LET'S TALK: Valiant

[the1captain]

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/12/18/ ... -february/

Valiant moves to be a FOC company with Diamond. Looking at the list of other comic companies that are FOC I'm really hoping this may lead to Valiant eventually becoming a "premier" publisher with Diamond. Meaning more exposure at the front of the previews catalog and not buried at the back.

[Perry]

... Meaning more exposure at the front of the previews catalog and not buried at the back.

I so hope this is true. Would be great. And much like the ladies at Playa d'Es Cavallet, I want them to get as much exposure as possible. I have fallen for this company like nobody's business. Honestly, the last time I had this much enjoyment spewing forth from one company, aside from 70's Marvel, was when I was enamored with the ill fated CROSSGEN Universe.
*moment of silence*
Fortunately, it appears that VALIANT is taking the better approach to CG's 'too much, too fast' operational tactic and taking things nice and slow.

I have even decided to add ARCHER AND ARMSTRONG back on my pull to give it another chance. (*Ahem* honestly, it doesn't hurt that thanks to DCBS 'Valiant Bundle', it works out to be cheaper for me to get all the titles at 50% off than it is to get only four titles at 35% off. But hey, if it gets me enjoying said title, how can I lose?)

I am almost giddy with anticipation of each new Valiant issue. Much of that may stem from the fact that this is all new to me. Comics had pushed me away to the far reaches of space back in the 90's, when this universe first showed itself, so I missed it all. Though I am glad it is resonating with past buyers as well. For me, it still has that new car smell. Yet as crisp and exciting as these 'new to me' characters are, I also find them as warm and comforting as that cozy, blue blanket held by Linus van Pelt.

Overall, the best comics currently out there. Period.

This may not be my '70's Marvel, but damn if it isn't filling the void.

[JohnMayo]

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/12/18/ ... -february/

Valiant moves to be a FOC company with Diamond. Looking at the list of other comic companies that are FOC I'm really hoping this may lead to Valiant eventually becoming a "premier" publisher with Diamond. Meaning more exposure at the front of the previews catalog and not buried at the back.

I think this is more of a move to get more publishers part of the Final Order Cutoff program than any sort of indication that Valiant is going to move to the front half of Previews. Dynamite and Boom are much more likely to move into the front half before Valiant does and even that seems unlikely. Over the past decade or so since the front/back split in Previews, only IDW has moved from the back of Previews into the premiere publisher section at the front of Previews.

[Perry]

Hope Smasher. That's what your comic name is, John.

[BobBretall]

Overall, the best comics currently out there. Period.

This may not be my '70's Marvel, but damn if it isn't filling the void.

I will agree with you on this!

[HipHopHead]

Overall, the best comics currently out there. Period.

This may not be my '70's Marvel, but damn if it isn't filling the void.

I will agree with you on this!

DITTO!! not DIDO

Valiant is doing an excellent job with their line of comics. I hope they continue to pace themselves and grow line Kirkman's Skybound Imprint. A shout-out should also go to DCBS for supporting this publisher with thier bundle discounts. Even if or dare I say "when?" the discounts end, I will be getting every issue.

Looking forward to the Harbinger Wars which will run through Harbinger, Bloodshot and the 4 issue limited series Harbinger Wars.

go to http://valiantuniverse.com/news/ for greater detail.

Planet Death in X-O Manowar

These are my must read books AND they are putting out the original VH1 material as well via Comixology.

[the1captain]

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page ... e&id=42743

Reading between the lines I don't think they are trying to paint a postive spin on the numbers. I think they are genually happy with the sales so far. Staying the course and not trying to overhype or drastically change anything in a panic to generate sales. Look forward to more.

And by the way, I'm I the only one that doesn't see the appeal of Quantum and Woody?

[BadDeacon]

W00T Valiant!

I love what they are doing more and more with each issue. Harbinger is my favorite title, Josh is really writing quite a story. In Harby 7 he managed to tell the story that takes place in a strip club, with less cheescake than the average DC book.

I've kinda felt like the "greater" titles were Harby and X-O, and the "lesser" titles were Bloodshot and A&A, though I feel like Bloodshot and A&A are catching up a bit with the current arcs.

http://onlythevaliant.com/

Good podcast about all things Valiant.

I join you in recommending OnlyTheValiant. Good stuff!

I agree, that OTV show is the jam! (Thanks guys!)

