October 2016 Sales Discussion

[Keith]

And so it begins...

RETAIL MARKET SHARE
MARVEL COMICS - 35.89%
DC ENTERTAINMENT - 30.70%
IMAGE COMICS - 9.45%
IDW PUBLISHING - 4.70%
DARK HORSE COMICS - 3.47%
BOOM! STUDIOS - 2.85%
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT - 2.00%
TITAN COMICS - 1.23%
VIZ MEDIA - 0.88%
ONI PRESS - 0.81%
OTHER NON-TOP 10 - 8.00%

UNIT MARKET SHARE
MARVEL COMICS - 36.58%
DC ENTERTAINMENT - 34.76%
IMAGE COMICS - 8.83%
BOOM! STUDIOS - 5.55%
IDW PUBLISHING - 3.44%
DARK HORSE COMICS - 2.27%
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT - 1.54%
TITAN COMICS - 1.13%
VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT LLC - 0.69%
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS - 0.65%
OTHER NON-TOP 10 - 4.55%

Bleeding Cool has the top 100 issues and trades up. No Valiant issues made the top 100, but a new printing of X-O vol. 1 is #28, and the Valiant Masters Shadowman is #81

[Tim]

Ouch.....just .04% above Archie for God's sake....

Why happened in October?

[Nairbe]

Marvel back on top as well. Rebirth boost for DC wearing off?

[grendeljd]

Ouch.....just .04% above Archie for God's sake....

Why happened in October?

Only 8 titles in October?

[jeremycoe]

The .69% doesn't necessarily matter, especially since they're still top 10. I suspect the numbers of actual sales are around the same level, but marvel increased dramatically. We'll see when the top 300 list is released.

[greg]

Bleeding Cool has the top 100 issues and trades up. No Valiant issues made the top 100, but a new printing of X-O vol. 1 is #28, and the Valiant Masters Shadowman is #81

The X-O Vol. 1 trade is a book to note when it makes the list. Most of us would suggest it as the starting book for new readers, so high orders = new readers?

[ShadowTuga]

Bleeding Cool has the top 100 issues and trades up. No Valiant issues made the top 100, but a new printing of X-O vol. 1 is #28, and the Valiant Masters Shadowman is #81

The X-O Vol. 1 trade is a book to note when it makes the list. Most of us would suggest it as the starting book for new readers, so high orders = new readers?

That is very curious, indeed. Maybe the reflex of that Bat in the Sun promo already?

[Nairbe]

Bleeding Cool has the top 100 issues and trades up. No Valiant issues made the top 100, but a new printing of X-O vol. 1 is #28, and the Valiant Masters Shadowman is #81

The X-O Vol. 1 trade is a book to note when it makes the list. Most of us would suggest it as the starting book for new readers, so high orders = new readers?

That is very curious, indeed. Maybe the reflex of that Bat in the Sun promo already?

I would think we would see some movement on Ninjak as well if that was the case.

[ShadowTuga]

Bleeding Cool has the top 100 issues and trades up. No Valiant issues made the top 100, but a new printing of X-O vol. 1 is #28, and the Valiant Masters Shadowman is #81

The X-O Vol. 1 trade is a book to note when it makes the list. Most of us would suggest it as the starting book for new readers, so high orders = new readers?

That is very curious, indeed. Maybe the reflex of that Bat in the Sun promo already?

I would think we would see some movement on Ninjak as well if that was the case.

Good point. Will keep an eye on that.

[greg]

Bleeding Cool has the top 100 issues and trades up. No Valiant issues made the top 100, but a new printing of X-O vol. 1 is #28, and the Valiant Masters Shadowman is #81

The X-O Vol. 1 trade is a book to note when it makes the list. Most of us would suggest it as the starting book for new readers, so high orders = new readers?

That is very curious, indeed. Maybe the reflex of that Bat in the Sun promo already?

I would think we would see some movement on Ninjak as well if that was the case.

Good point. Will keep an eye on that.

I wonder if VEI uses a regular Diamond account to re-order their books for the convention booth? If so, that might be the VEI re-order amount if they recommend that convention goers start with X-O Vol 1... and it does mean more new readers.

[ShadowTuga]

Bleeding Cool has the top 100 issues and trades up. No Valiant issues made the top 100, but a new printing of X-O vol. 1 is #28, and the Valiant Masters Shadowman is #81

The X-O Vol. 1 trade is a book to note when it makes the list. Most of us would suggest it as the starting book for new readers, so high orders = new readers?

