All-Time Favorite VALIANT Issue

[DJSpecter]

Hmmm,

I think I'm going to go with Magnus 5/Rai 1 flipbook.

To me, the most underrated book of the entire Valiant universe! First appearance of the first original valiant character, the coolness factor of the flipbook, kicking off the invasion storyline, so much going on!

Good Call. Growing up this was my favorite book and Slagger was a real favorite character.

But there were a good deal of books I read so many times that I the covers are no more which includes Solar #2. A real favorite of mine.

[dave]

That was almost my choice as well. I loved the side stories that went through rai and magnus-the way that politically, things made sense.

[dholden007]

Rai 0 is a popular one for such a high print run

So may great ones especially pre-unity, but I also have to go with Rai#0 (tough choice over Magnus #1 which started it all).
I remember there was interview with Shooter before RAI #0 it came out and he was talking about how they will have a very tight continuity w/ no more than 10 titles etc...then reading Rai 0 just kinda put the universe together. After I read I was like WOW! I always wished they stopped putting out books with Bloodshot. Wasn't Turok repsonsible for the market crash anyway either that or Adventures of Superman #500.

[Daniel Jackson]

So may great ones especially pre-unity, but I also have to go with Rai#0 (tough choice over Magnus #1 which started it all).
I remember there was interview with Shooter before RAI #0 it came out and he was talking about how they will have a very tight continuity w/ no more than 10 titles etc...then reading Rai 0 just kinda put the universe together. After I read I was like WOW! I always wished they stopped putting out books with Bloodshot. Wasn't Turok repsonsible for the market crash anyway either that or Adventures of Superman #500.

Those books certainly helped, but it was the whole attitude back then that caused the fall. Almost everything was based around greed and speculation that ended up costing the industry big time. I remember at least a dozen comic shops in my local area and now only a few remain and they are just a ghost of what they used to be.

[dholden007]

So may great ones especially pre-unity, but I also have to go with Rai#0 (tough choice over Magnus #1 which started it all).
I remember there was interview with Shooter before RAI #0 it came out and he was talking about how they will have a very tight continuity w/ no more than 10 titles etc...then reading Rai 0 just kinda put the universe together. After I read I was like WOW! I always wished they stopped putting out books with Bloodshot. Wasn't Turok repsonsible for the market crash anyway either that or Adventures of Superman #500.

Those books certainly helped, but it was the whole attitude back then that caused the fall. Almost everything was based around greed and speculation that ended up costing the industry big time. I remember at least a dozen comic shops in my local area and now only a few remain and they are just a ghost of what they used to be.

Definitely, it was a long time coming. I just think after one of those issues came out, it was the final straw. The industry (retailers and companies) then realized the bubble burst and we are only left with the readers. I remember seeing Turok #1 all over the place. My local store was giving them out for free with a $5 purchase. It was a mess.

[Daniel Jackson]

So may great ones especially pre-unity, but I also have to go with Rai#0 (tough choice over Magnus #1 which started it all).
I remember there was interview with Shooter before RAI #0 it came out and he was talking about how they will have a very tight continuity w/ no more than 10 titles etc...then reading Rai 0 just kinda put the universe together. After I read I was like WOW! I always wished they stopped putting out books with Bloodshot. Wasn't Turok repsonsible for the market crash anyway either that or Adventures of Superman #500.

Those books certainly helped, but it was the whole attitude back then that caused the fall. Almost everything was based around greed and speculation that ended up costing the industry big time. I remember at least a dozen comic shops in my local area and now only a few remain and they are just a ghost of what they used to be.

Definitely, it was a long time coming. I just think after one of those issues came out, it was the final straw. The industry (retailers and companies) then realized the bubble burst and we are only left with the readers. I remember seeing Turok #1 all over the place. My local store was giving them out for free with a $5 purchase. It was a mess.

I saw dealers throwing boxes of them in the dumpster after the bottom dropped out. They said they it wasn't worth it to have them taking up the floor space.

[dholden007]

So may great ones especially pre-unity, but I also have to go with Rai#0 (tough choice over Magnus #1 which started it all).
I remember there was interview with Shooter before RAI #0 it came out and he was talking about how they will have a very tight continuity w/ no more than 10 titles etc...then reading Rai 0 just kinda put the universe together. After I read I was like WOW! I always wished they stopped putting out books with Bloodshot. Wasn't Turok repsonsible for the market crash anyway either that or Adventures of Superman #500.

