VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT June 2017 Solicitations

[jeremycoe]

http://www.newsarama.com/33674-valiant- ... tions.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jeremycoe]

Faith ends with issue #12. Just in time for Harbinger: Renegade to start back up in July.

[Zhuge1]

Anyone else think the X-O trade being labeled "Volume 1" could be confusing to potential new readers?

[BugsySig]

Anyone else think the X-O trade being labeled "Volume 1" could be confusing to potential new readers?

That is a strange choice considering the last series only ended in 2016...it's not like there's been 5-10 years between them.

Also, what's with the Shadowman look with the enchanted ropes? I thought the whole point of the Ninjak Deadside arc was that Jack wound up free of the bindings? Still, I like this supernatural team. Add in EW and Dr. Mirage and you'd have a real solid team of "Deadsiders."

[TheeBaldMoose]

Faith ends with issue #12. Just in time for Harbinger: Renegade to start back up in July.

I really thought Faith would last longer. At least this wasn't because of sales, it had more to do with the mega war coming up

[possumgrease]

Also, what's with the Shadowman look with the enchanted ropes? I thought the whole point of the Ninjak Deadside arc was that Jack wound up free of the bindings? Still, I like this supernatural team. Add in EW and Dr. Mirage and you'd have a real solid team of "Deadsiders."

Good point. What is up with the ropes? I hope the story explains. Possibly anytime he enters the Deadside, the ropes reappear.

[jeremycoe]

Faith ends with issue #12. Just in time for Harbinger: Renegade to start back up in July.

I really thought Faith would last longer. At least this wasn't because of sales, it had more to do with the mega war coming up

I don't think we honestly know what it was because of, just speculation all of it.

[Zhuge1]

Also, what's with the Shadowman look with the enchanted ropes? I thought the whole point of the Ninjak Deadside arc was that Jack wound up free of the bindings? Still, I like this supernatural team. Add in EW and Dr. Mirage and you'd have a real solid team of "Deadsiders."

Good point. What is up with the ropes? I hope the story explains. Possibly anytime he enters the Deadside, the ropes reappear.

Would be nice to see this book resolve some of the issues with Shadowman. I really hate what they've done with the character after the second Shadowman story arc.

[grendeljd]

Really sticking hard to that 6 book limit again here...

I'll be getting the Secret Weapons 1-4 pre-order bundle for sure!

[Thegreatmagnet]

Does it say for sure that Faith is ending? It might just be the final battle with the Faithless. I don't think Valiant should be cancelling any books when their line is only 6-7 strong...plus she is pictured in the Icons art.

Also, what happened to Ninjak? They didn't say anything about #27 being the final issue in the May solicits.

Also, seriously, another 6 book month? What is up with that? How are we supposed to be excited about only six books? I thought we were getting "all the toys" back this year, but through June, all we have is XO. I really hope they do that summit soon!

[Shadowman99]

Does it say for sure that Faith is ending? It might just be the final battle with the Faithless. I don't think Valiant should be cancelling any books when their line is only 6-7 strong...plus she is pictured in the Icons art.

Also, what happened to Ninjak? They didn't say anything about #27 being the final issue in the May solicits.

Also, seriously, another 6 book month? What is up with that? How are we supposed to be excited about only six books? I thought we were getting "all the toys" back this year, but through June, all we have is XO. I really hope they do that summit soon!

The article at the top there specifically states "Final Issue" for Faith#12. With Harbinger resuming again the following month it seems a pretty reliable indicator that vol.2 of Faith is ending.

Although "Final Issue" hasn't been stated specifically for Ninjak#27, Rapture#1 is out in the same month so it seems as though Rapture is more or less a direct continuation of the Ninjak comic, albeit under a different title. It'll be most interesting to see what happens to Ninjak the month following Rapture#4 - I think it's pretty much out there in the open as far as the public is concerned right now.

