VALIANT Heroes Whose Futures Were Not Shown in Rai #0

[Ryan]

That's true. Even Secret Wars had several tie-ins. A closer comparison for what I'm talking about is the original Squadron Supreme series. 12 issues, the whole story is contained within the series, and shifts focus to many different characters and mini-stories while also telling an epic story.

Even in that scenario, there would need to be sacrifices as far as being able to focus on every character from VH1. Inevitably there would have to be a few characters getting the main spotlight and a handful of supporting characters that get some attention.

Even in that scenario or something like Watchmen the focus was constrained to the heroes as a group, with no room for their individual worlds and arcs.

It was about a shared plot as opposed to individual plots.

Definitely. Watchmen is another great example. You're right though, in that type of series the overall plot usually has to take precedence over individual arcs.

In the scenario I'm describing, the 12 issue or ongoing series would ideally be successful and create more interest in the characters, then leading to more of the characters getting their own series to explore their own arcs.

For example, Ninjak dying in issue 1 sets up his son to take the mantle and avenging him, carrying on the battle against SIlk. If there's enough interest by readers, that story could then be told in a separate Ninjak series.

[ManofTheAtom]

That's true. Even Secret Wars had several tie-ins. A closer comparison for what I'm talking about is the original Squadron Supreme series. 12 issues, the whole story is contained within the series, and shifts focus to many different characters and mini-stories while also telling an epic story.

Even in that scenario, there would need to be sacrifices as far as being able to focus on every character from VH1. Inevitably there would have to be a few characters getting the main spotlight and a handful of supporting characters that get some attention.

Even in that scenario or something like Watchmen the focus was constrained to the heroes as a group, with no room for their individual worlds and arcs.

It was about a shared plot as opposed to individual plots.

Definitely. Watchmen is another great example. You're right though, in that type of series the overall plot usually has to take precedence over individual arcs.

In the scenario I'm describing, the 12 issue or ongoing series would ideally be successful and create more interest in the characters, then leading to more of the characters getting their own series to explore their own arcs.

For example, Ninjak dying in issue 1 sets up his son to take the mantle and avenging him, carrying on the battle against SIlk. If there's enough interest by readers, that story could then be told in a separate Ninjak series.

But then you've created a scenario in which Alien has to choose between publishing a series about the VEI Ninjak or a series about the VH 1's Ninjak son, which is not quite the point of the exercise, which is to simply put a bow on the stories of the VH 1 iterations, not keep them going ad infinitum.

[Ryan]

Maybe, but I'm more interested in what makes narrative sense and makes the story satisfying than in what format is more commercially viable.

Fair enough, we are talking about ideal scenarios here. However comic book publishing decisions are always constrained by the practicality of what is realistically possible within the market. What the market would actually support is debatable though, no one knows for sure.

[Ryan]

I'm not quite sure the two are comparable on that point, though.

Sure, no example will match Valiant exactly. It's just a recent example of how a 'dead' continuity from the 80's/90's can be revived and be successful in a niche way for the fans of that continuity side-by-side with a modern reboot. Quite a few similarities actually.

[Ryan]

But then you've created a scenario in which Alien has to choose between publishing a series about the VEI Ninjak or a series about the VH 1's Ninjak son, which is not quite the point of the exercise, which is to simply put a bow on the stories of the VH 1 iterations, not keep them going ad infinitum.

Yeah 'putting a bow on VH1' is your intention, I've never agreed that should be the goal of any VH1 revival.

[ManofTheAtom]

Maybe, but I'm more interested in what makes narrative sense and makes the story satisfying than in what format is more commercially viable.

Fair enough, we are talking about ideal scenarios here. However comic book publishing decisions are always constrained by the practicality of what is realistically possible within the market. What the market would actually support is debatable though, no one knows for sure.

People will buy it if they care about the story, characters, and creative team. Nail them all right, and you have a hit.

The format merely determines how much the publisher spends on it.

One-shots are ephemeral. They come out and get forgotten. Minis and maxis create greater awareness because they are part of the conversation for much longer. They also allow for the story to ebb and flow.

[ManofTheAtom]

I'm not quite sure the two are comparable on that point, though.

Sure, no example will match Valiant exactly. It's just a recent example of how a 'dead' continuity from the 80's/90's can be revived and be successful in a niche way for the fans of that continuity side-by-side with a modern reboot. Quite a few similarities actually.

But by your own account the original publisher dropped the series and it moved to a rival publisher. That would indicate that it wasn't the hit they hoped for.

[ManofTheAtom]

But then you've created a scenario in which Alien has to choose between publishing a series about the VEI Ninjak or a series about the VH 1's Ninjak son, which is not quite the point of the exercise, which is to simply put a bow on the stories of the VH 1 iterations, not keep them going ad infinitum.

Yeah 'putting a bow on VH1' is your intention, I've never agreed that should be the goal of any VH1 revival.

Sure. I do think it's the only reason to do it. Keeping it going indefinitely at this point is detrimental to VEI.

[Ryan]

But by your own account the original publisher dropped the series and it moved to a rival publisher. That would indicate that it wasn't the hit they hoped for.

Not true. The Hasbro license switched from IDW to Image, due to IDW business troubles having nothing to do with GI Joe: ARAH. The fact that the new licensee decided to immediately keep the series going using the same legacy numbering shows the enduring success of the series.

