Hello there,
Welcome to this week's FOC newsletter for single issues. And for once, we have decided to not focus on number ones. Because we cannot complain all the time about relaunches and then only feature the easiest of all sells: shiny #1s.
Speaking about them, and before we get to the FOC highlights, let's have a look at the latest sales chart!
TOP20 Best-Selling Single Issues in August '25
In the least surprising top-spot takeover ever, Batman #1 was the big winner in August. Blind bag shenanigans aside, it was the main a-cover that drove sales. People are curious what Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez have cooked. It's already the most subscribed series after Absolute Batsy and with DC KO upcoming...
What would YOU do if you were the boss publisher at DC Comics?
Thanks for asking! We all know that we want to get that question asked ;)
In my (normally not so) humble opinion, there is NOTHING I could think of in matter of improving their program. They are slowly shifting focus from Absolute to DC main universe for the time being, and, as a famous Mandalorian once stated: This is the way.
Only a healthy "main line" will guarantee an ongoing success for the overall DC publishing. They experiment with formats, from treasury to the artist-edition-lile W.I.P. format (frankly, our fulfilment team is not enthisiastic about those 😅) They release trade and hardcover collections at the same time for new series, so that people can pick up whatever they prefer. And we even see customers starting subs with #6 and #7 now...
Anyway: If you want to check the whole TOP50, head over to our website!
FOC Highlights This Week
Conan the Barbarian #25
An oversized, fully painted anniversary issue and the perfect jumping-on point for new readers. Jim Zub delivers another rock-solid story; this time with Conan as king, facing a strange visitor with an even stranger mission...
As Jim Zub puts it:
“We started production back in late September to give Alex as much time as possible to fully oil paint (no digital!) this story. Seeing sketches and stunning finished paintings come in every week has been such a thrill.”
One of the most consistent series on the market right now, and this issue promised to be a visual feast. Also featuring a variant cover by our man Jonas Scharf!!
Everything Dead & Dying #2
Yes, its's zombies. A fresh take on the genre from Tate Brombal and Jacob Phillips. Jack Chandler lives with his undead wife and adopted daughter... after the apocalypse. But when outsiders arrive to “clean things up,” survival takes on a whole new meaning.
We're sold out of #1, but getting a restock soon and I guess 2nd prints to be announced as well. Have not read it #1 myself, but everyone who did loved it!
Rogue Storm #1
OK, we're breaking the stride of non-#1s for this one, but... this feels like Marvel throwing a curveball in all the best ways. The idea of Storm as a goddess driven mad with power and grief + Rogue leading a team to kill her? Sounds big picture and emotional and also just a great premise. This could be one of the more memorable Age of Revelation/X‑stories this year.
But the real reason I need to mention this is the fact that it features my (almost) six year old daughter's favorite X-(wo)Men and she knows what's good!
(And I really dig the cover! AND Murewa Ayodele has really delivered on Storm!)
Supergirl #6
I also can't wait to read this with my daughter a few years from now... Would you believe it's the one ongoing I am not falling behind? Because each month Sophie Campbell is perfectly feeding my inner pre-teen with lots of soapy drama, slive age vibes and super consistent and engaging storytelling! And art!
You gotta give it a shot.
Transformers #25
In case you are Transformers-curious... this is the PERFECT jumping-on point. In case you have not heard: Robert Kirkman and Dan Mora take over the series with this issue.
Yes, I know, can you have a more successful pairing on a comic?! I do not think so.
Here’s what Kirkman is saying:
“Holy smokes, I’m writing a TRANSFORMERS comic! I’ve been so invested in this series since the beginning. I’ve marveled at what Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona have brought to some of my all‑time favorite characters. When Daniel’s run came to an end, I could stand on the sidelines no more! I just had to get in the ring!”
I think the guy is seriously pumped about this.
More FOC goodness?
Check out all books on FOC this weekend here. Don't forget: we can only guarantee confirmation if you submit your pre-orders by Saturday 4 pm!
Have a great comicky weekend!
Cheers,
Walt