These upcoming months where VEI are currently only putting out a few comics is fine with me. Quality over quantity Having said that, like Magnet said above VEI told the public that they'd be getting all their 'big toys' out again this month and sure, XO's burst back on to the scene in a big way but I don't think Rapture was quite the reappearance of Shadowman that most were expecting/hoping for (although there are hints that this book is a starting point for Shadowman's return to the forefront of the VU afterwards, so we'll see...) and Harbinger's already on the table. Bloodshot is returning late in the year in Salvation. A+A is finished up and Divinity's had its run for the year.

To recap then, by the end of this year we'll have seen:

Shadowman
Ninjak
XO Manowar
Harbinger
Faith
Divinity
Bloodshot
Archer and Armstrong

When you look at it that way it does look as though VEI has kept their promise of getting all their big characters out again this year, but at the moment it doesn't feel to me as though the 'game with all the big toys' is going to be quite as exciting as we'd all hoped, given what we've already seen/know of some of the titles.

[pixierosa]

Does it say for sure that Faith is ending? It might just be the final battle with the Faithless. I don't think Valiant should be cancelling any books when their line is only 6-7 strong...plus she is pictured in the Icons art.

Also, what happened to Ninjak? They didn't say anything about #27 being the final issue in the May solicits.

Also, seriously, another 6 book month? What is up with that? How are we supposed to be excited about only six books? I thought we were getting "all the toys" back this year, but through June, all we have is XO. I really hope they do that summit soon!

Rapture is still going on, so maybe the Ninjak solo is on hold while he's part of that event.

As for Faith, I'm guessing the solo title will be back after the Harbinger event. Houser has been writing it since the original miniseries. They may use the downtime to either let her recharge or to get ready to introduce a new writer.

This 6 book month might be the new norm for a while. Valiant did say their new focus isn't on expansion but core characters. I can't wait until Dysart's Imperium finale hits. Also eager to see Rai and War Mother. I'm glad they've got Tama back in action with the Rapture mini. Kindt says she's one of his new favorites, so hopefully we'll have more Geomancer appearances going forward.

[betterthanezra]

Does it say for sure that Faith is ending? It might just be the final battle with the Faithless. I don't think Valiant should be cancelling any books when their line is only 6-7 strong...plus she is pictured in the Icons art.

Also, what happened to Ninjak? They didn't say anything about #27 being the final issue in the May solicits.

Also, seriously, another 6 book month? What is up with that? How are we supposed to be excited about only six books? I thought we were getting "all the toys" back this year, but through June, all we have is XO. I really hope they do that summit soon!

The article at the top there specifically states "Final Issue" for Faith#12. With Harbinger resuming again the following month it seems a pretty reliable indicator that vol.2 of Faith is ending.

Although "Final Issue" hasn't been stated specifically for Ninjak#27, Rapture#1 is out in the same month so it seems as though Rapture is more or less a direct continuation of the Ninjak comic, albeit under a different title. It'll be most interesting to see what happens to Ninjak the month following Rapture#4 - I think it's pretty much out there in the open as far as the public is concerned right now.

These upcoming months where VEI are currently only putting out a few comics is fine with me. Quality over quantity Having said that, like Magnet said above VEI told the public that they'd be getting all their 'big toys' out again this month and sure, XO's burst back on to the scene in a big way but I don't think Rapture was quite the reappearance of Shadowman that most were expecting/hoping for (although there are hints that this book is a starting point for Shadowman's return to the forefront of the VU afterwards, so we'll see...) and Harbinger's already on the table. Bloodshot is returning late in the year in Salvation. A+A is finished up and Divinity's had its run for the year.

To recap then, by the end of this year we'll have seen:

Shadowman
Ninjak
XO Manowar
Harbinger
Faith
Divinity
Bloodshot
Archer and Armstrong

When you look at it that way it does look as though VEI has kept their promise of getting all their big characters out again this year, but at the moment it doesn't feel to me as though the 'game with all the big toys' is going to be quite as exciting as we'd all hoped, given what we've already seen/know of some of the titles.

I would be SHOCKED if SM has his own title before years end...SHOCKED

-Brian

[mkb28]

Does it say for sure that Faith is ending? It might just be the final battle with the Faithless. I don't think Valiant should be cancelling any books when their line is only 6-7 strong...plus she is pictured in the Icons art.

