It is time to check out the full year 2025 comic book sales rankings. Things are getting murkier in terms of actual unit numbers. So, we must settle for going to ICv2 for their Top 200 sales rankings. It is not as good as actual unit numbers, but we must work with what we get.
Keep in mind that the Top 200 sales rankings are based on sales tracked at point-of-sale by the ComicHub system at over 125 local comic book shops selling American comics. These sales rankings represent sales to consumers by local comic shops.
We all know that these ICv2 sales charts, based on the ComicHub system, are not the most accurate. However, as long as publishers hide their sales statistics, this is the best that we have to go by. You can see that these sales charts provide a rough indication of the market, as titles that are canceled tend to correspond with low sales rankings in these ComicHub charts. I wish we had better data to analyze, but we have to make do with whatever data we have these days.
You can go over to ICv2 and check out the Top 50 for the full year 2025 comic book sales rankings for free, or opt for a pro membership (It is well worth the money) and get the Top 200 for the full year 2025 comic book sales rankings and then come back here for a detailed analysis of the full year 2025 comic book sales rankings!
Full Year 2025 Top 200 Comic Book Sales Rankings
The Battle for the Top 10
DC Comics annihilated all the competition by taking first place with eight comics in the Top 10. Holy crap. Talk about a total beatdown!
The best-selling DC Comics was Batman #1, which scored the number 2 spot. Six of the eight DC Comics issues in the Top 10 starred Bruce Wayne. Four of the eight DC Comics issues in the Top 10 were from the Absolute Universe franchise. One of the eight DC Comics issues in the Top 10 came from DC K.O. The only two issues from DC Comics not starring Bruce Wayne were DC K.O. #1 and Absolute Flash #1. There is no other character that can rival the selling power of Bruce Wayne. It is incredible.
Marvel Comics tied for second place with just one comic in the Top 10. Damn. What an embarrassing showing in the Battle of the Top 10. Marvel Comics had no answers at all for the Absolute Universe in 2025.
That sole Marvel Comics issue in the Top 10 was a crossover comic with DC Comics in Marvel/DC – Deadpool/Batman #1. What a further kick in the crotch that the sole Marvel Comics issue in the Top 10 was a title that Marvel Comics co-published with DC Comics and co-starred Batman. The fact is that Marvel Comics was unable to place a true Marvel Comic issue in the Top 10 for 2025. Stunning..
Image Comics tied for second place with one comic in the Top 10.
The sole Image Comics title in the Top 10 was Invincible Universe Battle Beast #1, which took the number 4 spot.
The Battle for the Top 25
DC Comics placed twenty-one comics in the Top 25. Wow. It just gets even more incredible for DC Comics. The fact that DC Comics was able to claim 84% of the Top 25 for 2025 is nothing short of stunning.
Eighteen of the twenty-one DC Comics issues in the Top 25 were Bruce Wayne comics. That is amazing. Bruce Wayne starred in 86% of the DC Comics issues in the Top 25.
Sixteen of the twenty-one DC Comics issues in the Top 25 were from the Absolute Universe franchise. One of the twenty-one DC Comics issues in the Top 25 came from DC K.O.
DC Comics two best-selling franchises, Bruce Wayne and the Absolute Universe, combined to account for 95% of DC Comics’ issues in the Top 25. This is a trend we will continue to see in the Top 200 for 2025. And this is a trend that should be some cause for concern for DC Comics going forward.
Marvel Comics placed three comics in the Top 25. What a humiliating defeat for Marvel Comics in the Battle of the Top 25. Marvel Comics got its ass kicked every which way possible. This is nothing short of shocking.
Marvel Comics added in one Ultimate Universe comic in Ultimate Wolverine #1 and one Peter Parker comic in Amazing Spider-Man #1.
Marvel Comics two best-selling franchises, Peter Parker and the Ultimate Universe, combined to account for 66% of Marvel Comics’ issues in the Top 25.
Marvel Comics should be humiliated by its non-competitive showing in the Battle for the Top 25.
Image Comics placed one comic in the Top 25.
The Battle for the Top 50
DC Comics placed forty comics in the Top 50. The sheer dominance in the sales chart continues for DC Comics. This is such a one-sided beating.
Twenty-nine of the forty DC Comics issues in the Top 50 were from the Absolute Universe franchise. Eight of the forty DC Comics issues in the Top 50 were Batman titles starring Bruce Wayne. Two of the forty DC Comics issues in the Top 50 came from DC K.O.
