In the realm of printed words, the path to loving literature might not be through words alone but through the vibrant world of pictures. This spring, the publishing industry is buoyed by the news that sales of children’s comics and graphic novels have hit an all-time high of nearly £20 million in Britain. This surge is not only celebrated for its impact on the comics market but also as a promising indicator for the future of novel sales, especially in anticipation of the London Book Fair at Olympia.
Philip Stone, a media analyst at NielsenIQ BookData, notes a significant increase in graphic novel sales over the last decade, for both adult and children’s audiences. Superhero narratives and manga series are at the forefront, possibly due to the influence of their screen counterparts. Yet, there is a call for more research into how graphic and comic fiction can serve as a gateway to reading for young people.
Leading the charge are comic-style stories in paperback form, such as Jeff Kinney’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series and Jamie Smart’s “Bunny Vs Monkey” books. Smart, speaking from his perspective as a creator, highlights the unique power of comics to convey the full spectrum of a story’s depth and emotion within a single panel, thus captivating readers from start to finish.
This resurgence in graphic literature comes despite the National Literacy Trust’s recent findings of a decline in general reading habits among children. Smart, who will be the first “creative” in residence at the upcoming book fair, is undeterred and sees a genuine appeal in books that draw readers in with visual allure and relatable characters.
In the broader fiction market, there is a steady demand, especially for novels. The top fiction titles are predominantly written by women, reflecting a diverse and vibrant literary landscape. Notably, L.J. Ross has emerged as a popular fiction author in the north of England, following closely behind Freida McFadden.
In contrast, non-fiction is facing a difficult period, with sales reaching historic lows, attributed to the availability of free online content and perhaps the financial aspect of purchasing books.
The first university-led research into the impact of comics on literacy provided more insight into their potential. Conducted at Abraham Moss community school in north Manchester over two years, the study revealed that participation in a comics literacy programme not only significantly increased the participants’ reading age but also doubled the number of children who listed reading as one of their favorite activities. This suggests that comics might play a crucial role in fostering a love for reading among young audiences.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/mar/09/something-magical-is-happening-sales-boom-for-childrens-comics-creating-young-readers-of-the-future