Also, what happened to Ninjak? They didn't say anything about #27 being the final issue in the May solicits.

Also, seriously, another 6 book month? What is up with that? How are we supposed to be excited about only six books? I thought we were getting "all the toys" back this year, but through June, all we have is XO. I really hope they do that summit soon!

Rapture is still going on, so maybe the Ninjak solo is on hold while he's part of that event.

As for Faith, I'm guessing the solo title will be back after the Harbinger event. Houser has been writing it since the original miniseries. They may use the downtime to either let her recharge or to get ready to introduce a new writer.

This 6 book month might be the new norm for a while. Valiant did say their new focus isn't on expansion but core characters. I can't wait until Dysart's Imperium finale hits. Also eager to see Rai and War Mother. I'm glad they've got Tama back in action with the Rapture mini. Kindt says she's one of his new favorites, so hopefully we'll have more Geomancer appearances going forward.

Pixierosa:

I am anxiously waiting for this too. Is there something in the works currently or is this just wishful thinking?

Thanks,

Mkb28

[Thegreatmagnet]

Ninjak 27 is being released in May alongside Rapture #1, but there is no explanation about whether it's a standalone issue or the start of an arc. It also doesn't make any mention about being a final issue. If it's going on hiatus, why not say so? I think the vagueries in their messaging are getting frustrating (imo), especially when some people are clearly nervous about their future.

[BugsySig]

Does it say for sure that Faith is ending? It might just be the final battle with the Faithless. I don't think Valiant should be cancelling any books when their line is only 6-7 strong...plus she is pictured in the Icons art.

Also, what happened to Ninjak? They didn't say anything about #27 being the final issue in the May solicits.

Also, seriously, another 6 book month? What is up with that? How are we supposed to be excited about only six books? I thought we were getting "all the toys" back this year, but through June, all we have is XO. I really hope they do that summit soon!

Rapture is still going on, so maybe the Ninjak solo is on hold while he's part of that event.

As for Faith, I'm guessing the solo title will be back after the Harbinger event. Houser has been writing it since the original miniseries. They may use the downtime to either let her recharge or to get ready to introduce a new writer.

This 6 book month might be the new norm for a while. Valiant did say their new focus isn't on expansion but core characters. I can't wait until Dysart's Imperium finale hits. Also eager to see Rai and War Mother. I'm glad they've got Tama back in action with the Rapture mini. Kindt says she's one of his new favorites, so hopefully we'll have more Geomancer appearances going forward.

Pixierosa:

I am anxiously waiting for this too. Is there something in the works currently or is this just wishful thinking?

Thanks,

Mkb28

There's been some twitter comments about the story not being done and just wait and things like that from both Dino and Dysart. Dinesh has also teased War Mother returning eventually.

Ninjak 27 is being released in May alongside Rapture #1, but there is no explanation about whether it's a standalone issue or the start of an arc. It also doesn't make any mention about being a final issue. If it's going on hiatus, why not say so? I think the vagueries in their messaging are getting frustrating (imo), especially when some people are clearly nervous about their future.

Do you mean the future of the title or the future of the company? At this point if anyone is worried about the company, they're pretty dumb. VEI has film and tv in development and are consistently making as much money off of their 6-10 titles/month as companies who publish 2-3 times that amount. They've never shipped a book late and employ several of the industry's top talents in both writing and art. They sell VALIANT titles in foreign countries and in foreign language editions. Their TPBs are starting to pop up in Barnes & Noble (I've personally seen Faith, Divinity and The Valiant at my local stores). And let's not forget Comixology sales, Amazon sales, convention sales, licensed merchandise sales (y'know like those POP! Vinyls and their t-shirts at Hot Topic)...They're not going anywhere anytime soon.

[possumgrease]

In Dysart's AMA last year, he indicated that he would be returning to finish Imperium or finish where that story was leading.

"To that end, if you felt unsatisfied by the ending of Imperium, it's because it's not over yet. Satisfaction is coming. It's cooking now. Thanks for reading it!"

It seemed clear that he wouldn't be completing his envisioned redemption arc for Pete. He also indicated a desire to write Shadowman.

