Forbidden planet SUPPORTS VALIANT, WITH PERSUASION FROM ME

[dornwolf]

Does the LCS guy mean another six monthes cause they've made seven so far.

[hawkeyeps]

But what is encouraging that VALIANT's numbers are leveling and maintaining instead of dropping like stone after #3, this shows the dedication to build a fan base and dicipline to get books out on time.

I was talking to an LCS guy and he was telling me about the huge launch for Uncanny X Avengers and then the forth comming delay and artist change on the title...losing steam already and 2 just came out. It won't matter Marvel, will sh!t can it after 12 issues and make a new #1 anyway, puke

Another example of not smart comic guy was this same LCS guy who didn't order any XO TPB because it would under sell the XO 1-4 he still had on the shelf but honestly some of these copies were pretty shelf worn and it was no wonder they were hanging around. His promotion efforts for VALIANT were non-existant even though he likes the books and is behind them.

I'm so happy that I had the gut feeling to jump off board as soon as I heard about this stupid, *SQUEE* relaunch. Already changing artists after that whole advertising for this book? The flagship book, as they call it? I'll just say:
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I jumped off when I saw the preview where Thor said he prefered Lattes

[ShadowTuga]

But what is encouraging that VALIANT's numbers are leveling and maintaining instead of dropping like stone after #3, this shows the dedication to build a fan base and dicipline to get books out on time.

I was talking to an LCS guy and he was telling me about the huge launch for Uncanny X Avengers and then the forth comming delay and artist change on the title...losing steam already and 2 just came out. It won't matter Marvel, will sh!t can it after 12 issues and make a new #1 anyway, puke

Another example of not smart comic guy was this same LCS guy who didn't order any XO TPB because it would under sell the XO 1-4 he still had on the shelf but honestly some of these copies were pretty shelf worn and it was no wonder they were hanging around. His promotion efforts for VALIANT were non-existant even though he likes the books and is behind them.

I'm so happy that I had the gut feeling to jump off board as soon as I heard about this stupid, *SQUEE* relaunch. Already changing artists after that whole advertising for this book? The flagship book, as they call it? I'll just say:
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I jumped off when I saw the preview where Thor said he prefered Lattes

I saw that panel. Wasn't it right after Xavier's funeral?

[hawkeyeps]

But what is encouraging that VALIANT's numbers are leveling and maintaining instead of dropping like stone after #3, this shows the dedication to build a fan base and dicipline to get books out on time.

I was talking to an LCS guy and he was telling me about the huge launch for Uncanny X Avengers and then the forth comming delay and artist change on the title...losing steam already and 2 just came out. It won't matter Marvel, will sh!t can it after 12 issues and make a new #1 anyway, puke

Another example of not smart comic guy was this same LCS guy who didn't order any XO TPB because it would under sell the XO 1-4 he still had on the shelf but honestly some of these copies were pretty shelf worn and it was no wonder they were hanging around. His promotion efforts for VALIANT were non-existant even though he likes the books and is behind them.

I'm so happy that I had the gut feeling to jump off board as soon as I heard about this stupid, *SQUEE* relaunch. Already changing artists after that whole advertising for this book? The flagship book, as they call it? I'll just say:
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I jumped off when I saw the preview where Thor said he prefered Lattes

I saw that panel. Wasn't it right after Xavier's funeral?

Yeah, Cap said to Havok "let's go for a coffee talk about it" and Thor was like "or you can have a latte if you perfer...I do."

What a Nancy!! XO would kick his a$$ while he was sippin' his special coffee!

It's official Thor is dead to me, this is not the guy who used to get drunk with Hercules, that's what I gathered from the preview anyway and thankfully UnkExAv or whatever the hell it is was a no buy for me.

[Phantom..]

IMO, the next hurdle VEI will have is overcoming the Diamond SNAFU's which will oddly get worse as Valiant cuts into Marvel and DC's markets --

Hobo ~ I plead ignorance ~ what is SNAFU's?

