Why Change the way they look for a reboot?

[MoonChild]

This is my 1 big issue with the new launch. The original image of these characters is as iconic if not more than the stories themselves. I mean, I know character's will look different from artist to artist, but the new overall mold for alot of them is just unnecessarily altered. Particularly Eternal Warrior, Shadowman and Q&W.

[leonmallett]

Very few comic book character designs are truly timeless (although oddly, Dr. Solar's look may be close); look at how Batman has changed through decades.

Plus, we are in an era that looks to comics for other media inspiration; so designs may be considered with that in mind.

And maybe, the powers that be simply felt they look better this way.

[kjjohanson]

This is my 1 big issue with the new launch. The original image of these characters is as iconic if not more than the stories themselves. I mean, I know character's will look different from artist to artist, but the new overall mold for alot of them is just unnecessarily altered. Eternal Warrior and Q&W stick out the most in my mind.

I don't see the problem with updating a character's design. Tastes change. And they are difference characters.

[kevinbastos]

I actually keep thinking about this. First - there must be some REASON for a re-boot. In other words, the stuff before failed. Sometimes spectacularly. Consider the whole Valiant to Acclaim thing. I know that we all idolize so much of the original universe, but the ending was pretty junky. And in desperate need of a re-tread. With the physical change in appearance, it lets a reader know that 'the old stuff has been left behind' and the new stuff is different.

[lorddunlow]

I've had no problem with any of the changes that have been made. I really think VEI has done a good job across the board. Archer and Armstrong are pretty different in design in VEI, but they just feel like Archer and Armstrong. So, I think VEI has captured the spirit of the characters while updating to fit a little better with the modern day fashion, as well as modern comic trends.

[MoonChild]

I guess I jus miss the old look

[Donovan]

There's nothing to miss! The old look is still there in the old issues!

I can't think of a single visual change in the characters in the new line of books that I don't like. I'm a huge original Shadowman fan, but consider the new costume to be an improvement.

[mateo107]

how many characters today still look like they did 20 years ago, even without a reboot? Superman? Batman? Spider-man? when the DC universe was rebooted, some of the characters were downright unrecognizable (Harley Quinn???), the only one I think was so dramatically altered in concept and appearance by VEI was Dr. Mirage. Woody looks different, but Quantum is still exactly the same. EW has appeared in 2 arcs but hasn't even been in the new costume yet. and Valiant characters hadn't been in print for 15-20 years, so the updates were more necessary and practical than the senseless redesigns at DC and Marvel of late.

[kjjohanson]

I think one of the best things about VEI's character designs is that nothing looks comic-booky, with the potential exception of Quantum, but that's mostly an intentional joke about looking comic-booky

[lorddunlow]

I think one of the best things about VEI's character designs is that nothing looks comic-booky, with the potential exception of Quantum, but that's mostly an intentional joke about looking comic-booky

I feel the same way. Although, I do think VEI's Shadowman is a little comic-booky.

[kjjohanson]

I think one of the best things about VEI's character designs is that nothing looks comic-booky, with the potential exception of Quantum, but that's mostly an intentional joke about looking comic-booky

I feel the same way. Although, I do think VEI's Shadowman is a little comic-booky.

Okay, I can't argue with that. But I think removing the logo from his chest would go a long way towards rectifying that.

[MoonChild]

Yea, I don't feel the new Shadoman look is as cool as the original. I understand things change/evolve but signature look is signature look. I mean we can all identify Spider-Man, Wolvie etc no matter the small changes because the overall look is the same. I'm lovin the new books top to bottom for the most part but I will def be one happy camper if/when we get a Valiant Classics line like Marvel Comics Presents with new stories of the original incarnations.

[Phoenix8008]

I don't mind the changes and I don't think that they are that huge of a divergence from the originals. I still know who's who and can tell any of them at a glance.

[nycjadie]

I really like the changes. There was a great book recently published on how the depiction of Wonder Woman changed over the years as fashion and female gender roles have changed. Super interesting, from a cultural history perspective.

Personally, I like that Shadowman lost his metal hair.

[kjjohanson]

Yea, I don't feel the new Shadoman look is as cool as the original. I understand things change/evolve but signature look is signature look. I mean we can all identify Spider-Man, Wolvie etc no matter the small changes because the overall look is the same. I'm lovin the new books top to bottom for the most part but I will def be one happy camper if/when we get a Valiant Classics line like Marvel Comics Presents with new stories of the original incarnations.

