BoD #1 was the 1st appearance of *NEW* Female Hero

[Elveen]

Here is the flip side. Valiant currently has ZERO back issue heat. They had some for a sec with Divinity, and DBS is trying his best to get some going (great job DBS) but they NEED some book that can get some spec heat. They need it as a company to create interest in the line.

My concern on some of these books is Valiant collectors rushing out to buy the books and in a week or two the market moves on and the books lose their value and it burns out the fan base. I guess I'm trying to be a little more cautious. I Gotta give DBS credit though I love his enthusiasm even if I don't always agree with it.

But Valiant needs some of this. They need a book that people can search for. Just like they, at some point, need a booth at SDCC. It validates them. How can you be a comic book publishing company and have ZERO spec books? They need it. I believe the movies will be the BIG beginning for them in this regard, but if some peeps start looking for BoD #1 cause Valiant TOLD THEM that an important 1st app is in there.... then good.

I agree that speculation is good as long as it brings in readers along with the flippers/speculators. I like seeing back issues increase in value, but I want to see the monthly sales numbers increase more.

I completely agree. But one of the ways a new fashion designer gets to be successful is if some "hot" popular actress wears there clothes at some time. Then the other fashion hounds jump on board.

Just a thought.

[nycjadie]

Here is the flip side. Valiant currently has ZERO back issue heat. They had some for a sec with Divinity, and DBS is trying his best to get some going (great job DBS) but they NEED some book that can get some spec heat. They need it as a company to create interest in the line.

My concern on some of these books is Valiant collectors rushing out to buy the books and in a week or two the market moves on and the books lose their value and it burns out the fan base. I guess I'm trying to be a little more cautious. I Gotta give DBS credit though I love his enthusiasm even if I don't always agree with it.

But Valiant needs some of this. They need a book that people can search for. Just like they, at some point, need a booth at SDCC. It validates them. How can you be a comic book publishing company and have ZERO spec books? They need it. I believe the movies will be the BIG beginning for them in this regard, but if some peeps start looking for BoD #1 cause Valiant TOLD THEM that an important 1st app is in there.... then good.

I agree that speculation is good as long as it brings in readers along with the flippers/speculators. I like seeing back issues increase in value, but I want to see the monthly sales numbers increase more.

I completely agree. But one of the ways a new fashion designer gets to be successful is if some "hot" popular actress wears there clothes at some time. Then the other fashion hounds jump on board.

Just a thought.

Definitely a danger in speculation. I worried about that with Divinity, but so far, it's held value. I'm pretty cautious on Book of Death as well. However, if you can buy cheap, I think it's worth it.

[BugsySig]

Marvel and DC don't need back issue heat to stay relevant. VEI might, but it's other media that's going to be the equivalent of the hot actress wearing a new designer's clothes. When Sony puts out Bloodshot and Harbinger, that will do way more than any manufactured interest on a back issue. I'd say the BoD first appearances are more the equivalent of a wrestling heel making fun of the city they're in to gain some cheap heat with the crowd instead of getting over based on their talent in the ring.

[bygranddesign]

I think the danger here for people going a little overboard buying up a bunch of pricey incentives -- is that we don't know how important this character really will be. IMO, I don't think this is going to be Brittania. This might be Savage who may only be the equivalent of Punk Mambo in terms of importance. A nice character that might get some guest starring roles ... but isn't the big female icon that valiant will be pushing in the future.

[jmatt]

Now you've potentially decreased demand for 4001 AD #1 as the first appearance of a major new character and/or the characters first eponymous #1 issue.

My point exactly. Nonetheless, this all fun and it will be interesting to see how the market decides.

Anyone notice that afro-halo chick just appeared in BS:R? I don't think that was supposed to be Livewire.

[Shadowman99]

-

[Keith]

Now you've potentially decreased demand for 4001 AD #1 as the first appearance of a major new character and/or the characters first eponymous #1 issue.

My point exactly. Nonetheless, this all fun and it will be interesting to see how the market decides.

Anyone notice that afro-halo chick just appeared in BS:R? I don't think that was supposed to be Livewire.

Yeah, pretty sure that ain't Livewire.

You know who else has halos? Angels.

I wonder if she has two friends who didn't make it into the illustration?

[mkb28]

Here is the flip side. Valiant currently has ZERO back issue heat. They had some for a sec with Divinity, and DBS is trying his best to get some going (great job DBS) but they NEED some book that can get some spec heat. They need it as a company to create interest in the line.

My concern on some of these books is Valiant collectors rushing out to buy the books and in a week or two the market moves on and the books lose their value and it burns out the fan base. I guess I'm trying to be a little more cautious. I Gotta give DBS credit though I love his enthusiasm even if I don't always agree with it.

