Valiant from May 2018 and beyond

[Bl00dsh0t]

With all the news (or lack thereof) re: the DMG buyout there's a lot of uncertainty at the moment (as least from my perspective) with where things are heading...

- Will HWII still go ahead as planned? if so, will we see a monthly Harby / SW comic? Looks like BS and XO titles won't be linking into event rather focusing on the progression of their respective stories (Bloodhound origin / Aric pre-Armor). What titles can we expect to see in HWII?
- Will the current slate of 6 expand/decline? I hope we see more but DMG don't look to have publishing as a priority

As this point, here's what we know (or assume with confidence) will be coming in May:

1. Bloodshot Salvation #9 (Bloodhound Origin Issue)
2. Ninja-k #7 (collation part 2 (assumed))
3. Quantum & Woody! #6 (confirmed with a new creative team)
4. Shadowman #3 (assumed)
5. XO Manowar #15 (Aric's pre-Armor days)

6. Harbinger Wars II #1 (of 4) (assumed if no change in direction with the event)

Still lacking a Harby title imo... Personally I would've liked to have seen at lease one tie-in within a current run like we had in HW1 with both Bloodshot and Harby ongoings.

[TheFerg714]

Still lacking a Harby title imo... Personally I would've liked to have seen at lease one tie-in within a current run like we had in HW1 with both Bloodshot and Harby ongoings.

Making X-O more of a "spiritual tie-in" is an awesome idea, but I will be pretty disappointed if HW2 has no tie-ins. Big events are what Valiant excels at, and we haven't seen one since Armor Hunters. I was really hoping HW2 would go all out and tie in to multiple series and launch multiple one-shots and/or mini-series.

Solicitations come out in about 11 days.

[Sheikhaljabal]

I'm still waiting and hoping on SAVAGE II and PSI-LORDS - at Least.

[geocarr]

I'd like to see a third Brittania mini with a subsequent nice looking hardcover collecting the three series.

[Dr. Solar]

I think that Harbinger Wars II and Shadowman and other things we expected for this year are fairly well baked in. My guess is that if we start to see changes, it won't be until after Harbinger Wars II.

[WrathOfArmstrong]

I think DMG could've/should've tried to reassure fans by announcing a lot of stuff last week...even if it wasn't in the production pipeline yet...

like a new Dr. Mirage mini to tie into the (someday) CW show... or a new Eternal Warrior run... kind of like how they announced Shadowman would be back in March a year ago. I'm pretty sure they didn't have Diggle yet when they did. They could then start looking for submissions for this bold new series...

Right now, it's like a Mayan calendar trying to see anything past HW2. But that may be because the event is going to be that 'earth' shattering that announcing the next titles might spoil everything...

[TheeBaldMoose]

I think DMG could've/should've tried to reassure fans by announcing a lot of stuff last week...even if it wasn't in the production pipeline yet...

like a new Dr. Mirage mini to tie into the (someday) CW show... or a new Eternal Warrior run... kind of like how they announced Shadowman would be back in March a year ago. I'm pretty sure they didn't have Diggle yet when they did. They could then start looking for submissions for this bold new series...

Right now, it's like a Mayan calendar trying to see anything past HW2. But that may be because the event is going to be that 'earth' shattering that announcing the next titles might spoil everything...

What they should have done is not said a damn thing about their IP's and only being focused there. Reassure the base community, the one that pays you every single week, and work on what you want.

Now, they did say they didn't want to mess with anything production wise, so that is good. I wouldn't get too concerned, as the Valiant Summit hasn't happened yet, and neither has ComicsPRO. Those are the big events where cool things get announced (like the new video game mentioned here in the pages)

[jmatt]

I think that Harbinger Wars II and Shadowman and other things we expected for this year are fairly well baked in. My guess is that if we start to see changes, it won't be until after Harbinger Wars II.

I agree, nothing in the pipeline will change. My guess is that we won't see any change in the quality of anything, but maybe a change in sticking more with the pillars and less on offshoots like War Mother and Britannia.

[leonmallett]

I think DMG could've/should've tried to reassure fans by announcing a lot of stuff last week...even if it wasn't in the production pipeline yet...

like a new Dr. Mirage mini to tie into the (someday) CW show... or a new Eternal Warrior run... kind of like how they announced Shadowman would be back in March a year ago. I'm pretty sure they didn't have Diggle yet when they did. They could then start looking for submissions for this bold new series...

