'Fear Itself' revives comics sales

The debut issue of Marvel Comics' Fear Itself has offered a much-needed boost to comics sales.

According to ICv2, the first issue of the miniseries that forms the core of the publisher's summer event sold an estimated 128,595 in April, making it the highest selling comic since Victor Gischler and Paco Medina's X-Men #1 sold 140,000 copies in July 2010.

The second bestselling title for the month was The Mighty Thor #1, which was also written by Fear Itself's Matt Fraction. It sold an estimated 82,071 copies, 36% less than the top spot.

The bestselling comics over the last year have consistently sold under 100,000 copies, a trend finally arrested by the conclusion of Jonathan Hickman's Fantastic Four and its rebranding as FF.

It is hoped that DC Comics' 'Flashpoint' event might continue to boost sales following a year with no major events from either of the 'big two' publishers.

Vertigo's Fables Vol 15: Rose Red topped the graphic novels chart, selling more than twice as many copies as its closest competitor, Dynamite Entertainment's The Boys Vol 8: Highland Laddie.