Harbinger vs X-O

[kevinbastos]

In the latest OTV episode, the boys got into a discussion about the value, or future value of the QR variants. Briefly, the boys discussed the future value of the books, and compared the X-O QR vs. the Harbinger QR. Essentially, the guys tried to decide which of the two books would have more value in the future.

Interesting discussion. I totally disagreed, and thought of a few little things not brought up.

A few things were 'given' according to the group. 800 copies were made. The first values were high, then would drop.

Essentially, the crew agreed that the number of Harbingers would probably be lower.

HERE's where I go nuts.

The boys talked about the Harbinger being rarer, but not more valuable. They talked about the original launch, and being valuable to the universe, important comic, etc.

To open up, the Harbinger is rarer. One. Next. Harbinger speaks to the generation of youth because it is Harbinger. It will ring again with younger ones. I think it will launch the modern universe. MOST IMPORTANTLY! It will be the only place that the Harbinger QR code will be available. Remember, about a boat load of posters all with the QR code.

Whatchoo think, kids?

[tchalla8]

In the latest OTV episode, the boys got into a discussion about the value, or future value of the QR variants. Briefly, the boys discussed the future value of the books, and compared the X-O QR vs. the Harbinger QR. Essentially, the guys tried to decide which of the two books would have more value in the future.

Interesting discussion. I totally disagreed, and thought of a few little things not brought up.

A few things were 'given' according to the group. 800 copies were made. The first values were high, then would drop.

Essentially, the crew agreed that the number of Harbingers would probably be lower.

HERE's where I go nuts.

The boys talked about the Harbinger being rarer, but not more valuable. They talked about the original launch, and being valuable to the universe, important comic, etc.

To open up, the Harbinger is rarer. One. Next. Harbinger speaks to the generation of youth because it is Harbinger. It will ring again with younger ones. I think it will launch the modern universe. MOST IMPORTANTLY! It will be the only place that the Harbinger QR code will be available. Remember, about a boat load of posters all with the QR code.

Whatchoo think, kids?

The QR videos are always available on Youtube whether you have the QR code or not. That's where the code sends you. you can look up the X-O QR video on Youtube right now.

[Dr. Solar]

You've got some interesting points here, I think that really, it is impossible to predict what is going to happen with the various variants.

I don't think that Harbinger speaking to youth culture will have an impact on collectibility of this book. If for no other reason, them youths don't have $50-$100 to drop on a comic. I'm also not certain that Harbinger will be particularly popular amongst younger people. If anything, I think it will be less popular with younger folks.

I don't think that the QR code only being available on the variant will have any effect on value. I can't imagine anyone wanting this book because they want to hear the QR code. It's gonna be freely available in two days, if not sooner.

The only thing that Harbinger has going for it is the lower numbers. That may be enough to warrant a higher price, but maybe not.

There are far fewer copies of Harbinger 0 than Harbinger 1, but Harbinger 1 is the more iconic book, and more desirable. I think that X-O QR will be the more iconic book in the long run.

[Chiclo]

I still disagree with you, kevin. X-O will still sell for more based on the recognition that comes with it being the first of the line.

Rarity does not always translate into a higher market value. An excellent example of this is the Ninjak and X-O silver rings. There are nearly twice as many X-O silver rings as Ninjak but the X-Os sell for more.

[kevinbastos]

I don't know if I agree with your cash agreement entirely. The kids in my class have far more liquid cash than me on a daily basis, but they aren't really buying comics.

For some reason, I still see Harbinger as the lightning bolt of this universe.

And the rarer thing.

[kevinbastos]

I still disagree with you, kevin. X-O will still sell for more based on the recognition that comes with it being the first of the line.

Rarity does not always translate into a higher market value. An excellent example of this is the Ninjak and X-O silver rings. There are nearly twice as many X-O silver rings as Ninjak but the X-Os sell for more.

Sure.

But Ninjak sucked.

