HC release list?

[Dr. Solar]

I kinda hope that the Shadowman hardcover they are hinting at is issues 1-3, and 6-8. They don't necessarily have to include Unity.

From the shot they have of Shadowman on the main page, and the fact that Bob Hall has already worked for VEI, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Hardcover starting with 8 or 10. The Bob Hall Shadowman is really quite a bit different than the early stories, and went on to become the definitive version of the character.

edit: P.S. - Shadowman 10-12 is the best SM story imo CLASSIC

I would have to agree about the Hall run. I think I've mentioned it before, but I did not like Shadowman for the first few issues. In fact, it wasn't until # 6 that I really and fully enjoyed a book. Hall just had a handle on the character that was almost as if he'd created him, and in a way, he did.

I agree Hall's run was really good, but I like the early issues. I just read issues 1 and 2 again a couple nights ago, and they hold up.

Let's compromise and make VEI do 1-3, and 6-12 in one giant volume.

[superman-prime]

Absolute shadowman

[etos45]

I guess we'll find out in a few months, but how well do the Unity stories flow taken apart? X-O's Unity story falls somewhere in the 0-6 doesn't it? Or is it #7 & 8...? Either way, assuming you are a reader and you read any of the HC's with the two Unity chapters in it for the first time, would it make sense with the flow of the story? I've never really tried it, so I don't know.

The X-O Unity chapters are issues 7 and 8. I'm not sure they would flow that well independant of Unity.

At the very least, it isn't shown how they get back until Unity 1, so without that, the story would be really disjointed.

Some would flow OK, like Shadowman, some are more tied with the others.

I kinda hope that the Shadowman hardcover they are hinting at is issues 1-3, and 6-8. They don't necessarily have to include Unity.

Well, I know they don't have to include Unity, but if I were a first time reader of Valiant, I might be a little confused at why they left 2 issues out. But, I'd probably be even MORE confused if they left them in. Besides, I'm like most people in that I'd like to see a Unity HC after they launch everything else.

[Ryan]

I agree Hall's run was really good, but I like the early issues. I just read issues 1 and 2 again a couple nights ago, and they hold up.

Let's compromise and make VEI do 1-3, and 6-12 in one giant volume.

Thats a good idea. Even 1-3 and 10-12 would work and still be in the 6 issue range they've been using

[leonmallett]

As much as I prefer the hall interpretation, and for those that don't know, I certainly do, hardcover trends seem to be towards greater completeness and sequential inclusion than TPB's in my experience (although I am sure someone could cite examples to the contrary). It becomes compounded when multiple volumes are envisaged. Thus, I'd be suprised at a book featuring 1-3 and 10-12, but you never know.

What if the Unity chapters are included to be reprinted again in say a two or three volume collection of Unity? Would fans and customers object? Possibly (although i wouldn't, personally). So that considered maybe we will see the Unity chapters skipped. Whatever is included, I hope this is the next in line.

I have to add to the overall suprise about Ninjak being so high up the list - I would have thought Bloodshot a more obvious candiate book in the early stages. Especially as Bloodshot has a seemingly more consistent appearance in art terms in the early issues if I remember rightly. Maybe it comes down to what is better remembered by more general comics fans, or what seems a more obvious liscencing opportunity (although Bloodshot screams action movie franchise to me, more than my much loved Shadowman).

[robb77]

i hope all these hc have a descent new story to them harby hc had a great new story but much much to short i hope the rest arent like this

[BloodOfHeroes]

I have to add to the overall suprise about Ninjak being so high up the list - I would have thought Bloodshot a more obvious candiate book in the early stages. Especially as Bloodshot has a seemingly more consistent appearance in art terms in the early issues if I remember rightly. Maybe it comes down to what is better remembered by more general comics fans, or what seems a more obvious liscencing opportunity (although Bloodshot screams action movie franchise to me, more than my much loved Shadowman).

Well, I happen to agree, emotionally, but can make a case for Ninjak over Bloodshot. Colin King is an attractive, wealthy limey; Bloodshot is a freaky looking New Yawker. Pierce Brosnan-as-Batman/Bond vs Sly Stallone-as-Rambo, if you will. After all, who was the last shirtless shoot-'em-up action hero that did Bog Box Office?

I think a VanHook-written/produced/directed Bloodshot movie would be great, but big bulky shirtless guys tend not to be deemed credible as actors, for some reason. I don't like shoot 'em up comics (never could stand the Punisher) or movies, but I love the Bloodshot books. So while Bloodshot is so much more than a vengeful shooter, treatments often get boiled down to their oversimplified essence. Which, I fear in this case, would be "big bulky shirtless guy with lots of guns." I'd rather have no Bloodshot treatment than a bad Bloodshot treatment.

And I think, given their spotlight on Rai, Bloodshot could be too confusing (at least at this point), at least visually.

But enough of talking logically. Bloodshot could (and has, in the funnybooks) take Ninjak, regardless of media. Keep the mystery, well, mysterious, for at least the first movie, add the origin story (which makes the rest of the franchise about redemption, as any good Bloodshot treatment should be) and you've got storytelling gold!

BoH

[MiamiLoco]

They should just release an oversized (Absolute) HC of UNITY!!!

[depluto]

They should just release an oversized (Absolute) HC of UNITY!!!

Dude, welcome back.

[BloodOfHeroes]

Bob Layton from 1994:



Colin had better be d@mned HAWT is all I can say...