Planet 46 Comics: Which famous first issue comic book do you most desire?
Golden Age Comics sell for 3.5 Million, Doctor Who is gearing up for a new season, and Valiant Comics reward their subscribers with ‘X-O Manowar’ pullbox variant. In the question of the day, let Matt and Kyle know: What famous first issue would you most desire?
Harbinger to return from Valiant Comics
Valiant has announced the return of one of the most talked-about comics of the 1990s, Harbinger. In a story at Newsarama, the publisher announces that Harbinger will be the second title from the revamped company, following May’s “X-O Manowar.”
The creative team is made up of writer Joshua Dysart (“Unknown Soldier”) and artist Khari Evans (“Immortal Iron Fist”).
A page from the new "Harbinger."
“Peter Stanchek and Toyo Harada come from diametrically opposite places in this world,” said Valiant Executive Editor Warren Simons in the Newsarama story. “Peter’s a broke, disillusioned 18-year-old who sees the American Dream as nothing more than a fiction from another time. Toyo Harada is a self-made billionaire who’s watched the promise of the baby boomers disintegrate into self-interest. These two are inexorably linked by their extraordinary powers, but just because they share a bond doesn’t mean they share an ideology. Their eventual collision is unavoidable.”
Dysart is known for his work on the original “Violent Messiahs,” and wrote a two-year stint on DC Comics’ “Swamp Thing.”
The original Harbinger series, originally by Jim Shooter and David Lapham, was a huge hit for Valiant in the 1990s. The first issue became one of the most collectible comics of the early 1990s for a time, with prices on the issue going over $100.
At one point, Brett Ratner was attached to a movie adaptation of “Harbinger.” Given yesterday’s announcement about a planned “Bloodshot” movie, it’s likely all the Valiant properties will be looked at for possible film deals. Somewhat ironically, Harbinger had its origins as a film pitch, Jim Shooter told MTV in 2008.
“‘Harbinger’ began as a movie treatment written at the request of the head of development at Paramount, who wanted a movie with young superheroes,” explained Shooter. “She loved what I wrote, but since they had just signed a seven-picture deal with Eddie Murphy, she asked me to turn it into a comedy vehicle for him. I refused, and ended up using the ‘Harbinger’ idea, somewhat differently developed, at Valiant as a comic book series.”
- Matt Price
Report: Sony acquires film rights to Valiant’s Bloodshot
According to Deadline, Sony Pictures has closed a deal to acquire film rights to Bloodshot, the Valiant Comics series.
Bloodshot has been rumored as a possible film for some time, at one point attracting the interest of Matthew Vaughn. Vaughn isn’t involved with this project, Deadline reports.
Warren Simons, Valiant editor-in-chief told me last June when asked about Bloodshot.
“We have a number of film projects in various stages of development. We can’t discuss them just yet, but fans should stay tuned for upcoming announcements!”
Valiant Comics retweeted a link to the Deadline story, and also said via twitter: “So Hollywood bumped our big @ValiantComics announcement to next week, but it will be worth the wait!”
Yesterday, Valiant Comics tweeted: “Make sure you stay tuned in Valiant faithful! Tomorrow brings a major announcement from @ValiantComics HQ…a harbinger of what is to come.”
That’s a likely reference to Harbinger, one of the most popular Valiant Comics of the 1990s, which featured a team of superpowered teens on the run.
Bloodshot was part of the original Valiant Comics in 1992, first introduced in “Eternal Warrior” No. 4. “Bloodshot” No. 1, released in 1994, sold over 1 million copies. It was written by Kevin VanHook and drawn by Don Perlin.
Angelo Mortalli is a mob killer who is set up and framed. He ‘s found by the mob after entering witness protection, and subjected to an experimental process that make him into a human weapon with nanite-infused blood. With his memory lost, Mortalli — now called Bloodshot — seeks out his past and those who wish to kill him.
With promotional art by David Aja released by the new Valiant Comics, speculation is high that Bloodshot will be part of the new Valiant Comics universe. The first series from the new Valiant, “X-O Manowar” No. 1, debuts May 2.
UPDATE: Here’s the full release on the film.
Columbia Pictures is closing a deal to acquire the rights to adapt Bloodshot, the bestselling Valiant comic book character, into a feature film to be produced by Neal H. Moritz through his Original Film banner and Jason Kothari and Dinesh Shamdasani on behalf of Valiant Entertainment, it was announced today by Hannah Minghella, president of production for Columbia Pictures. Jeff Wadlow will write the screenplay.