[Ryan]

But then you've created a scenario in which Alien has to choose between publishing a series about the VEI Ninjak or a series about the VH 1's Ninjak son, which is not quite the point of the exercise, which is to simply put a bow on the stories of the VH 1 iterations, not keep them going ad infinitum.

Yeah 'putting a bow on VH1' is your intention, I've never agreed that should be the goal of any VH1 revival.

Sure. I do think it's the only reason to do it. Keeping it going indefinitely at this point is detrimental to VEI.

Is the GI Joe ARAH continuing series detrimental to the modern reboot or does it give Joe fans more options and more ways to enjoy their characters, bringing in more fans? IMO, it's the latter.

[ManofTheAtom]

But by your own account the original publisher dropped the series and it moved to a rival publisher. That would indicate that it wasn't the hit they hoped for.

Not true. The Hasbro license switched from IDW to Image, due to IDW business troubles having nothing to do with GI Joe: ARAH. The fact that the new licensee decided to immediately keep the series going using the same legacy numbering shows the enduring success of the series.

Ok.

[ManofTheAtom]

But then you've created a scenario in which Alien has to choose between publishing a series about the VEI Ninjak or a series about the VH 1's Ninjak son, which is not quite the point of the exercise, which is to simply put a bow on the stories of the VH 1 iterations, not keep them going ad infinitum.

Yeah 'putting a bow on VH1' is your intention, I've never agreed that should be the goal of any VH1 revival.

Sure. I do think it's the only reason to do it. Keeping it going indefinitely at this point is detrimental to VEI.

Is the GI Joe ARAH continuing series detrimental to the modern reboot or does it give Joe fans more options and more ways to enjoy their characters, bringing in more fans? IMO, it's the latter.

Alien does not seem to currently have the resources to publish comics in multiple continuities long term, though. They have to choose one and they've chosen VEI.

Anything VH1 would have to be short-lived, otherwise, as noted above, they'd be competing against themselves fighting over a divided fanbase.

[Ryan]

But then you've created a scenario in which Alien has to choose between publishing a series about the VEI Ninjak or a series about the VH 1's Ninjak son, which is not quite the point of the exercise, which is to simply put a bow on the stories of the VH 1 iterations, not keep them going ad infinitum.

Yeah 'putting a bow on VH1' is your intention, I've never agreed that should be the goal of any VH1 revival.

Sure. I do think it's the only reason to do it. Keeping it going indefinitely at this point is detrimental to VEI.

Is the GI Joe ARAH continuing series detrimental to the modern reboot or does it give Joe fans more options and more ways to enjoy their characters, bringing in more fans? IMO, it's the latter.

Alien does not seem to currently have the resources to publish comics in multiple continuities long term, though. They have to choose one and they've chosen VEI.

That's only speculation. We don't know Alien's resources, adding 1 more monthly or 12 issue series doesn't seem like a lot when they're already publishing multiple monthly titles.

Anything VH1 would have to be short-lived, otherwise, as noted above, they'd be competing against themselves fighting over a divided fanbase.

Your opinion. GI Joe proves that isn't always the case.

I think expanding the fanbase is what Valiant needs now.

[ManofTheAtom]

But then you've created a scenario in which Alien has to choose between publishing a series about the VEI Ninjak or a series about the VH 1's Ninjak son, which is not quite the point of the exercise, which is to simply put a bow on the stories of the VH 1 iterations, not keep them going ad infinitum.

Yeah 'putting a bow on VH1' is your intention, I've never agreed that should be the goal of any VH1 revival.

Sure. I do think it's the only reason to do it. Keeping it going indefinitely at this point is detrimental to VEI.

Is the GI Joe ARAH continuing series detrimental to the modern reboot or does it give Joe fans more options and more ways to enjoy their characters, bringing in more fans? IMO, it's the latter.

Alien does not seem to currently have the resources to publish comics in multiple continuities long term, though. They have to choose one and they've chosen VEI.

That's only speculation. We don't know Alien's resources, adding 1 more monthly or 12 issue series doesn't seem like a lot when they're already publishing multiple monthly titles.

Anything VH1 would have to be short-lived, otherwise, as noted above, they'd be competing against themselves fighting over a divided fanbase.

Your opinion. GI Joe proves that isn't always the case.

I think expanding the fanbase is what Valiant needs now.

For sure, but I doubt they'd do it with VH1 comics, or it would even benefit them to do it. If they did, it would merely split their fanbase and require spending their resources on comics not set in VEI.

Right now they're doing VEI-set minis, presumably intending to expand the line after the event.

Did you see the interview Hawkins did on Youtube?

[Ryan]

For sure, but I doubt they'd do it with VH1 comics, or it would even benefit them to do it. If they did, it would merely split their fanbase and require spending their resources on comics not set in VEI.

Cool, again I disagree with your conclusion. GI Joe proves that it doesn't have to work that way.

Right now they're doing VEI-set minis, presumably intending to expand the line after the event.

Did you see the interview Hawkins did on Youtube?

No, I have no interest in the VEI universe and the Alien-Valiant comics I've read/browsed at the comic store didn't grab me either. I wish them well, but it doesn't interest me.