The announcement of the final year of Check, Please! Ngozi Ukazu’s LGBTQ hockey webcomic and graphic novel series, PW’s annual comics retailers survey, and Abrams ComicArts’ cancellation of a controversial graphic novel, were among PW’s most-read comics articles in 2018. Here is a top ten list of PW’s most-read articles on comics and graphic novels in ascending order of popularity.

10. Hotter than Ever, Anime Expo 2018 Attracts Big Crowds

More than 110,000 anime and manga fans crowded Anime Expo 2018, held July 4-8 at the L.A. Convention Center, a show that is fast becoming the primary platform to showcase Asian pop culture creators, publishers, animation and gaming releases in North America.

9. Abrams to Launch Megascope Graphic Imprint

Abrams has announced the launch of Megascope, a new imprint under its ComicArts program that will publish a variety of graphic novels focused on the experiences of people of color. The new imprint will be overseen by black academic and comics artist John Jennings, cocreator of the 2017 'Kindred' graphic novel adaptation.

8. DC Inks Frank Miller to Exclusive Book Deal

Under the agreement, Miller, the bestselling creator of properties like 'The Dark Knight Returns,' will produce at least two graphic novels (including his first YA graphic novel) in a deal that is among several new initiatives at DC Entertainment focused on the trade book market.

7. An Ever-Growing Demand for Middle Grade Graphic Novels

As the market for middle grade graphic novels continues to expand, young readers are snapping up a wide array of books by diverse creators working in all genres.

6. In His New Album, Jazz Master Wayne Shorter Goes Graphic

Legendary jazz musician Wayne Shorter has teamed with comics artist Randy DuBurke on a 84 page science-fiction-themed graphic novel, which will be included in Emanon, a three-CD collection of live and studio recorded music to be released by Blue Note Records.

5. Comics Industry Asks ‘NYT’ to Restore Graphic Bestseller Lists

A little more than a year since the New York Times eliminated a number of bestseller lists—including the graphic novel and manga lists—literary agent Charlie Olsen has collected more than 900 signatures on a letter appealing to the paper to restore the comics lists.

4. Gina Gagliano to Head New RHCB Graphic Novel Imprint

Random House Children’s Books announced plans to launch Random House Graphic, a dedicated graphic novel imprint under the direction of Gina Gagliano, who will join the new imprint as its publishing director. Random House Graphic will release its first books in fall 2019.

3. Abrams Cancels Controversial ‘Suicide Bomber’ Graphic Novel

Abrams cancelled the planned May 2019 publication of a graphic novel on its ComicsArts list, A Suicide Bomber Sits in the Library by Jack Gantos, illustrated by Dave McKean. The move followed the circulation of an open letter and criticism on social media and elsewhere surrounding its content.

2. Comics Retailers Hope to Rebound in 2018

Bad weather, political discord, and a changing market all contributed to a decline in sales last year—especially at comics shops.

1. Check, Please! Year Four Debuts Online June 11

Check, Please!, Ngozi Ukazu's popular LGBTQ hockey and pie-baking webcomic and graphic novel series, will kick off its fourth and final year online on June 11.