Bloodshot first appeared in Valiant comic books in 1992 and quickly became one of the comic world’s most 
popular characters. Appearing in over 70 issues, the character sold seven million comic books globally and was a cornerstone of the Valiant Universe, which sold more than 80 million comic books, third only to Marvel and DC. As Valiant re-launches in 2012, the Bloodshot character will return to shelves as well.
Commenting on the announcement, Minghella said, “The Bloodshot character has been a fan favorite for nearly two decades, selling approximately 7 million comic books globally. Because there have been more than 1,500 pages of storylines published, there is a rich legacy to draw from as we develop the screenplay. Neal is one of the best action producers working today and we know he is the right filmmaker to take on this potential franchise.”
Originally founded in 1989, Valiant Comics quickly became one of the most successful comic book publishers by creating unique and compelling heroes and villains and focusing on storytelling. Valiant characters have been written and illustrated by many of the industry’s most famous creative talents, including Jim Shooter, Bob Layton, Barry Windsor Smith, Joe Quesada, Jim Lee, Frank Miller, Garth Ennis, Warren Ellis, Bryan Hitch, Steve Ditko, Mike Mignola, Kevin VanHook, Don Perlin and Neal Adams, among many others; in addition, Valiant was previously named Publisher of the Year by Diamond Comics Distributors. Valiant is returning to comic books in May 2012 and has a number of movie projects in development based on its characters involving some of the industry’s top business and creative talent.
Neal Moritz and Original Film are currently in post-production on four films: 21 Jump Street and Total Recall for Columbia Pictures, R.I.P.D. for Universal, and Warner Bros.’ Jack the Giant Killer. He is entering pre-production on the sixth entry in the Fast and Furious franchise as well as on Dead Man Down, starring Colin Farrell and Noomi Rapace. With over 40 films to Moritz’s credit, past titles include Battle: Los Angeles, The Green Hornet, The Fast and Furious series, I Am Legend, XXX, S.W.A.T.,Gridiron Gang, Sweet Home Alabama, Click, Vantage Point, Blue Streak, Cruel Intentions, I Know What You Did Last Summer, The Skulls, Volcano, Urban Legend, and Juice. Original Film’s box office is north of 2 billion worldwide.
- Matt Price
Valiant Comics to debut talking QR code cover on X-O Manowar #1
Valiant has announced a QR code-augmented, talking comic book cover, which the company describes as the world’s first.
The X-O Manowar #1 QR Voice Variant will feature this technology, which can be previewed starting this Wednesday in comic shops.
“We want fans worldwide to know that something special is happening in their local comic shop during the build-up to May 2nd and the launch of the new Valiant Universe,” said Valiant Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani in a news release. “Valiant’s QR Voice Variant is not only a new innovation in comics and a true incentive for retailers, but an enhanced and immersive experience for fans as well. By merging elements of print and digital, we’ve hopefully created something that fans will just have to see in person!”
Both the cover and promotional poster will direct smartphone users to a video of X-O Manowar delivering a speech directly to comic fans across the world. The new “X-O Manowar” is on sale May 2.
“From a storytelling standpoint alone, the technology we’re employing here holds enormous potential,” said Valiant Executive Editor Warren Simons in a release. “For the first time anywhere, and exclusively on the printed page, Valiant can literally give its characters a voice.”
The poster was demonstrated for retailers at the ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting in Dallas. I got a chance to see it there, when I talked to Valiant’s Sales Manager Atom! Freeman, and I was impressed with the use of the technology. We use QR codes extensively here at The Oklahoman in our print product to show readers additional videos and content on NewsOK.
The QR code variant is in addition to the recently announced “pullbox variant” program for X-O Manowar #1. That’s a special variant for fans who add the comic book to their reservation lists at local comic shops.
“From the beginning, it has been Valiant’s mission to get readers into their local comic shop and talking about what makes this such an exciting medium,” said Valiant CEO Jason Kothari in a news release. “A trailblazing effort like the QR Voice poster and accompanying limited edition cover to X-O Manowar #1 not only accomplishes that, but also brings a first-of-its-kind interactive experience to print.”
- Matt Price
X-O Manowar creative team: Robert Vendetti and Cary Nord
X-O Manowar 1 cover by Esad Ribic.
Valiant Entertainment has announced the creative team for its first title, “X-O Manowar,” to be released on May 2. The writer will be Rob Venditti (“The Surrogates”), and the artist is Cary Nord (“Conan”).