[Elveen]

IMO, the next hurdle VEI will have is overcoming the Diamond SNAFU's which will oddly get worse as Valiant cuts into Marvel and DC's markets --

Hobo ~ I plead ignorance ~ what is SNAFU's?

a "mess up"

[xodacia81]

IMO, the next hurdle VEI will have is overcoming the Diamond SNAFU's which will oddly get worse as Valiant cuts into Marvel and DC's markets --

Hobo ~ I plead ignorance ~ what is SNAFU's?

a "mess up"

Indeed. To put it politely, it means: Situation Normal All Fouled (not the right F word) Up. Old military term.

[kjjohanson]

IMO, the next hurdle VEI will have is overcoming the Diamond SNAFU's which will oddly get worse as Valiant cuts into Marvel and DC's markets --

Hobo ~ I plead ignorance ~ what is SNAFU's?

Situation Now All Fouled Up. You can make a substitution for "Fouled" but the filter would leave us with a SNASU

[Dallow Spicer1]

Spoke to the manager of forbidden planet.
Forbidden planet unfortunately is uk biggest chain. (Unfortunate - because they are saying this, I am not insulting the company- if they are doing well good for them)
If this manager is saying it - I would think others are saying throughout the company.

I met shadowman99 he had just come from the shop before he met me. As we chatted he told me what the manager had told him. new reader being put off my forbidden planet.

Afterwards shadowman99 went back to work. I walked into forbidden planet, said a quick hi to the manager. Quite busy in store. It was lunch time, I am not usually in town. Go to pick up books.

He says straight out - Do not expect much more from valiant, they got 6 months tops.
( I was a little prepared but not for such a blatant statement)
I said - where did you hear that from? Head office?
No, the words just out. Sales a down and no matter how good the reviews it gets they don't advertise enough. No new readers.
I replied - Xo manowar is starting a 6 part storyline.

Cannot recall exactly what was said but after a brief chat in the end he half retracted his comment. Telling me that if the trades go well maybe they will push through a bit longer. But with no advertising their will be no new readers.

In the end I laughed off his comments, saying untill they are in dollar bins they seem to be going well.

Ok it wasn't a stand off. I didn't kick off and yell and shout. Maybe I could of defended valiant better.
I find it sad that a manager is telling that to his valiant customers. This is the shop that put up the valiant poster Dino gave me ( at least for awhile).
I have to somehow advertise valiant in that shop somehow. But it is a chain shop, and everything has to go through head office - and they only accept cold hard cash for advertising. But they gave me a free ,cyber force,

Which leads to a little thing I have been thinking about. Having a free fan booklet - why collect valiant! . Listing some of the rarest valiants and the prices they go for. Outline of the company , some printed reviews of the comics - maybe a brief blurb on each title.
Anyone interested in helping?

This tale unfortunately highlights 2 negative British traits....pessimism and being crappy sales people!

I'd like to think that manager of the FP shop would be a little less grim in his outlook if he were the shop owner and not an employee, it's obviously in the best interests of comic book shops to promote and sell quality product in order to keep customers returning. If Valiant were to fold in the future I certainly would not be dipping back into the Marvel, DC et al comic books and would be 1 less customer for places such as FP.

That said, it's irrelevant anyway what the manager of FP thinks as success (or lack of success) for Valiant the UK market will not determine the company's future, it will be in the US (and Canada?) where sales matter and judging by this forum the vibe is generally positive towards the new Valiant books.

[xodacia81]

Spoke to the manager of forbidden planet.
Forbidden planet unfortunately is uk biggest chain. (Unfortunate - because they are saying this, I am not insulting the company- if they are doing well good for them)
If this manager is saying it - I would think others are saying throughout the company.

I met shadowman99 he had just come from the shop before he met me. As we chatted he told me what the manager had told him. new reader being put off my forbidden planet.

Afterwards shadowman99 went back to work. I walked into forbidden planet, said a quick hi to the manager. Quite busy in store. It was lunch time, I am not usually in town. Go to pick up books.

He says straight out - Do not expect much more from valiant, they got 6 months tops.
( I was a little prepared but not for such a blatant statement)
I said - where did you hear that from? Head office?
No, the words just out. Sales a down and no matter how good the reviews it gets they don't advertise enough. No new readers.
I replied - Xo manowar is starting a 6 part storyline.

Cannot recall exactly what was said but after a brief chat in the end he half retracted his comment. Telling me that if the trades go well maybe they will push through a bit longer. But with no advertising their will be no new readers.