That is very curious, indeed. Maybe the reflex of that Bat in the Sun promo already?

I would think we would see some movement on Ninjak as well if that was the case.

Good point. Will keep an eye on that.

I wonder if VEI uses a regular Diamond account to re-order their books for the convention booth? If so, that might be the VEI re-order amount if they recommend that convention goers start with X-O Vol 1... and it does mean more new readers.

Good marketing strategy, if that's the case. Guy/girl comes to VEI booth in a con, clueless but curious: "You wanna read modern Valiant? That's where it all started, with this arc, 4 years ago."
And as you say, it does mean possible more new readers, at least.
AND on top of that, Vol. 2 introduces Ninjak, which, excepting Faith, is probably the most famous VEI character right now, and dare I say, non-fans are most curious about (he is very traditional superhero stuff, which plays to the more traditional comic book fanbase).

[greg]

Comics
163 Bloodshot Usa 1 $3.99 Valiant 14,509
208 Britannia 2 $3.99 Valiant 8,583
226 Faith 4 $3.99 Valiant 7,696
236 Bloodshot Reborn 18 $3.99 Valiant 7,193
260 Ninjak 20 $3.99 Valiant 5,876
262 Generation Zero 3 $3.99 Valiant 5,771
304 A&A 8 $3.99 Valiant 4,826
306 Wrath of the Eternal Warrior 12 $3.99 Valiant 4,796

Trades/Graphic Novels
28 X-O Manowar Vol. 1 by The Sword $9.99 Valiant 2,534
81 Valiant Masters Shadowman HC Vol. 1 Spirits Within $24.99 Valiant 1,348
121 4001 AD $14.99 Valiant 938
167 Rai Vol. 4 4001 Ad $14.99 Valiant 694
191 Valiant Masters Bloodshot HC Vol. 1 $24.99 Valiant 580
197 Wrath of the Eternal Warrior Vol. 2 Labyrinth $19.99 Valiant 556
264 Valiant Masters Ninjak HC Vol. 1 Black Water $24.99 Valiant 401
360 Valiant Masters Rai HC Vol. 1 $24.99 Valiant 297

[Nairbe]

260 Ninjak 20 $3.99 Valiant 5,876
262 Generation Zero 3 $3.99 Valiant 5,771
304 A&A 8 $3.99 Valiant 4,826
306 Wrath of the Eternal Warrior 12 $3.99 Valiant 4,796

YIKES!

We've seen a few books cancelled once they start dropping toward 5K. I said last month I think A&A is done at 12. Ninjak will probably be wrapped up soon.

But Gen Zero....*SQUEE*. I really wanted this book to do well.

[Dallow Spicer1]

260 Ninjak 20 $3.99 Valiant 5,876
262 Generation Zero 3 $3.99 Valiant 5,771
304 A&A 8 $3.99 Valiant 4,826
306 Wrath of the Eternal Warrior 12 $3.99 Valiant 4,796

YIKES!

We've seen a few books cancelled once they start dropping toward 5K. I said last month I think A&A is done at 12. Ninjak will probably be wrapped up soon.

But Gen Zero....*SQUEE*. I really wanted this book to do well.

I agree A&A will be done soon. I wanted Gen Zero to be good...it wasn't my cup of tea

Hopefully the experimental move to 'Valiant lite' will be short lived and we can get more 'serious' books

[SuperMage]

260 Ninjak 20 $3.99 Valiant 5,876
262 Generation Zero 3 $3.99 Valiant 5,771
304 A&A 8 $3.99 Valiant 4,826
306 Wrath of the Eternal Warrior 12 $3.99 Valiant 4,796

YIKES!

We've seen a few books cancelled once they start dropping toward 5K. I said last month I think A&A is done at 12. Ninjak will probably be wrapped up soon.

But Gen Zero....*SQUEE*. I really wanted this book to do well.

I agree A&A will be done soon. I wanted Gen Zero to be good...it wasn't my cup of tea

Hopefully the experimental move to 'Valiant lite' will be short lived and we can get more 'serious' books

During the Book of Death interviews/teases certain names were dropped that were mentioned to be part of a 3 1/2 year plan.

Britannia, Savage, Bloodshot Island, and Divinity III have already happened/been revealed.

That leaves Troublemakers, Trinity Angels, Outcast, Visitor, a new Unity, "The War of the Brothers", and "World War GN-GR".

Maybe Outcast and Visitor are planed for 2017, possibly as mini-series. War Mother might be slated for an ongoing/mini too.