Those books certainly helped, but it was the whole attitude back then that caused the fall. Almost everything was based around greed and speculation that ended up costing the industry big time. I remember at least a dozen comic shops in my local area and now only a few remain and they are just a ghost of what they used to be.

Definitely, it was a long time coming. I just think after one of those issues came out, it was the final straw. The industry (retailers and companies) then realized the bubble burst and we are only left with the readers. I remember seeing Turok #1 all over the place. My local store was giving them out for free with a $5 purchase. It was a mess.

I saw dealers throwing boxes of them in the dumpster after the bottom dropped out. They said they it wasn't worth it to have them taking up the floor space.

I remember before the Valiant boom, going to a local store, and asking for Harbinger #3. The guy said they didn't have it, and then in a few days he has it up on the wall for $30. They would duck the books constantly...then overorder next month. It finally caught up with them, many got what they deserved

Although many factors contributed to the bust, Wizard was definitely a huge culprit, constantly hyping the "hot books" that’s what made Valiant popular in the mainstream industry anyway. Everyone was buying Valiant’s as the next hot thing.
I still don’t buy Wizard

To stay on topic, Rai 0 still the best book.

[Tim]

Eternal Warrior #1. Loved the history of Aram and Gilad. Art and story were both tremendous.

[superman-prime]

and its pt of unity

[tmcneil82]

So may great ones especially pre-unity, but I also have to go with Rai#0 (tough choice over Magnus #1 which started it all).
I remember there was interview with Shooter before RAI #0 it came out and he was talking about how they will have a very tight continuity w/ no more than 10 titles etc...then reading Rai 0 just kinda put the universe together. After I read I was like WOW! I always wished they stopped putting out books with Bloodshot. Wasn't Turok repsonsible for the market crash anyway either that or Adventures of Superman #500.

Those books certainly helped, but it was the whole attitude back then that caused the fall. Almost everything was based around greed and speculation that ended up costing the industry big time. I remember at least a dozen comic shops in my local area and now only a few remain and they are just a ghost of what they used to be.

Definitely, it was a long time coming. I just think after one of those issues came out, it was the final straw. The industry (retailers and companies) then realized the bubble burst and we are only left with the readers. I remember seeing Turok #1 all over the place. My local store was giving them out for free with a $5 purchase. It was a mess.

I saw dealers throwing boxes of them in the dumpster after the bottom dropped out. They said they it wasn't worth it to have them taking up the floor space.

I remember before the Valiant boom, going to a local store, and asking for Harbinger #3. The guy said they didn't have it, and then in a few days he has it up on the wall for $30. They would duck the books constantly...then overorder next month. It finally caught up with them, many got what they deserved

Although many factors contributed to the bust, Wizard was definitely a huge culprit, constantly hyping the "hot books" that’s what made Valiant popular in the mainstream industry anyway. Everyone was buying Valiant’s as the next hot thing.
I still don’t buy Wizard

To stay on topic, Rai 0 still the best book.

I think we are about to see another one of these happen. With all the variant incentives out there, I'm noticing a lot of shops aren't able to move the regular versions they are forced to buy to receive the variants. At least around here anyway.

[dholden007]

I think we are about to see another one of these happen. With all the variant incentives out there, I'm noticing a lot of shops aren't able to move the regular versions they are forced to buy to receive the variants. At least around here anyway.

I think it was Nick Barucci from Dynamite who said that if they don't publish multiple covers and variant incentives they cannot compete w/ the big 2...thats the only way they can get stores to order their comics.

Until 2009 the sales were steadily going up...last year there was a decline. Hopefully there is a big boom upward before another bust.

[StarBrand]

I think we are about to see another one of these happen. With all the variant incentives out there, I'm noticing a lot of shops aren't able to move the regular versions they are forced to buy to receive the variants. At least around here anyway.

I think it was Nick Barucci from Dynamite who said that if they don't publish multiple covers and variant incentives they cannot compete w/ the big 2...thats the only way they can get stores to order their comics.

Until 2009 the sales were steadily going up...last year there was a decline. Hopefully there is a big boom upward before another bust.

That definately makes you think.

[dave]

Eternal Warrior #1. Loved the history of Aram and Gilad. Art and story were both tremendous.

Good call. I loved the "early" story combo with the present day story approach to that title. Great stuff.

[Chiclo]

I think we are about to see another one of these happen. With all the variant incentives out there, I'm noticing a lot of shops aren't able to move the regular versions they are forced to buy to receive the variants. At least around here anyway.

I think it was Nick Barucci from Dynamite who said that if they don't publish multiple covers and variant incentives they cannot compete w/ the big 2...thats the only way they can get stores to order their comics.

