The recession was the comic book industry's kryptonite in 2009. While the epic throwdown between a foundering economy that can shoot super-powered consumer-confidence-draining rays and the stalwart bastion of all that is good and pure -- the comic book industry -- found both sides taking (and landing) blows, the fight continues with no clear victor.

Sales in 2009 ebbed, but also flowed; November's comic sales shot up 12 percent year over year after a disappointing October saw a 14 percent overall decline. Of course, November is a big shopping month, and comic book fanboys aren't immune to the siren call of consumerism.

Ben Lichtenstein, owner of Zapp Comics, says comics can thrive even during rough economic times: "During bad times, people need escapism. And comics are still an affordable hobby." He also views the back-issue market -- one his store specializes in -- as "a good place to park assets."

Read on for number-crunching and a few hopeful reasons why the comics market may be looking up.


Comic-Book Movies May Spur Sales

Prospects for 2010 are looking up: the San Diego Comic-Con is already sold out, and "Iron Man 2" is destined to launch a repulsor beam at the other summer blockbusters, possibly driving renewed interest toward the musty bins of comic shops. But do these comic-inspired movies turn film-goers into frothing fanboys?

"[Comic-based movies] have been good for business, but they don't convert many. They do bring back lapsed fanboys," says Lichtenstein. Even if the film adaptations typically spur some additional or new spending on the pen-and-ink source material, the major comic book films of 2009 performed relatively poorly at the box office, minimizing what may already be a limited effect.

Ben is optimistic about "Iron Man 2" however, saying, "I sold a lot when the original movie released ... a lot of guys who used to read it came back."

Comics Are Being Sold to New Markets

Comics themselves are often viewed as a guy-only hobby, akin to video games. A little girl might pick up a copy of "X-Men" and be entranced by a strong female character like Storm, but she'll most likely be rebuffed for it by classmates, siblings and parents who've deemed comics "boys only."

But making and selling comics to both genders may help combat any negative effects brought on by a recession as the number of fans would balloon substantially. Yes, this means more than marketing a busty, scantily clad superheroine who would, for obvious reasons, appeal more to guys than girls.

Some have already taken the step to crafting more non-traditional comic books for a wider audience. "Persepolis," a graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi won acclaim for its autobiographical story set in Iran. "Ghost World" is another against-the-grain example of using the medium to discuss issues besides who would win in a fight: Superman or Batman? (Hint: It's Batman.)

The Conclusion?

It's safe to say the comic industry itself, despite some hard months this year, is still going strong. Like Wolverine after getting his adamantium ripped out, it just won't quit. Popular new series are being published to fanboys' delight, and comic books will likely continue to provide Hollywood with blockbuster-movie material for years to come, drawing in some non-fans to the hobby and reminding old fans that they need to catch up.

During all the ups and downs, Ben Lichtenstein will still be selling comics and people will still be buying them.

For more comic book news, features, and funny stuff, check out Asylum's sister site, ComicsAlliance.com.