Thirty-seven of DC Comics’ forty issues in the Top 50 came from either Bruce Wayne or the Absolute Universe. This means that DC Comics two best-selling franchises, Bruce Wayne and the Absolute Universe, combined to account for 93% of DC Comics’ issues in the Top 50.
Marvel Comics placed only eight comics in the Top 50. This is just sad and pathetic. Marvel Comics’ editorial staff has been so derelict in their duties that the publisher has become a toothless fighter in the Battle for the Top 50.
Two of Marvel Comics’ eight comics came from the Ultimate Universe. Two of Marvel Comics’ eight issues came from Peter Parker comics. The Fantastic Four franchise, One World Under Doom, and Marvel Rivals each chipped in one issue.
Marvel Comics two best-selling franchises, Peter Parker and the Ultimate Universe, combined to account for 50% of Marvel Comics’ issues in the Top 50.
The only positive to be found is that Marvel Comics does pull from a more diverse selection of franchises than DC Comics does.
Image Comics placed one comic in the Top 50.
Keenspot Entertainment placed one comic in the Top 50.
The sole Keenspot Entertainment comic in the Top 50 was Mark Spears Monsters: The Monster & the Wolf #1 at the number 29 spot. Spears’ Monsters issues have been an astounding sales monster for such a small comic publisher.
The Battle for the Top 75
DC Comics placed fifty comics in the Top 75. DC Comics just keeps beating Marvel Comics to a pulp.
Thirty-eight of the fifty DC Comics issues in the Top 75 were from the Absolute Universe franchise. Nine of the fifty DC Comics issues were Bruce Wayne Batman titles. Two of the fifty DC Comics issues in the Top 75 came from DC K.O.
Forty-seven of DC Comics’ fifty issues in the Top 75 came from either Bruce Wayne or the Absolute Universe. This means that DC Comics two best-selling franchises, Bruce Wayne and the Absolute Universe, combined to account for 94% of DC Comics’ issues in the Top 75.
Marvel Comics placed twenty-three comics in the Top 75. Marvel Comics continues to crap the bed in its fight with DC Comics. The news does not get any better in the Battle for the Top 75.
Eleven of Marvel Comics’ twenty-three comics in the Top 75 came from the Ultimate Universe. Three of Marvel Comics’ twenty-three issues in the Top 75 came from Peter Parker comics. Two of the twenty-three issues came from the Fantastic Four franchise. Two of the twenty-three issues came from the One World Under Doom big event. Two of the twenty-three issues came from the X-Men franchise. The Avengers franchise, Punisher, and Marvel Rivals each chipped in one issue.
Marvel Comics two best-selling franchises, Peter Parker and the Ultimate Universe, combined to account for 61% of Marvel Comics’ issues in the Top 75. Again, the only positive news for Marvel Comics is that they enjoy far more diversity in terms of the different franchises powering its Top 75 sales.
Image Comics placed one comic in the Top 75.
Keenspot Entertainment placed one comic in the Top 75.
The Battle for the Top 100
DC Comics placed sixty-four comics in the Top 100.
Fifty of the sixty-four DC Comics issues in the Top 100 were from the Absolute Universe franchise. Ten of the sixty-four DC Comics issues in the Top 100 were from Bruce Wayne Batman titles. Three of the sixty-four DC Comics issues in the Top 100 came from DC K.O.
Sixty of DC Comics’ sixty-four issues in the Top 100 came from either Bruce Wayne or the Absolute Universe. This means that DC Comics two best-selling franchises, Bruce Wayne and the Absolute Universe, combined to account for 94% of DC Comics’ issues in the Top 100. Hell, the Absolute Universe itself accounts for 78% of DC Comics’ issues in the Top 100.
This is a problem. Normally, you would see the score of 64-32 in the Battle of the Top 100 and simply think nothing more than DC Comics gave Marvel Comics an epic ass-kicking. However, once you see how completely reliant DC Comics was on the Absolute Universe and the Bruce Wayne Batman comics, it does raise a red flag. Is DC Comics relying way too much on these two franchises to power all of its sales success?
I hate it whenever any company puts too many of its eggs in one basket. Sure, things are great as long as Absolute Universe remains an unstoppable sales monster. However, what if the Absolute Universe should cool off? DC Comics will have nothing else to rely on since their other franchises are dead in the water in the sales chart.
Marvel Comics placed thirty-two comics in the Top 100.