Until 2009 the sales were steadily going up...last year there was a decline. Hopefully there is a big boom upward before another bust.

That definately makes you think.

You know, I am sure I'll buy more Dynamite comics in 2010 than I did in 2009. I've met Nicky B and I halfway believe he won the company in a dice game but I am still a loyal fan.

Until Valiant makes a comeback... or Dark Horse manages to woo me over with Magnus and Solar... make mine Dynamite.

[Phoenix8008]

Dang. How am I supposed to pick just one!? There are so many great Valiant stories that it's nearly impossible. I'll throw out a few of the top ones, but it would take putting a gun to my head (or reading all of these again back to back to try and weigh them) to make a more detailed decision.

Rai 0- Obviously, the big picture story tying it all together and giving glimpses of the future was awesome.

Solar Alpha & Omega- Seeing the origin of Phil becoming Solar and destroying/creating the universe... wow!

X-O Manowar- not sure what issue, but its an early one where he gets depressed and sits out on the rooftop through night, day, night in a trance with the suit teaching him and explaining everything. When he comes out of it and realizes exactly what his situation is finally, it was just a powerful moment for me.

That's just a few. I could go on and on, as I'm sure we all could. But that's just because Valiant is just that good!

[xodacia81]

Dang. How am I supposed to pick just one!? There are so many great Valiant stories that it's nearly impossible. I'll throw out a few of the top ones, but it would take putting a gun to my head (or reading all of these again back to back to try and weigh them) to make a more detailed decision.

Rai 0- Obviously, the big picture story tying it all together and giving glimpses of the future was awesome.

Solar Alpha & Omega- Seeing the origin of Phil becoming Solar and destroying/creating the universe... wow!

X-O Manowar- not sure what issue, but its an early one where he gets depressed and sits out on the rooftop through night, day, night in a trance with the suit teaching him and explaining everything. When he comes out of it and realizes exactly what his situation is finally, it was just a powerful moment for me.

That's just a few. I could go on and on, as I'm sure we all could. But that's just because Valiant is just that good!

I think that issue of XO is # 3 or 5.

[Phoenix8008]

Dang. How am I supposed to pick just one!? There are so many great Valiant stories that it's nearly impossible. I'll throw out a few of the top ones, but it would take putting a gun to my head (or reading all of these again back to back to try and weigh them) to make a more detailed decision.

Rai 0- Obviously, the big picture story tying it all together and giving glimpses of the future was awesome.

Solar Alpha & Omega- Seeing the origin of Phil becoming Solar and destroying/creating the universe... wow!

X-O Manowar- not sure what issue, but its an early one where he gets depressed and sits out on the rooftop through night, day, night in a trance with the suit teaching him and explaining everything. When he comes out of it and realizes exactly what his situation is finally, it was just a powerful moment for me.

That's just a few. I could go on and on, as I'm sure we all could. But that's just because Valiant is just that good!

I think that issue of XO is # 3 or 5.

Hmmm... Looking at the issue covers in the gallery, I don't think it can be #5, because in the scene described the suit taught him English as well and in issue #4 he is fighting the Harbinger kids in New Orleans because he was meeting with Harada as one business leader to another.

In issue #3 he was fighting the X-calibre guy Harada sent after him. Not sure if he was speaking English well during that fight or not, but I think he may have been.

Could the scene have been at the end of #2 after conquering Orb Industries? It just seems to me like it was at the end of an issue.

[xodacia81]

Dang. How am I supposed to pick just one!? There are so many great Valiant stories that it's nearly impossible. I'll throw out a few of the top ones, but it would take putting a gun to my head (or reading all of these again back to back to try and weigh them) to make a more detailed decision.

Rai 0- Obviously, the big picture story tying it all together and giving glimpses of the future was awesome.

Solar Alpha & Omega- Seeing the origin of Phil becoming Solar and destroying/creating the universe... wow!

X-O Manowar- not sure what issue, but its an early one where he gets depressed and sits out on the rooftop through night, day, night in a trance with the suit teaching him and explaining everything. When he comes out of it and realizes exactly what his situation is finally, it was just a powerful moment for me.

That's just a few. I could go on and on, as I'm sure we all could. But that's just because Valiant is just that good!

I think that issue of XO is # 3 or 5.

Hmmm... Looking at the issue covers in the gallery, I don't think it can be #5, because in the scene described the suit taught him English as well and in issue #4 he is fighting the Harbinger kids in New Orleans because he was meeting with Harada as one business leader to another.