But Valiant needs some of this. They need a book that people can search for. Just like they, at some point, need a booth at SDCC. It validates them. How can you be a comic book publishing company and have ZERO spec books? They need it. I believe the movies will be the BIG beginning for them in this regard, but if some peeps start looking for BoD #1 cause Valiant TOLD THEM that an important 1st app is in there.... then good.

I agree that speculation is good as long as it brings in readers along with the flippers/speculators. I like seeing back issues increase in value, but I want to see the monthly sales numbers increase more.

I completely agree. But one of the ways a new fashion designer gets to be successful is if some "hot" popular actress wears there clothes at some time. Then the other fashion hounds jump on board.

Just a thought.

Definitely a danger in speculation. I worried about that with Divinity, but so far, it's held value. I'm pretty cautious on Book of Death as well. However, if you can buy cheap, I think it's worth it.

My Divinity slab purchase has not held it's value. I paid $100.00 for Divinity 1 CGC 9.8 and I can't get rid of it at $48.00. I even paired up Divinity 2 CGC 9.8 and no buyers at $85.00. I am going to go on the record to say that Divinity II will be a big seller for Valiant, but I believe the variants will be available for cheap on eBay within a couple of months. Everybody and their brother know about Divinity now, so this one will be over speculated. Just my humble opinion.

Mkb28

[nycjadie]

Here is the flip side. Valiant currently has ZERO back issue heat. They had some for a sec with Divinity, and DBS is trying his best to get some going (great job DBS) but they NEED some book that can get some spec heat. They need it as a company to create interest in the line.

My concern on some of these books is Valiant collectors rushing out to buy the books and in a week or two the market moves on and the books lose their value and it burns out the fan base. I guess I'm trying to be a little more cautious. I Gotta give DBS credit though I love his enthusiasm even if I don't always agree with it.

But Valiant needs some of this. They need a book that people can search for. Just like they, at some point, need a booth at SDCC. It validates them. How can you be a comic book publishing company and have ZERO spec books? They need it. I believe the movies will be the BIG beginning for them in this regard, but if some peeps start looking for BoD #1 cause Valiant TOLD THEM that an important 1st app is in there.... then good.

I agree that speculation is good as long as it brings in readers along with the flippers/speculators. I like seeing back issues increase in value, but I want to see the monthly sales numbers increase more.

I completely agree. But one of the ways a new fashion designer gets to be successful is if some "hot" popular actress wears there clothes at some time. Then the other fashion hounds jump on board.

Just a thought.

Definitely a danger in speculation. I worried about that with Divinity, but so far, it's held value. I'm pretty cautious on Book of Death as well. However, if you can buy cheap, I think it's worth it.

My Divinity slab purchase has not held it's value. I paid $100.00 for Divinity 1 CGC 9.8 and I can't get rid of it at $48.00. I even paired up Divinity 2 CGC 9.8 and no buyers at $85.00. I am going to go on the record to say that Divinity II will be a big seller for Valiant, but I believe the variants will be available for cheap on eBay within a couple of months. Everybody and their brother know about Divinity now, so this one will be over speculated. Just my humble opinion.

Mkb28

Ouch, so sorry for that one. I did well, but perhaps I sold at a better time. I will say, I do indeed still have a handful of unsold slabs. The 3 #1 LaRosa variants I bought at launch were an amazing investment. I still think the #1 and #3 issues will be solid Valiant keys long term, with the (alleged) first appearances.

For the record, I totally agree with you on Divinity II. Not a lot of potential value in my opinion.

[mkb28]

Here is the flip side. Valiant currently has ZERO back issue heat. They had some for a sec with Divinity, and DBS is trying his best to get some going (great job DBS) but they NEED some book that can get some spec heat. They need it as a company to create interest in the line.

My concern on some of these books is Valiant collectors rushing out to buy the books and in a week or two the market moves on and the books lose their value and it burns out the fan base. I guess I'm trying to be a little more cautious. I Gotta give DBS credit though I love his enthusiasm even if I don't always agree with it.

But Valiant needs some of this. They need a book that people can search for. Just like they, at some point, need a booth at SDCC. It validates them. How can you be a comic book publishing company and have ZERO spec books? They need it. I believe the movies will be the BIG beginning for them in this regard, but if some peeps start looking for BoD #1 cause Valiant TOLD THEM that an important 1st app is in there.... then good.

I agree that speculation is good as long as it brings in readers along with the flippers/speculators. I like seeing back issues increase in value, but I want to see the monthly sales numbers increase more.