Thirteen of Marvel Comics’ thirty-two comics in the Top 100 came from the Ultimate Universe. Eight of Marvel Comics’ thirty-two issues in the Top 100 came from Peter Parker comics. Two of the thirty-two issues came from the Fantastic Four franchise. Three of the thirty-two issues came from the X-Men franchise. Two of the thirty-two issues came from the One World Under Doom big event. The Avengers franchise, Punisher, Marvel Rivals, and Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe each chipped in one issue.
Marvel Comics two best-selling franchises, Peter Parker and the Ultimate Universe, combined to account for 66% of Marvel Comics’ issues in the Top 100. Once again, the good news for Marvel Comics is that they are far less reliant on their two biggest franchises compared to DC Comics. Marvel Comics has more diversity in the franchises that fuel their Top 100 sales.
I acknowledge that DC Comics pantsed Marvel Comics in the Battle for the Top 100. But, DC Comics’ complete reliance on Bruce Wayne and the Absolute Universe to power its Top 100 sales remains a concern. I do like that Marvel Comics is less reliant on one or two franchises for its sales success. I view this as a more sustainable long-term approach.
Image Comics placed three comics in the Top 100.
Keenspot Entertainment placed one comic in the Top 100.
The Battle for the Top 150
DC Comics placed seventy-four comics in the Top 150.
Fifty-six of the seventy-four DC Comics in the Top 150 were from the Absolute Universe franchise. Ten of the seventy-four DC Comics issues in the Top 150 were Bruce Wayne Batman comics. Three of the seventy-four DC Comics issues in the Top 150 came from DC K.O. Three of the seventy-four DC Comics issues were from the Superman franchise. One issue came from New History of the DC Universe.
Sixty-six of DC Comics’ seventy-four issues in the Top 150 came from either Bruce Wayne or the Absolute Universe. This means that DC Comics’ two best-selling franchises, Bruce Wayne and the Absolute Universe, combined to account for 89% of DC Comics’ issues in the Top 150.
The warning bells get even louder in the Battle for the Top 150. Nearly 90% of all of DC Comics’ sales came from the Absolute Universe and Bruce Wayne. This cannot be a sustainable path in the long-term. DC Comics cannot cross their fingers and hope that the Absolute Universe stays this white hot for years and years to come. At some point, DC Comics has to try to resuscitate its other franchises, which are all lying face down and floating in the water.
Marvel Comics placed sixty-eight comics in the Top 150. Finally, we see Marvel Comics significantly narrow the gap between itself and DC Comics. The main reason is that once DC Comics runs out of Absolute Universe comics, it has literally nothing else to place in the Top 200.
Twenty-one of Marvel Comics’ sixty-eight comics in the Top 150 came from the Ultimate Universe. Eighteen of Marvel Comics’ sixty-eight issues in the Top 150 came from Peter Parker comics. Nine of the sixty-eight issues came from the X-Men franchise. Five of the sixty-eight issues came from the One World Under Doom big event. Four of the sixty-eight issues came from the Avengers franchise. Three of the sixty-eight issues came from the Fantastic Four franchise. Punisher, Marvel Rivals, Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe, Black Cat, Imperial, Daredevil, It’s Jeff, and Predator each chipped in one issue.
Marvel Comics two best-selling franchises, Peter Parker and the Ultimate Universe, combined to account for 57% of Marvel Comics’ issues in the Top 150. We continue to see the same good news for Marvel Comics as it enjoyed excellent diversity in the number of franchises that powered its Top 150 sales numbers.
Image Comics placed six comics in the Top 150.
Three of Image Comics’ six issues in the Top 150 were from Invincible Universe Battle Beast. Two of Image Comics’ six issues in the Top 150 were from the Transformers franchise. Exquisite Corpses chipped in with one issue.
Keenspot Entertainment placed two comics in the Top 150.
Mark Spears Monsters #8 at the number 110 spot.
The Battle for the Top 200
Marvel Comics placed ninety-seven comics in the Top 200. Finally, the depth and diversity of the different franchises that power Marvel Comics’ sales numbers become evident. DC Comics simply does not produce enough comics outside of the Absolute Universe to allow it to place more comics in the Top 200 than Marvel Comics.
Twenty-five of Marvel Comics’ ninety-seven issues in the Top 200 came from Peter Parker comics. Twenty-four of Marvel Comics’ ninety-seven comics in the Top 200 came from the Ultimate Universe. Seventeen of the ninety-seven issues came from the X-Men franchise. Six of the ninety-seven issues came from the One World Under Doom big event. Five of the ninety-seven issues came from the Avengers franchise. Five came from non-Peter Parker Spider-Man franchise titles. Five of the ninety-seven issues came from the Fantastic Four franchise.
