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One in 10 Adult Book Buyers Read Comic Books, Simba Study Reveals

Mon Nov 9, 2009 1:37pm EST
  STAMFORD, CT, Nov 09 (MARKET WIRE) -- 
Simba Information, which this year published "Overview of the U.S. Comic
Book and Graphic Novel Market," continued the analysis in its monthly
periodical, "Book Publishing Report," which reveals that one in 10 adult
book buyers read comics and 70% of those adults who have read comics in
the previous 12 months also bought at least one book.

    Nearly overlooked for decades, the burgeoning market for graphic novels
and comic books has led retailers to pause and address the industry in new
light. But while the oft-misunderstood niche has made strides, media
industry forecast and analysis firm Simba Information's report, "Overview
of the U.S. Comic Book and Graphic Novel Market," informs publishers and
retailers alike that properly utilizing the segment requires finesse.

    "Graphic novels are unlike any other segment of publishing, but are often
mislabeled as just another category within children's book, so they miss
the chance to really shine," said Warren Pawlowski, analyst for Simba
Information's Trade Books Groups.

    Showing marked increases in their presence on bestseller lists, graphic
novels have almost become their own industry at a time when growth in
traditional publishing has become practically non-existent. The basis for
numerous films, television shows, and other forms of media, graphic novels
have grown in both sales and influence. "More works of art to bridge the
fine line between the literary and visual mediums, graphic novels appeal
to the largest audience possible and have untold potential because of it,"
said Pawlowski.

    "Overview of the U.S. Comic Book and Graphic Novel Market" details the
many nuances of this industry, providing publishers and retailers who
wish to expand, showcase, or begin to look at graphic novels a definitive
source for doing so. "Attention has been drawn to the high-concept
releases of the last year, both in film and literature, but viewers and
readers should be reminded that everything explored in them was likely
seen in graphic novels and comic books decades ago," Pawlowski said. "The
niche that graphic novels have been forced into has exploded, and what
could never be found elsewhere is being seen there in droves."

    In addition to providing an overview for this segment of publishing, the
report provides a detailed analysis of the three major brands bundled
within the graphic novels category: graphic novels, manga and comic books.
The report also features a thorough overview of the leading books and
publishers, including price analyses as well as profiles for the major
players detailing publishing strategies for the past and future and
current production figures. Additional information can be found at
www.simbainformation.com.

    About Simba Information

    Simba Information is widely recognized as the leading authority for market
intelligence in the media and publishing industry. Simba's extensive
information network delivers top quality, independent perspective on the
people, events and alliances shaping the media and information industry.
Simba provides consulting and reports that provide key decision-makers at
more than 15,000 client companies around the globe with timely analysis,
exclusive statistics and proprietary industry forecasts. For more
information, please visit www.simbainformation.com.

    

Media Contact:
Warren Pawlowski
203-325-8193 ext. 114
wpawlowski@simbainformation.com

Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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