Valiant Relaunch

[wyokid]

I don't trust it when people say I'll like Faith. Last time was Buffy.

I have enjoyed the first two issues of American Wasteland (there's a Tony Hawk game with this name which is why I thought I was mixed up). Two issues of the twenty two there are. I was missing the words "is concerned".

We've seen so little. His position was challenged and we saw how he rules and defends but there's so much more to explore.

 

[DIrishB]

I don't trust it when people say I'll like Faith. Last time was Buffy.

I never recommended Buffy. Nor are the two characters really comparable at all.

I have enjoyed the first two issues of American Wasteland (there's a Tony Hawk game with this name which is why I thought I was mixed up). Two issues of the twenty two there are. I was missing the words "is concerned".

I really don't get you.

We've seen so little. His position was challenged and we saw how he rules and defends but there's so much more to explore.

Like what? Watching them build an infrastructure system? Establishing a democratic government? Hunting for food? That's not the focus of the book. The focus is Aric and how he adapts to the modern day. That's always been the focus since the first issue. Not exploring the particulars of his new mini-nation in Nebraska.

 

[wyokid]

I didn't say you did. It was a joke. My friend gushes over Buffy Faith and I really don't care for Eliza Dushku.

Except it does relate to him because he is the one deciding all that. That's a fascinating story to be told. How an ancient civilization would do in modern day. We got that briefly when they found food but I want more.

 

[DIrishB]

I didn't say you did. It was a joke. My friend gushes over Buffy Faith and I really don't care for Eliza Dushku. Except it does relate to him because he is the one deciding all that. That's a fascinating story to be told. How an ancient civilization would do in modern day. We got that briefly when they found food but I want more.

I'm sure there will be more. While Armor Hunters may alter the status quo a bit, I think Aric's people are safe, since they already launched the alien hounds at them and Aric intervened and saved them.

 

[wyokid]

I don't know man. I'm getting the feeling they're all going to die.

 

[DIrishB]

I don't know man. I'm getting the feeling they're all going to die.

Could be. But I think not. After the alien hounds defeat by XO, obviously they're going to send in the big guns (the Armor Hunters themselves) to go after XO. If they were able to kill Aric I'm sure they'd eradicate not only the Dacians, but everyone on the planet (since that's what they do, since the XO armor is apparently like a virus). But, since it's likely XO survives, therefore it's likely most of the Dacians will survive as well. I could be wrong. It's possible they all end up dead by the time it's over. We'll see.

 

[wyokid]

For some reason it really bugs me how small this universe feels with everyone running into each other ALL the freaking time and for some reason everyone and their grandmother knows the Eternal Warrior. I half expect Woody to run into him and be like "Oh hey E.W! You still coming to dinner on Friday?".

Could be. But I think not. After the alien hounds defeat by XO, obviously they're going to send in the big guns (the Armor Hunters themselves) to go after XO. If they were able to kill Aric I'm sure they'd eradicate not only the Dacians, but everyone on the planet (since that's what they do, since the XO armor is apparently like a virus). But, since it's likely XO survives, therefore it's likely most of the Dacians will survive as well. I could be wrong. It's possible they all end up dead by the time it's over. We'll see.

I don't know why but I see them all being killed and him alone. Be nice if he flew into and traveled space.

 

[DIrishB]

For some reason it really bugs me how small this universe feels with everyone running into each other ALL the freaking time and for some reason everyone and their grandmother knows the Eternal Warrior. I half expect Woody to run into him and be like "Oh hey E.W! You still coming to dinner on Friday?".

How is that any different that the DC or Marvel universe? And when it happens, there's usually a good reason or plot point or event that brings the characters together. The common origins of Archer and Bloodshot connected to PRS also applies. Seriously, man, it often seems like you look for reasons to complain.

I don't know why but I see them all being killed and him alone. Be nice if he flew into and traveled space.

Why would he fly off into space? His whole motivation was to return home. Now that he's there, I see no motivating factor that'd give him a viable reason to leave, even if all the other Dacians end up dead. XO isn't a cosmic based character.

 

[wyokid]

How is that any different that the DC or Marvel universe? And when it happens, there's usually a good reason or plot point or event that brings the characters together. The common origins of Archer and Bloodshot connected to PRS also applies. Seriously, man, it often seems like you look for reasons to complain.



Why would he fly off into space? His whole motivation was to return home. Now that he's there, I see no motivating factor that'd give him a viable reason to leave, even if all the other Dacians end up dead. XO isn't a cosmic based character.

Marvel and DC has more books so when a crossover happens (outside of an event) it doesn't take up an 1/8 of the line. I'm not complaining, I'm just saying it urks me a bit. I prefer solid runs no matter who publishes it.

The armor is cosmic in nature is it not? An alien race had it. If his people die he could have a whole "I have no home" speech and fly off. I want a space book dammit!

 

[DIrishB]

Marvel and DC has more books so when a crossover happens (outside of an event) it doesn't take up an 1/8 of the line. I'm not complaining, I'm just saying it urks me a bit. I prefer solid runs no matter who publishes it.

"Irks".



Spelling nazis unite!