Punisher, Marvel Rivals, Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe, Imperial, Daredevil, It’s Jeff, Predator Marvel Swimsuit Special: Friends, Foes & Rivals, Death of the Silver Surfer, and Star Wars each chipped in one issue.
Marvel Comics two best-selling franchises, Peter Parker and the Ultimate Universe, combined to account for 51% of Marvel Comics’ issues in the Top 200. Again, we see fantastic diversity in the different franchises that all contribute to Marvel Comics’ sales numbers. Marvel Comics is not over-reliant on any one franchise to carry the day for the publisher.
DC Comics placed eighty-six comics in the Top 200. DC Comics finally falls to the superior numbers that Marvel Comics pushes out over the course of the year. DC Comics does not have enough product outside of the Absolute Universe that can sell large unit numbers to allow it to withstand Marvel Comics in the Battle of the Top 200.
Sixty-three of the eighty-six DC Comics in the Top 200 were from the Absolute Universe franchise. Thirteen of the eighty-six DC Comics issues in the Top 200 were Bruce Wayne Batman titles. Four of the eighty-six DC Comics issues in the Top 200 came from DC K.O. Four of the eighty-six DC Comics issues were from the Superman franchise. One issue came from New History of the DC Universe. One issue came from the Justice League franchise.
Seventy-five of DC Comics’ eighty-six issues in the Top 200 came from either Bruce Wayne or the Absolute Universe. DC Comics two best-selling franchises, Bruce Wayne and the Absolute Universe, combined to account for 87% of DC Comics’ issues in the Top 200.
It is imperative that in 2026, DC Comics quickly tries to breathe life into all of its moribund franchises before the Absolute Universe inevitably cools off. DC Comics needs to take advantage of this white-hot phase of the Absolute Universe to build out its best chances for long-term success.
Image Comics placed fifteen comics in the Top 200.
Nine of Image Comics’ six issues in the Top 200 were from the Transformers franchise. Five of Image Comics’ six issues in the Top 200 were from Invincible Universe Battle Beast. Exquisite Corpses chipped in with one issue. Without the valuable Hasbro license and Battle Beast, Image Comics would have been irrelevant and tied with Keenspot Entertainment.
Keenspot Entertainment placed two comics in the Top 200.
The Stars of 2025
Bruce Wayne was DC Comics in 2025. Bruce Wayne accounted for 34% if DC Comics’ Top 200 issues. It is wild that slightly more than a third of all DC Comics in the Top 200 for 2025 starred Bruce Wayne. This is the best of any DC Comics characters, and it was not close at all.
Peter Parker was Marvel Comics in 2025. Peter Parker accounted for 27% of Marvel Comics’ Top 200 issues. That is the best of any Marvel Comics characters, and it is not even close.
The Joshua Williamson Award For The Writer With The Most Titles In The Top 75
The Joshua Willimason Award is given monthly to the writer with the most issues in the Top 50. However, since the year end comic book sales rankings is a list of the best of the best issues for the year, I decided to expand the scope of this award to the Top 75.
Al Ewing had two issues in the Top 75 for 2025. Both issues were from the Absolute Universe franchise.
Jeff Lemire had two issues in the Top 75. Both issues were from the Absolute Universe franchise.
Christopher Condon had two issues in the Top 75 for 2025. Both issues were from Ultimate Wolverine.
Benjamin Percy had two issues in the Top 75. One was Deadpool / Wolverine #1 at the number 59 spot. The second issue was Punisher Red Band #1 at the number 74 spot.
I find Percy’s feat one of the most impressive accomplishments among the writers in the running for this award. The reason for that is that all of the other writers had their sales powered by titles from either the Absolute Universe, Ultimate Universe, Spider-Man franchise, Batman franchise, or a big event story. Percy is the only writer in contention for the Joshua Williamson Award who was able to power his sales success from franchises outside of the aforementioned Big Four or a big event story. That is impressive.
Joe Kelly had three issues in the Top 75 for 2025. All three issues were from the Spider-Man franchise.
Matt Fraction had four issues in the Top 75 for 2025. All four issues were from Batman.
Jeph Loeb had four issues in the Top 75 for 2025. All four issues were from Batman Hush 2.
Ryan North had four issues in the Top 75 for 2025. Two issues were from One World Under Doom, and two issues were from the Fantastic Four franchise.
Deniz Camp had five issues in the Top 75 for 2025. Three issues were from Absolute Martian Manhunter. Two issues were from the Ultimate Universe franchise.
Kelly Thompson had seven issues in the Top 75 for 2025. All seven issues were from Absolute Wonder Woman.
