Part 9/13:
The industry’s inability to attract younger readers is contrasted with the success of manga and anime, which thrive because they authentically appeal to a broad demographic with action, adventure, and escapism. American comics, in contrast, often feature conversations and social commentary that don’t appeal to younger audiences seeking escapist narratives. The declining sales, with some titles dropping to as low as 12,000 copies sold, are compounded by rampant piracy and illegal downloads, further eroding profitability.