VEI - what is their ultimate goal?

[ManofTheAtom]

Damn, voted for the wrong one

What came first, the Harbinger HC or the movie deal?

I think it was the HC (and even if it wasn't. you can bet that it was in production before the deal was announced)

[ZephyrWasHOT!!]

If it means anything, I was asked by several dealers in San Diego who also saw me at Super Con in San Jose if I had more hardcovers for them, that they had sold out of what I'd given to them then.

I didn't have any, unfortunately, but it's nice to see there's ongoing interest.

[xodacia81]

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.

[superman-prime]

nice to see that from dino

[sonicdan]

[Geomancer]

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

I saw your response in the other poll and was very much in agreement with it.

I don't know what VEI's goal is - but I'd very much like to know.

For years now I'd been hoping someone would be able to revive VALIANT as a line of ongoing comic books that recaptured everything I liked about the originals.

Then I held back waiting for the legalities between VEI & VIP to settle down.

When they did and VEI emerged victorious - i was hoping we'd get the framework for a company game plan. After all - I figured there must have been at least some rudimentary outline of a plan when they went after the rights to the characters.

The hardcover reprints - great. A few new short stories - fantastic.
But I have been waiting to see some glimpses of the game plan.

I'd still very much hope to read some variation of the VALIANT universe. I don't think Dark Horse will fail - and even were they to do so, it would be years before we might see those rights won by VEI.

And in any case - we don't have the kind of statement I'd have hoped to see that VEI is commited towards launching a line of ongoing comics, or any notion as to what the flavor of that comics line would be. [One can assume/infer it would be like the short stories included with the HC reprints - but thats an assumption at this point]

Bottom line - VEI's ultimate goal is very much on my mind right now.

Movies are nice, character usage in various media is nice - but I personally care about new ongoing comic books.

If VEI is going to be similiar to the company that holds the rights to the Gold Key characters, then thats fine, too. I just hope they license their characters to an operational comic book company ASAP - preferably Dark Horse. [I do realize VEI licensing their characters to Dark Horse is a fantasy w/out further info as to what kind of company VEI plans to be]

Companies with plans to publish ongoing comics generally try to find a seasoned professional somewhere to speahead their efforts. Maybe they had someone waiting to find out about the Gold Key characters before signing on the bottom line.

In any case, the silence on ongoing comics gets "louder" from here on out as long as we don't hear any concrete announcement of plans. An officia statement that "yes we will" and the name of the individual heading the creative side of the launch would be very much appreciated VEI

[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

I saw your response in the other poll and was very much in agreement with it.

I don't know what VEI's goal is - but I'd very much like to know.

For years now I'd been hoping someone would be able to revive VALIANT as a line of ongoing comic books that recaptured everything I liked about the originals.

Then I held back waiting for the legalities between VEI & VIP to settle down.

When they did and VEI emerged victorious - i was hoping we'd get the framework for a company game plan. After all - I figured there must have been at least some rudimentary outline of a plan when they went after the rights to the characters.

The hardcover reprints - great. A few new short stories - fantastic.
But I have been waiting to see some glimpses of the game plan.

I'd still very much hope to read some variation of the VALIANT universe. I don't think Dark Horse will fail - and even were they to do so, it would be years before we might see those rights won by VEI.

And in any case - we don't have the kind of statement I'd have hoped to see that VEI is commited towards launching a line of ongoing comics, or any notion as to what the flavor of that comics line would be. [One can assume/infer it would be like the short stories included with the HC reprints - but thats an assumption at this point]

Bottom line - VEI's ultimate goal is very much on my mind right now.

Movies are nice, character usage in various media is nice - but I personally care about new ongoing comic books.

If VEI is going to be similiar to the company that holds the rights to the Gold Key characters, then thats fine, too. I just hope they license their characters to an operational comic book company ASAP - preferably Dark Horse. [I do realize VEI licensing their characters to Dark Horse is a fantasy w/out further info as to what kind of company VEI plans to be]

Companies with plans to publish ongoing comics generally try to find a seasoned professional somewhere to speahead their efforts. Maybe they had someone waiting to find out about the Gold Key characters before signing on the bottom line.

In any case, the silence on ongoing comics gets "louder" from here on out as long as we don't hear any concrete announcement of plans. An officia statement that "yes we will" and the name of the individual heading the creative side of the launch would be very much appreciated VEI

Very well written!

Chris

[hulk181man]

If VEI is going to be similiar to the company that holds the rights to the Gold Key characters, then thats fine, too. I just hope they license their characters to an operational comic book company ASAP - preferably Dark Horse. [I do realize VEI licensing their characters to Dark Horse is a fantasy w/out further info as to what kind of company VEI plans to be]

I never really thought of that option, but guess it'd be ok if it's the only feasible way to gather together the full Valiant U.