In the end I laughed off his comments, saying untill they are in dollar bins they seem to be going well.

Ok it wasn't a stand off. I didn't kick off and yell and shout. Maybe I could of defended valiant better.
I find it sad that a manager is telling that to his valiant customers. This is the shop that put up the valiant poster Dino gave me ( at least for awhile).
I have to somehow advertise valiant in that shop somehow. But it is a chain shop, and everything has to go through head office - and they only accept cold hard cash for advertising. But they gave me a free ,cyber force,

Which leads to a little thing I have been thinking about. Having a free fan booklet - why collect valiant! . Listing some of the rarest valiants and the prices they go for. Outline of the company , some printed reviews of the comics - maybe a brief blurb on each title.
Anyone interested in helping?

This tale unfortunately highlights 2 negative British traits....pessimism and being crappy sales people!

I'd like to think that manager of the FP shop would be a little less grim in his outlook if he were the shop owner and not an employee, it's obviously in the best interests of comic book shops to promote and sell quality product in order to keep customers returning. If Valiant were to fold in the future I certainly would not be dipping back into the Marvel, DC et al comic books and would be 1 less customer for places such as FP.

That said, it's irrelevant anyway what the manager of FP thinks as success (or lack of success) for Valiant the UK market will not determine the company's future, it will be in the US (and Canada?) where sales matter and judging by this forum the vibe is generally positive towards the new Valiant books.

The worst thing I've heard about the new books is actually a "positive" negative, and that is essentially: Tried it, liked it, but committed to DC and Marvel, so can't pick it up til something gets dropped." To which I always say "Drop a Marvel, grab a Valiant."

[depluto]

Maybe in six months he will give them another six months.

[X-O HoboJoe]

IMO, the next hurdle VEI will have is overcoming the Diamond SNAFU's which will oddly get worse as Valiant cuts into Marvel and DC's markets --

Hobo ~ I plead ignorance ~ what is SNAFU's?

a "mess up"

Indeed. To put it politely, it means: Situation Normal All Fouled (not the right F word) Up. Old military term.

Bazzingo!

[X-O HoboJoe]

But what is encouraging that VALIANT's numbers are leveling and maintaining instead of dropping like stone after #3, this shows the dedication to build a fan base and dicipline to get books out on time.

I was talking to an LCS guy and he was telling me about the huge launch for Uncanny X Avengers and then the forth comming delay and artist change on the title...losing steam already and 2 just came out. It won't matter Marvel, will sh!t can it after 12 issues and make a new #1 anyway, puke

Another example of not smart comic guy was this same LCS guy who didn't order any XO TPB because it would under sell the XO 1-4 he still had on the shelf but honestly some of these copies were pretty shelf worn and it was no wonder they were hanging around. His promotion efforts for VALIANT were non-existant even though he likes the books and is behind them.

I'm so happy that I had the gut feeling to jump off board as soon as I heard about this stupid, *SQUEE* relaunch. Already changing artists after that whole advertising for this book? The flagship book, as they call it? I'll just say:
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I jumped off when I saw the preview where Thor said he prefered Lattes

I saw that panel. Wasn't it right after Xavier's funeral?

Yeah, Cap said to Havok "let's go for a coffee talk about it" and Thor was like "or you can have a latte if you perfer...I do."

What a Nancy!! XO would kick his a$$ while he was sippin' his special coffee!

It's official Thor is dead to me, this is not the guy who used to get drunk with Hercules, that's what I gathered from the preview anyway and thankfully UnkExAv or whatever the hell it is was a no buy for me.

Cassaday's already splitting? Him or the suits?

[tetrisdork]

But what is encouraging that VALIANT's numbers are leveling and maintaining instead of dropping like stone after #3, this shows the dedication to build a fan base and dicipline to get books out on time.

I was talking to an LCS guy and he was telling me about the huge launch for Uncanny X Avengers and then the forth comming delay and artist change on the title...losing steam already and 2 just came out. It won't matter Marvel, will sh!t can it after 12 issues and make a new #1 anyway, puke

Another example of not smart comic guy was this same LCS guy who didn't order any XO TPB because it would under sell the XO 1-4 he still had on the shelf but honestly some of these copies were pretty shelf worn and it was no wonder they were hanging around. His promotion efforts for VALIANT were non-existant even though he likes the books and is behind them.

