The Beginning of the End?

brucehartshorn · Post by **brucehartshorn** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 10:00 am

Valiant always HAS been about "slow and steady" and that strategy has served them well. Remember that Dinesh and crew took a set of properties which had been dormant for the better part of 20 years and has taken a steady and measured approach to reintroduce this universe to today's buyers. Their storytelling and art have been spot of and it has always been about building a strong foundation to then construct a solid structure on. 2014 will be another year of growth for them, without them flooding the market with a huge number of titles. Time has proven that quality sells and THAT is the hallmark of VEI and their books.

Do we all wish the industry did not require as many variants and "gimmicks"? Of course. Do we wish the car industry was not driven by rebates but instead simply priced the car correctly? Of course. But wishes fall in the face of reality and while VEI breaks the mold in many areas of the comic industry, they still are a player in a market which by its very nature has "gimmicks" as part of its inherent makeup. Do we all wish the monthly sales number were continually better than the pevious month? Of course. But again, the reality is that monthly sales numbers of the books WILL go up and down within the industry and not just VEI. However, remember that VEI (and all publishers) are not solely dependent upon just the monthly books. You have TPBs, HCs, merchandise, etc which all contribute to the bottom line which equates to success.

VEI has been a leader, despite their small size, and will continue to lead. There is a reason for EVERYTHING they do and it is all part of a strategy for long term viability which has served them well to date and will continue to do so. If each fan and purchaser of VEI would take a single friend of theirs and introduce them correctly to the Valiant universe, THIS would increase sales dramatically. In fact, supporters of VEI should embrace this strategy and take personal responsibility to make this happen.

The beginning of the end? Absolutely not! Instead, we have been witness to the solid and secure construction of a massively strong foundation. Now, we get to witness what is going to be built with the same methodical and planned process upon that foundation. It will be nothing short of fantastic.

Phoenix8008 · Post by **Phoenix8008** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 10:01 am

Bingo! THAT'S what I thought! Not the beginning of the end... the END of the BEGINING!!!

nscc · Post by **nscc** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 10:37 am

Thanks Dinesh, really great to see you post this.

I personally do not worry as others have mentioned, the lower numbers on books are expected over time. I think because we have access to some sales numbers now, we all get a little concerned since these are characters and creators we love. Only having some of the figures is dangerous (to our states of mind) and makes us wonder about the future. 20 years ago we just had wizard for hype, where now there are many sources of news and speculation its easy to get caught up in wanting to know exactly whats up.

Glad to know you (who does know all the info) still feel you are on the right track.

bygranddesign · Post by **bygranddesign** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 11:14 am

VEI has always been about slow and steady and taking its time in trying to put out the best possible product

They have plenty of bullets left to use that they haven't even gotten to yet

Company wide crossover
Ninjak ongoing
Time walker ongoing
Doctor Mirage ongoing
Rai!!!!!
More 4001 titles
More mini-series .. More 0 issues including XO #0
Movies, TV, video games... I'm sure there is stuff happening on this front they just want to ensure the best possible quality
And let me repeat - Rai!!!

So there is no beginning to the end right now. Most of the above things will no doubt happen before there is a 'beginning to the end'. So we have a *SQUEE* load of things to look forward to even in a WORSE case scenario. Just enjoy the ride.

dornwolf · Post by **dornwolf** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 1:03 pm

I don't know if it would help but if anyone has an account for Scans_daily we could post some panel scans on their and create interest. There could very well be some folks on there that don't know Valiants back. I know I go to another board that has a "What are you reading now/Review" thread and comment everytime I read a Valiant title but no bites that I know of.

dino · Post by **dino** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 1:06 pm

StarBrand · Post by **StarBrand** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 1:11 pm

I've always thought this is what gives Valiant such great potential, having perhaps the best shared universe continuity in the industry.

lorddunlow · Post by **lorddunlow** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 2:27 pm

Aram · Post by **Aram** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 2:31 pm

I am not worried unless ALL the titles were to start dropping below 6000 per month. I'm not sure what VEI's baseline is that is needed to keep it going, but I've noticed the big two kill off series when they drop that low. However smaller companies keep things chugging along at 5000-6000 all the time.

It seems to me that individual titles puts VEI pretty near middle of the road between the averages coming out of the little guys and the big 2.

Besides.. did anyone happen to notice what Valiant's Market, Unit and Dollar Share were for December? CHICK-CHING!

Overall VEI Market gained significantly vs earlier levels after the one time GIANT flux of Unity #1 (november) pushing Valiant significantly back up there.

grendeljd · Post by **grendeljd** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 2:34 pm

Keep kicking a$$ & taking names, sir!

Tim · Post by **Tim** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 2:40 pm

The boss has spoken.

StarBrand · Post by **StarBrand** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 4:02 pm

I think your point about damages is well made. I stopped buying VEIs for my eBay store early on because of this problem.

Dallow Spicer1 · Post by **Dallow Spicer1** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 4:58 pm

There is definitely no need to press the panic button fellas (and ladies)! The creative forces working to market VEI books are doing a phenomenal job!! Since launch, to name but a few: $1 debuts, $9.99 first TPB, 99 cents sales on Comixology, 8 bit game/covers, VEI merchandise etc etc. 'Must Read Valiant' collection came out just last week for $5.99 and the fantastically bold retailer Unity incentives appear to be an incredible success. This hard work and innovation is and will continue to pay off.

