X-O #1 goes to third print

[Zaphod]

2) VEI might have sold out their 2nd print and are going into a 3rd print. Great for Valiant. For now. It's been 53 days since X-0 #1 was put on the shelves. If there are a good number of comic shops that still have these on the shelves - that's bad for Valiant's future. It is not a simple business model where sales=sustainability. They need to sell X-0 #5 with its 4 variant covers to those same shop owners who are still sitting on X-0 #1, 2...

not good, no matter how many printings I would think.

4) Plasmer #1 had a really low print-run. It isn't all that collectible. Low print run does not guarantee collectability.

[BugsySig]

2) VEI might have sold out their 2nd print and are going into a 3rd print. Great for Valiant. For now. It's been 53 days since X-0 #1 was put on the shelves. If there are a good number of comic shops that still have these on the shelves - that's bad for Valiant's future. It is not a simple business model where sales=sustainability. They need to sell X-0 #5 with its 4 variant covers to those same shop owners who are still sitting on X-0 #1, 2...

not good, no matter how many printings I would think.

4) Plasmer #1 had a really low print-run. It isn't all that collectible. Low print run does not guarantee collectability.

Shops with issues on the shelves shouldn't order the future printings unless someone asks for it or its bad business for them. Of course they will adjust their orders for later issues accordingly, and overall sales will drop. But that is typical of any book after the first issue to drop in sales. It is highly unlikely XO will sell 45,000 copies again anytime soon (though I hope that is not the case).

Point taken on Plasmer...there is much more than just print run that leads to collect ability. But I will argue that innovation alone does not produce collect ability either.

[etos45]

A few things here:

1) if I wanted XO#1 and it wasn't at my local shop(s), I would never even think to look on eBay. So I don't think you can use that as a basis for anything except the real collectible issues.

So you're saying that if the only way for you to get a copy of X-O #1 was to buy it online you would just pass on it? Because I think you're the minority on that one. I saw one listed for under $2 that didn't sell. I'm sure it wouldn't be cheap at any online comic retailer.

2) no matter what any individuals might think about a second or third printing based on what is going on in their shops, Valiant wouldn't be going back to print if they couldn't sell the books to retailers. Period. They are running a business. My guess is the speed at which they needed to go to second print led them to just print a set number. When that number was exceeded by orders, it's on to printing 3.

I'm not saying Valiant isn't going to be able to sell the reprints, I just can't (from my perspective) see the need for it. But obviously someone needs it somewhere, right?

3) a second print, let alone a third, is amazing publicity and a huge success for XO, VEI, and the future Valiant books.

I don't think anyone would disagree with you there.

4) sure these new covers may not be "innovative" but what do you really want to see? Chromium? ok for sentimental value. Same for Gold logo or Blacked out covers...but in the end it's the print run that determines value for a collectible. It could be the worst cover in the world, but if only 800 get printed, people will want it. If you don't like it aesthetically, no one is holding a gun to your head.

The "innovative" comment is based on how I read a lot about how "innovative" Valiant is being but, outside of the QR variants, I'm not seeing it. Different cover variants is not innovative.

5) I love the gatefold second print and hope I can find it in one of the three shops around me. I could go either way with the third printing cover, but at that point I doubt Valiant would commission a new cover, so I am cool with it and will get it if I can.

I like the gatefold and I don't mind the third printing cover, but I think I'm going to pass on both.

I will add this, I feel like I'm being very negative towards Valiant and that's not really how I feel. I really like what they're doing with the stories and I'm glad to see they're selling so well. The huge amount of covers irks me, but not bad enough to make me want to walk out (just enough for me to and moan on the internet ). I just can't look at them from a collector's point of view anymore. I think I'll leave the multiples for the rest of you guys.

[BugsySig]

So you're saying that if the only way for you to get a copy of X-O #1 was to buy it online you would just pass on it? Because I think you're the minority on that one. I saw one listed for under $2 that didn't sell. I'm sure it wouldn't be cheap at any online comic retailer.

No, I just mean it would never occur to me to look for a copy on eBay. It's not a bad idea, but I typically don't buy anything on eBay, which I think may be representative of a lot more comic consumers than you think.