[BadDeacon]

I think this is more of a move to get more publishers part of the Final Order Cutoff program than any sort of indication that Valiant is going to move to the front half of Previews. Dynamite and Boom are much more likely to move into the front half before Valiant does and even that seems unlikely. Over the past decade or so since the front/back split in Previews, only IDW has moved from the back of Previews into the premiere publisher section at the front of Previews.

The "inside baseball" info that I've heard is that Valiant certainly wants to get in to the front half of Previews. From what I've heard, there isn't an official "magic number" that automatically gets a publisher bumped up, but unofficially, there is a target to hit. I have no idea what that number is though (I'm not that inside baseball). I think it's reasonable to think they would have to have sales at about (or at last) the IDW level to get there.

[JohnMayo]

I think this is more of a move to get more publishers part of the Final Order Cutoff program than any sort of indication that Valiant is going to move to the front half of Previews. Dynamite and Boom are much more likely to move into the front half before Valiant does and even that seems unlikely. Over the past decade or so since the front/back split in Previews, only IDW has moved from the back of Previews into the premiere publisher section at the front of Previews.

The "inside baseball" info that I've heard is that Valiant certainly wants to get in to the front half of Previews. From what I've heard, there isn't an official "magic number" that automatically gets a publisher bumped up, but unofficially, there is a target to hit. I have no idea what that number is though (I'm not that inside baseball). I think it's reasonable to think they would have to have sales at about (or at last) the IDW level to get there.

What I've heard in the past (and this could be completely off base) is a publisher needs to have 5% market share on a sustained basis. I heard this years ago when CrossGen was looking like it might grow into that range. Of course, a few months later CrossGen imploded.

I've also heard rumor that the other premiere publishers might have to either vote the new publisher in or possibly have some sort of veto rights but I have never gotten that part even remotely confirmed.

[BadDeacon]

What I've heard in the past (and this could be completely off base) is a publisher needs to have 5% market share on a sustained basis. I heard this years ago when CrossGen was looking like it might grow into that range. Of course, a few months later CrossGen imploded.

I've also heard rumor that the other premiere publishers might have to either vote the new publisher in or possibly have some sort of veto rights but I have never gotten that part even remotely confirmed.

I've heard 5% in the not-recent past too, though I have no idea where. It could be hard fact, or could equally be a self-propagating meme based on nothing? (I have no idea)

I imagine it is all closed-room deals, and part of those deals is never revealing what the deal is.

[Gilgabob]

I've also heard rumor that the other premiere publishers might have to either vote the new publisher in or possibly have some sort of veto rights but I have never gotten that part even remotely confirmed.

If this is true it would underscore another one of the weird business models in the comic book field. Bizarre.

[the1captain]

http://www.comixology.com/Valiant-Free- ... ured/14090

Free #1's both old and new Valiant on Comixology. I'll post this in the free digital thread as well. Wow. Can't say Valiant isn't trying to get people to try their books.

[BobBretall]

http://www.comixology.com/Valiant-Free- ... ured/14090

Free #1's both old and new Valiant on Comixology. I'll post this in the free digital thread as well. Wow. Can't say Valiant isn't trying to get people to try their books.

Very cool! Snagged the 9 (of the 11) that I didn't already have in my library.

[the1captain]

So I just read a couple of new books. I'll be a month or so behind the new releases as I wait for the dollar drop on comixology. My ceiling for spending on a monthly book was 1.99 for digital. But for Valiant only I'm breaking that rule and going to 2.99.

HARBINGER #6- Wow. The best issue so far. And a more or less done in one. Out of nowhere Kris became my favourite character in this series. To think out of the 5 series this was the one I almost didn't try. Great stuff.

SHADOWMAN #2-Great art. Interesting characters. Good job building the tension for the return of Master Darque.

BLOODSHOT #5-I was never a fan of the character in the 1990's. BUt great art, interesting supporting characters. Fun interaction between Bloodshot and his nanites. It helps break up the tension and exposition by giving the nanites a dry sense of humor. I laughed out loud at the line "don't you have enough women in your life?"

Overall observation. When reading all 5 series I noticed something that I don't believe is a coincidence. All 5 series appear to go out of their way to develop and make interesting their supporting characters. Whether good or bad guys. Even if it's only a panel and/or line or two. They give these characters some background that makes them more interesting.