Comics and Graphic Novels: BD, Marvel and Memoirs — 2026-09-16
DC Comics has surged to nearly double Marvel's market share in North American comic shops for the first week of September 2026, driven by strong performance from the "Absolute" and "Next Level" lines. In the French market, a historic auction record was set as an original color cover for *Asterix chez les Bretons* sold for €1.5 million, highlighting the enduring value of Franco-Belgian BD classics despite broader market fluctuations.
Comics and Graphic Novels: BD, Marvel and Memoirs — 2026-09-16
Top developments
DC Dominates US Market Share in Early September
For the week ending in early September 2026, DC Comics captured nearly twice the market share of Marvel Comics in direct market comic stores. This significant lead is attributed to the continued momentum of DC's "Absolute" imprint and the rollout of its "Next Level" initiatives, which have resonated strongly with retailers and readers alike. The shift underscores a pivotal moment for DC as it seeks to solidify its commercial dominance following the success of titles like Absolute Batman and Absolute Martian Manhunter.
Historic Auction Record for Asterix Original Art
On September 13, 2026, an original color cover for Asterix chez les Bretons, signed by creators René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, sold for €1.474 million (including fees) at BD Enchères in Liège, Belgium. The piece, dedicated to publisher Georges Dargaud, had been estimated between €150,000 and €200,000, making the final price a staggering record for the series. This sale reinforces the high collectible value of Franco-Belgian BD heritage items even as the new release market faces economic headwinds.
NYCC 2026: DC Unveils Major Slate
Ahead of New York Comic Con 2026, DC Comics has teased a major slate of announcements focusing on the Absolute Universe, Next Level line, and Vertigo/Black Label imprints. Panel discussions are expected to reveal new creative teams and story arcs, with Jim Lee playing a central role in the presentation. These announcements come at a critical time for DC, aiming to sustain the sales momentum that has seen them outperform Marvel in recent weeks.
Marvel Releases New Weekly Lineup
Marvel Comics released its new weekly lineup on September 16, 2026, featuring key story beats including the X-Men dealing with forced evolution, internal conflicts tearing apart the Avengers, and Elektra's return to Hell’s Kitchen. While Marvel trails DC in market share this week, these releases are designed to re-engage core readership and stabilize sales ahead of the holiday season.
Local view
In France, the auction of the Asterix cover was widely covered as a testament to the cultural weight of Franco-Belgian comics. Le Monde and Le Figaro highlighted the discrepancy between the soaring prices of original art and the reported slight decline in overall BD and manga sales volumes in 2025. Meanwhile, La Dépêche and other regional outlets have focused on the "rentrée" (back-to-school) season, curating lists of recommended BD releases to guide consumers through a crowded marketplace.
Context & numbers
The US direct market continues to show volatility, with DC's recent surge contrasting with earlier 2025 data where Marvel held a larger share (approx. 36-40% vs DC's ~20%). In France, the BD market saw a 5.5% decline in sales for BD and manga combined in 2025, despite the release of a new Asterix album, indicating a cooling period after several years of record growth. The average price point for new BD albums remains a topic of debate, with many titles approaching or exceeding €30, leading to concerns about accessibility.
On the radar
- NYCC 2026 Panels: Keep an eye on specific announcements from DC's Absolute Universe panels and Marvel's Spider-Man next-era reveal scheduled for late September.
- French BD Rentrée: The autumn release season in France is in full swing, with major publishers like Dargaud and Glénat launching key titles that will influence year-end sales rankings.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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