Iowa Picks a Favorite Superhero Based on Comic Book Sales

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When needed, people often turn to their superheroes.

Comics flew off the shelves as the world went into lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to surges in Marvel and DC comic book sales that continued into 2022, according to data released this week by Wise. Voter, a national survey platform.

The site, which analyzed favorite comic book superheroes by state, reported that the comic book market grew more than 60% in print and digital sales nationwide from 2020 to 2021. Marvel recorded a market share of 32%, while DC recorded 27%.

When it comes to America’s favorite superhero, the answer is clear: Spider-Man. Spidey comics were top sellers in 25 states, including some of neighboring Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri and Illinois, according to Wise Voter.

Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is followed by Gotham City’s Batman, which topped sales in 10 states, and Superman, which topped sales in four states.

Overall, the DC vs. Marvel battle was won by Marvel fans, who took control of 32 states, Wise Voter reported.

The Wise Voter survey platform has determined America's favorite comic book superhero by state based on comic book sales between 2020 and 2021. In a surprising turn of events, Aquaman, monarch of Atlantis and King of the Seven Seas, took first place in Iowa.

So who is Iowa’s favorite hero? Aquaman, monarch of Atlantis and king of the seven seas, took first place in the state of Hawkeye where he has a real bitch

According to DC, Aquaman, aka Arthur Curry, is one of the most powerful superheroes in the DC Universe commanding a “(fictional) kingdom that covers three-quarters of the Earth’s surface, including all creatures that ‘it contains”. Aquaman is a founding member of the Justice League of America and has fought alongside Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.

It also doesn’t hurt Jason Momoa, who starred as Curry/Aquaman in the Warner Bros. movie Aquaman. 2018, spent much of his childhood in Norwalk and graduated from Norwalk High School.

After:Actor Jason Momoa dines at Tasty Tacos in Iowa right after his Oscar appearance

Here are Iowa’s top five favorite superheroes ranked, based on comic book sales from 2020-2021:

  1. Aquaman
  2. Batman
  3. Spider Man
  4. Iron Man
  5. Superman

Virginia Barreda is a trend and general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. His favorite superhero is Batman, although Iron Man is right behind. She can be reached at vbarreda@dmreg.com or on Twitter at @vbarreda2.