VEI - what is their ultimate goal?

[k_c_collectibles]

Hey guys,

I am growing more and more pessimistic about VEI and their intentions to publish new monthly titles so I thought I would start a poll to see if I am alone in my opinions.

Personally I think that licensing their characters for movies and cartoons is their main objective, but I want to know other people's opinions as well.

Chris

[Cyberstrike]

Options 2 and 4 are the most likely posssiblities.

[leonmallett]

I don't know. In my view a lack of evidence is no evidence as to which is the most likely motivation.

No vote for me.

I wish, however, that there was more information forthcoming.

[Rufusharley]

There's a sixth option. Get some deals done right now, get some cash flowing and then do comics.

[depluto]

I voted option 2, but I'd like to see some new comics also.

[nutflush76]

I can't vote because I have NO IDEA what they plan to do.

Their stated goals are to publish books as well as to get options for movies and so forth.

Beyond that I couldn't tell you what their main goal is.

I'm not pessimistic about them publishing new books. But I have my doubts that they will be out by the end of this year.

[Brother J]

I voted option 2, but I'd like to see some new comics also.

I think everyone would, but you have to wonder at times if that is even their intention. The lack of information doesn't instill a lot of confidence. I voted option 2, as well.

[Elveen]

I like the 6th option.

I do think the most $$$ is in #2. But I also do believe that monthly comics are part of the plan.

[k_c_collectibles]

I voted option 2, but I'd like to see some new comics also.

I think everyone would, but you have to wonder at times if that is even their intention. The lack of information doesn't instill a lot of confidence. I voted option 2, as well.

My point exactly. More information would be a GREAT thing! I would be more than happy to promote the hell out of their comic book line if it ever comes into existence and it is good. A concrete timeline for comic production that is publicly released would instill a lot more confidence into me and I am sure a lot of other people.

Since that has not happened yet all I can do is draw on the little information that I have and draw my own conclusions. I hope I am wrong with my point of view, but until I am told differently by VEI...

Chris

[whetteon]

It's very clear that those who own VEI are interested in recouping some of the $1 million dollars spent (and whatever the cost of the legal fight) first and foremost. Think of it like this, anyone who went out and just slapped $1500 down on their credit card for a new TV is going to be concerned about paying that money back asap before penalties and interest are initiated. It's called 'covering your *SQUEE* and staying out of debt'. Or as I like to call it, 'being responsible adults'.

So VEI will obviously seek the most likely path to recoup the cost of purchase by license the characters to movie companies, TV networks (perhaps a cool Solar Saturday morning cartoon on Cartoon Network?) and toy companies.

But I fully believe the new owners would re-explore the Valiant Universe once the bills are paid off. They'd be crazy not too because that's where their loyal fan base remains. They already released two remastered collections since taking over the company! We know they've been in contact with some of the original founders...

To expect such a speedy turnover in a few years is a bit absurd. Especially in a sinking economy. Let's revisit this topic in about a decade, hmm?

[magnusr]

But I fully believe the new owners would re-explore the Valiant Universe once the bills are paid off.

Sounds good. Nice to see you post.

/Magnus

[Brother J]

To expect such a speedy turnover in a few years is a bit absurd. Especially in a sinking economy. Let's revisit this topic in about a decade, hmm?

Yeah, ok, let's wait 10 years to see if VEI ever decides to release new books. They would be wise to use this board as a gauge. I have noticed frustration about the lack of information creeping into a LOT of posts, it's not just one or two people who just like to complain. If a guy like Chris (K_C) who is as diehard a VALIANT fan as there is, is starting to get frustrated with lack of information, then VEI should probably address the situation in some manner.

[k_c_collectibles]

I do not have a problem with VEI making money. In face I WANT them to make money. However, it takes YEARS to get movie deals done and have the movies made.

YEARS!

What happens if the Harbinger movie gets done and it is a bomb?

Does that mean that VEI would be dead in the water?

Some of the recent Marvel and DC movies have been GREAT and others not so good... My question is would one bad movie totally taint the franchise if and when it gets made?

Remember - Paramount only has the rights to make Harbinger into a movie. I believe those rights are from year to year and only make it so other companies can't make a Harbinger movie of their own. There is NO certainty that a Harbinger movie will actually be made. I hate do be a wet blanket, but those are the facts...

I just want good Valiant comics to be made. Monthly comics with good art and great stories - just like the old days (I feel like I am 50 years old saying that ).

I say again - I wish VEI all the success in the world - I just want some monthly books!!!

Chris

[cinlach@aol.com]

I voted #3.

Buying the properties is one thing...starting an entire comic producing company is another.

I think Dark Horse getting new Solar and Magnus stories is a key part of this equation.

