Robert Kirkman’s acclaimed zombie apocalypse series The Walking Dead, which has become a genuine pop culture phenomenon over the past year thanks to AMC’s television series, reached a milestone issue with July’s The Walking Dead #100 from Image Comics and, with nine covers from many of comics’ top artists, was the best-selling comic book to the specialty market in July 2012, according to information provided by Diamond Comic Distributors, the world’s largest distributor of comics, graphic novels, and pop culture merchandise.

 

DC Entertainment was July’s leading publisher in both Retail Dollars and Unit Market Share, edging Marvel Comics on the dollars spent for the month 32.71% to 31.96% and on the unit share 36.55% to 35.34%. Image Comics was a strong third for the month with a dollar share of 9.42% and a unit share of 9.39%.

 

Geoff Johns and Gary Franks reimagined the history of Bruce Wayne and his early days as Gotham City’s crusading hero in the original hardcover graphic novel Batman: Earth One, the best-selling graphic novel to retailers in July.

 

Bowen Designs’ Spider-Man Action Statue, sculpted by Randy Bowen, was the best-selling toy product to comic book specialty retailers in July.

 

The final release in the Infinity Gauntlet saga leads to a cosmic conclusion with the WizKids/NECA’s Marvel HeroClix: Chaos War Booster Brick, an expansion for the popular miniatures game and the best-selling games product to comic book specialty retailers in July.