Interesting read through if you have the time.

https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/com ... h=993b96bf

[mkb28]

Thanks Bugsy and Possum.

[Thegreatmagnet]

On the Facebook groups and on r/valiant (reddit), people are asking "is Valiant in trouble" right now. This includes some who are Podcasters, not just random fans.

As for film and TV, those projects are in development. on the latest OTV episode, they make a point to say that those projects are not in the bank until they actually start Production. We've been hearing about films for years, but there's not a lot of concrete news. For example, Harbinger is slated for a 2018 release, but so far no cast or director. Not a lot of time until 2018...

I'm not saying they are in trouble, but why let people speculate?

[Keith]

http://www.valiantfans.com/forum/viewto ... =1&t=38849" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.valiantfans.com/forum/viewto ... =1&t=42431" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[BugsySig]

On the Facebook groups and on r/valiant (reddit), people are asking "is Valiant in trouble" right now. This includes some who are Podcasters, not just random fans.

As for film and TV, those projects are in development. on the latest OTV episode, they make a point to say that those projects are not in the bank until they actually start Production. We've been hearing about films for years, but there's not a lot of concrete news. For example, Harbinger is slated for a 2018 release, but so far no cast or director. Not a lot of time until 2018...

I'm not saying they are in trouble, but why let people speculate?

I would add that those people don't understand the film industry. I had heard about a Ryan Reynolds Deadpool movie for what seems like a decade before it actually happened (it was out there before Green Lantern was ever made). And even then it took Reynolds producing his own trailer in order to get enough interest to get it made!

It's easy to look at Marvel or DC, who are literally owned by movie production studios and can turn a film around in 1-2 years from announcement to theaters, and forget that it often takes years for movies to get made...if ever.

Even if those films never do get made, however, VEI is more than viable as a small comic book publisher in today's market. They're not a public company, so we may never know their costs, profits, debts, credits, etc...But simply by comparison to Dynamite, Boom!, IDW, Titan, etc, they appear to be just as competitive in publishing, with more licensing/merchandising agreements of their own, and without the added cost of IP licensing and creator-owned pay-outs.

If people are worried because their current strategy includes rotating in mini and maxi series, renumbering series, and not carrying ongoings past 25 or 50 issues...no one seems to think Marvel or DC is going under for doing that

[greg]

If people are worried because their current strategy includes rotating in mini and maxi series, renumbering series, and not carrying ongoings past 25 or 50 issues...no one seems to think Marvel or DC is going under for doing that

To be fair... it's entirely possible that Marvel and DC publishing is not profitable. The movies are profitable, and the comics are a necessary component, but those parent companies may see comic publishing as "marketing" for the movies, rather than caring if the publishing arm is actually profitable.

The comparisons to smaller publishers, particularly those with licensing or creator-owned royalties are better examples... and Valiant is doing better "per book" than any of those.

[Bkbboy]

So is Rapture or Secret Weapons Valiant's summer event this year? Or are they just minis and Valiant is foregoing an event this year?

[BugsySig]

So is Rapture or Secret Weapons Valiant's summer event this year? Or are they just minis and Valiant is foregoing an event this year?

No "Event" this year according to Dino. Just really heavy pushes for their new series like XO, Secret Weapons, Bloodshot: Salvation, and Rapture.

[BugsySig]

If people are worried because their current strategy includes rotating in mini and maxi series, renumbering series, and not carrying ongoings past 25 or 50 issues...no one seems to think Marvel or DC is going under for doing that

To be fair... it's entirely possible that Marvel and DC publishing is not profitable. The movies are profitable, and the comics are a necessary component, but those parent companies may see comic publishing as "marketing" for the movies, rather than caring if the publishing arm is actually profitable.

The comparisons to smaller publishers, particularly those with licensing or creator-owned royalties are better examples... and Valiant is doing better "per book" than any of those.

That's fair, re: Marvel/DC, but it's not like they weren't around for a long time before the recent film success--of Marvel at least...not sure what you'd call DC's movies, but their TV and direct to DVD movies are pretty successful.

I'm not saying movies/TV wouldn't help, but I do think their publishing is sustainable without them.