And if I did, I would probably pass anyway because of the hassle of PayPal (which I don't have an account for) and shipping when I could either a) try another shop a little further away or b) wait for a second printing.

If it was the only way, sure, but it's not.

[zoso20]

I feel the 2nd and third print are going to the shops that ordered none/few as I have stated before.......it seems pretty simple....they had none and then had customers asking for it......one of the LCS I went to said he only ordered 5 of x-o 1(I have 3 of those) and when people complained he went to up his order for x-o 2 and was told it was sold out also......I know for a fact he was trying to get more X-O #1......I just want to see if it is the 2nd or 3rd print he gets now.......

I just don't see how the arguement saying "my store still has tons" has any validity.........Stores liek CP(hi Ed!) probably has a bunch on the shelves......but I really doubt this is the norm for most shops.....

[MarrowMan]

But, the stories are solid... so that's kind of innovative. I'm sure not seeing that in Spider-man.

Then you certainly haven't been reading Amazing Spider-Man the last several years. It's one of the best books on the market.

I'd have to agree, I have every issue of spider man since 2009, and the stories have been pretty solid, the Grim Hunt was my fave so far, and Ends isn't the worst.

[etos45]

I just don't see how the arguement saying "my store still has tons" has any validity.........Stores liek CP(hi Ed!) probably has a bunch on the shelves......but I really doubt this is the norm for most shops.....

That's the thing, though, my LCS isn't known to order a massive amount of copies. I'm not saying that everyone should have large amounts, I'm just wondering how many ordered large and sold out. Like you said, your LCS ordered 5. So of course he sold out. Mine ordered what looks to be about 20. I haven't checked this week, but last time I was there he still had what looked like the same amount as he did on launch day. The thing you have to realize is that I'm not the only one saying their shop has lots of copies. It isn't an isolated event. While it's not the definitive word, it also isn't invalid. I would bet that most stores that still have issues on the shelf didn't order anywhere near CP's numbers but they also ordered more than five. It looks like the second and third prints are for the guys that under-ordered.

[FormerReader]

I just don't see how the arguement saying "my store still has tons" has any validity.........Stores liek CP(hi Ed!) probably has a bunch on the shelves......but I really doubt this is the norm for most shops.....

I don't have much of an opinion on any of the above, but my LCS still has 7-8 copies out of his 30. I think given time the series will pick up around here though. He even said he thought the issues were good so far.

[paradise]

I just don't see how the arguement saying "my store still has tons" has any validity.........Stores liek CP(hi Ed!) probably has a bunch on the shelves......but I really doubt this is the norm for most shops.....

Hey

So, I probably have more copies of X-O #1 left than the rest of LA stores ORDERED, but that's ok, I got them for a reason you all know about.

I am getting copies of X-O #1 2nd print. Why? Because:

a. I support Valiant
b. the business person in me knows that Valiant collectors will want multiple covers. Plus we made a few mail order customers and even a couple of new local customers since Valiant came back that are VFans members, so it makes it easy to sell those copies. I am not getting a lot, just to cover those who I KNOW will want them.

I will do the same with 3rd printing for the same reasons.

As to the questions why there would be a 3rd print before 2nd print ships, it's actually quite simple if you know the distribution system. Valiant solicits 2nd print in a hurry to meet demand. They need it ASAP, not in a normal 2 months cycle (comics come out 2 months after retailers place their orders normally). So they set print run, and hope they don't have too many left sitting at Diamond, for which they have to pay Diamond a stocking fee. Orders come in higher than what they printed, so they need to estimate how many more retailers will need and announce a 3rd printing. Product needs to be on the shelves.

Now, if you know stores that are out and want 1st prints, either cover, give them my info. I will gladly sell them copies in quantities at wholesale price. No problem.
Also, if anyone wants to take a position on the first issues, of either XO, Harbinger or upcoming Bloodshot, contact me privately and we can discuss a great price on a larger quantity purchase of those books.

[etos45]

But, the stories are solid... so that's kind of innovative. I'm sure not seeing that in Spider-man.

Then you certainly haven't been reading Amazing Spider-Man the last several years. It's one of the best books on the market.