I completely agree. But one of the ways a new fashion designer gets to be successful is if some "hot" popular actress wears there clothes at some time. Then the other fashion hounds jump on board.

Just a thought.

Definitely a danger in speculation. I worried about that with Divinity, but so far, it's held value. I'm pretty cautious on Book of Death as well. However, if you can buy cheap, I think it's worth it.

My Divinity slab purchase has not held it's value. I paid $100.00 for Divinity 1 CGC 9.8 and I can't get rid of it at $48.00. I even paired up Divinity 2 CGC 9.8 and no buyers at $85.00. I am going to go on the record to say that Divinity II will be a big seller for Valiant, but I believe the variants will be available for cheap on eBay within a couple of months. Everybody and their brother know about Divinity now, so this one will be over speculated. Just my humble opinion.

Mkb28

Ouch, so sorry for that one. I did well, but perhaps I sold at a better time. I will say, I do indeed still have a handful of unsold slabs. The 3 #1 LaRosa variants I bought at launch were an amazing investment. I still think the #1 and #3 issues will be solid Valiant keys long term, with the (alleged) first appearances.

For the record, I totally agree with you on Divinity II. Not a lot of potential value in my opinion.

Glad to see that I am not alone in my opinion, Steve. I may just hold onto the two Divinity slabs and see if time allows my value to recover. I agree with you that #1 and #3 with all the different variants are where the money is at.

Thanks,

Michael

[Elveen]

You will be glad down the road that you did not sell the Divinity slabs.

They have big plans for this character.

Divinity = hold for now (if you can afford to have your $$$ just sitting)

[mkb28]

You will be glad down the road that you did not sell the Divinity slabs.

They have big plans for this character.

Divinity = hold for now (if you can afford to have your $$$ just sitting)

Good advice!

Mkb28

[depluto]

Generation Zero's first appearance was actually in Troublemakers.

[DirtbagSailor]

Divinity?

A friend on mine once said you do not gain or lose anything until you sell...

As for Divinity II? Well, issue #1 will prob sell a LOT of copies, as will issue #2 due to a huge wave of speculators and/or readers carried over from the first series.

Then, issues #3 and #4 will sell less copies (as expected) and those higher ratio variants will (likely) become the more significant of the series in-terms of scarcity relative to the others. Of course anything can (and will) happen based on the story and/or characters, but remember that Unity #1 had one of the largest print runs; and the higher ratio variants for Unity #2, #3, and #5 are among the absolute hardest to find variants released so far.

Everyone's all like "Divinity II won't be worth much..." and I'm just over here like "watch the numbers, and play it smart. We don't know what will happen, but it's a good bet that something will. It usually does."

[nycjadie]

So true, so true. The later issue variants are rare as heck.

Not every mini has lasting investment value. Dead Drop is a good example. But that year we also got The Valiant #4 and Divinity #1 & 3.

[Sven the Returned]

So true, so true. The later issue variants are rare as heck.

Not every mini has lasting investment value. Dead Drop is a good example. But that year we also got The Valiant #4 and Divinity #1 & 3.

I am sure Alex Kot will become infamous for being borderline craszy therefore making Dead Drop a good investment.

[Elveen]

So true, so true. The later issue variants are rare as heck.

Not every mini has lasting investment value. Dead Drop is a good example. But that year we also got The Valiant #4 and Divinity #1 & 3.

I am sure Alex Kot will become infamous for being borderline craszy therefore making Dead Drop a good investment.

I think Dead Drop is just best left to fade away.

[depluto]

So true, so true. The later issue variants are rare as heck.

Not every mini has lasting investment value. Dead Drop is a good example. But that year we also got The Valiant #4 and Divinity #1 & 3.

I am sure Alex Kot will become infamous for being borderline craszy therefore making Dead Drop a good investment.

I think Dead Drop is just best left to fade away.

In the Valiant Universe the ultimate superpower is now parkour.

[jmatt]

You will be glad down the road that you did not sell the Divinity slabs.

They have big plans for this character.

Divinity = hold for now (if you can afford to have your $$$ just sitting)

That's my plan. I may auction one of the sig books when Divinity II arrives, just for a little fun, but for the most part I'm gonna sit tight and wait until a movie appears. Once the market sees that this is all for real, prices will tick up.

[kjjohanson]

So true, so true. The later issue variants are rare as heck.

Not every mini has lasting investment value. Dead Drop is a good example. But that year we also got The Valiant #4 and Divinity #1 & 3.

I am sure Alex Kot will become infamous for being borderline craszy therefore making Dead Drop a good investment.

I don't know; that hasn't seemed to have helped Frank Miller's more recent work.