There's more Valiant centric podcasts now then when VEI relaunched and even the other podcasts which did not mention Valiant 1 year ago are now beginning to review books like Q&W and Unity. Word is spreading ("slow and steady").

The company is punching way above its weight, we (as appreciative readers) need to keep doing our bit by not just coming to this forum but also by going to other forums and podcasts and making sure they know that if they focus on Valiant books that we, in return, will boost their numbers by continuing to visit their sites and listening to their podcasts.

The cream always rises to the top, sometimes it just takes a little longer.

jedimarley · Post by **jedimarley** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 6:13 pm

This is not the first time Dysart has done this. A few months ago he blamed himself on Facebook for the declining Harbinger numbers.

Chiclo · Post by **Chiclo** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 6:58 pm

Dino is a prepper!

BugsySig · Post by **BugsySig** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 7:05 pm

Someone is posting the last year's worth of sales numbers on the CBR boards and asking the same question...Claiming the decline means VALIANT is in trouble

Some people just have to be doomsayers

I rebutted with my typical, logical responses

but it would be good if some others went on there and refuted the claim as well. Just another way we can support VEI...by

any Negative Nancy's and Debbie Downers as soon as they appear

StarBrand · Post by **StarBrand** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 7:07 pm

What does Dino mean by VEI doubling their game? That's a very unusual way of saying improving or increasing their game. Could it mean doubling their titles?

lorddunlow · Post by **lorddunlow** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 7:39 pm

Clearly, they've perfected human cloning and have cloned everyone at VEI.

BugsySig · Post by **BugsySig** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 7:40 pm

Possibly doubling their effort? Redoubling?

krylox · Post by **krylox** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 8:17 pm

love to read this kind of reaction. would have been even better with a few more details about those right hooks

but really, i hate this thread to be misinterpreted as all doomy. let's be clear: this board is for the hardcore fans only. don't expect anyone not MASSIVELY invested in valiant to turn up here. so, it's like a discussion within the family, don't expect this one to make any waves outside our little community.

this thread wasn't meant to be a grinch, quite the contrary. it's meant to stir some awareness inside the fanbase and also to get a reaction from mum and pops. how are things at home, that's what this is about.
and how we, the little children, can we help to spread the good message.

but also, without any kind of cynicism and/or fundamental criticism, how can the comic company we hold dear IMPROVE on how they are doing things. maybe some kind of honest feedback from the most faithful of fans can deliver some interesting insights?

that could be an interesting and transparent way of evolving this great company. sure, it's not the usual way, it's not what marvel/dc would be doing. but who cares.

i'd prefer this discussion takes place now, rather than 6 months or 12 months later when some of the books might be truly in peril of cancelation.

(sry for my english. i'm drunk. and also, i don't really have time for this. but i care. goodn8 from europe)

bygranddesign · Post by **bygranddesign** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 8:18 pm

Boom! which just won publisher of the year have 28+ titles and only 10 of them are in the top 300 (according to the December numbers)

Adventure Time is their top seller at around 15K every month but most of their other titles are below 5K

All 8 VEI's titles are in the top 300 and the lowest title Bloodshot is at 8K (which is still better than all but 4 Boom! titles)

We all want VEI to be the toast of the town right now ... but relatively speaking they are doing very well and we just need to be patient as they slowly build up the universe.

MarkRoseHFX · Post by **MarkRoseHFX** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 9:32 pm

Valiant will be fine because dino is

ing awesome.

*drops the mic*

jmatt · Post by **jmatt** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 10:06 pm

I'm not worried.

Better cover stock would be a plus. I'm holding a $3.99 copy of the latest Astro City and it just feels like quality. For what that's worth.

Slow and steady.

Peter · Post by **Peter** » Sat Jan 25, 2014 5:31 am

In the past week or so, I have spoken with two people locally who have shared with me their excitement with two Valiant titles, X-O and A & A.

I thought about it later that both these titles are a few months off two years worth of storylines, therefore are able to give the newer reader a good chunk of reading material. Both these people also enjoyed other titles in the Valiant universe and generally feel confident about the future.

The anticipation of new titles is very exciting (come on Timewalker

), and well, limited series may well be a saving grace for some titles until demand dictates otherwise, or just to introduce new titles to see how they perform.

I also think it is very important to never disregard constructive criticism, and Valiant seems to be a company that definitely would listen and try to develop strategies to offset any perceived problems.

I believe Bruce touched on a very important point, when he mentioned that Valiant is building on a very strong foundation, and that in 2014, they will continue to build on this. Every growth has spurts and stalls and I believe that 2014 will be a year of growth as many new readers will be able to discover a relatively new back catalogue to catch up on, and also join with us to welcome new titles and characters to the growing universe.

The reason X-O, A & A and Harbinger are popular is because they are well written and accompanied with great artwork. If this remains a constant, then Valiant will only become stronger through-out the coming years, as a good reputation takes more than a few years to accomplish.

Now the problem seems to be, is how to gain greater exposure for those who have not dipped the toe so to speak, to these great stories. Free Comic Book day saturation of the Must Read Valiant collections perhaps?

What was that saying in that Field of Dreams movie "Build it and they will come".

Shadowman99 · Post by **Shadowman99** » Sat Jan 25, 2014 7:49 am

If VEI wants this kind of honest feedback from the most dedicated fans, all they have to do is look at these board and analyse our criticisms. It's up to them whether they want to pay attention to it or not.

ValiantFans.com Board - Since 2004

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