I'd have to agree, I have every issue of spider man since 2009, and the stories have been pretty solid, the Grim Hunt was my fave so far, and Ends isn't the worst.

I have gotten past Grim Hunt and it wasn't bad, but it was just off. I don't really care for Kraven, though, so that could have a lot to do with it.

[paradise]

I don't have much of an opinion on any of the above, but my LCS still has 7-8 copies out of his 30. I think given time the series will pick up around here though. He even said he thought the issues were good so far.

That's why you see Valiant continue plugging away at promotion, first with the Ninjak stuff in #5, then now with X-O #1 getting third print. They are trying to raise the awareness of the character and company so that people would see it on the shelf and go "Oh, I gotta check it out".

BTW, it also depends on what the store does to promote the book. We have sold at least 200-300 copies of X-O #1 (don't have exact counts) in the stores because I made it my mission to expose everyone to that book and VEI in general. We made it 100% returnable to anyone who picked it up (same for Harbinger & Bloodshot). During our Harbinger #1 signing, we had a deal, BUY any 2 Valiant books, get 3rd free. So if you got X-O #1 and #2, you got Harbinger #1 for free. We have done everything possible to make it stick. And it has. All 3 VEI titles so far are in top 25 of our subscribed titles. EFFORT is important.

[jmatt]

I am not getting a lot, just to cover those who I KNOW will want them.

I will do the same with 3rd printing for the same reasons.

You can put me down for two copies of that third print run.

Heck, I might even become one of your regular mail order customers, the LCSs around here are pretty reserved in their support for the line.

[BugsySig]

I don't have much of an opinion on any of the above, but my LCS still has 7-8 copies out of his 30. I think given time the series will pick up around here though. He even said he thought the issues were good so far.

That's why you see Valiant continue plugging away at promotion, first with the Ninjak stuff in #5, then now with X-O #1 getting third print. They are trying to raise the awareness of the character and company so that people would see it on the shelf and go "Oh, I gotta check it out".

BTW, it also depends on what the store does to promote the book. We have sold at least 200-300 copies of X-O #1 (don't have exact counts) in the stores because I made it my mission to expose everyone to that book and VEI in general. We made it 100% returnable to anyone who picked it up (same for Harbinger & Bloodshot). During our Harbinger #1 signing, we had a deal, BUY any 2 Valiant books, get 3rd free. So if you got X-O #1 and #2, you got Harbinger #1 for free. We have done everything possible to make it stick. And it has. All 3 VEI titles so far are in top 25 of our subscribed titles. EFFORT is important.

[Aram]

I feel the 2nd and third print are going to the shops that ordered none/few as I have stated before.......it seems pretty simple....they had none and then had customers asking for it......one of the LCS I went to said he only ordered 5 of x-o 1(I have 3 of those) and when people complained he went to up his order for x-o 2 and was told it was sold out also......I know for a fact he was trying to get more X-O #1......I just want to see if it is the 2nd or 3rd print he gets now.......

I just don't see how the arguement saying "my store still has tons" has any validity.........Stores liek CP(hi Ed!) probably has a bunch on the shelves......but I really doubt this is the norm for most shops.....

80% or more of the shops in my region are sold out as of last week the others only had a few copies left, so I would guess that most of the mid to smaller shops across the nation are in the same boat. I've heard from a number of owners that have seen their pullbox signups double on X-O in the last month, so I'm not surprised to hear of a 3rd printing 3 days before the 2nd hits the store shelves.

[FormerReader]

I don't have much of an opinion on any of the above, but my LCS still has 7-8 copies out of his 30. I think given time the series will pick up around here though. He even said he thought the issues were good so far.

That's why you see Valiant continue plugging away at promotion, first with the Ninjak stuff in #5, then now with X-O #1 getting third print. They are trying to raise the awareness of the character and company so that people would see it on the shelf and go "Oh, I gotta check it out".