Harbinger didn't. And Harbinger doesn't.

And the X-O ring was an iconic part of the series. While I haven't completely read the Ninjak back again lately, I can't imagine the Ninjak ring being anywhere near as important as the X-O ring.

and I still think that Harbinger will be a more focal part of the universe.

That is what determines the value.

Sean made a good argument about the most focal part of the Marvel universe being Fantastic Four, because it was first. He's right, but he pulls a fast one in his own discussion. He groups it with Amazing Fantasy 15. THAT is the Marvel Silver key book. And it came AFTER FF 1.

If Valiant dies, I think X-O will be worth more.

BUT if it survives, and I think it will... Next year, when the BIG crossover happens, I think Harbinger 1 will be the key book.

At its core, I love X-O. But it is really a crossover between Conan and Iron Man.

But Harbinger hit like a rocket because of its characters and characterizations. The ambiguity of hero and ambiguity of villain is where this line will reach its greatest success.

Certainly, X-O intros the Eternal Warrior, the universe, and the Vine. But it is a clear black and white hats book. But Harbinger - and that QR cover - showcases one of the greatest anti-hero (or perhaps anti-villain) of all time.

THAT will knock this outta the park.

[Dr. Solar]

and I still think that Harbinger will be a more focal part of the universe.

That is what determines the value.

Not necessarily. Tons of things can impact value. Popularity, how iconic it is, and strangely enough, value can determine value. Oddly enough, the lack of Harbinger QR posters may make this book less in demand, since it hasnt had as much exposure.

BUT if it survives, and I think it will... Next year, when the BIG crossover happens, I think Harbinger 1 will be the key book.

This is a pretty big assumption, stacked on top of a pretty big assumption

Not that you're wrong, but this first issue of Harby didn't have a "key to the universe" feel to it, you know? It may evolve from what we read, but X-O felt like more of a "key" book to me.

I wouldn't be that surprised if Harby QR ends up a more valuable book than X-O QR, but I don't expect that to be the case.

[Dr. Solar]

I gotta say, though, that I do like hearing these other perspectives.

[kevinbastos]

and I still think that Harbinger will be a more focal part of the universe.

That is what determines the value.

Not necessarily. Tons of things can impact value. Popularity, how iconic it is, and strangely enough, value can determine value. Oddly enough, the lack of Harbinger QR posters may make this book less in demand, since it hasnt had as much exposure.

BUT if it survives, and I think it will... Next year, when the BIG crossover happens, I think Harbinger 1 will be the key book.

This is a pretty big assumption, stacked on top of a pretty big assumption

Not that you're wrong, but this first issue of Harby didn't have a "key to the universe" feel to it, you know? It may evolve from what we read, but X-O felt like more of a "key" book to me.

I wouldn't be that surprised if Harby QR ends up a more valuable book than X-O QR, but I don't expect that to be the case.

Of course, you have a unique perspective, having read the book already. I haven't.

Truly, looking around the board, I was kinda upset that we hadn't had more talk yet about the first X-O book. There were months and days that had more Valiant talk than the few pages of X-O Manowar discussion. This kind of talk can really re-fuel the universe.

We had almost as much discussion over the last few days about the prospect of a fake Bloodshot Platinum as we had over the X-O one.

Will that grow over the next week? I hope so. GeeZ. We had a ton of info before the first X-O, and only the five-six pages of Harbinger, right?

We have also only had scant views of X-O 2 so far. Okay. Five to six pages, but...

I, too, love this stuff.

[kevinbastos]

I noticed you skipped over the whole Harada / anti-hero ambiguity of character motive thing, too.

[StarBrand]

I just disagree that there are 800 1:50s, when a 1:50 is only printed if ordered in increments of 50.

[Dr. Solar]

I noticed you skipped over the whole Harada / anti-hero ambiguity of character motive thing, too.

