VEI - what is their ultimate goal?

[leonmallett]

VEI - what is their ultimate goal?

To take over the world, natch.





-slym

Once you have achieved that goal, then what do you do?

Step up the pace and go for the Universe.

Upon completion of that goal you begin to create your own universes from navel lint for the sole purpose of taking them over one by one.

You are new to the maniacal conqueror thing aren't you?

I like to think of myself as a modest potential conqueror.

As of now I proclaim myself 'Master of my Chair, and Lord of my Own Jim-Jams'.

[leonmallett]

That VEI has been around over a year

It's been a lot longer then that.

look. I have a woody

It would be nice to have a stronger sense of something new coming soon.

Whilst the new material in the HC's is appreciated, I enjoy the medium for comic books primarily, rather than collected editions, so I want monthly books and the attendent excitement they can generate (in me)

[Sensationalcomics]

I disagree with you on quite a few things here. The obvious one is that the new stories are 15 years old... though they may take place back then, they are new stories. I think that they are using those as a means of establishing a direction in which they are planning to take the comics.

As far as the idea that VEI has no intentions in publishing comics seems a little ludicrous. They are, in fact, a comic company and just because they are looking into ventures such as movies and possibly video games doesn't mean that they aren't planning to publish comics too. I mean, how are they going to generate interest in the movies and games if they don't have the comics for the basis? I would also point out that even though they aren't 100% new, or even a large percentage new, VEI is publishing comics. It's just in the form of HCs right now.

As far as comic dealers not knowing about their return... all the ones in my area know. If they don't in yours, then I suspect someone isn't doing their job very well. Just a thought...

On to the corporate side of things and directors this, VPs that... I don't know what they have. I thought they had an art director, but I could easily be wrong on that. I suspect that the companies primary focus is stability and that they are building up the company in a way that will best promote that. That being said, though, business isn't my strong point.

How can they be a comic company, when they have no staff in place to make comics, check their website, they have no editor, creative director, anyone in control of their marketing for comics or production. The only people that they have in place are ones that have experience with producing or marketing properties for movies and a guy with experience with developing properties for online purposes.

As for the “New” Shooter story, I just find it funny that you cannot find anywhere on the web a current interview with Shooter where “he” talks about writing a new story for Valiant. The only thing I have seen him talk about was the Harbinger movie plans, and that the company had no contact with him about the movie. Now you might think this is normal, but Shooter has an ego. That he has not mentioned doing any new stories for VEI I find that a little funny. It makes more sense to me that it would be an old unpublished story being printed for the first time; it would be “new” but not really new. If you know of an interview he has given about the story please tell me where I can find it, but all I have found is the same story printed on the dust jacket of the book by Valiant about the new story. I would love to see Shooter back with Valiant, in the comic industry today he is the type of editor a company needs. One of his big things was that writers and artist had to stick with the deadline for their work, something very lacking in the industry today.

As for the business stuff, I really don’t think that they are doing much to get the word out for their new products or what plans they have for any comics. That does not give the image of a company that interested in producing a continuing line of comic properties. Yes they have put out what 2 HC, soon to be 3 HC in 2 yrs time, and even that for the most part is reprinted material. That people on this board keep on talking about an actual comic book coming out by the end of the year is what I find ludicrous. This is the comic industry, when have you ever seen a comic company keep quite about what writers or artist they are cutting deals with. What have we heard from VEI in this regard nothing, and people think they are going to have a book out in less than 3 months, that’s just nuts.

[leonmallett]

I don't think anyone here currently anticipates new comic books (comic books, not collected editions with 'new' material) in 3 months. Or even 6 months for that matter.

[Crow331]

As for the “New” Shooter story, I just find it funny that you cannot find anywhere on the web a current interview with Shooter where “he” talks about writing a new story for Valiant. The only thing I have seen him talk about was the Harbinger movie plans, and that the company had no contact with him about the movie. Now you might think this is normal, but Shooter has an ego. That he has not mentioned doing any new stories for VEI I find that a little funny. It makes more sense to me that it would be an old unpublished story being printed for the first time; it would be “new” but not really new. If you know of an interview he has given about the story please tell me where I can find it, but all I have found is the same story printed on the dust jacket of the book by Valiant about the new story.

OK so I'm a little out of the loop since I just re-introduced myself to Valiant less than a month ago, but is this really a BRAND NEW story arc from Shooter, as in, was he hired recently for this, or is it a story from the old days that never got published?

Is Shooter going to be taking on a bigger role in the resurgence of Valiant or is he just a gun for hire? I'd love to see Jim back with Valiant and maybe have him bring some of his Defiant characters with him!

Congrats on the Archer and Armstrong. I'll definitely be picking it up.

