Comics and Graphic Novels: BD, Marvel and Memoirs — 2026-09-04
Marvel Comics has reclaimed the top spot in direct market market share from DC Comics for the first time in recent weeks, signaling a shift in consumer preference ahead of major November relaunches. Meanwhile, the French-Belgian comics scene is buzzing with the release of new *Astérix* artwork at auction and a diverse "back-to-school" BD lineup, while the Angoulême Film Festival awards have just concluded.
Comics and Graphic Novels: BD, Marvel and Memoirs — 2026-09-04
Top developments
Marvel Overtakes DC in Direct Market Share
For the week ending late August 2026, Marvel Comics surpassed DC Comics in direct market market share, a significant reversal given DC's previous dominance. This shift suggests that Marvel's recent slate of high-profile launches is resonating more strongly with comic shop retailers and consumers than DC’s current offerings. This data point comes just before the release of November solicits, where both publishers are launching major new initiatives like DC Next Level and new Avengers titles.
Original Astérix Cover Auctioned in Liège
A rare, signed original cover for Astérix chez les Bretons (Asterix in Britain) has been listed for auction with an estimated starting price of €150,000. The artwork, dedicated to publisher Georges Dargaud, is expected to draw significant interest from collectors and institutions, potentially surpassing the €1 million mark. This event highlights the enduring cultural and financial value of classic Franco-Belgian BD art, even as the modern market faces saturation challenges.
Angoulême Film Festival Awards Conclude
The 19th Francophone Film Festival of Angoulême, held from August 24–29, awarded the Valois de diamant to Gustave Kervern for his solo directorial debut Voilà, ça commence bien. While primarily a film festival, it serves as a key barometer for the broader Angoulême ecosystem, which includes the massive BD festival scheduled for January. The success of Kervern’s film reinforces the strong crossover between French cinema and the comics industry, where many BD adaptations find their audience.
September 2026 Release Calendar Highlights
Comic retailers are preparing for a heavy September release schedule featuring Amazing Spider-Man milestone issues and the debut of the Bat in Absolute Batman. Screen Rant highlights these titles as essential reading, noting the continued strength of the "Absolute" universe in driving sales for DC. These releases are critical for maintaining momentum after the summer slump and setting the stage for holiday season trade collections.
Local view
Revue Les libraires (Canada/France) The literary review Les libraires has published its "Back to School 2026: Comics" dossier, emphasizing the diversity of the national production. The outlet notes that despite market pressures, the quality and tonal variety of Franco-Belgian releases remain high, with a strong emphasis on domestic authors. This sentiment reflects a push by booksellers to curate distinct voices amidst a flood of manga and superhero imports.
Context & numbers
Market Share Dynamics: The recent flip in market share between Marvel and DC indicates a volatile direct market environment. While specific percentage points were not detailed in the snippet, the trend line suggests DC’s "Next Level" initiative may not be gaining traction as quickly as anticipated compared to Marvel’s steady output.
BD Pricing Pressures: The French market continues to grapple with rising prices for BD albums, with many standard titles approaching or exceeding €30. The Astérix auction context underscores the premium placed on original art, contrasting with the affordability crisis facing everyday readers who view BDs as increasingly "luxury" items.
On the radar
- November Solicits Impact: Retailers are closely watching how the newly released November 2026 solicitations for Marvel (including new Avengers titles) and DC (including Absolute Martian Manhunter follow-ups) translate into actual orders, especially given the current market share volatility.
- Rick Remender Interview: Creator Rick Remender publicly stated he turned down offers to write Batman and work on the Absolute Universe, describing such assignments as "playing cover songs." This comment may influence fan expectations regarding future creative team announcements for DC’s flagship titles.
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