I'm so happy that I had the gut feeling to jump off board as soon as I heard about this stupid, *SQUEE* relaunch. Already changing artists after that whole advertising for this book? The flagship book, as they call it? I'll just say:
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I jumped off when I saw the preview where Thor said he prefered Lattes

I saw that panel. Wasn't it right after Xavier's funeral?

Yeah, Cap said to Havok "let's go for a coffee talk about it" and Thor was like "or you can have a latte if you perfer...I do."

What a Nancy!! XO would kick his a$$ while he was sippin' his special coffee!

It's official Thor is dead to me, this is not the guy who used to get drunk with Hercules, that's what I gathered from the preview anyway and thankfully UnkExAv or whatever the hell it is was a no buy for me.

Cassaday's already splitting? Him or the suits?

No, it is just that Cassaday takes forever to draw, because it looks like he is still confirmed to be drawing issue #5's cover (the issue where Olivier Coipel fills in) and interiors for future issues. On the plus side for me, I added UA to my pull list because of the delays. I rather it be delayed instead of double-shipping almost every single month (see: Uncanny X-Men v2 cramming 20 issues in a span of 12 months).

On-topic, I think that retailer may have been blowing some hot air. They're gaining market share. And I'm going to do my best to push the trades onto my friends. Although, yes, having posters in the stores and other merchandise around would also help VEI.

[Phantom..]

Does the LCS guy mean another six monthes cause they've made seven so far.

Sorry I missed this - I wasn,t ignoring you.
Yeh - he ment another six months.

I really believe valiants Market share will increase, numbers are stable ( unless shop onwers like this put off their customers) and start to rise over next year.

Hope they add 2 more tittles next year,but not much more than that - maybe more the year after - but saying that if I knew how to run a publishing company - I would run a publishing company.

Also they need an event so people can 'jump on board' and feel part of the story. early next year. A big event to boost sales across all lines

[Ramses818]

Well my Valiant brethren I have taken to a new tactic...instead of buying all my copies at one store I buy 1 or 2 at 5 stores. I always talk up the brand (thats how I met Dr. Mirage at House of Secrets!) and have found that at least when I pick up books somebody is peaking. I have heard since X-O #2 people keep saying that Valiant will fail. It used to be that a price guide would help generate sales because people would watch prices go up and get interested. We don't have a wizard anymore but that doesn't mean that some interest isn't building. Look at what happened to Nightwing issue 4 or Batman and Batgirl 13, or even Batman #1. I remember when they came out that people said that they wouldn't buy them because they wouldn't be worth anything. Now? Prices going up and people are looking for them and they are getting heat because no one can find them. If the line wide variant fiasco's stop and the variant that start high and drop stop then Valiant can do a cross over and build more hear. That in turn will interest more people. THAT is just fact. But yes I will still buy my Gold's and proudly wear my Valiant shirt and promote Valiant in all the ways I can!

[Paul Nolan]

May I ask which of the Forbidden Planet's stores this was?

There are two separate chains called Forbidden Planet in the UK, formed back after an acrimonious split in the 90's.

Having shopped at Forbidden Planet Southampton for years, the stories i've heard from various staff members who have worked there. People in Forbidden Planet, London, Particularly cannot see beyond Marvel and DC.

There have been Myriad cases across the country of people ordering comics direct from Previews. The branches submitting the order to head office. An head office cancelling the orders because they 'wouldn't sell'.

The London head office simply haven't got a clue.

[Phantom..]

May I ask which of the Forbidden Planet's stores this was?

There are two separate chains called Forbidden Planet in the UK, formed back after an acrimonious split in the 90's.

Having shopped at Forbidden Planet Southampton for years, the stories i've heard from various staff members who have worked there. People in Forbidden Planet, London, Particularly cannot see beyond Marvel and DC.

There have been Myriad cases across the country of people ordering comics direct from Previews. The branches submitting the order to head office. An head office cancelling the orders because they 'wouldn't sell'.

The London head office simply haven't got a clue.

