When it comes to comic sales what is the lowest number required to pass to avoid titles from cancellation? and in a way is it easier for smaller companies like Image, Vertigo, Dark Horse and so on to continue despite low numbers as opposed to the supply an

There is no hard and fast number. For example, Ms. Marvel does okay in the direct market but KILLS in digital sales. Other books only sell okay on newsstands but the overseas sales are significant. The biggest factor aside from direct sales is tpbs. A lot of Vertigo titles would not be viable, but then they destroy in tpbs and bookstore sales.

Additionally, each company is different, and some books are printed because they protect a trademark. Too many factors to give one number, sorry.

It’s also true that sometimes a successful book will still be canceled if editorial doesn’t like it or wants to try something new, or if the creator is a massive pain in the ass, or any of a dozen other reasons.