I think we all feel growing pessimism and frustration at the Solar/Magnus Dark Horse news. I walked into my local retailer's store the day it was announced and he greeted me with sympathy; assuming the Valiant revival might be dead before it's off the ground. I kind of felt embarrassed since I've been touting Valiant's return each time I'm there....I then asked about the Archer & Armstrong Hardcover and he's hesitant/fearful of ordering them....aside from me, no other customers have asked about it.

[Geomancer]

Very well written!

Chris

I was definitely inspired by what you wrote!

If VEI is going to be similiar to the company that holds the rights to the Gold Key characters, then thats fine, too. I just hope they license their characters to an operational comic book company ASAP - preferably Dark Horse. [I do realize VEI licensing their characters to Dark Horse is a fantasy w/out further info as to what kind of company VEI plans to be]

I never really thought of that option, but guess it'd be ok if it's the only feasible way to gather together the full Valiant U.

I think we all feel growing pessimism and frustration at the Solar/Magnus Dark Horse news. I walked into my local retailer's store the day it was announced and he greeted me with sympathy; assuming the Valiant revival might be dead before it's off the ground. I kind of felt embarrassed since I've been touting Valiant's return each time I'm there....I then asked about the Archer & Armstrong Hardcover and he's hesitant/fearful of ordering them....aside from me, no other customers have asked about it.

Thats another great point. Some kind of announcement would seem to be prudent business with their Archer & Armstrong HC coming out. An absolute must-have for VALIANT fans as is - and plenty to get excited about. But if broader sales are hoped for - then the enthusiasm of comic shop owners/retailers and the wider audience would be far more likely with the kind of announcement we are talking about here.

[x-omatic]

I just don't see doing only comics as a sustainable medium anymore.
I think so far VEI has been proceeding very smart and cautiously. Hard cover reprints bring older readers back and allow newer readers and inexpensive way to be introduced to the world of VALIANT. Adding new elements and story and a good launching pad to start new comics. What kind of publishing schedule will probably have a lot to do with the success of the hard covers. I have no problem with licensing the characters and think it is a very important aspect of a sucessfull comic character based company. It can be a great way to bring in capital for the publishing of more comics. And a great way to bring in new readers. I think the key for long term success of VEI will have to be diversification in as many mediums as possible. As long as they hold true to the core elements of the characters I will be as supportive as possible with my dollars.

[Rufusharley]

I just don't see doing only comics as a sustainable medium anymore.
I think so far VEI has been proceeding very smart and cautiously. Hard cover reprints bring older readers back and allow newer readers and inexpensive way to be introduced to the world of VALIANT. Adding new elements and story and a good launching pad to start new comics. What kind of publishing schedule will probably have a lot to do with the success of the hard covers. I have no problem with licensing the characters and think it is a very important aspect of a sucessfull comic character based company. It can be a great way to bring in capital for the publishing of more comics. And a great way to bring in new readers. I think the key for long term success of VEI will have to be diversification in as many mediums as possible. As long as they hold true to the core elements of the characters I will be as supportive as possible with my dollars.

Also a good post.

[etos45]

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.

Well... that pretty much takes all the fun and speculation out of this thread...

I'm just glad Valiant's back in some form or fashion and I'd much rather see them take their time and put out a lasting company than to rush in and all of us to have to sit around discussing when the NEXT Valiant relaunch will be. The HCs are enough for right now (though I would like to see them released more often ). That being said... I sure hope to see some comics soon!

[Rufusharley]

Slow and steady might not be popular and exciting, but hopefully it'll win the race.

[dino]

Well... that pretty much takes all the fun and speculation out of this thread...

I'm just glad Valiant's back in some form or fashion and I'd much rather see them take their time and put out a lasting company than to rush in and all of us to have to sit around discussing when the NEXT Valiant relaunch will be. The HCs are enough for right now (though I would like to see them released more often ). That being said... I sure hope to see some comics soon!

Slow and steady might not be popular and exciting, but hopefully it'll win the race.

With each hardcover one of the foremost questions is always how can we make this exciting for old fans? I think Archer & Armstrong: First Impressions will be the most satisfying yet in this regard. The long term strategy includes quality new material. To get it right asks patience from those who love the Valiant characters the most - you guys, the ones who discuss and dream of Valiant everyday. I hope the new stories and extra material we put into the hardcovers can keep you satisfied till then.

[IanAlexavier]

Although Im a little bummed about this thread, I am glad that Dino is letting his voice be heard publicly and sharing his thoughts.

Take your time to do it right, Dino! We all know that you are as big of a fan as the rest of us. I know you cannot go into too much detail, but Im thinking if we were in the same position as you and we required to make the same decisions, we would most likely do the exact same thing.

With that being said... I want new books to read!!! ....