Cambridge.
I am sure the manager was not being malicious, just voicing an opinion. We chat often, I was just taken back.
Cambridge is one of the stores that London modify their order.
Even my special order for 'man of god' was cancelled, and issue two. Got issue three as I just kept asking. Then latter issue 2 turned up and issue one ( months later).
it is a shame they cannot trust the manager - they have tons of comics that never sell just sit their for months on end - yet no shelf copies of valiant .

[xodacia81]

May I ask which of the Forbidden Planet's stores this was?

There are two separate chains called Forbidden Planet in the UK, formed back after an acrimonious split in the 90's.

Having shopped at Forbidden Planet Southampton for years, the stories i've heard from various staff members who have worked there. People in Forbidden Planet, London, Particularly cannot see beyond Marvel and DC.

There have been Myriad cases across the country of people ordering comics direct from Previews. The branches submitting the order to head office. An head office cancelling the orders because they 'wouldn't sell'.

The London head office simply haven't got a clue.

Cambridge.
I am sure the manager was not being malicious, just voicing an opinion. We chat often, I was just taken back.
Cambridge is one of the stores that London modify their order.
Even my special order for 'man of god' was cancelled, and issue two. Got issue three as I just kept asking. Then latter issue 2 turned up and issue one ( months later).
it is a shame they cannot trust the manager - they have tons of comics that never sell just sit their for months on end - yet no shelf copies of valiant .

The stores fixing the market...priceless. I love stupid business practices.

[Paul Nolan]

The stores fixing the market...priceless. I love stupid business practices.

That's not their only stupid business practice.

Forbidden Planet have different prices aound the country depending on how much competition they have nearby. At the Southampton they put their prices 5% ABOVE the RRP that they have on their own website.

[xodacia81]

The stores fixing the market...priceless. I love stupid business practices.

That's not their only stupid business practice.

Forbidden Planet have different prices aound the country depending on how much competition they have nearby. At the Southampton they put their prices 5% ABOVE the RRP that they have on their own website.

That explains the incredibly stupid prices in NYC, then. Wow.

[ian_house]

The stores fixing the market...priceless. I love stupid business practices.

That's not their only stupid business practice.

Forbidden Planet have different prices aound the country depending on how much competition they have nearby. At the Southampton they put their prices 5% ABOVE the RRP that they have on their own website.

And there are no stores anywhere nearby!

Agreed with you on the Southampton staff though dude, most of them are really friendly, helpful and willing to give things a go at least. Hell dude put aside Shadowman black covers for me and a friend just because we like the Valiant stuff!

Overall Forbidden Planet are *SQUEE* - overpriced, basic monthlies, no back issues and cartering more to toys and card games than comics fans, but occasionally there are a few staff who really care about comics and that helps.

[X-O HoboJoe]

I'm so happy that I had the gut feeling to jump off board as soon as I heard about this stupid, *SQUEE* relaunch. Already changing artists after that whole advertising for this book? The flagship book, as they call it? I'll just say:
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I jumped off when I saw the preview where Thor said he prefered Lattes

I saw that panel. Wasn't it right after Xavier's funeral?

Yeah, Cap said to Havok "let's go for a coffee talk about it" and Thor was like "or you can have a latte if you perfer...I do."

What a Nancy!! XO would kick his a$$ while he was sippin' his special coffee!

It's official Thor is dead to me, this is not the guy who used to get drunk with Hercules, that's what I gathered from the preview anyway and thankfully UnkExAv or whatever the hell it is was a no buy for me.

Cassaday's already splitting? Him or the suits?

No, it is just that Cassaday takes forever to draw, because it looks like he is still confirmed to be drawing issue #5's cover (the issue where Olivier Coipel fills in) and interiors for future issues. On the plus side for me, I added UA to my pull list because of the delays. I rather it be delayed instead of double-shipping almost every single month (see: Uncanny X-Men v2 cramming 20 issues in a span of 12 months).

On-topic, I think that retailer may have been blowing some hot air. They're gaining market share. And I'm going to do my best to push the trades onto my friends. Although, yes, having posters in the stores and other merchandise around would also help VEI.

Thanks for the info.

[tetrisdork]

I jumped off when I saw the preview where Thor said he prefered Lattes

I saw that panel. Wasn't it right after Xavier's funeral?