2017 will probably look like this.

• Ongoings:
  X-O Manowar
  Shadowman
  Harbinger:Renegades
  Faith
  War Mother
  Unity
  
  Minis:
  Outcast
  Visitor
  Britannia
  Savage

Generation Zero might get relaunched again soon with Harbinger Wars II coming up. Imperium might pop up again too.

[Keith]

260 Ninjak 20 $3.99 Valiant 5,876
262 Generation Zero 3 $3.99 Valiant 5,771
304 A&A 8 $3.99 Valiant 4,826
306 Wrath of the Eternal Warrior 12 $3.99 Valiant 4,796

YIKES!

We've seen a few books cancelled once they start dropping toward 5K. I said last month I think A&A is done at 12. Ninjak will probably be wrapped up soon.

But Gen Zero....*SQUEE*. I really wanted this book to do well.

I agree A&A will be done soon. I wanted Gen Zero to be good...it wasn't my cup of tea

Hopefully the experimental move to 'Valiant lite' will be short lived and we can get more 'serious' books

During the Book of Death interviews/teases certain names were dropped that were mentioned to be part of a 3 1/2 year plan.

Britannia, Savage, Bloodshot Island, and Divinity III have already happened/been revealed.

That leaves Troublemakers, Trinity Angels, Outcast, Visitor, a new Unity, "The War of the Brothers", and "World War GN-GR".

Maybe Outcast and Visitor are planed for 2017, possibly as mini-series. War Mother might be slated for an ongoing/mini too.

2017 will probably look like this.

• Ongoings:
  X-O Manowar
  Shadowman
  Harbinger:Renegades
  Faith
  War Mother
  Unity
  
  Minis:
  Outcast
  Visitor
  Britannia
  Savage

Generation Zero might get relaunched again soon with Harbinger Wars II coming up. Imperium might pop up again too.

I'd be all for that list in 2017, maybe even throw a Psi-lords mini in there. Fingers crossed!

[lorddunlow]

DOOM!!!

I'm hoping to catch up soon. I'm over a year behind now.

So, by "Valiant lite" I'm guessing the newer books aren't very cerebral - just sorta bubblegum stuff?

[greg]

DOOM!!!

I'm hoping to catch up soon. I'm over a year behind now.

So, by "Valiant lite" I'm guessing the newer books aren't very cerebral - just sorta bubblegum stuff?

Britannia is cerebral.

Harbinger: Renegade'll get ya.

[Keith]

DOOM!!!

I'm hoping to catch up soon. I'm over a year behind now.

So, by "Valiant lite" I'm guessing the newer books aren't very cerebral - just sorta bubblegum stuff?

I don't know if I'd call Gen Zero "lite" ...IMO, it's pretty typical FVL writing indicative of what we've seen from Archer & Armstrong and Timewalker - heady concepts and plenty of humor, just taking place in a high school setting. It can definitely come off as an Archie-esque vibe, but then you mix in things like "weaponized geometry" of "fetuses psychically controlling their mothers" and then you feel that FVL lovin'.

I hate seeing that it's dropping so low. Hopefully it will make it to a 12 issue run, unless plans to include Gen Zero in Harbinger Wars 2 give it an extra lease on life.

[krylox]

260 Ninjak 20 $3.99 Valiant 5,876
262 Generation Zero 3 $3.99 Valiant 5,771
304 A&A 8 $3.99 Valiant 4,826
306 Wrath of the Eternal Warrior 12 $3.99 Valiant 4,796

YIKES!

We've seen a few books cancelled once they start dropping toward 5K. I said last month I think A&A is done at 12. Ninjak will probably be wrapped up soon.

But Gen Zero....*SQUEE*. I really wanted this book to do well.

me too
my favorite non-dysart book from vei. well, britannia's also up there. man, this really is kind of sad. but we'll get 12 issues at least, won't we?

[SuperMage]

DOOM!!!

I'm hoping to catch up soon. I'm over a year behind now.

So, by "Valiant lite" I'm guessing the newer books aren't very cerebral - just sorta bubblegum stuff?

I don't know if I'd call Gen Zero "lite" ...IMO, it's pretty typical FVL writing indicative of what we've seen from Archer & Armstrong and Timewalker - heady concepts and plenty of humor, just taking place in a high school setting. It can definitely come off as an Archie-esque vibe, but then you mix in things like "weaponized geometry" of "fetuses psychically controlling their mothers" and then you feel that FVL lovin'.