If VEI does the same as Western Publishing and licenses their properties out to Dark Horse we could be looking at the rebirth of the true Valiant portfolio.

Dark Horse has all the necessary items to produce comics. VEI would have to build to the level Dark Horse is at.

It makes sense to me.

[leonmallett]

To expect such a speedy turnover in a few years is a bit absurd. Especially in a sinking economy. Let's revisit this topic in about a decade, hmm?

Actually a few years is the likely timeframe to sink or swim for many businesses.

Potential new readers of whatever new material VEI may publish (basically including pretty much every board member) have no divine right to information. That said, no information leads to speculation which can potentially be as hurtful as revealing that nothing will happen for a good period of time.

Virgin have announced early this year a planned super-hero universe launch for next year. Dark Horse have let slip information that they are working on the GK properties (and re-reading that article you have to wonder if someone at DH cued up the questions a little). DC have announced their own acquisitions (Milestone and Archie/MLJ) with a view to publication next year. There is a multi-media boom for superheroes right now (look at the number of superhero novels in the past five years compared to the previous five or ten years; look at the announcements of various MMORPGs to follow in the footsteps of City ofof Heroes/Villains; look at the sheer volume of superhero and superhero-like movies in the last 10 years - most based on comic books rather than being original material). DC and Marvel are stepping up their other media offerings with their comic book heroes. There are annoucements left right and centre. Except VEI haven't been forthcoming, really.

[ZephyrWasHOT!!]

It's very clear that those who own VEI are interested in recouping some of the $1 million dollars spent (and whatever the cost of the legal fight) first and foremost. Think of it like this, anyone who went out and just slapped $1500 down on their credit card for a new TV is going to be concerned about paying that money back asap before penalties and interest are initiated. It's called 'covering your *SQUEE* and staying out of debt'. Or as I like to call it, 'being responsible adults'.

So VEI will obviously seek the most likely path to recoup the cost of purchase by license the characters to movie companies, TV networks (perhaps a cool Solar Saturday morning cartoon on Cartoon Network?) and toy companies.

This is not how companies work, and displays a woeful ignorance of the corporate world.

Sorry to be so blunt, but corporations DO NOT operate the way households do.

I really don't know how you can use the terms "very clear" and "obviously", when neither of those things is true. You have no idea the financial situation of VEI, LLC. and neither does anyone else that that information has not been given to, because it has not been made public.

Until and if it ever does become public, it's not "very clear" or "obvious" what they intend to do with their "debt" at all.

[betterthanezra]

I do not have a problem with VEI making money. In face I WANT them to make money. However, it takes YEARS to get movie deals done and have the movies made.

YEARS!

What happens if the Harbinger movie gets done and it is a bomb?

Chris

The chance of it becoming a bomb will be greatly diminished because of several factors.

1. The budget for this film will be VERY small. Considering it's coming from Paramounts MTV brand... Very small I mean it's not going to be a Budget over $60 Million dollars. The revenue from DVD sales and oversea's must also be considered.

2. Unknown cast...the chance of an unknown cast will be key. Getting someone we are familer with will cost more money but might bring in a few other movie goers. SinceParamount and Rathner has said they want to build this property from the ground up anunknown cast is most likely.

3. it's rating...
Keeping the film at PG-13 and making a STUNNING trailer is key and would make sure the film has a BIG weekend. Don't expect a major screen release like 3,500 it's first weekend thats not how Paramounts MTV brand has been used in the past. If the film gets Great reviews expect Paramount to use this to there advantage and put it in the right amount of theaters.

4. Timing...
With some 45 Comic movies in development this might be the BIGGEST thing. We might see 5-6 comic movies a year from NOW on. Maybe more. Releasing the movie away from the summer could be a smart move, less chance of it getting overlooked. Releasing it in the fall could be a good move or a few weeks before summer kicks off. DON'T release it in Feb or March, movies like this are considered Deadmans land when released on these months...

What I mean by this is simple. Movie's have sat on studio's shelves for years because they don't have the confidence to release it.....otherwise they know it sucks, put it out during a month movie going is at a yearly low.

Justmy thoughts on this particular subject.

[BloodOfHeroes]

Go visit the Valiant Entertainment website and you'll see what kind of company they are. They've never been secretive about their identity and if you check the archives, you'll see a few of us have always expected VEI to do just what they're doing.

Read around in the various threads--enough hints have been dropped by several to make me very optimistic that we'll still see some new comics in 2008. Whether or not they'll be monthly series, I couldn't say.

http://www.valiantentertainment.com/company.php

[Daniel Jackson]

Go visit the Valiant Entertainment website and you'll see what kind of company they are. They've never been secretive about their identity and if you check the archives, you'll see a few of us have always expected VEI to do just what they're doing.