[Ramses818]

Before I start to echo everyone else here, I have to say DBS is the Devil! Yes the devil I say! *SQUEE* outed Bloodshot 10 before I could buy more! . Now that that is over, lol, of course it needs to have more of a back issue presents, and they can do this with things like the book of death's number one where the first appearances announced after it's already been out. I know I'm way late but I plan to include a con report from Long Beach last weekend (Fingers crossed tomorrow). I always tell people collect what you like. But that's just because I'm a collector I don't have to make this a business. I agree with you guys divinity two will be heavily ordered. I don't know how I feel about 4001, because obviously there could be other characters and things in it. As I've said since 2012 I'll just leave it all in Valiants hands as they have a solid plan in place already. And even though I have plenty of all of the covers I did buy a few more copies of number one just yesterday. So here's to more fun!

[DirtbagSailor]

Before I start to echo everyone else here, I have to say DBS is the Devil! Yes the devil I say! *SQUEE* outed Bloodshot 10 before I could buy more! .

You know I might just have an extra copy (or three) that I would be willing to sell...

[leonmallett]

So true, so true. The later issue variants are rare as heck.

Not every mini has lasting investment value. Dead Drop is a good example. But that year we also got The Valiant #4 and Divinity #1 & 3.

I am sure Alex Kot will become infamous for being borderline craszy therefore making Dead Drop a good investment.

I think Dead Drop is just best left to fade away.

That would be letting VEI off the hook to easily for what was a horrible misstep IMHO, and one that many of their core customers probably bought simply because it is a VALIANT book, myself included.

[Elveen]

So true, so true. The later issue variants are rare as heck.

Not every mini has lasting investment value. Dead Drop is a good example. But that year we also got The Valiant #4 and Divinity #1 & 3.

I am sure Alex Kot will become infamous for being borderline craszy therefore making Dead Drop a good investment.

I think Dead Drop is just best left to fade away.

That would be letting VEI off the hook to easily for what was a horrible misstep IMHO, and one that many of their core customers probably bought simply because it is a VALIANT book, myself included.

Bro, take this the right way please. And you can do whatever you like. But....

I think VEI has earned a bit of grace from us.

Dead Drop was not good. Yes. But "letting them off the hook to easily". ??????

Look at ALL the books VEI has put out. How many have been terrible? What %? How many have been GREAT? If a handful of books have been terrible, maybe some kinda bad, and the LARGE MAJORITY of the rest have been good to great to amazing (like the best ever)..... then what's the deal?

Are you really SO angry that you bought 4 books that sucked when you have bought like 100 (or more) that have been amazing (not good or even great, but amazing)????

It seems to me that Dead Drop got killed by most of us, so then..... let it go. Most of Shadowman was not good, I've said so, publicly, on the podcast. Then Let it go. I don't care for Q&W, I've said so, right to Dino's face, then Let it go.

I don't keep telling Dino every time I talk to him, "dude, most of Shadowman sucked". Over and over and over and over and over and over again. Why??????????? Why would I do that. Why?

I don't get the

That would be letting VEI off the hook to easily

Comment. I honestly don't.

Now I'm not saying we should only speak rainbows about everything VEI does, (listen to the podcast, I have no problem telling the truth about stuff I don't like) but state your opinion about how bad something is, the let it go.

Sometimes the negativity can be a bit overwhelming. This is a Valiant Fans site. We like Valiant. There is so much good to talk about, sometimes I think the moaning and complaining and the this sucks and all is too much.

I just don't get the idea of letting them off the hook comment. I don't. They don't owe you ANYTHING. You don't like what they are doing, then don't buy it. If you keep buying the books and they keep sucking, then stop buying. If you buy something and don't like it, but you have liked SO MUCH of what they have done. then hows about a touch of grace?


Again, you can post whatever you like. You did so for such a long time about how VEI was never gonna do it and how VEI was not going to be successful and all that stuff. It was like a monthly update from you, your monthly VEI is terrible posts.
Now....?????????

Again, post what you like. But, seriously bro, come on. Let it go.

Dead drop sucked (some of it, parts was actually ok, small parts). But just look at everything else they have done. Its been good to real good and some amazing. Does that count for anything?

Lastly, I DID buy all 4 issues of Dead Drop also. Do they owe me my $16?

Sorry to rant on you bro, really I am. But it seems to be a constant refrain sometimes, you know.

[Dallow Spicer1]

+1 on the Elveen perspective above, VEI's output has overwhelmingly been excellent. But there has been some rubbish too (less editing errors over the last year though) and I guess sometimes we get that invested in VEI as a company we take the failed experiments badly.

Out of interest Elveen, what did Dino say when you told him you didn't like Q&W? He seems open to feedback from fans (or that's how he seems)?