That's because I thought it was irrelevant

Seriously, everyone is an ambiguous anti-hero these days

[Dr. Solar]

I just disagree that there are 800 1:50s, when a 1:50 is only printed if ordered in increments of 50.

Well, a couple things. The 800 number is a maximum assumption. There could be, and realistically are, less than that. Also, a 1:50 is only distributed when ordered in increments of 50. That doesn't necessarily mean they limit the print run to that many.

[greg]

I just disagree that there are 800 1:50s, when a 1:50 is only printed if ordered in increments of 50.

Well, a couple things. The 800 number is a maximum assumption. There could be, and realistically are, less than that. Also, a 1:50 is only distributed when ordered in increments of 50. That doesn't necessarily mean they limit the print run to that many.

The only guaranteed way for retailers to get one was to order 50 copies. No one said it was the only way anyone could get one, or that they would limit the print run to the exact number earned.

As already mentioned in this discussion, this is an iconic new Valiant book... planned that way... and old Valiant was a company that always had awesome incentives for prizes, rewards, etc., and people loved that.

There are as many as Valiant decided to print.

[Dr. Solar]

There are as many as Valiant decided to print.

Exactly. There could be 600, because that is the amount needed to meet the incentives, or there could be thousands, and they'll be handing them out like party favors.

I want to go to that party.

[betterthanezra]

There are as many as Valiant decided to print.

Exactly. There could be 600, because that is the amount needed to meet the incentives, or there could be thousands, and they'll be handing them out like party favors.

I want to go to that party.

You will it's called the SDCC poker night

-Brian

[Dr. Solar]

There are as many as Valiant decided to print.

Exactly. There could be 600, because that is the amount needed to meet the incentives, or there could be thousands, and they'll be handing them out like party favors.

I want to go to that party.

You will it's called the SDCC poker night

That would be pretty nice.

[cjv]

There are as many as Valiant decided to print.

Exactly. There could be 600, because that is the amount needed to meet the incentives, or there could be thousands, and they'll be handing them out like party favors.

I want to go to that party.

You will it's called the SDCC poker night

That would be pretty nice.

I have to get to SDCC at some point!

Chris

[MarrowMan]

When I was 16 I did NOT own Harbinger #1
When I'm 36 I WILL own Harbinger #1

[kevinbastos]

Seriously, everyone is an ambiguous anti-hero these days

Aric isn't right?

And the Vine aren't either...

We shall see.

If/when I make it out to SDCC, sometime in the next five years, the loser buys the first beer for the other guy. Or, if by some chance I lose, the first red wine... Right?

[Dr. Solar]

If/when I make it out to SDCC, sometime in the next five years, the loser buys the first beer for the other guy. Or, if by some chance I lose, the first red wine... Right?

Or both. I can be a lush. Deal.

[Aram]

Seriously, everyone is an ambiguous anti-hero these days

Aric isn't right?

And the Vine aren't either...

We shall see.

If/when I make it out to SDCC, sometime in the next five years, the loser buys the first beer for the other guy. Or, if by some chance I lose, the first red wine... Right?

From what I hear SDCC is turning into a closed club for prior attendees and people who didn't go the prior year have about as much chance at going as winning the lotto... though maybe I understood the new policy wrong.

[Dr. Solar]

From what I hear SDCC is turning into a closed club for prior attendees and people who didn't go the prior year have about as much chance at going as winning the lotto... though maybe I understood the new policy wrong.

I thought it was the opposite, there will be no sales of passes for next year at SDCC this year.

[Aram]

I just looked it up, and yup your right. It looks like next year is going to be a same time, fair and square free for all rush for tickets, lol.

[Dr. Solar]

I just looked it up, and yup your right. It looks like next year is going to be a same time, fair and square free for all rush for tickets, lol.

After last year, when the longest line at the con was for tickets to next year's con, I think they reevaluated. People weren't camping out for Twilight last year, they were camping out for tickets to next year.

(Well, they were camping out for Twilight too)