Will the Harbinger book reach the mass market?

DK2 · Post by **DK2** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 11:04 pm

Just wondering if anyone knows if the new Harbinger HC book will reach the mass market? Like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, bookstores etc? Or is it just for the comic book direct market only? Just wondering. I think it'd reach more people if it was available through a larger market. I'd like to get this book, but I'm not sure if $25 US is worth it(I'm in Canada). I mean I get 25% off at my LCS, but who knows if Valiant Ent will have their own CAN cover price. If that cover price is too high my discount will mean squat. If it reaches Amazon etc, I could get a bigger discount. I'd really like to get this as I don't have issues #5-7 anyway + the new story, & coloring. I only have the old trade that had #1-4 + #0. So does anyone know about its availability?

Dr. Solar · Post by **Dr. Solar** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 5:42 pm

I don't know if anybody knows this, outside of folks at VEI.

From what I understand (and it is a limited understanding), the large chain bookstores like Barnes & Noble and Borders have buyers that decide whether or not to buy certain graphic novels to sell in their stores. These buyers would have to make the call to stock this.

My hope is that it will reach major bookstores.

I haven't seen it available at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com yet...

leonmallett · Post by **leonmallett** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 2:04 am

Checking amazon UK yesterday revealed no Harbinger HC to order.

TKWill · Post by **TKWill** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:50 am

If the buyers for B&N and such are anything liek the buyers at the retail store I work at then they are not in complete touch with what most people want. They deal with people that are akin to lobbyists for what is going to be hot. Amazon is something that VEI could approach for sales, I would think that B&N would probably only sell on their website as they would require huge print numbers to fill store shelves.

Didn't one of the board members go to work for Amazon, I am not familiar with everyones name yet, I thought that he discharged from the military recently, help from anybody? He may be able to find out something, maybe heard some rumblings.

Has anyone heard any mention of print numbers for the HC? That may be interesting to find out.

whovianone · Post by **whovianone** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 8:54 am

ThrillKillWill wrote:If the buyers for B&N and such are anything liek the buyers at the retail store I work at then they are not in complete touch with what most people want. They deal with people that are akin to lobbyists for what is going to be hot. Amazon is something that VEI could approach for sales, I would think that B&N would probably only sell on their website as they would require huge print numbers to fill store shelves.

Didn't one of the board members go to work for Amazon, I am not familiar with everyones name yet, I thought that he discharged from the military recently, help from anybody? He may be able to find out something, maybe heard some rumblings.

Has anyone heard any mention of print numbers for the HC? That may be interesting to find out.

It's likely the print run will be established by orders, at least in part. That's part of why orders are taken way in advance. But, with all of us here (many buying more than one), and all of those who hear about it by looking in previews, and all the comic dealers who are fans who might pick one up for themselves. I'd think it would be a solid number. However, it's likely that re-orders after the fact would bulk that up a bit. If we shout loud enough, then people will listen, but if it comes out, people see how great it is, and then it makes its way onto a Wizard hot list or a CBG must have list, then it will get hyped up. Let's hope both are true. I'd like to see at least 5K in the long run. That means more goodies in the future. I'm far less concerned about any future value than that.

DK2 · Post by **DK2** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 12:07 am

The chances that the book will have a huge print run could be slim. The hardcovers and tpb's on Diamonds Top 10 list monthly, never exceed more than a 4 digit amount. But for some of these comic publishers, that doesn't include the mass markets totals. Now to me if VE is strictly printing only to order quantities, this thing may become rare itself. It could be the new Valiant gem of today. I don't want to cause speculation and stuff like that of the '90's with this posting, but I mean the market just isn't like it was back then. Small print runs is how it is now. Retailers pick and choose what they think will make them money. Not every store will order this. How many stores are left that were even around then for the Valiant heydays? Lets face it, this will be the determining factor on the future of this return for Valiant. It'll make or break them. Unless they're really in fit or the long haul and willing to bear the difficulties of the market. I know it doesn't help when I'm still wondering if I should get this book.

dellamorte · Post by **dellamorte** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 12:14 am

I don't think this will make or break the new Valiant. There is minimal investment in this beyond the new colors and a new short story. Most everything on this is going to be profit.

This is more about creating a buzz, it satisfies the die hards by giving us something new and the fringe fans by sprucing up an already great product with a fresh coat of paint.

This is a can't lose for the men behind the Valiant banner, they get to spread the word and gage interest at the same time.

shadowmite · Post by **shadowmite** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 12:22 am

dellamorte wrote:I don't think this will make or break the new Valiant. There is minimal investment in this beyond the new colors and a new short story. Most everything on this is going to be profit.

This is more about creating a buzz, it satisfies the die hards by giving us something new and the fringe fans by sprucing up an already great product with a fresh coat of paint.

This is a can't lose for the men behind the Valiant banner, they get to spread the word and gage interest at the same time.

I have to say I think this will have a pretty big effect on how and maybe even if Valiant starts publishing new books.

I remember Neil Gaiman saying that the recoloring costs on Absolute Sandman were crazy high and that DC knew they wouldn't make a profit for years but did it anyway because warner bros wanted them to for the movie they are planning. It looks like VEI went all out with this book to gauge the market. Just like what helped Valiant the first time, I'm doing my part to talk this up to everyone I know who might be interested. I don't want to see this be the nail on the Valiant coffin for another 10 years like Unity 2000 was.

dellamorte · Post by **dellamorte** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 12:39 am

If they base the prospect of new books on the success or failure of a hardcover collection of old material they are fools.

I love Valiant, you love valiant otherwise we wouldn't be here but there are thousands of people who would be willing the purchase and read new Valiant comics that couldn't give two *SQUEE* about a hardcover regardless of how cool it is. They have these issues or had them, they read them and know the story and new colors and a new short story are just not worth $25 to these people ,and lets not kid ourselves these people are the majority of the market.