North American digital comic sales declined 10% to $90 million in 2015, down from $100 million in 2014, according to an analysis by ICv2. This is the first sales decline after a six year run of growth as the format exploded beginning in 2010.
The American Association of Publishers reported that for its members, ebook sales declined 11% in 2015. While that’s not necessarily representative of the entire market for ebooks (as it doesn’t include the increasing number of self-published titles), it’s an indication that sales of digital comics are part of broader trends in the market for digital content.
There’s still much that’s positive in the digital comic space, including broadening demographics; comiXology announced via the ICv2 Conference late last year that 30% of its new customers were female, compared to 20% two years ago. Increased breadth of material in 2015, especially manga, bandes dessinees, and author titles, also increased the potential market for digital comics.