BTW, it also depends on what the store does to promote the book. We have sold at least 200-300 copies of X-O #1 (don't have exact counts) in the stores because I made it my mission to expose everyone to that book and VEI in general. We made it 100% returnable to anyone who picked it up (same for Harbinger & Bloodshot). During our Harbinger #1 signing, we had a deal, BUY any 2 Valiant books, get 3rd free. So if you got X-O #1 and #2, you got Harbinger #1 for free. We have done everything possible to make it stick. And it has. All 3 VEI titles so far are in top 25 of our subscribed titles. EFFORT is important.

Nice work Ed! I hope all your loyal support pays dividends to you and your stores.

I know the shop owner in my area is cautiously optomistic for Valiant. He put X-O #1 on his recommended reading list. I know he is doing his best to get the word out. It will take a little time, but the word will spread.

In the meantime until word of mouth spreads Valiant will continue to have my support. I requested the 2nd print and I will now request the third print.

[paradise]

You can put me down for two copies of that third print run. Heck, I might even become one of your regular mail order customers, the LCSs around here are pretty reserved in their support for the line.

John, anytime, man. Several other members here are doing it and can vouch for simplicity and ease of our online subscription service.

[MoonChild]

How about a variant of the 3rd print with all the interiors being the pencils!! Sounds hillarious but I'd actually like to have that personally. Them pencils for this book are amazing!

[etos45]

How about a variant of the 3rd print with all the interiors being the pencils!! Sounds hillarious but I'd actually like to have that personally. Them pencils for this book are amazing!

I don't think it'd sell well, but I'd sure buy it.

[Heath]

I am getting copies of X-O #1 2nd print. Why? Because:

a. I support Valiant
b. the business person in me knows that Valiant collectors will want multiple covers. Plus we made a few mail order customers and even a couple of new local customers since Valiant came back that are VFans members, so it makes it easy to sell those copies. I am not getting a lot, just to cover those who I KNOW will want them.

I will do the same with 3rd printing for the same reasons.

At the risk of sounding even more negative about Valiant and their variants than I ever intended to, I'm starting to feel that VEI is really milking us for all they can. I think the 3rd printing is more manufactured demand than real demand for a 3rd printing. As paradise pointed out, Valiant fans want multiple covers, and he (and most other shops that order the 2nd and 3rd printings) are only going to order enough for those Valiant fans they know will want them. So, it seems to me that this 3rd printing is just for the sake of a 3rd printing to sell to fans that are going to buy it simply because it exists.

If I'm wrong and there really is demand for a 3rd printing, outside those of us who are going to buy it because they made it, then I'm very happy for them! My complaints are out of love for Valiant and a hope for long term growth and success.

[caniac]

You can put me down for two copies of that third print run. Heck, I might even become one of your regular mail order customers, the LCSs around here are pretty reserved in their support for the line.

John, anytime, man. Several other members here are doing it and can vouch for simplicity and ease of our online subscription service.

I can definitely vouch for the mail order system, it's ease, and the condition of the books from great packaging! Ed's the man!

[Elveen]

I am getting copies of X-O #1 2nd print. Why? Because:

a. I support Valiant
b. the business person in me knows that Valiant collectors will want multiple covers. Plus we made a few mail order customers and even a couple of new local customers since Valiant came back that are VFans members, so it makes it easy to sell those copies. I am not getting a lot, just to cover those who I KNOW will want them.

I will do the same with 3rd printing for the same reasons.

At the risk of sounding even more negative about Valiant and their variants than I ever intended to, I'm starting to feel that VEI is really milking us for all they can. I think the 3rd printing is more manufactured demand than real demand for a 3rd printing. As paradise pointed out, Valiant fans want multiple covers, and he (and most other shops that order the 2nd and 3rd printings) are only going to order enough for those Valiant fans they know will want them. So, it seems to me that this 3rd printing is just for the sake of a 3rd printing to sell to fans that are going to buy it simply because it exists.

If I'm wrong and there really is demand for a 3rd printing, outside those of us who are going to buy it because they made it, then I'm very happy for them! My complaints are out of love for Valiant and a hope for long term growth and success.

Rattlesnake, I certainly do not know the business side of the industry. But the only reason VEI is making any book is to get money out of us. That is the bottom line. Sure there is love and passion and respect for the characters, but $$$$$ is the bottom line.

