Features Editor Matt Price of NewsOK has a really nice breakdown of the ComicsPRO annual member meeting that happened this past weekend. There was some great items there, one being that even in this down economy, sales in the direct market were up for 2009. Many had also said that this was one of the more smoothly run get togethers they've had so far.
One thing that I found interesting was the very large presence of DC Comics and the absence of Marvel Comics. DC had twelve members at the meeting, including co-publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee. Their presence wasn't as a sales pitch though, but rather an open ear to discuss keeping the direct market alive and thriving.
For awhile now, DC has seemed to be gaining momentum, both in sales and being on the forefront of the comics business. They've taken some big chances and they have paid off. Marvel has been the top dog for quite some time now, and looking at the Diamond Reports data, is still on top. DC has made up some ground over the past few years, but is still behind over ten percentage points from Marvel. One would think though, that with efforts like this one by DC, they will continue to make up ground on their major competitor. Time will tell.
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