel, Inc., the leading global toy company. This partnership aimed to launch a publishing program augmenting Mattel's commitment to expanding the Monster High universe.
- Sep-2022: Dark Horse Comics LLC signed an agreement with Penguin Random House Publisher Services, a division of Penguin Random House. This agreement aimed to sell and distribute Dark Horse’s trade book frontlist and backlist to bookstores.
- Aug-2022: DC Comics unveiled the DC.com URL, a new website. The launched product would feature weekly drops of new video content, editorial deep dives, fan discussions, digital experiences, and more.
- Jan-2022: Panini UK Ltd partnered with Games Workshop, a British manufacturer of miniature wargames. This partnership aimed to create a span of Warhammer collectables.
- Aug-2021: DC Comics partnered with Webtoon, a South Korean webtoon platform. This partnership aimed to collaborate for an upcoming original webcomic series set in the DC Universe.
- Feb-2021: Marvel Comics collaborated with Def Jam Recordings, an American multinational record label. This collaboration aimed to integrate the voices of young Black creatives with one of the most transformative characters and storylines in graphic arts history: Black Panther.
- Jul-2019: IDW Publishing took over Peter Maresca’s critically acclaimed Sunday Press Books, known for its archival work collecting classic American newspaper comic strips. This acquisition aimed to produce archival-quality reprints of the comics and newspaper strips that would build the foundation of the entire industry.
- Feb-2019: Shogakukan Asia, a subsidiary of Shogakukan Co., Ltd. collaborated with Bumilangit Entertainment, an Indonesian intellectual property-based entertainment company. This collaboration aimed to reveal the Gundala comic “Destiny” the Official Movie Adaptation.
- Jan-2019: Shueisha Inc. signed an agreement with DeNA Co., Ltd., a Japanese provider of mobile portals and e-commerce websites. This agreement aimed to establish a joint venture to pursue joint business in the field of entertainment.
Scope of the Study
Market Segments Covered in the Report:
By Type
- Non-Digital
- Digital
By Genre
- Science-Fiction
- Manga
- Superhero
- Non-fiction
- Others
By Format
- Hard Copy
- E-Book
- Audiobooks
By Geography
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Mexico
- Rest of North America- Europe
- Germany
- UK
- France
- Russia
- Spain
- Italy
- Rest of Europe- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Rest of Asia Pacific- LAMEA
- Brazil
- Argentina
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Nigeria
- Rest of LAMEA
Key Market Players
List of Companies Profiled in the Report:
- Marvel Entertainment, LLC (The Walt Disney Company)
- DC Comics (Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.)
- Image Comics, Inc.
- Idea and Design Works LLC (IDW Publishing)
- Dark Horse Comics LLC (Embracer Group)
- Shogakukan Co., Ltd.
- Hakusensha Co., Ltd.
- Shueisha Inc.
- TOKYOPOP
- Panini S.p.A.
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Table of Contents
Companies Mentioned
- Marvel Entertainment, LLC (The Walt Disney Company)
- DC Comics (Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.)
- Image Comics, Inc.
- Idea and Design Works LLC (IDW Publishing)
- Dark Horse Comics LLC (Embracer Group)
- Shogakukan Co., Ltd.
- Hakusensha Co., Ltd.
- Shueisha Inc.
- TOKYOPOP
- Panini S.p.A.
Methodology
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