But...... I do not think VEI is making a 3rd print just to get a few more bucks out of "us" (the "serious") Valiant collector. VEI already has us, they need to get their product in new hands. I'm not sure how much it cost to do a 3rd printing. But the only reason they would do it is if they could make $$$ off of it. And the ONLY way to make $$$ from selling their books is if there is a demand for them. Some stores have some XO #1s left. They must have ordered a bunch. Some are out (they only ordered a few) so the 2nd and 3rd prints.


Out here is So Cal there are MANY places to get books. Some are big stores that ordered 50+, some are smaller that ordered 5ish. It does seem like a bunch of covers (XO #1 is up to 6 covers) but with the multiple printings, there has to be a demand or they would not spend the $$$$ making it.

Heck, they are past XO #1, they are already hyping up XO #5.

[paradise]

At the risk of sounding even more negative about Valiant and their variants than I ever intended to, I'm starting to feel that VEI is really milking us for all they can. I think the 3rd printing is more manufactured demand than real demand for a 3rd printing. As paradise pointed out, Valiant fans want multiple covers, and he (and most other shops that order the 2nd and 3rd printings) are only going to order enough for those Valiant fans they know will want them. So, it seems to me that this 3rd printing is just for the sake of a 3rd printing to sell to fans that are going to buy it simply because it exists.

If I'm wrong and there really is demand for a 3rd printing, outside those of us who are going to buy it because they made it, then I'm very happy for them! My complaints are out of love for Valiant and a hope for long term growth and success.

Do you really think that ANY real publisher (not Avatar, or the like) would print a whole new printing, 2-3k copies just to fill demand of cover collectors???? You think there are that many people that would want multiple covers? Did you read my post above that explained rather well (i hope) the mechanics of multiple printings in our industry?

I think you ARE getting too negative. I know you say you want Valiant to succeed, but by continuously being negative about something you are NOT OBLIGATED TO BUY you are creating a negative mood with the most sensitive group of people that Valiant needs to survive in the beginning, people who will buy multiple copies to give them to their friends (or collect themselves). It's been talked about it for weeks, and there is no point to adding fire to the flames with silly accusations and ideas.

[tchalla8]

At the risk of sounding even more negative about Valiant and their variants than I ever intended to, I'm starting to feel that VEI is really milking us for all they can. I think the 3rd printing is more manufactured demand than real demand for a 3rd printing. As paradise pointed out, Valiant fans want multiple covers, and he (and most other shops that order the 2nd and 3rd printings) are only going to order enough for those Valiant fans they know will want them. So, it seems to me that this 3rd printing is just for the sake of a 3rd printing to sell to fans that are going to buy it simply because it exists.

If I'm wrong and there really is demand for a 3rd printing, outside those of us who are going to buy it because they made it, then I'm very happy for them! My complaints are out of love for Valiant and a hope for long term growth and success.

Do you really think that ANY real publisher (not Avatar, or the like) would print a whole new printing, 2-3k copies just to fill demand of cover collectors???? You think there are that many people that would want multiple covers? Did you read my post above that explained rather well (i hope) the mechanics of multiple printings in our industry?

I think you ARE getting too negative. I know you say you want Valiant to succeed, but by continuously being negative about something you are NOT OBLIGATED TO BUY you are creating a negative mood with the most sensitive group of people that Valiant needs to survive in the beginning, people who will buy multiple copies to give them to their friends (or collect themselves). It's been talked about it for weeks, and there is no point to adding fire to the flames with silly accusations and ideas.

I tend to agree. While I'd love to have every cover..and its disappointing to not be able to do just that...the fact remains is that Valiant is back with great teams and promising stories. I, for one, am going to get over myself and enjoy what we do have after all these years of waiting.

[Dr. Solar]

Just buy digital. That way the nicotine-like substance that they soak into the pages won't get into your blood stream, creating the compulsion to go order 5 copies of the third printing, like I am about to.

[etos45]

Just buy digital. That way the nicotine-like substance that they soak into the pages won't get into your blood stream, creating the compulsion to go order 5 copies of the third printing, like I am about to.

I knew there was some reason why I got all sweaty when I tried to pass up on the variants.