Jonathan Hickman had seven issues in the Top 75. All seven issues were from Ultimate Spider-Man
Jason Aaron had eight issues in the Top 75 for 2025. All eight issues were from Absolute Superman.
Scott Snyder had eighteen issues in the Top 75 for 2025. Snyder’s issues came from Absolute Batman and DC K.O. Even more insane is that Scott Snyder placed four issues in the Top 10, eight issues in the Top 15, twelve issues in the Top 20, and fifteen issues in the Top 25.
Therefore, the winner of the Joshua Williamson Award for 2025 is…Scott Snyder!
Big Events
DC K.O.
5 DC K.O. #1
34 DC K.O. #2
88 DC K.O. Knightfight #1
157 DC K.O. Knightfight #2
DC K.O. had one comic in the Top 10, one comic in the Top 25, two comics in the Top 50, two comics in the Top 75, and three comics in the Top 100.
Despite only rolling out at the end of 2026, DC K.O. was the most successful of all of the big event stories in 2025.
One World Under Doom
32 One World Under Doom #1
70 One World Under Doom #2
117 One World Under Doom #3
126 One World Under Doom #4
132 One World Under Doom #6
174 One World Under Doom #5
One World Under Doom had zero comics in the Top 10, zero comics in the Top 25, one comic in the Top 50, two comics in the Top 75, and two comics in the Top 100.
Age of Revelation
144 X-Men Age of Revelation Overture #1
Age of Revelation had zero comics in the Top 100.
This big event storyline was an epic sales bust for Marvel Comics.
Hasbro Franchise
79 Transformers #25
148 Transformers #19
152 Transformers #18
160 Transformers #24
164 Transformers #21
168 Transformers #16
170 Transformers #17
175 Transformers #20
199 Transformers #23
The Hasbro franchise had zero comics in the Top 50, one comic in the Top 75, and one comic in the Top 100.
Transformers separated itself from GI Joe in 2025. Image Comics needs to get GI Joe heated back up in 2026.
Godzilla Franchise
42 Godzilla vs. Spider-Man #1
68 Godzilla vs. Fantastic Four #1
94 Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe #1
121 Godzilla vs. Hulk #1
122 Godzilla vs. Thor #1
130 Godzilla vs. X-Men #1
155 Godzilla vs. Avengers #1
The Godzilla franchise had zero comics in the Top 10, zero comics in the Top 25, one comic in the Top 50, two comics in the Top 75, and three comics in the Top 100.
Marvel Comics enjoyed immense success with the Godzilla license in 2025. As a huge fan of the old 1970s Marvel Comics Godzilla title, it was such a blast to see the Big G back at Marvel Comics again.
Star Wars Franchise
181 Star Wars #1
The Star Wars franchise had zero comics in the Top 100.
What a complete embarrassment the Star Wars franchise has become for Marvel Comics. This once-feared and unstoppable juggernaut just barely squeaked into the Top 200 for 2025. I have no faith in this franchise anymore, or Lucasfilm or Disney’s ability to resurrect it in 2026.
Spider-Man Franchise
25 Amazing Spider-Man #1
42 Godzilla Vs. Spider-Man #1
65 Amazing Spider-Man #11
78 Amazing Spider-Man #2
80 Predator Vs. Spider-Man #1
98 Amazing Spider-Man #7
99 Amazing Spider-Man #13
100 Amazing Spider-Man #70
103 Black Cat #1
111 Amazing Spider-Man #9
114 Amazing Spider-Man #5
116 Amazing Spider-Man #3
118 Amazing Spider-Man #6
128 Amazing Spider-Man #4
137 Amazing Spider-Man #69
138 Amazing Spider-Man #8
143 Spider-Man & Wolverine #1
149 Amazing Spider-Man #10
150 Spider-Man ’94 #1
158 Spider-Man Noir #1
162 Amazing Spider-Man #15
165 Amazing Spider-Man #12
171 Eddie Brock: Carnage #1
173 Amazing Spider-Man #66
176 Amazing Spider-Man #65
180 Venom #250
182 Amazing Spider-Man #14
189 Amazing Spider-Man #68
192 Predator Vs. Spider-Man #2
197 All-New Venom #5
The Spider-Man franchise had zero comics in the Top 10, one comic in the Top 25, two comics in the Top 50, three comics in the Top 75, and eight comics in the Top 100.