In issue #3 he was fighting the X-calibre guy Harada sent after him. Not sure if he was speaking English well during that fight or not, but I think he may have been.

Could the scene have been at the end of #2 after conquering Orb Industries? It just seems to me like it was at the end of an issue.

It was in # 5 and I know because I dug out my books and checked. I knew it couldn't be 1,2 or 4 and I knew it wasn't as far ahead as 6. It is a great scene AND it is close to the start of the issue.

[Phoenix8008]

Dang. How am I supposed to pick just one!? There are so many great Valiant stories that it's nearly impossible. I'll throw out a few of the top ones, but it would take putting a gun to my head (or reading all of these again back to back to try and weigh them) to make a more detailed decision.

Rai 0- Obviously, the big picture story tying it all together and giving glimpses of the future was awesome.

Solar Alpha & Omega- Seeing the origin of Phil becoming Solar and destroying/creating the universe... wow!

X-O Manowar- not sure what issue, but its an early one where he gets depressed and sits out on the rooftop through night, day, night in a trance with the suit teaching him and explaining everything. When he comes out of it and realizes exactly what his situation is finally, it was just a powerful moment for me.

That's just a few. I could go on and on, as I'm sure we all could. But that's just because Valiant is just that good!

I think that issue of XO is # 3 or 5.

Hmmm... Looking at the issue covers in the gallery, I don't think it can be #5, because in the scene described the suit taught him English as well and in issue #4 he is fighting the Harbinger kids in New Orleans because he was meeting with Harada as one business leader to another.

In issue #3 he was fighting the X-calibre guy Harada sent after him. Not sure if he was speaking English well during that fight or not, but I think he may have been.

Could the scene have been at the end of #2 after conquering Orb Industries? It just seems to me like it was at the end of an issue.

It was in # 5 and I know because I dug out my books and checked. I knew it couldn't be 1,2 or 4 and I knew it wasn't as far ahead as 6. It is a great scene AND it is close to the start of the issue.

Well hush my mouth. Sorry to doubt you. I didn't remember him being the big caveman in his conversations with Harada. I guess Ken kept him on a tight leash. Thanks for checking though.

[xodacia81]

Dang. How am I supposed to pick just one!? There are so many great Valiant stories that it's nearly impossible. I'll throw out a few of the top ones, but it would take putting a gun to my head (or reading all of these again back to back to try and weigh them) to make a more detailed decision.

Rai 0- Obviously, the big picture story tying it all together and giving glimpses of the future was awesome.

Solar Alpha & Omega- Seeing the origin of Phil becoming Solar and destroying/creating the universe... wow!

X-O Manowar- not sure what issue, but its an early one where he gets depressed and sits out on the rooftop through night, day, night in a trance with the suit teaching him and explaining everything. When he comes out of it and realizes exactly what his situation is finally, it was just a powerful moment for me.

That's just a few. I could go on and on, as I'm sure we all could. But that's just because Valiant is just that good!

I think that issue of XO is # 3 or 5.

Hmmm... Looking at the issue covers in the gallery, I don't think it can be #5, because in the scene described the suit taught him English as well and in issue #4 he is fighting the Harbinger kids in New Orleans because he was meeting with Harada as one business leader to another.

In issue #3 he was fighting the X-calibre guy Harada sent after him. Not sure if he was speaking English well during that fight or not, but I think he may have been.

Could the scene have been at the end of #2 after conquering Orb Industries? It just seems to me like it was at the end of an issue.

It was in # 5 and I know because I dug out my books and checked. I knew it couldn't be 1,2 or 4 and I knew it wasn't as far ahead as 6. It is a great scene AND it is close to the start of the issue.

Well hush my mouth. Sorry to doubt you. I didn't remember him being the big caveman in his conversations with Harada. I guess Ken kept him on a tight leash. Thanks for checking though.

Don't sweat it. It was a little confusing for me, too, because I was leaning so heavily towards 3 because of that talk with Harada, which I didn't recall Aric being so "ancient" in. Not as smooth-sort of, lol-as he later became, but it was good to look through the old issues again.

[dave]

I need to re-read issues 5-10 of X-O, I don't remember any of that!

[Daniel Jackson]

I need to re-read issues 5-10 of X-O, I don't remember any of that!

Shame on you....

[dave]

I just remember that great cover and also the "fake" one somebody made of the Kool-aid guy in Aric's place. Don't remember where exactly I saw that one...

[Zaphod]

My favorite for sentimental reasons (my first):

[xodacia81]

My favorite for sentimental reasons (my first):

Fun issue. BWS drew some great covers. I love his one for Solar # 5.