I hate seeing that it's dropping so low. Hopefully it will make it to a 12 issue run, unless plans to include Gen Zero in Harbinger Wars 2 give it an extra lease on life.

You've got a point. Maybe Gen. Zero will receive a midquel mini-series to connect to a relaunch. Similar to how The Valiant linked Bloodshot to Bloodshot Reborn. It could start from a new #1 in December 2017, that way Generation Zero will continuously be in print until Harbinger Wars II comes around. As Harbinger Wars II gets closer Valiant will want all relevant parties in print at the time. Relaunched/Imperium, Relaunched/Bloodshot, Generation Zero, Harbinger, and Faith. That's five ongoing series, plus the main event series. That would make Harbinger Wars II Valiant's biggest crossover since the relaunch.

I'd be all for that list in 2017, maybe even throw a Psi-lords mini in there. Fingers crossed!

See this is something I've been asking myself for a while. Does anyone think maybe Valiant might have made the decision that H.A.R.D. Corps/Armorines/Psi-Lords/Secret Weapons are teams that don't need their own title. The teaser for Psi-Lords didn't say "Coming Soon" like all the other books set to be launched. It just said 2017. You would think that by now the H.A.R.D. Corps would have received their own book if there was any plan for it to happen, but they've pretty much acted as supporting characters for the larger Valiant Universe. You could say the same thing about the Armorines. It's got me wondering if maybe those particular group of titles have sort of been blacklisted, because of how similar the concepts are.

Group of secret military operatives given special abilities through neural implants/power armor/nanite enhanced neural implants/power armor, and are forced to work together on top secret missions. The fact the we've seen brand new team books, Imperium and Generation Zero, makes it seem even more likely that those four are on indefinite hiatus. We'll have to wait and see if Valiant ever plans on using these guys as leading characters, and if they do it might require some reworking to help them stand out from one another.

[TheeBaldMoose]

DOOM!!!

I'm hoping to catch up soon. I'm over a year behind now.

So, by "Valiant lite" I'm guessing the newer books aren't very cerebral - just sorta bubblegum stuff?

I don't know if I'd call Gen Zero "lite" ...IMO, it's pretty typical FVL writing indicative of what we've seen from Archer & Armstrong and Timewalker - heady concepts and plenty of humor, just taking place in a high school setting. It can definitely come off as an Archie-esque vibe, but then you mix in things like "weaponized geometry" of "fetuses psychically controlling their mothers" and then you feel that FVL lovin'.

I hate seeing that it's dropping so low. Hopefully it will make it to a 12 issue run, unless plans to include Gen Zero in Harbinger Wars 2 give it an extra lease on life.

I've enjoyed the first 3 books, been pretty solid. Not much violence, which may be needed (a little). Want to see the long term affects of the kidnapping, and I love trying to decipher the anagrams. Maybe with a little lift in Renegades, it could take back off? I do hope so, would hate to see this end after 12 issues. That could signal the end for FVL, as that would be 3 books that couldn't make it over 12 issues

[Bl00dsh0t]

Ninjak is low but hopefully the web series boosts sales once its released. With the next arc it'll continue past 25, I'd love to see this series head to #50 and beyond.

Also think we'll see a new #1 for Bloodshot as an ongoing once Bloodshot U.S.A is over - I hope so anyway, if not, I may just be off Valiant - not down with waiting months between issues of series I like -Gen Zero, Harby have little interest at the moment due to the time taken to release new material.

[SuperMage]

I could see Ninjak, and Bloodshot both being extended regardless of their current sales numbers on account of their upcoming media exposure. If Bloodshot is getting a new series right away, and I hope that he is, then we'll find out in the solicitations for February. Of the four titles currently in risk of cancellation, Ninjak and Generation Zero will probably be saved/rebranded thanks to the web-series/movie coming out soon. A&A, and Eternal Warrior aren't that lucky. I feel like the reason why Bloodshot immediately went into Bloodshot Reborn was because Valiant believe, at the time, that the movie would out by 2017.

[Nairbe]

Ninjak is low but hopefully the web series boosts sales once its released. With the next arc it'll continue past 25, I'd love to see this series head to #50 and beyond.

Also think we'll see a new #1 for Bloodshot as an ongoing once Bloodshot U.S.A is over - I hope so anyway, if not, I may just be off Valiant - not down with waiting months between issues of series I like -Gen Zero, Harby have little interest at the moment due to the time taken to release new material.

I believe Dinesh said there will be one more BS:R issue after BS:USA. So yeah, it's looking at another restart.