For the most part the Valiant titles are pretty self contained. You'll have the occasional crossover or character introduction in a title who later appears in their own (like Eternal Warrior or what'll eventually happen with Ninjak once he gets his own title), but overall they're pretty self contained. The big crossover events like Armor Hunters and Harbinger Wars certainly crossover heavily, but that's sort of the point.

And keep in mind, Valiant is in the process of world building, both in the stories themselves and reminding readers who may only read one or two titles of the other characters they publish, which crossovers do a good job of (and is essentially the main motivating factor behind them).

But Shadowman, Rai, and even largely Harbinger (except for Armor Hunters and Harbinger Wars) are all very self contained. Though Rai does subtly drop hints and connections to stuff in other titles, most notably Unity and Harbinger.

The armor is cosmic in nature is it not? An alien race had it. If his people die he could have a whole "I have no home" speech and fly off. I want a space book dammit!

The armor is cosmic in nature but Aric is still consciously controlling it. And again , even if all his people die he's not likely to fly off into space. That'd be pretty out of character. He did it during the Planet Death arc, but that was specifically to attack the Vine who'd continually threatened him, killed most of his tribe, kept him as a slave, cut off his hand, etc. Revenge made perfect sense for Aric there. I could see it happening if the writer came up with a good reason, but again, XO is pretty solidly set on Earth, even in the old universe of the 90's. Planet Death and the current Armor Hunters crossover (besides the first few issues of XO) are as close to a space book as Valiant has done so far.

 

[wyokid]

"Irks".



Spelling nazis unite!

Uh...no...see...I...um...I...What I meant was it stops me a bit. "Urk" like the sound a car screeching to a halt makes. Yeah! That's what I meant!

For the most part the Valiant titles are pretty self contained. You'll have the occasional crossover or character introduction in a title who later appears in their own (like Eternal Warrior or what'll eventually happen with Ninjak once he gets his own title), but overall they're pretty self contained. The big crossover events like Armor Hunters and Harbinger Wars certainly crossover heavily, but that's sort of the point.

And keep in mind, Valiant is in the process of world building, both in the stories themselves and reminding readers who may only read one or two titles of the other characters they publish, which crossovers do a good job of (and is essentially the main motivating factor behind them).

I guess it's probably also because I read it all at once so I went through them quicker.

But Shadowman, Rai, and even largely Harbinger (except for Armor Hunters and Harbinger Wars) are all very self contained. Though Rai does subtly drop hints and connections to stuff in other titles, most notably Unity and Harbinger.

And Bloodshot. Bloodshot is VERY important to Rai.

The armor is cosmic in nature but Aric is still consciously controlling it. And again , even if all his people die he's not likely to fly off into space. That'd be pretty out of character. He did it during the Planet Death arc, but that was specifically to attack the Vine who'd continually threatened him, killed most of his tribe, kept him as a slave, cut off his hand, etc. Revenge made perfect sense for Aric there. I could see it happening if the writer came up with a good reason, but again, XO is pretty solidly set on Earth, even in the old universe of the 90's. Planet Death and the current Armor Hunters crossover (besides the first few issues of XO) are as close to a space book as Valiant has done so far.

Yeah, I just really want a cosmic book

 

[DIrishB]

Uh...no...see...I...um...I...What I meant was it stops me a bit. "Urk" like the sound a car screeching to a halt makes. Yeah! That's what I meant! I guess it's probably also because I read it all at once so I went through them quicker. And Bloodshot. Bloodshot is VERY important to Rai. Yeah, I just really want a cosmic book

Yeah Bloodshot is definitely important to Rai, good point.

And who knows, a cosmic book may happen eventually. If they ever do a series focused on Ivar the Timewalker (Armstrong and Gilad's brother) I could see some of that being cosmic, since he already travels through time, it's not a stretch for him to learn how to travel through space as well.

 

[wyokid]

I'd like something in the vein of Adam Strange, Buck Rogers, or Flash Gordon. Not enough of those out there.

 

[wyokid]

I realized that I forgot to finish Quantum and Woody! Had only read the first arc. Loved the last arc. The series has really evolved since the start and now I REALLY want to read Gambit. Is it over though? I see the crossover with Archer and Armstrong, but is that it for the series? I think this is my favorite of the books.

 

[DIrishB]

I realized that I forgot to finish Quantum and Woody! Had only read the first arc. Loved the last arc. The series has really evolved since the start and now I REALLY want to read Gambit. Is it over though? I see the crossover with Archer and Armstrong, but is that it for the series? I think this is my favorite of the books.

Quantum and Woody #1-12, Q&W - Goat #0, and the upcoming Delinquents #1-4 are all the Q&W issues released so far. There'll be more. They're currently releasing a Q2 - The Return of Quantum and Woody five issue mini series (starting in October) that is about the original continuity version of the characters (from the 90's) by the original creators.

Sometime early next year I'm sure they'll release more Q&W in the modern continuity, once the Q2 series finishes. They'll probably do the occasional mini series for them, though I could see them doing another #0 issue or even picking up the ongoing with a #13 issue onwards. We'll see at the end of the year once the March, 2015 solicitations hit.