Read around in the various threads--enough hints have been dropped by several to make me very optimistic that we'll still see some new comics in 2008. Whether or not they'll be monthly series, I couldn't say.

http://www.valiantentertainment.com/company.php

I think a lot of people are tiring of the hinting and want some solid information. New comics by the end of the year were "hinted" at shortly after the court battle was won, yet it's been over half a year later and still nothing to confirm or deny this comes from VEI.

It would also be nice to hear a confirmation or denial from VEI concerning the loss of the Gold Key characters.

[wrunow]

I would tend to feel some of this negative energy also brewing except I have a pretty good idea of the personal effort that Dinesh, Jason, Walter, and their cohorts are putting into this venture. I mean so far what they have done, and they are in the crawling, learn as you go stage pretty much (and that is totally my opinion), has been first class from the Harby book to the website. They could be cheaping this stuff out, not including new material which costs extra money, and takes extra planning with continuity and stuff like that, slapped up a cheapo website, and said they were in business. I give them credit for crossing their "t's" and dotting their "I's" before announcing and putting something out for public consumption with their name on it.

VEI is a startup, there is no legal dept, accounting dept., advertising dept., or Human Resources dept. It's just these few guys. I started a company about 19 years ago with very little experience from the ground up, I know how hard it is and the attention to detail it takes to set your base for success, it ain't easy and it takes time.

I think there will be monthly comics, I think you'll see them within the next 18 months, I have no more knowledge than anyone else here, it's just my gut feeling.

Keep the faith!

[Elveen]

I would tend to feel some of this negative energy also brewing except I have a pretty good idea of the personal effort that Dinesh, Jason, Walter, and their cohorts are putting into this venture. I mean so far what they have done, and they are in the crawling, learn as you go stage pretty much (and that is totally my opinion), has been first class from the Harby book to the website. They could be cheaping this stuff out, not including new material which costs extra money, and takes extra planning with continuity and stuff like that, slapped up a cheapo website, and said they were in business. I give them credit for crossing their "t's" and dotting their "I's" before announcing and putting something out for public consumption with their name on it.

VEI is a startup, there is no legal dept, accounting dept., advertising dept., or Human Resources dept. It's just these few guys. I started a company about 19 years ago with very little experience from the ground up, I know how hard it is and the attention to detail it takes to set your base for success, it ain't easy and it takes time.

I think there will be monthly comics, I think you'll see them within the next 18 months, I have no more knowledge than anyone else here, it's just my gut feeling.

Keep the faith!

Good post wrun.

[myron]

I voted option 2, but I'd like to see some new comics also.

[dino]

Hey guys,

I am growing more and more pessimistic about VEI and their intentions to publish new monthly titles so I thought I would start a poll to see if I am alone in my opinions.

Personally I think that licensing their characters for movies and cartoons is their main objective, but I want to know other people's opinions as well.

Chris

The goal is to bring the Valiant characters to prominence. Comics are part of that plan (as we stated very early on). Publishing comics alone is not feasible. Awareness and anticipation are key to successful comics. Buzz from a world renowned director about a major motion picture helps cast eyes on Valiant. The hardcovers get people talking and anticipating. The new comics contained in the hardcovers showcase our intentions to continue to tell Valiant stories in comics.

[Elveen]

Hey guys,

I am growing more and more pessimistic about VEI and their intentions to publish new monthly titles so I thought I would start a poll to see if I am alone in my opinions.

Personally I think that licensing their characters for movies and cartoons is their main objective, but I want to know other people's opinions as well.

Chris

The goal is to bring the Valiant characters to prominence. Comics are part of that plan (as we stated very early on). Publishing comics alone is not feasible. Awareness and anticipation are key to successful comics. Buzz from a world renowned director about a major motion picture helps cast eyes on Valiant. The hardcovers get people talking and anticipating. The new comics contained in the hardcovers showcase our intentions to continue to tell Valiant stories in comics.

And there you have it.

[betterthanezra]

Hey guys,

I am growing more and more pessimistic about VEI and their intentions to publish new monthly titles so I thought I would start a poll to see if I am alone in my opinions.

Personally I think that licensing their characters for movies and cartoons is their main objective, but I want to know other people's opinions as well.

Chris

The goal is to bring the Valiant characters to prominence. Comics are part of that plan (as we stated very early on). Publishing comics alone is not feasible. Awareness and anticipation are key to successful comics. Buzz from a world renowned director about a major motion picture helps cast eyes on Valiant. The hardcovers get people talking and anticipating. The new comics contained in the hardcovers showcase our intentions to continue to tell Valiant stories in comics.

And there you have it.

-Brian