The Spider-Man franchise’s sales success is completely centered on Peter Parker. Period. Nobody else matters. Peter Parker accounted for 100% of the eight Spider-Man franchise comics in the Top 100. Peter Parker accounted for 95% (eighteen) of the nineteen Spider-Man franchise comics in the Top 150. Peter Parker accounted for 87% (twenty-six) of the thirty Spider-Man franchise comics in the Top 200.
X-Men Franchise
1 Marvel / DC – Deadpool / Batman #1 (One-Shot)
59 Deadpool / Wolverine #1
81 Magik #1
102 Rogue: The Savage Land #1
130 Godzilla Vs. X-Men #1
133 Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe One Last Time #1
142 Wolverine #8
143 Spider-Man & Wolverine #1
144 X-Men Age of Revelation Overture #1 (Age of Revelation)
147 Uncanny X-Men #19
169 Uncanny X-Men #8 (Raid on Graymalkin)
177 X-Men #14
179 X-Men of Apocalypse Alpha #1
183 Uncanny X-Men #11 (X-Manhunt)
184 Uncanny X-Men #12
191 Uncanny X-Men #13
194 Magik #2
195 Magik #3
The X-Men franchise had one comic in the Top 10, one comic in the Top 25, one comic in the Top 50, two comics in the Top 75, and three comics in the Top 100.
X-Men had a down year in 2025 compared to 2024. It has to be disconcerting to Marvel Comics that the highest ranking regular X-Men team title was Uncanny X-Men #19 at the number 147 spot.
Avengers Franchise
52 Captain America #1
121 Godzilla Vs. Hulk #1
122 Godzilla Vs. Thor #1
141 Captain America #2
155 Godzilla Vs. Avengers #1
The Avengers franchise had zero comics in the Top 10, zero comics in the Top 25, zero comics in the Top 50, one comic in the Top 75, and one comic in the Top 100.
The Avengers franchise had a brutal showing in 2025. If you remove the Godzilla tie-in issues, then the Avengers franchise only placed two issues in the Top 200 for 2025. Even worse, the Avengers placed zero team title issues in the Top 200 for 2025. Marvel Comics has its work cut out for it to resuscitate the Avengers franchise in 2026.
Fantastic Four Franchise
32 One World Under Doom #1
48 Fantastic Four #1
68 Godzilla Vs. Fantastic Four #1
70 One World Under Doom #2
117 One World Under Doom #3
126 One World Under Doom #4
131 Fantastic Four #2
132 One World Under Doom #6
174 One World Under Doom #5
193 Bring on the Bad Guys: Doom #1
198 Fantastic Four #3
The Fantastic Four franchise had zero comics in the Top 10, zero comics in the Top 25, two comics in the Top 50, four comics in the Top 75, and four comics in the Top 100.
The Fantastic Four enjoyed a nice 2025 as it placed a total of eleven issues in the Top 200. This was buoyed by a Fantastic Four-centric big-event story and restarting the Fantastic Four title. I would expect to see the Fantastic Four experiencing a sales drop in 2026.
The Ultimate Universe
22 Ultimate Wolverine #1
47 Ultimate Spider-Man #16
56 Ultimate Spider-Man Incursion #1
58 Ultimate Spider-Man #15
60 Ultimate Spider-Man #17
61 Ultimate Wolverine #2
63 Ultimate Spider-Man #13
66 Ultimate Spider-Man #14
69 Ultimate Endgame #1
71 Ultimate Spider-Man #19
72 Ultimate Spider-Man #18
89 Ultimate Spider-Man #22
96 Ultimate Spider-Man #20
104 Ultimate Wolverine #3
108 Ultimate Spider-Man #21
109 Ultimate Wolverine #4
113 Ultimate Wolverine #7
120 Ultimate Wolverine #5
125 Ultimates #8
127 Ultimate Wolverine #10
136 Ultimate Wolverine #6
156 Ultimate Spider-Man #23
167 Ultimate Wolverine #8
186 Ultimate Spider-Man Incursion #2
The Ultimate Universe had zero comics in the Top 10, one comic in the Top 25, two comics in the Top 50, eleven comics in the Top 75, and thirteen comics in the Top 100.
Much like with the Spider-Man franchise, Peter Park is the straw that stirs the drink for the Ultimate Universe franchise. Ultimate Spider-Man placed nine issues in the Top 100 and eleven in the Top 200.
Coming in second place was Ultimate Wolverine, which placed two issues in the Top 100 and nine issues in the Top 200.
Ultimate Spider-Man Incursion came in a distant third place with two issues in the Top 200.
Utlimates had a weak showing, only placing a single issue in the Top 200.