But yeah, for now it's on hold.

 

[wyokid]

Quantum and Woody #1-12, Q&W - Goat #0, and the upcoming Delinquents #1-4 are all the Q&W issues released so far. There'll be more. They're currently releasing a Q2 - The Return of Quantum and Woody five issue mini series (starting in October) that is about the original continuity version of the characters (from the 90's) by the original creators.

Sometime early next year I'm sure they'll release more Q&W in the modern continuity, once the Q2 series finishes. They'll probably do the occasional mini series for them, though I could see them doing another #0 issue or even picking up the ongoing with a #13 issue onwards. We'll see at the end of the year once the March, 2015 solicitations hit.

But yeah, for now it's on hold.

That really sucks. A lot. I take it Archer and Armstrong is doing the same?

 

[DIrishB]

That really sucks. A lot. I take it Archer and Armstrong is doing the same?

Relax. It's only taking a break so they can give other characters a chance. Valiant is committed to currently keeping their releases at a 9 or 10 book title maximum per month. They're being smart. They don't want to flood the market with releases. They want to keep the line small for the time being, and give their large stable of characters a chance by cycling in new books while keeping the core books going (XO, Harbinger, etc).

Relax, Q&W come back.

 

[DIrishB]

This is a good example of why Valiant is a great company to be a fan of.

His often do Marvel, DC, Image, etc send their fans four TPBs and a rare "gold" issue just for sending a fan letter?

Valiant does this all the time, too, this isn't a rare occurrence. They truly appreciate their fans. It's a nice change from the bigger companies.

 

[wyokid]

Relax. It's only taking a break so they can give other characters a chance. Valiant is committed to currently keeping their releases at a 9 or 10 book title maximum per month. They're being smart. They don't want to flood the market with releases. They want to keep the line small for the time being, and give their large stable of characters a chance by cycling in new books while keeping the core books going (XO, Harbinger, etc).

Relax, Q&W come back.

Marvel and DC put out so many but I would never say they're flooding the market. How are you supposed to keep readers if the book they read just ends and not due to sales? It's a pretty bad business strategy if you ask me. Imagine if Marvel just ended Spider-Man. No relaunch or anything. Just didn't have a Spider-Man book for five years. They'd lose so many readers.

This is a good example of why Valiant is a great company to be a fan of.

His often do Marvel, DC, Image, etc send their fans four TPBs and a rare "gold" issue just for sending a fan letter?

Valiant does this all the time, too, this isn't a rare occurrence. They truly appreciate their fans. It's a nice change from the bigger companies.

DC did that. Not a rare gold issue, but they sent the kid some comics and a letter (where they lied about their movies making the most money but that's beside the point). Marvel created a character for a kid with a hearing disability and other things like that. It's always nice to see.

 

[DIrishB]

Marvel and DC put out so many but I would never say they're flooding the market. How are you supposed to keep readers if the book they read just ends and not due to sales? It's a pretty bad business strategy if you ask me. Imagine if Marvel just ended Spider-Man. No relaunch or anything. Just didn't have a Spider-Man book for five years. They'd lose so many readers.

Wow. Horrible comparison. First off, Marvel and DC putting out so many books is a perfect example of flooding the market. It's also why so many of the books get cancelled and they try new stuff, of which a lot of that also gets cancelled.

You keep readers by consistently releasing quality stories with great artwork, just as Valiant does. They've built up an extremely loyal following that reads all or most of their titles (especially simple since they keep the line at 9 or 10 books per month maximum). They introduce new characters occasionally and try them out. It's actually perfectly logical.

Also, the Spider-Man comparison makes not a lick of sense. Spider-Man is one of Marvel's top characters, arguably THE top character. Valiant has their own top characters, of which Quantum & Woody certainly don't qualify as. Nor are they taking a break for five years. It's 5 or 6 months at most (less if you factor in The Delinquents mini that Q&W appear in with A&A).

The Spider-Man analogy is also massively flawed when you consider they did "get rid of Spider-Man" for a year or so through the Superior/Dr. Octopus body switch thing. How many readers did they lose?

Valiant has openly said they want to keep the line small to help build readership. It makes it easier for new fans to get into the universe by keeping it at a point where if they like a series, they can buy old back issues and trades, and likely be motivated to check out the other series the same way. And it's been working. Valiant issues and trades consistently sell out, requiring second, third, fourth, and fifth printings of the issues. And the trades are all now up to second or third printings as well.

Seems to me they're doing it right.

They're not stupid. Trying to compete with the juggernauts that are Marvel and DC in a "publish as many books as you can" capacity right out of the gate is stupid.

DC did that. Not a rare gold issue, but they sent the kid some comics and a letter (where they lied about their movies making the most money but that's beside the point). Marvel created a character for a kid with a hearing disability and other things like that. It's always nice to see.

Not the same thing. Valiant does this thing literally on a weekly basis. Can't say that for Marvel or DC. It's nice Marvel and DC occasionally do those things, but Valiant regularly does it. Valiant has shown they both respect and appreciate their fans, it's hard to see Marvel or DC really having the same appreciation. It's more that they take their fans for granted, in many respects.