The Formation of the Sect story is an all-new story that was commissioned specially for the hardcover collection. Jim's work on Archer & Armstrong: First Impressions was a one off special project. As was his work on the Origin of Harada story in the Harbinger: The Beginning hardcover.

[etos45]

How can they be a comic company, when they have no staff in place to make comics, check their website, they have no editor, creative director, anyone in control of their marketing for comics or production. The only people that they have in place are ones that have experience with producing or marketing properties for movies and a guy with experience with developing properties for online purposes.

Again, I'm not a business kind of person, so all I can do is tell you what I have always assumed during this whole thing. I figure that the HC releases have been both to raise awareness to the fact that Valiant is printing again, as well as to raise income to pursue other venture that would raise even more income with the intent to built a stable company. You would want that to go from HCs to comics (as would a lot of people here). From the looks of it, they chose movies, because those (again, I'm assuming) would be financed primarily by the film studio, so VEI can get more buzz and income with minimal expense. I would be very shocked, though, if they weren't publishing some form of monthly something by the end of next year.

As for the “New” Shooter story, I just find it funny that you cannot find anywhere on the web a current interview with Shooter where “he” talks about writing a new story for Valiant. The only thing I have seen him talk about was the Harbinger movie plans, and that the company had no contact with him about the movie. Now you might think this is normal, but Shooter has an ego. That he has not mentioned doing any new stories for VEI I find that a little funny. It makes more sense to me that it would be an old unpublished story being printed for the first time; it would be “new” but not really new. If you know of an interview he has given about the story please tell me where I can find it, but all I have found is the same story printed on the dust jacket of the book by Valiant about the new story. I would love to see Shooter back with Valiant, in the comic industry today he is the type of editor a company needs. One of his big things was that writers and artist had to stick with the deadline for their work, something very lacking in the industry today.

Well, I think Crow already covered that the Shooter stories are new.
My wild speculation with no grounds for fact is that the reason VEI hasn't picked an EIC yet is because they're still trying to get Shooter. That's the choice everyone would like to see... so maybe they're trying to build his trust with the short stories with the hope that it'll lead further. Probably not, but I like to dream of a Shooter return to Valiant.

As for the business stuff, I really don’t think that they are doing much to get the word out for their new products or what plans they have for any comics. That does not give the image of a company that interested in producing a continuing line of comic properties. Yes they have put out what 2 HC, soon to be 3 HC in 2 yrs time, and even that for the most part is reprinted material. That people on this board keep on talking about an actual comic book coming out by the end of the year is what I find ludicrous. This is the comic industry, when have you ever seen a comic company keep quite about what writers or artist they are cutting deals with. What have we heard from VEI in this regard nothing, and people think they are going to have a book out in less than 3 months, that’s just nuts.

I think saying 3 HCs in 2 years is a bit unfair considering that the first HC was released more like a year ago (I remember getting it around the time I got married, anyways) and that was surrounded by all kind of legal issues that threw a wrench into the works. Since then they've been a little more consistent with the releases (all 2 of them) and I think it's highly possible you could see them released even closer together as they get the process down. As for the new titles in 3 months, no one is expecting that. Many people are upset because of the promise of new titles this year, but I don't think them talking about it now is an actual indication that they expect a new title this year. I believe it's possible Dino really intended to be publishing when he made that statement, but it didn't work out. They published something, though, so I'm happy. Even if each book is only 8 pages of new material.

[jedimarley]

Many people are upset because of the promise of new titles this year, but I don't think them talking about it now is an actual indication that they expect a new title this year. I believe it's possible Dino really intended to be publishing when he made that statement, but it didn't work out.

Hey sh!t happens. I also believe that dino and co. had every intention of getting new comics "By years end". But something happened.

I wonder what that was????

Newton I'm sporting a tremendous woody

[Geomancer]

I'm glad to see the interest is here in checking the pulse of a line of ongoing VEI comics from time to time.

I've downshifted for now. I'm very glad the intention to create such a line is a solid objective of Dino & Co. I respect him not wanting to release any details until he has a finished product.

Unfortunately, since I am not a comic book speculator nor do I have much interest in discussing movie versions (though I will go and watch them) -- it leaves me in limbo until full time creative staff members are announced, or we get release dates on all-new comics.

I can't wait to jump in and discuss details of the new comic line as those details become available. But there just isn't much more to say for now until VEI does.

[slym2none]

VEI - what is their ultimate goal?

To take over the world, natch.





-slym

Once you have achieved that goal, then what do you do?

Step up the pace and go for the Universe.

Upon completion of that goal you begin to create your own universes from navel lint for the sole purpose of taking them over one by one.

You are new to the maniacal conqueror thing aren't you?

I would use the Cosmic Cube to light my farts and make entire galaxies.