[IanAlexavier]

Ok, so IF VEI allowed another company to create comics about VH characters... how could this be handled without destroying continuity...

Well... there is nearly 20 years of material that has yet to be seen.

If another company.. or even VEI through out a few 1 shots, or even a single title focused on stories from the past 20 years, then you wouldn't have to worry about possible continuity concerns.. in fact, you could start building that future continuity within those stories, setting some groundwork.

Of course, this takes capital to hire the people and put it all together and we all know that DNV has put in a ton of cash with just a little to show for it.

Im sure we will all forget this long wait about 3 seconds after a date is given for a movie to be released..

[BloodOfHeroes]

I hope the new stories and extra material we put into the hardcovers can keep you satisfied till then.

BoH

[Geomancer]

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.

With each hardcover one of the foremost questions is always how can we make this exciting for old fans? I think Archer & Armstrong: First Impressions will be the most satisfying yet in this regard. The long term strategy includes quality new material. To get it right asks patience from those who love the Valiant characters the most - you guys, the ones who discuss and dream of Valiant everyday. I hope the new stories and extra material we put into the hardcovers can keep you satisfied till then.

Thank you for helping us understand where you are at. I'm very appreciative that you would take the time to do so.

So you plan to continue producing new comic book material. One can infer that means a line of ongoing comic book series - but that is not necessarily so.

This new comic book material will be "Valiant" stories meaning they will have a similar tone and feel to original VALIANT comics. Just as the new comic book material released thus far has been. The emphasis is on quality.

VEI's strategy of raising awareness of its characters does not include leading with new comic book material. A different approach - movie buzz and occasional high profile projects w/ some new material will ideally create an atmosphere more conducive to regular, future publication of new comic book material.

There is currently no time frame on when new comic book material will begin appearing more regularly.

[robb77]

i was a bit apprehensive regarding the hc but from what dino and co have done i am all for it

ps sort out some new material as soon as pos

[dellamorte]

Looks like I'm a bit late to this party.

I do see comics as a part of the plan, I just don't think they are the big picture. Movies, Toys and Cartoons bring much needed exposure to the properties and should be a key piece of the puzzle. At the end of the day though an ongoing comic line is a very important foundation that everything else should grow out of.

From what we've seen, the boys at VEI are doing right by the properties, even if it isn't fast. In the long run quality will matter more than speed.

[Elveen]

Looks like I'm a bit late to this party.

I do see comics as a part of the plan, I just don't think they are the big picture. Movies, Toys and Cartoons bring much needed exposure to the properties and should be a key piece of the puzzle. At the end of the day though an ongoing comic line is a very important foundation that everything else should grow out of.

From what we've seen, the boys at VEI are doing right by the properties, even if it isn't fast. In the long run quality will matter more than speed.

I agree with you Della.

One thing that needs to be remembered..... at least we can have this conversation. When I first joined the board..... this quandry was not even possible.

Slow is better than not at all.


I think comics will be the basis of the cartoons, moive, video games.... VEI for sure needs other media to be sucessful, but the monthly comics will be the base of all they do.

[BloodOfHeroes]

"Slow" is a relative term. These things take time, as has been pointed out, to do "right".

We've all seen all sorts of promises from all sorts of companies about what they're "gonna" do. What impresses me most about VEI is that their released information is about stuff that's a "done deal." That's the mark of a professional.

[caxiotis]

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.

Sweet. Dino knows

[nutflush76]

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.

Sweet. Dino knows

I understand that it takes time for this stuff to happen, but VEI got people's hopes up by saying new comics would be published by the end of the year. There have been no updates as to wether or not they are close to reaching that goal. I think that they set the expectation and that is what is leading to the lack of patience on the part of some on this board.

If they meant 6 page throw-ins at the end of some HCs they should have said that.

By no means am I saying that they need to keep us informed of every single step in the process, but I do think that most of these members on these boards are by far and away VEI's best source of publicity at the moment.

I think that some questions can be answered on this board without putting VEI into a position that can hurt them.

Questions like:

Are there plans on publishing monthly comics?

Is there a timeframe that they are planning on getting the comics published in?

If so, what is the timeframe?

Now, I know that they can't come out and say "we are gonna sign Bendis to be our EIC" but answering some of these questions would really make an impact towards getting the people on this board excited about new Valiant books.

I bet they would sell a bunch more hardcovers if people wanted to check out the background on characters with new books on the way rather then just revisiting a dead universe.

[nutflush76]

The new comics contained in the hardcovers showcase our intentions to continue to tell Valiant stories in comics.

If I had read the last sentence in that paragraph I guess that would answer my first question

edit:

Actually, I guess it doesn't. There is no mention of if they are going to be monthlies or just some throw-ins at the end of a bunch of HC collections.