Marvel’s February sales numbers analyzed

The Beat has the analysis of Marvel’s February sales numbers, and I’ve got to join in with writer Paul O’Brien’s massive “huh?” over the way the chart shook out.

“X-Force” No. 1 debuts at No. 1; I don’t know when the last time the X-Force title outsold the main X-Men titles but I’d be willing to guess it was in the Rob Liefeld heyday of 1991.

In addition, the “Ultimates” team of Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch take over “Fantastic Four.”  This seemed to O’Brien, and other industry watchers, to be a sure No. 1 book — it instead hits the charts at No. 8, with estimated sales of 92,000.

“Fantastic Four” landed behind “New Avengers,” “Hulk,” “Thor,” “Ultimates” and one of this month’s three issues of “Amazing Spider-Man.”

“Thor” continuing to hold down the No. 4 spot overall (behind X-Force, New Avengers and one of the “Amazing Spider-Man” issues) is good news for the title.   Writer J. Michael Straczynski is exploring some options at DC, but for the moment, the Asgardian hero and his Oklahoma setting appear to be connecting with readers.

Basically, we’re in the calm before the storm when “Secret Invasion” hits — as such, the chart is down a bit, but perhaps more interesting for it.