-slym

[xodacia81]

VEI - what is their ultimate goal?

To take over the world, natch.





-slym

Once you have achieved that goal, then what do you do?

Step up the pace and go for the Universe.

Upon completion of that goal you begin to create your own universes from navel lint for the sole purpose of taking them over one by one.

You are new to the maniacal conqueror thing aren't you?

I would use the Cosmic Cube to light my farts and make entire galaxies.



-slym

HO! What a stinky Fire-light the Slym one makes...the odor is enough to slaughter the gods. Good skin, take us away from here quickly.

[leonmallett]

VEI - what is their ultimate goal?

To take over the world, natch.





-slym

Once you have achieved that goal, then what do you do?

Step up the pace and go for the Universe.

Upon completion of that goal you begin to create your own universes from navel lint for the sole purpose of taking them over one by one.

You are new to the maniacal conqueror thing aren't you?

I would use the Cosmic Cube to light my farts and make entire galaxies.



-slym

HO! What a stinky Fire-light the Slym one makes...the odor is enough to slaughter the gods. Good skin, take us away from here quickly.

Thank you. First good chuckle of the day.

[UnknownTales]

We are all waiting for details.

I'm glad to see the interest is here in checking the pulse of a line of ongoing VEI comics from time to time.

I've downshifted for now. I'm very glad the intention to create such a line is a solid objective of Dino & Co. I respect him not wanting to release any details until he has a finished product.

Unfortunately, since I am not a comic book speculator nor do I have much interest in discussing movie versions (though I will go and watch them) -- it leaves me in limbo until full time creative staff members are announced, or we get release dates on all-new comics.

I can't wait to jump in and discuss details of the new comic line as those details become available. But there just isn't much more to say for now until VEI does.

[BloodOfHeroes]

In case anyone is still unclear about what VEI's goal is, here's "who they are":

Valiant Entertainment is a character-based entertainment company that owns and manages some of the most popular comic characters ever created across all media, including feature films, television, video games, new media, publishing, and consumer products.

Now take a look at how Marvel defines itself:

Marvel Comics is a division of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 5,000 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel's operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel's creative team also supports the development of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel's comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property.

I read the Marvel Entertainment bit checking out an online piece about Sean Chen and WAR MACHINE. The piece mentioned that a new WM (mini?)series seemed timed to help promote the second IRON MAN movie.

The books seem to have become secondary to the licensing. As many pros, Dino included, have said time and again, the funnybooks (at least the "pamphlets") aren't, in and of themselves, moneymakers. I would imagine (and/or hope) that the new comics are tied to some moneymaking deals.

"In it to win it" is the phrase, no?

[jedimarley]

You can not compare VEI to Marvel. Marvel built their reputation and their characters on the 40+ years of published comic books.

Anyway. What you're saying is that VEI should forgo the comic book thing and focus on movies based on the old comics.

License out the properties.

[etos45]

You can not compare VEI to Marvel. Marvel built their reputation and their characters on the 40+ years of published comic books.

Anyway. What you're saying is that VEI should forgo the comic book thing and focus on movies based on the old comics.

License out the properties.

I don't take his statement to be saying that exactly, but I think it's true that a lot of time the actual comics are taking a back seat to many companies. I have no problem with VEI using their properties in any medium they want to so long as one of them is comics.

I did take Blood of Heroes' quotes to say that VEIs intentions aren't much different than any other comic company and I don't know if they'd make it as a comic company alone. Though, I guess there are some that do it?

[BloodOfHeroes]

You can not compare VEI to Marvel. Marvel built their reputation and their characters on the 40+ years of published comic books.

Anyway. What you're saying is that VEI should forgo the comic book thing and focus on movies based on the old comics.

License out the properties.

Nope. I would never offer them business advice (and they would never take it). I'm just showing how they identofy themselves and why they might be prioritized the way they are, is all. Also showing that it's not all-that-"bizarre" a strategy.

Cool?

[Geomancer]

We are all waiting for details.

I'm glad to see the interest is here in checking the pulse of a line of ongoing VEI comics from time to time.

I've downshifted for now. I'm very glad the intention to create such a line is a solid objective of Dino & Co. I respect him not wanting to release any details until he has a finished product.

Unfortunately, since I am not a comic book speculator nor do I have much interest in discussing movie versions (though I will go and watch them) -- it leaves me in limbo until full time creative staff members are announced, or we get release dates on all-new comics.

I can't wait to jump in and discuss details of the new comic line as those details become available. But there just isn't much more to say for now until VEI does.

I'm sure everybody is.

But thats the only VEI-related thing I'm interested in at the moment.

[xodacia81]

We will know...when the time is right.

[Zaphod]

We will know...when the time is right.

oh quit being so stoic, those *SQUEE* are in it for the money!