Right now, it's like a Mayan calendar trying to see anything past HW2. But that may be because the event is going to be that 'earth' shattering that announcing the next titles might spoil everything...

What they should have done is not said a damn thing about their IP's and only being focused there. Reassure the base community, the one that pays you every single week, and work on what you want.

Now, they did say they didn't want to mess with anything production wise, so that is good. I wouldn't get too concerned, as the Valiant Summit hasn't happened yet, and neither has ComicsPRO. Those are the big events where cool things get announced (like the new video game mentioned here in the pages)

Just an observation, and not a criticism, but if the base community for VEI books is around 5000 to 10000 customers, that pales in comparison to the audience they are reaching for, an audience they hope to be in the millions. This comment is not a defense of DMG or their actions, simply an observation that the numbers of the comics buying core are tiny compared to what they have in mind, and arguably don't really offer a meaningful 'base' in those other media platforms DMG wish to exploit.

[grendeljd]

I think DMG could've/should've tried to reassure fans by announcing a lot of stuff last week...even if it wasn't in the production pipeline yet...

like a new Dr. Mirage mini to tie into the (someday) CW show... or a new Eternal Warrior run... kind of like how they announced Shadowman would be back in March a year ago. I'm pretty sure they didn't have Diggle yet when they did. They could then start looking for submissions for this bold new series...

Right now, it's like a Mayan calendar trying to see anything past HW2. But that may be because the event is going to be that 'earth' shattering that announcing the next titles might spoil everything...

What they should have done is not said a damn thing about their IP's and only being focused there. Reassure the base community, the one that pays you every single week, and work on what you want.

Now, they did say they didn't want to mess with anything production wise, so that is good. I wouldn't get too concerned, as the Valiant Summit hasn't happened yet, and neither has ComicsPRO. Those are the big events where cool things get announced (like the new video game mentioned here in the pages)

Just an observation, and not a criticism, but if the base community for VEI books is around 5000 to 10000 customers, that pales in comparison to the audience they are reaching for, an audience they hope to be in the millions. This comment is not a defense of DMG or their actions, simply an observation that the numbers of the comics buying core are tiny compared to what they have in mind, and arguably don't really offer a meaningful 'base' in those other media platforms DMG wish to exploit.

Sad but probably true.

[grendeljd]

I think that Harbinger Wars II and Shadowman and other things we expected for this year are fairly well baked in. My guess is that if we start to see changes, it won't be until after Harbinger Wars II.

I agree, nothing in the pipeline will change. My guess is that we won't see any change in the quality of anything, but maybe a change in sticking more with the pillars and less on offshoots like War Mother and Britannia.

+1

Monthly publishing is like a steam train... kind of tough to just cold stop something that's deep into production once it's rolling, and VEI has also always been very good at planning & producing well ahead of release schedules too.

I hope we're wrong, but I also feel there might be less offshoot books in the future if DMG management insists on keeping the line small & safe with the 'pillar' titles.

You never know though, Fred & Warren might be able to push back against the new upper management grain and keep publishing some solid innovative stuff with the newer characters in the mix, or more new interpretations of existing but underutilized IPs.

I'm still hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.

[jmatt]

You never know though, Fred & Warren might be able to push back against the new upper management grain and keep publishing some solid innovative stuff with the newer characters in the mix, or more new interpretations of existing but underutilized IPs.

Well, they never said there wouldn't be anything new, per se, only that things would be geared toward characters and concepts that could translate to other media.

I'm a big fan of new stuff, but to be honest the conclusion of the second installment of Britannia left me underwhelmed and I'm still a little ambivalent about War Mother.

[DirtbagSailor]

I do not think that because DMG states anything that it is completely set in stone forever.

Businesses will change directions and alter their course every day of the week if the ROI is there.

It is safe to say that at the time the statement was made, it was true. 2-3 years from now, it may be completely different because things change in the wake of new media and film projects in addition to new fans (new markets) and their demands as well.

[Bl00dsh0t]

Would be nice for DMG to issue some form of press release about the future state of comics to put the faithful fans at ease but given there’s been very little noise since the buyout fan commentary aside, I’m not holding my breath.

