VALIANT October Sales Discussion

[DK2]

The Bloodshot hardcover did 962 copies. So with all this info, what was the order sales numbers for the earlier three Valiant hardcovers from '07-'08? I think its been mentioned before here but I can't get myself to look for the info. That'd be interseting to see and compare and maybe get an idea where the Ninjak HC might end up preforming or not?

[kjjohanson]

The Bloodshot hardcover did 962 copies. So with all this info, what was the order sales numbers for the earlier three Valiant hardcovers from '07-'08? I think its been mentioned before here but I can't get myself to look for the info. That'd be interseting to see and compare and maybe get an idea where the Ninjak HC might end up preforming or not?

Considering that Ninjak doesn't have a new story, I'm going to guess that numbers that are purchased will be a lot less, unless they promote the hell out of the fact that it has some of Quesada's earlier work. I imagine what will happen will be that stores will order in similar numbers, now that they have Bloodshot by which to gauge sales, but more will go unsold.

[BugsySig]

The Bloodshot hardcover did 962 copies. So with all this info, what was the order sales numbers for the earlier three Valiant hardcovers from '07-'08? I think its been mentioned before here but I can't get myself to look for the info. That'd be interseting to see and compare and maybe get an idea where the Ninjak HC might end up preforming or not?

Considering that Ninjak doesn't have a new story, I'm going to guess that numbers that are purchased will be a lot less, unless they promote the hell out of the fact that it has some of Quesada's earlier work. I imagine what will happen will be that stores will order in similar numbers, now that they have Bloodshot by which to gauge sales, but more will go unsold.

It would make sense if they publish 1,000 again. That's likely how many BSHCs there are once you account for personal collections and giveaways.

[DK2]

I got the latest from this summer of Diamond Dist.'s graphic novel backlist. The X-O: Birth HC under the Valiant listings is no longer available. The A&A and Harbinger HC's are the only ones left from Diamonds level of available stock. I gather that VEI isn't really keeping these in print? Assuming these new trades will be kept in print though.
Actually finally got to read the Harbinger HC and compared to the old trade of #0-4 issues the new colors are too dark and bold. The old coloring was better and lighter in effect. They say these HC's are remastered but you really wouldn't think so with the faded line/art page reproduction. I did notice the difference in the dialog when Harada introduces himself to the Peter and gang in #3 or #4. The #0, Peter was with Harada for a bit of course. But the dialog in that one issue he says "Hello Peter I'm Toyo Harada, ..etc". The HC he says "Remember me Peter.....etc". This makes more sense. How'd that slip in the reins with Jim Shooter back then and you'd assume the #0 was in the plans with the coupon offer etc. I know David Lapham wrote #0 issue.

[erwinrafael]

My thoughts exactly.
I expected Harbinger to have sold a few more copies than Archer & Armstrong.

I am stunned A&A is above both Harbinger and Bloodshot, especially Harbinger!

I think the Renegades arc, with the team concept coming together, will push the sales higher for Harbinger. Hopefully the Zero Issue will have a positive effect too.
A&A really doesn't surprise me that much. It is the most mainstream and has the best known creative team of any of the titles. It also has the fewest issues to date, which may draw in more late-to-the-VALIANT-party readers.

The rise in A&A numbers doesn't surprise me so much; I think it's the best of the bunch. While I don't follow many other comics, I have to disagree that it's the most mainstream. Unless there's a bunch of buddy comedy comics that I'm unaware of. I think rather one of its advantages is that there aren't other books out there like it.

Maybe mainstream wasn't the best word...more like accessible to the average reader (not as dark, comedic elements, least decompressed, fairly straight forward concept, etc). Being different adds to that, i.e. its not another "Iron Man" or "X-Men" to the general reader.

Or maybe Archer and Armstrong is really just a good fun book that captures the interest of the contemporary reader. I don't think the Valiant Forum polls are reflective of contemporary sensibilities in the market as most of the posters here are more attuned to the 90s sensibilities. So I guess congratulations is in order for FVL and Clayton Henry for finding the pulse of the market. Hope it continues.

[400yrs]

My thoughts exactly.
I expected Harbinger to have sold a few more copies than Archer & Armstrong.

I am stunned A&A is above both Harbinger and Bloodshot, especially Harbinger!

I think the Renegades arc, with the team concept coming together, will push the sales higher for Harbinger. Hopefully the Zero Issue will have a positive effect too.
A&A really doesn't surprise me that much. It is the most mainstream and has the best known creative team of any of the titles. It also has the fewest issues to date, which may draw in more late-to-the-VALIANT-party readers.

The rise in A&A numbers doesn't surprise me so much; I think it's the best of the bunch. While I don't follow many other comics, I have to disagree that it's the most mainstream. Unless there's a bunch of buddy comedy comics that I'm unaware of. I think rather one of its advantages is that there aren't other books out there like it.

Maybe mainstream wasn't the best word...more like accessible to the average reader (not as dark, comedic elements, least decompressed, fairly straight forward concept, etc). Being different adds to that, i.e. its not another "Iron Man" or "X-Men" to the general reader.

Or maybe Archer and Armstrong is really just a good fun book that captures the interest of the contemporary reader. I don't think the Valiant Forum polls are reflective of contemporary sensibilities in the market as most of the posters here are more attuned to the 90s sensibilities. So I guess congratulations is in order for FVL and Clayton Henry for finding the pulse of the market. Hope it continues.

A&A has definitely been the most talked about and positively reviewed on websites that I read.