Yeah, Cap said to Havok "let's go for a coffee talk about it" and Thor was like "or you can have a latte if you perfer...I do."

What a Nancy!! XO would kick his a$$ while he was sippin' his special coffee!

It's official Thor is dead to me, this is not the guy who used to get drunk with Hercules, that's what I gathered from the preview anyway and thankfully UnkExAv or whatever the hell it is was a no buy for me.

Cassaday's already splitting? Him or the suits?

No, it is just that Cassaday takes forever to draw, because it looks like he is still confirmed to be drawing issue #5's cover (the issue where Olivier Coipel fills in) and interiors for future issues. On the plus side for me, I added UA to my pull list because of the delays. I rather it be delayed instead of double-shipping almost every single month (see: Uncanny X-Men v2 cramming 20 issues in a span of 12 months).

On-topic, I think that retailer may have been blowing some hot air. They're gaining market share. And I'm going to do my best to push the trades onto my friends. Although, yes, having posters in the stores and other merchandise around would also help VEI.

Thanks for the info.

Well, spoke too soon about Cassaday. He's still going to do covers and the door is open for him to do future issues, he's now off and replaced by Daniel Acuna. Apparently Cassaday is going through the artistic ringer in issues #3 and 4, if you want to take Remender's words at face value.

On-topic, did not know that Forbidden Planet was a chain and actually two different companies. And vary place-to-place in terms of business practices.

[ThomasC22]

I've been visiting this site for years and the sheer obnoxiousness of this thread actually inspired me to register. What is wrong with you people? Why would you attack someone who is trying to warn you to a danger? I want to address some of the arguments here because they aren't even close to being valid...

It would have been reasonable to say that the original Valiant was dying around the time of Rai #3 and Rai #4 (extremely low print runs for that era).

The argument isn't valid UNLESS there's a comic industry boom as there was in the late 80s/early 90s. But there's no evidence of that. Comic sales have been in decline for 6 years now (it started before the recession).

I would've punched that person repeatedly. My LCS recently put all their back issues on sale.

You realize that's a bad thing right? Comic stores put stuff on sale when it isn't selling. If back issues were selling they wouldn't need to and they wouldn't want to give up the money.

Guy is off his rocker. Just wait until the movie rumors start flowing. Anyone that went to the NY Con probably knows what Im talking about

Movies aren't going to save Valiant. Even if the studios want to make a Valiant movie it will take several years to go from script to finished movie. So it won't make sense to keep the current comics going until the movies come. If they can't make money off the books alone they'll just cancel the whole line and relaunch years from now when there is a movie

That would be like opening a restaurant and telling everyone the food sucks.

Not really. Because Comic stores sell a bunch of different comics and comic stores feel obligated to give shelf space to all the major publishers. So if Valiant comics aren't selling they are taking up shelf space from something that might. In that case it makes sense for comic shops to want the publisher to die.

Sales are down OF course the sales drop a bit after the first couple of issues. I'm sure Valiant expected that. look at how quick they are climbing in terms of market share vs competitors with more titles on the shelf. And watch what the TPB's do for overall sales.

But what is encouraging that VALIANT's numbers are leveling and maintaining instead of dropping like stone after #3, this shows the dedication to build a fan base and dicipline to get books out on time.

Neither of these statements are true. Look at the diamond numbers...



So the sales aren't leveling off. Each title is showing consistent declines. Harbinger lost 1,000 readers between issue 5 & 6 (way past #3). X-O lost nearly 2,000 between 6 & 7. Or look at the percentages. X-O is down 66% from its first issue, Harbinger down 58%, Bloodshot down 55% and A&A down 43%. Those aren't pretty.

More to the point A&A and Shadowman opened much lower than X-O and Harbinger. This, to me, says people aren't liking what they saw with the early titles and aren't inclined to check out the most recent launches.

In conclusion, Valiant is in real trouble. That comic shop manager was absolutely right to predict doom and you shouldn't attack him for telling you the truth. What you should do is use this as inspiration to push Valiant titles even harder to your friends. Or even better promote Valiant yourself. The original Valiant was famous for fan promotion (remember the Gold Cover program?). So buy a poster and offer it to your LCS. Buy a Valiant comic for a friend. Do something more useful than bashing the messenger in a Valiant Message Board.