Valiant Versus the Big 2 Reboots

[whovian]

DC seems to have been in multi-universe limbo for a decade now and may finally come to a head with its Convergence event this year. Marvel has announced the end of its universe and appears to be bringing characters from various universes into what they are calling the largest cross-over event in the history of comic books. That pretty much leaves Valiant as the only sort of stable Hero-verse in 2015.

While I predict fans will continue to fall for the Big Two's gimmicks, I think this is the perfect year for Valiant to push forward and build one great, coherent Hero-verse. Can Valiant capitalize on this, and do you think the competition's activities in 2015 bode better or worse for Valiant?

[rjrjr]

DC seems to have been in multi-universe limbo for a decade now and may finally come to a head with its Convergence event this year. Marvel has announced the end of its universe and appears to be bringing characters from various universes into what they are calling the largest cross-over event in the history of comic books. That pretty much leaves Valiant as the only sort of stable Hero-verse in 2015.

While I predict fans will continue to fall for the Big Two's gimmicks, I think this is the perfect year for Valiant to push forward and build one great, coherent Hero-verse. Can Valiant capitalize on this, and do you think the competition's activities in 2015 bode better or worse for Valiant?

Marvel is going to crush the competition this year between Secret Wars and Star Wars. I doubt DC, Image, or any other publisher will be able to compete this year. I expect Marvel to have a commanding lead on the competition during the Secret Wars event and I won't be surprised to hear they break a modern record for market share. And if a true reboot is on the other side of this event, watch out!

Valiant should continue to tell good stories and not worry about what the other publishers are doing. Lead, not follow, like they did with the pullbox variants. I personally hope they avoid any cross title event this summer. Last years event (Armor Hunters) seemed to hurt them in sales more than help them. As the novice universe, they should be appealing to as many readers as possible, not just the diehards which is what events do.

[Ramses818]

I think the effect on Valiant (good or bad) will be minimal. DC's move will have a bigger impact. Creators will be looking and Valiant is there. Good things could happen. Valiant is still growing. Remember before Marvel was "Marvel" they were a comic company published by DC comics and on the verge of closing their doors. Valiant has its own issues to resolve they don't need to focus on the big 2. They will get there if they just focus on their own stuff.

[first_citizenx]

Marvel wasn't being published by DC; DC was handling Marvel's distribution. Trust me, big difference!

Anyway, I've been telling anyone who will listen that I'm down to a mere 2 titles from the Big Two and The Walking Dead from Image, otherwise I've put all my chips on Valiant! I don't think all this multiverse/crossover stuff will affect Valiant much, except it could bring a few more eyeballs their way from exhausted readers who will use these latest in a long line of events as a jumping off point. I think Valiant should just stay the course (and just keep stable titles, no rebooting for storyline direction changes).

[BugsySig]

The Nu52 was great for VALIANT for two reasons:

1) It brought new and lapsed readers into comicbook stores and onto digital platforms who also got introduced to the new VALIANT titles at the same times.

2) When many of those new and lapsed readers, as well as old readers, became disillusioned with The Nu52, it may have led many to try out VALIANT.

I see a similar thing happening with Secret Wars. VALIANT NEXT (at least some of it) is going to be in shops at the same time as Secret Wars, and whatever event VEI may have planned for the Summer will hit then as well.

[Elveen]

IMO, the best thing for Valiant is a healthy comics industry.
So few comic readers/collectors stray much from the big 2.
From my side of the table, maybe, 15% of peeps that come to my booth are interested / looking for independents. And 15% might be a high estimate.

VEI needs to focus on good stories and making sure EVERY book gives the reader a full and complete experience.

[StarBrand]

All you know what will break loose when VEI announces their first movie.

[Elveen]

All you know what will break loose when VEI announces their first movie.

That will really help.

I also think that the ground work is being laid with Valiant right now, but any media will really help.