This is a solid announcement: both of these are talented, Eisner-nominated creators. Comic Book Resources has an interview with Venditti and editor Warren Simons.
“X-O Manowar” will be a reboot, but follow the basic concept of the original series: a barbarian who receives a scientifically advanced suit of armor.
- Matt Price
Free Comic Book Day news: IGN shares first look at Valiant Comics’ new X-O Manowar
IGN has the first look at the new X-O Manowar from Valiant Comics. This Valiant 2012 issue is set to debut on Free Comic Book Day 2012. According to IGN, the publisher also has plans for Bloodshot and Harbinger. The cover for the FCBD issue is by Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic. Free Comic Book Day is set for May 5, 2012.
Other comics already announced for Free Comic Book Day include the comics from the 10 Gold Sponsors: Avengers 12.1, Bongo Free For All, DC Comics – The New 52 FCBD Edition, Image 20, Mega Man: Let the Games Begin; Mouse Guard, Labyrinth and More HC Flipbook; Peanuts/Adventure Time Flip Book; Star Wars/Serenity Flip Book; Transformers 80.5; and Yo Gabba Gabba: Free Comic Book Time.
There will be 35 silver sponsors for Free Comic Book Day in 2012, so more announcements on coming books are no doubt on the way.
- Matt Price
“Archer and Armstrong” was buddy-adventure hit for Valiant Comics in 1990s
Valiant Comics were huge in the 1990s, and their focus on storytelling was a big part of that success. I recently re-read the first 15 issues of one of Valiant’s hits that also was very critically acclaimed: Archer & Armstrong.
Recapping Valiant’s Solar, Man of the Atom 4-7 from 1991-1992
I’m continuing to work in some Valiant Comics from the 1990s in my attempt to read 2,011 comic books in 2011.
Solar, Man of the Atom #4 (Valiant, 1991) wraps up the “Second Death” storyline that kicked off the Solar relaunch with Valiant. In the insert, it also continues the “Alpha and Omega” story that gives the backstory of the alternate-world Phil Seleski. (This story, which features the art of Barry Windsor-Smith, continues through issue No. 10 and is compelling throughout.) While there’s still quite a bit to be explained, the end of “Second Death” has this former Gold Key character modernized for the 1990s and ready for a long, successful run.
Solar, Man of the Atom #5 (Valiant, 1992) Alpha and Omega continues in the center section. In the lead story, Solar encounters the Spider Aliens that will be a big part of the overarching Valiant storyline. He’s still struggling to deal with his new self, with the assistance of his psychiatrist. He’s trying to avoid mistakes he made in his previous life. Love the cover to this issue.
Solar, Man of the Atom #6 (Valiant, 1992) Solar goes into space to battle the Spider-Aliens. While attempting to free the human hostages, he manages to further offend the Spider-Aliens. Deciding that there can be no peace with them, he declares war. I felt like I noticed the traditional Valiant grid more this issue than I had in previous.
Solar, Man of the Atom #7 (Valiant, 1992) Solar goes into all-out war with the Spider-Aliens, who send a champion against him with X-O armor that will continue to play a role in the Valiant Universe. Largely a big battle issue, but a cool one, with another great Barry Windsor-Smith cover.
- Matt Price
Comics read in 2011: 841 Still to go: 1170
Full Q&A with Valiant Comics executive editor Warren Simons
Warren Simons
Warren Simons, the former Marvel Comics editor who is now the executive editor at Valiant Comics, took some time to answer some questions for Nerdage about the company’s upcoming plans. A version of this interview ran in Friday’s Weekend Look; the full Q&A is included here.
New Valiant Entertainment plans coherent, interconnected comics universe
In the heady comics boom days of the early 1990s, Valiant Comics were among the hottest properties, with titles including the mysterious Shadowman, the armored barbarian X-O Manowar and the superpowered teens of “Harbinger.”
The new Valiant Entertainment recently announced plans to return to comic book stores in 2012. Warren Simons, former editor of Marvel Comics titles including “Invincible Iron Man” and “Thor,” will bring his skills to the revamped Valiant. Last week, Simons was named executive editor of the company.
In an interview with The Oklahoman, Simons says the company’s focus will be on comic books, though a number of film properties are also in development.
“As a company, we’re about comic books first, and comic book stores are the best way to reach our readership,” Simons said. “Stores and retailers will be our most important fans and advocates. We plan to work with them through traditional channels but also to develop and maintain relationships through new vehicles like social media. There are many different ways we can communicate and stay in touch with our fans and retail partners, and we intend to make use of all of them.”