Batman Franchise
2 Batman #1
3 DC / Marvel – Batman / Deadpool #1 (One-Shot)
6 Batman #158 (Batman Hush 2 #1)
15 Batman #2
28 Batman #3
33 Batman #159 (Batman Hush 2 #2)
36 Batman #4
39 Batman #160 (Batman Hush 2 #3)
53 Batman #161 (Batman Hush 2 #4)
90 Batman #162 (Batman Hush 2 #5)
157 DC K.O. Knightfight #2 (Of 4)
178 Batman #157
187 Immortal Legend Batman #1 (Of 6)
The Batman franchise had three comics in the Top 10, four comics in the Top 25, eight comics in the Top 50, nine comics in the Top 75, and ten comics in the Top 100.
Remember when DC Comics tried selling us on the idea that the Batman franchise was all about the Batman family just a few years ago? Yeah. That was cute. The Batman franchise is really just Bruce Wayne. The Batman family is also just Bruce Wayne. Nobody else matters. Bruce Wayne accounted for 100% of the thirteen Batman franchise comics in the Top 200 in 2025.
Superman Franchise
135 Superman Unlimited #1
145 Adventure Comics #210 Facsimile Edition
146 Summer of Superman Special #1 (One-Shot)
151 Supergirl #1
The Superman franchise had zero comics in the Top 100.
Yikes. This highlights the serious problem that DC Comics has on its hands. The Superman franchise placed zero comics in the Top 100 and only placed four comics in the Top 200 for 2025.
However, it gets even worse; one of the issues was just a reprint of an issue of Action Comics from 1955. So, the Superman franchise only placed three new comics in the Top 200 for 2025. That is brutal. DC Comics needs to fix the Superman franchise for the sake of the publisher’s long-term success.
Justice League Franchise
159 Zatanna #1
The Justice League franchise had zero comics in the Top 100.
This is utterly embarrassing for DC Comics. There is no reason that there is just one measly comic from the Justice League franchise in the Top 200 for 2025. There is no excuse for not having a Green Lantern comic in the Top 200. Think of all the great Justice League team titles and all the various big-name characters associated with the Justice League franchise. DC Comics has to fix this glaring problem in 2026.
The Absolute Universe
7 Absolute Batman #15
8 Absolute Batman #13
9 Absolute Flash #1
10 Absolute Batman #4
11 Absolute Batman #5
12 Absolute Batman #7
13 Absolute Batman #6
14 Absolute Batman #9
16 Absolute Batman #8
17 Absolute Martian Manhunter #1
18 Absolute Batman #12
19 Absolute Batman Annual 2025 #1
20 Absolute Batman #10
21 Absolute Batman #14
23 Absolute Batman #11
24 Absolute Batman #1
26 Absolute Green Lantern #1
27 Absolute Evil #1
30 Absolute Superman #3
31 Absolute Batman #3
35 Absolute Wonder Woman #4
37 Absolute Flash #2
38 Absolute Superman #4
40 Absolute Martian Manhunter #2
41 Absolute Wonder Woman #6
43 Absolute Wonder Woman #1
44 Absolute Superman #5
45 Absolute Batman #2
49 Absolute Wonder Woman #5
51 Absolute Superman #1
54 Absolute Superman #7
55 Absolute Superman #6
57 Absolute Wonder Woman #7
62 Absolute Wonder Woman #8
64 Absolute Superman #8
67 Absolute Wonder Woman #9
73 Absolute Superman #9
75 Absolute Martian Manhunter #3
76 Absolute Wonder Woman #10
77 Absolute Wonder Woman #11
82 Absolute Superman #10
83 Absolute Wonder Woman #12
84 Absolute Flash #3
85 Absolute Wonder Woman #15
86 Absolute Wonder Woman #3
87 Absolute Wonder Woman #13
92 Absolute Martian Manhunter #4
93 Absolute Superman #12
95 Absolute Green Lantern #2
97 Absolute Superman #11
101 Absolute Wonder Woman #14
106 Absolute Martian Manhunter #5
107 Absolute Martian Manhunter #6
112 Absolute Superman #13
115 Absolute Flash #4
129 Absolute Flash #5
153 Absolute Flash #6
161 Absolute Green Lantern #3
166 Absolute Flash #7
185 Absolute Superman #2
188 Absolute Wonder Woman #2
190 Absolute Green Lantern #4
196 Absolute Flash #8
The Absolute Universe had four comics in the Top 10, sixteen comics in the Top 25, twenty-nine comics in the Top 50, thirty-eight comics in the Top 75, and fifty comics in the Top 100.
