ICv2′s July sales estimates are up. The Flash #4 takes the #15 spot by units sold, with an estimated 64,832 copies sold to retailers.
OK, back to the charts for the last few relaunches. Let’s see how volume three is doing. (In case you’re wondering, I only plan on doing the detailed relaunch-by-relaunch-by-relaunch comparisons through the end of the first story arc.)
| Issue | Rank | Month | Units Sold | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flash:TFMA #1 | 7 | June 2006 | 120,404 | |
| Flash:TFMA #2 | 25 | July 2006 | 77,487 | (-35.6%) |
| Flash:TFMA #3 | 30 | August 2006 | 70,633 | (- 8.9%) |
| Flash:TFMA #4 | 25 | Sep 2006 | 66,663 | (- 5.6%) |
| All-Flash #1 | 22 | July 2007 | 78,955 | |
| Flash v.2 #231 | 26 | August 2007 | 72,898 | |
| Flash v.2 #232 | 32 | Sep 2007 | 56,969 | (-21.9%) |
| Flash v.2 #233 | 41 | Oct 2007 | 51,152 | (- 10.2%) |
| Flash v.2 #234 | 44 | Nov 2007 | 46,435 | (- 9.2%) |
| Flash: Rebirth #1 | 2 | April 2009 | 102,429 | |
| Flash: Rebirth #2 | 4 | May 2009 | 86,183 | (-15.9%) |
| Flash: Rebirth #3 | 10 | June 2009 | 83,086 | (-3.6%) |
| Flash: Rebirth #4 | 14 | Aug 2009 | 78,107 | (-6.0%) |
| Flash v.3 #1 | 2 | April 2010 | 100,903 | |
| Flash v.3 #2 | 12 | May 2010 | 76,560 | (-24.1%) |
| Flash v.3 #3 | 11 | June 2010 | 68,799 | (-10.1%) |
| Flash v.3 #4 | 15 | July 2010 | 64,832 | (-5.8%) |
So: still dropping (as most series do), but it seems to be leveling off. I’m not sure how this compares to standard attrition for a new series at DC or Marvel. The drop-off rate seems about the same as Flash: The Fastest Man Alive, though perhaps it will level off at a higher point.
That said, the numbers are still solid (if still below F:TFMA), and the rankings are very good.
As poorly written as it was, the Fastest Man Alive series actually had pretty good numbers. I’m surprised DC cancelled it as early as they did, but I imagine somewhere either just before or just after the first issue launched Didio decided to bring back Barry Allen to have “his” Flash back in the DCU.
To be honest, Barry’s return hasn’t exactly been spectacular. Flash: Rebirth was a let down in more ways than one, and the first 3 issues of the current Flash series basically just kept repeating the same plot. It wasn’t until issue #4 that the book really caught my attention again. I’m warming up to Barry, but Geoff Johns really needs to work on his stories. I think he might have burned himself out on the Flash, be it Barry or Wally as the lead character.
While the new series did seem to get stretched out a little, I’m really enjoying it. I’m sad to see the numbers dropping like that.
Of course I really liked the Guggenheim issues of Fastest Man Alive, so what do I know.
Ken O recently posted…Fastest Mail Alive
You’re not the only one who liked the Guggenheim issues, Ken O. I just finished re-reading the Fastest Man Alive series, and was astounded at just how hard it was for me to get through the first 8 issues. Guggenheim’s issues were a breath of fresh air, regardless of the content.
I am also really liking the new series. I hope the numbers level off for it (although, the it’s ranking on the sales charts has been very good for it so far).
I also thought Guggenheim’s issues were good.
If given the chance, I said at the time he could’ve made the book work if DC were willing, and I still stand by that remark. His issues were the only ones worth reading. (Although #13 was pretty crappy, but I imagine mandated by editorial)