While Shadowman may be the most comic-booky looking in the new line, I still think the redesign is an upgrade.

[Heath]

I think Shadowman looks rather generic now. Not as generic as the original solid blue bodysuit thing, but not as unique or with as much character as the Bob Hall, leather jacket, crazy hair, saxophone wielding look.

[MoonChild]

Appreciate all the different perspectives, still feel the same but I'm learning to live with it. VEI is kickin *SQUEE*. That's all that matters at the end of the day.

[Chiclo]

I think Shadowman looks rather generic now. Not as generic as the original solid blue bodysuit thing, but not as unique or with as much character as the Bob Hall, leather jacket, crazy hair, saxophone wielding look.

That sounds like a ripoff of Nightman.

[jaseiv]

Speaking of which, when is the next Onlytheultraverse podcast?

[leonmallett]

Yea, I don't feel the new Shadoman look is as cool as the original. I understand things change/evolve but signature look is signature look. I mean we can all identify Spider-Man, Wolvie etc no matter the small changes because the overall look is the same. I'm lovin the new books top to bottom for the most part but I will def be one happy camper if/when we get a Valiant Classics line like Marvel Comics Presents with new stories of the original incarnations.

Wolverine is a classic example of a character whose costume has changed regularly and more than most realize:

http://shadowness.com/file/item2/48526/image_t6.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ans Spidey has had some major changes (black costume; Iron Spider, FF Spider-man), arguably more significantt than some of the VEI changes.

As for a 'classic' line; why would VEI choose to dilute their branding that way? Not saying it could not happen, I just do not see the logic to say it should.

[CallMeBloodshot]

Dude none of them are even drastically different. Q&W this far look pretty much exactly the same, save for one certain unnecessary redneck haircut.

What I don't get is people harping on these things. The fact that characters can be modernized every once and a while in this medium is what keeps it fresh. You want the old dated look, read the old stuff. That's why it's there. No offense.

I will say older Shadowman designs look better than current Jack. But my favorite is Josiah's Shadowman costume. Jack's current look has far less personality than the others, and Shadowman is all about that attitude. Jack is a dullard. I say bring Josiah back. But anyway, I digress...

[MoonChild]

Your opinions are your opinions. Mine are mine. Beauty of individuality. To me the original Image of the character's listed above looked far better. To ME! I realize others have a different perspective, which is totally fine with me. I'm more interested in seeing how many folks agree with my opinion and disagree. It's all gravy to me. But yea, just like you I feel MY OPINION IS UNIVERSAL TRUTH! lol

[hunter_peterson]

Dude none of them are even drastically different. Q&W this far look pretty much exactly the same, save for one certain unnecessary redneck haircut.

What I don't get is people harping on these things. The fact that characters can be modernized every once and a while in this medium is what keeps it fresh. You want the old dated look, read the old stuff. That's why it's there. No offense.

I will say older Shadowman designs look better than current Jack. But my favorite is Josiah's Shadowman costume. Jack's current look has far less personality than the others, and Shadowman is all about that attitude. Jack is a dullard. I say bring Josiah back. But anyway, I digress...

Yeah, Jack needs to jazz up his costume. He should get a design that looks more theatrical, like e Spirit of Jazz but badass! Which, for those who don't know The Mighty Boosh, here's a link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vanhbElnx70 Swap the color pallet, mix it with the current costume/logo/face design/scythe, render it in a more serious/cool way and BOOM! Jazztastic awesomesauce.

Anyway, to the topic question... I think that it sends a clear message visually in the marketing that this new thing is not the same as, but is still connected to, the old thing. Pretty logical. And, in Valiant's case, a great upgrade on the old designs.

[Peter]

I really don't have much of a problem with slight changes as long as the essence of the character remains.

I guess for me the one I noticed straight away was the claw mark across Gilad's face, I thought at first, okay this is a new look, and soon realised or assumed, after reading Archer & Armstrong #0 the reason for it.

I don't think it will be too much of an issue for me, but could you imagine at every dinner party Gilad has ever attended over the last five thousand years, he would be standing there waiting for the inevitable question.

"Go on then I know she's going to ask, should I tell the truth, dinosaurs no, tigers no, swords better not, garden rake?"

[Chiclo]

Speaking of which, when is the next Onlytheultraverse podcast?

We need to record another one!