[grendeljd]

You never know though, Fred & Warren might be able to push back against the new upper management grain and keep publishing some solid innovative stuff with the newer characters in the mix, or more new interpretations of existing but underutilized IPs.

Well, they never said there wouldn't be anything new, per se, only that things would be geared toward characters and concepts that could translate to other media.

I do not think that because DMG states anything that it is completely set in stone forever.

Businesses will change directions and alter their course every day of the week if the ROI is there.

Agree with both points, guys - I don't take anything said as being written in stone either. Plans will always potentially be fluid & subject to change.

I also don't think they specifically intend to prevent the use of newer characters in the regular publishing line-up... but even the idea of going for characters that will translate to other media, coupled with the [currently stated] intent to not expand the publishing wing sounds like it will have the side effect of limiting some choices that are riskier.

I'm a big fan of new stuff, but to be honest the conclusion of the second installment of Britannia left me underwhelmed and I'm still a little ambivalent about War Mother.

I feel the same about War Mother after that mini-series, but I like the concept of her still. I am open-minded about seeing her in future comics. I also enjoyed both Britannia mini-series, but don't especially care if they do more with that character.

[jmatt]

I feel the same about War Mother after that mini-series, but I like the concept of her still. I am open-minded about seeing her in future comics.

Same here. There is potential and the book laid some decent ground work. Weird side-note: Every time I read Flaco's dialogue, I hear the voice of TARS from Interstellar.

I also enjoyed both Britannia mini-series, but don't especially care if they do more with that character.

It's generally interesting and well written, and well, Ryp. But it being completely disconnected from the rest of the VU is puzzling. Like you, it didn't really leave me hungering for more.

[Jrosen]

I feel the same about War Mother after that mini-series, but I like the concept of her still. I am open-minded about seeing her in future comics.

Same here. There is potential and the book laid some decent ground work. Weird side-note: Every time I read Flaco's dialogue, I hear the voice of TARS from Interstellar.

I also enjoyed both Britannia mini-series, but don't especially care if they do more with that character.

It's generally interesting and well written, and well, Ryp. But it being completely disconnected from the rest of the VU is puzzling. Like you, it didn't really leave me hungering for more.

I liked the first Britannia arc a lot, but unless they can somehow connect it to the larger vei universe, I don't know if I'll be jumping at a third mini.

War Mother was at least connected to Rai, and can be easily brought into a wider 4002 saga....if they bring it back.

[depluto]

I'm excited about all the grand plans DMG has for the Valiant Universe!

If they have any.

Be nice to hear something.

[WrathOfArmstrong]

Breaking news!!!! Everybody... Valiant High.... will be printed.
http://valiantentertainment.com/2018/0 ... urn false;

May 30th... so we know one thing that's happening now...

I enjoyed Valiant High, but I do not enjoy reading digitally. So I'm excited that this gets to see print... although, I'm not sure I want to pay $4 an issue (especially since I've read it already). I was hoping it would turn up in a UNITY Deluxe Vol. 2 or something...

[Zhuge1]

Breaking news!!!! Everybody... Valiant High.... will be printed.
http://valiantentertainment.com/2018/0 ... urn false;

May 30th... so we know one thing that's happening now...

I enjoyed Valiant High, but I do not enjoy reading digitally. So I'm excited that this gets to see print... although, I'm not sure I want to pay $4 an issue (especially since I've read it already). I was hoping it would turn up in a UNITY Deluxe Vol. 2 or something...

That's sort of interesting -- I wonder what happened to it being a Comixology exclusive.

Also, interesting that they are going to release the individual issues and not just a printed TPB (in addition to the electronic versions of the digital copies, they have a digital trade collection of the series as well).

[depluto]

Be nice to hear something else ...

[kinggirlfriend]

That's great! I have the digital issues but I will definitely buy a print collection if one comes out after the single issues.

Now, if they can only collect LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER .....

[jmatt]

I don't read digitally, and don't really do trades so getting it in floppies works for me.

[Funcha]

Interesting. This will probably be the first Valiant title I don’t buy. Not really interested in a parody comic.


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[Bl00dsh0t]

Not really into Valiant High - but the fact that we're getting more books (even though it was previously available digitally) can only be a good thing

would like to hear more about HW tho...fingers crossed for a Secret Weapons / HARD Corps / Harbinger related titled for May in addition to Harbinger Wars...