The Absolute Universe was an unstoppable sales juggernaut in 2025. What these numbers highlight is that Absolute Batman is the unquestioned engine of the Absolute Universe. And it is not even close.
Absolute Batman had fourteen issues in the Top 25 and sixteen issues in the Top 50.
Absolute Wonder Woman had zero issues in the Top 25 and four issues in the Top 50.
Absolute Superman had zero issues in the Top 25 and three issues in the Top 50.
DC Comics captured lightning in a bottle with the Absolute Universe in 2025. The question is whether this type of sales success is sustainable over 2026 and 2027.
Legacy Character Comics
151 Supergirl #1 (DC Comics)
There were zero legacy character comics in the Top 100.
The Legacy Character category remains dead. Neither publisher has been able to figure out how to get consumers interested in these comic books.
Mantle Swap Comics
171 Eddie Brock: Carnage #1 (Marvel Comics)
180 Venom #250 (Marvel Comics)
197 All-New Venom #5 (Marvel Comics)
There were zero mantle swap comics in the Top 100.
The mantle swap concept remains unpopular with consumers and delivers little sales success for either Marvel Comics or DC Comics.
Female Lead Comics
35 Absolute Wonder Woman #4 (DC Comics)
41 Absolute Wonder Woman #6 (DC Comics)
43 Absolute Wonder Woman #1 (DC Comics)
49 Absolute Wonder Woman #5 (DC Comics)
57 Absolute Wonder Woman #7 (DC Comics)
62 Absolute Wonder Woman #8 (DC Comics)
67 Absolute Wonder Woman #9 (DC Comics)
76 Absolute Wonder Woman #10 (DC Comics)
77 Absolute Wonder Woman #11 (DC Comics)
81 Magik #1 (Marvel Comics)
83 Absolute Wonder Woman #12 (DC Comics)
85 Absolute Wonder Woman #15 (DC Comics)
86 Absolute Wonder Woman #3 (DC Comics)
87 Absolute Wonder Woman #13 (DC Comics)
101 Absolute Wonder Woman #14 (DC Comics)
102 Rogue: The Savage Land #1 (Marvel Comics)
103 Black Cat #1 (Marvel Comics)
151 Supergirl #1 (DC Comics)
188 Absolute Wonder Woman #2 (DC Comics)
194 Magik #2 (Marvel Comics)
195 Magik #3 (Marvel Comics)
There were zero female lead comics in the Top 10, zero comics in the Top 25, four comics in the Top 50, seven comics in the Top 75, and twelve comics in the Top 100.
DC Comics beat Marvel Comics in the Battle of the Top 50 by a 4-0 score.
DC Comics annihilated Marvel Comics in the Battle of the Top 100 by a 13-1 score.
The fact is that the female lead category would be nonexistent without Absolute Wonder Woman. If you remove the ultra-popular Absolute Universe title, then there would have been zero female lead comics in the Top 75, one female lead comic in the Top 100, and just six female lead titles in the Top 200.
Just six issues outside of Absolute Wonder Woman is atrocious. Of the six non-Absolute Wonder Woman issues, four of them were #1 issues. That is terrible. This is evidence that even when a female lead title from Marvel Comics and DC Comics scores a nice debut issue, they then nose-dive in the sales rankings. None of these titles are capable of creating sustained sales success like Absolute Wonder Woman.
There are several takeaways here. First, the problem is absolutely not with the female characters from Marvel Comics and DC Comics. Both publishers have a wonderful collection of female characters.
Second, the problem is not with the consumer. Absolute Wonder Woman shows that if you put out a good product, then the consumer will support it.
Third, the problem falls completely on the editorial staffs of Marvel Comics and DC Comics. Both editorial staffs do a miserable job in how they package and present their female lead characters. It is also on both editorial staffs for constantly hiring unpopular and terrible writers to helm their female lead titles. This has to change at some point if either publisher is serious about making any sales gains in this category.
Minority Lead Comics
There were zero minority-lead comics in the Top 200.
See my comments above for the female lead category. Again, there are plenty of good minority lead characters at both Marvel Comics and DC Comics. The consumer will support quality products. However, Marvel Comics and DC Comics continue to fail in how they package and present these characters. Both editorial staffs also constantly saddle these characters with unpopular or bad writers. The numbers don’t lie.
All right, that is it for the full year 2025 comic book sales rankings! Will DC Comics continue to ride the unparalleled sales success of Absolute Universe to another dominant finish in the Top 200 in 2026? We will find out. Until then, everyone stay safe and be good!
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