EVERYTHING BUT IMAGINARY #259: A VALIANT RETURN

[Blake Petit]

Back in the summer of 1993, I wasn’t really mobile. I was 15 and didn’t have a car, or a driver’s license, or a friend with a car or driver’s license, or a particularly reliable pogo stick. If I wanted to go anywhere, I pretty much had to catch a ride with somebody. I did, however, have a best friend (Shane Overstreet – how ya doin’ out there, buddy?) whose stepdad frequented the dollar cinema, and so I caught a lot of cheap movies with them. Also in that same strip mall was a small comic shop, different from the one I frequented with my Uncle Joe (hey, Joe!), and always worth checking out. I don’t remember much about that shop – the name, the owner, even the layout – but I do remember the day I walked into the store to see two books I’d never heard of before: Magnus: Robot Fighter #24 and Rai and the Future Force #9.

Flipping through these two books, I quickly realized that they were not just part of the same universe, but the beginning of the same story. The Magnus issue was the end of a four-part arc, but led into Rai, and together made up the beginning of what would be known as the “Malevalent War” storyline. The books were pretty exorbitantly priced for me – a whopping $2.25 each – but they were written by John Ostrander and they had cool new sci-fi based superheroes and they actually mentioned Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics and did I really need to get popcorn at the dollar cinema, since that’s where they all made their money anyway?

I bought the books.

Thus, I was introduced to the Valiant Universe.

Both books, despite their high price point, got added to my pull folder immediately. A month later on the Internet (yeah, I was already on the Internet back then, but at the time it was actually on the Prodigy service) I ranked both of the comics among my monthly favorites. This prompted an e-mail from one of the Valiant Employees who wanted my address. A few days later in the mail I got a free gold edition of Rai #9 just for making that message board post. Valiant did stuff like that back in the day.

As I was writing this column, I dug out that old gold edition just to scan in the cover. Within seconds, I was reading it all over again. (I want to stress here – in a week where my new comic book purchases included such surefire gems as Justice Society of America, Peter Tomasi on Green Lantern Corps and the new volume of The Complete Peanuts, I took time out to read a book that’s 15 years old and that I’ve read a thousand times… because it was there.) Even completely cold, I grasped this story immediately. Earth was being invaded by evil robots. Among its heroes was a man who was raised to fight robots, a new hero who had taken up the mantle of a dead one, the dead man’s wife (who was none too happy), a strange guy in a hood, an immortal warrior, a guy who turned into a robot-killing monster when he was scared, a narcissistic swashbuckler and a pair of lowbrow, gun-toting warriors. And in this one issue, we saw them all come together and become a real team. This was, I learned, the first issue of Future Force. The previous Rai had died a few issues before, and the book was being retooled. But I grasped everything instantly and loved everything just as fast.

I soon found out that this was actually the distant future of a contemporary universe populated by such books as Harbinger, X-O Manowar, Eternal Warrior, Shadowman and Solar: Man of the Atom. I couldn’t afford all of these books, but the ones I did start to pick up were fantastic. At the time, Image Comics was still relatively new and hugely popular, and most of the comic book industry was becoming heavily artist-centric as a reaction. Valiant, on the other hand, was a company focusing on story first, which is what I’m all about. This was a universe whose heroes were flawed and realistic, but still managed to tell larger, epic stories without losing any of the punch. Every book was among the best-written titles on the stands, and although critics would sometimes claim the company had a “house art style,” with artists as diverse as Barry Windsor-Smith, David Lapham, Bob Layton, Joe Quesada and Sean Chen, I simply didn’t see it.

Unfortunately, like all candles that burn twice as bright, Valiant only shone for half as long as it should. Less, even. After the publisher got white-hot, the investment company that backed it sold it off to video game maker Acclaim for a reported $65 million. Acclaim was predictably more interested in mining the company for game concepts than putting out quality comics. The company flickered and they tried to reignite it with “Birthquake” – a pseudo-event that gave many of the titles new creative teams and new “beginnings,” as it were. It didn’t catch on, and the Valiant Universe died.

They then tried to resurrect the line as “Valiant Heroes,” a sort of “Earth-2” or “Ultimate” approach to the line, and there were a few solid books there, most notably Mark Waid and Sean Chen’s X-O Manowar, Kurt Busiek and Neil Vokes’s Ninjak and Christopher Priest and M.D. Bright’s Quantum and Woody. Within two years, though, that line too was dead. There was a third relaunch attempt, but the six-issue Unity 2000 miniseries vanished after just three issues, and there was no Valiant at all for a while. And the world became a sadder place.

But the fans never forgot. Websites were prolific. Costumes never vanished from conventions. Podcasts were launched. And even though the back issues no longer command the hefty price they did back in the company’s heyday, they still move.

Then, last year, something we’d been waiting to hear for seven years was announced. Valiant’s Harbinger would be getting a new hardcover collection courtesy of the company that bought Valiant from Acclaim on auction. And as if that wasn’t good enough, it would include a new story by the property’s creator, Jim Shooter. There is a highly-technical industry term for this sort of announcement: “awesome sauce.”

The resurrection was almost derailed, however, when a second company emerged claiming to hold the trademark to many of the Valiant titles, including Harbinger. The situation was kind of complex, and I already discussed it in Everything But Imaginary #227, but a few months ago a settlement was reached. Valiant Entertainment, Inc. was given the copyright and trademark to the Valiant Universe, and because of that, today I purchased the hardcover collection of the first eight issues (#0-7) of Harbinger.

And there was much rejoicing.

Now it’s a waiting game. Will Harbinger sell? What about the next hardcover, X-O Manowar, which will go on sale in a few weeks? And most importantly, will they sell enough for the new Valiant to do what it really wants to do: namely, take a chance on producing new comic books featuring the Valiant Universe?

Obviously, I hope so. The fact that there’s an audience is inarguable – the question is whether that audience can sustain the universe’s return. And which properties will return? Three of the big ones – Magnus: Robot Fighter, Solar: Man of the Atom and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter were never actually owned by Valiant, but instead licensed from defunct publisher Western. They may not be able to return. On the other hand, Solar appears in the Harbinger hardcover, so maybe something can be arranged.

Whatever, however it happens, there are a lot of old-school Valiant fans waiting for this. There were a ton of comic book universes that were born and died in the 90s, but none of them command the love and loyalty that Valiant still draws from its fans today. And maybe, just maybe, this week we’ve begun to see that loyalty pay off.

Favorite of the Week: April 2, 2008

Geoff Johns is a greedy, greedy man. Like it’s not bad enough that I feel compelled to make every issue of Booster Gold, Green Lantern and Justice Society of America my pick of the week, now he’s gone and turned Action Comics into the best Superman comic since… hell, possibly since I started reading. The Legion of Super-Heroes arc ends with this issue, and it ends in as exciting a fashion as I’ve ever seen. Superman and the Legion bring it big-time here, and Johns and Gary Frank managed to create one of those classic pages where I almost feel bad for the villain, because I can just feel the beatdown he’s about to receive. And the teaser at the end alone was almost enough – Johns and George Perez on a Legion of Three Worlds miniseries? My God, I should just engrave the “favorite of the week” plaques now.

Blake M. Petit is the author of the superhero comedy novel, Other People's Heroes, the suspense novel The Beginner and the weekly “Think About It” humor column at Think About It Central. He’s also the co-host, with the inimitable Chase Bouzigard, of the 2 in 1 Showcase Podcast. E-mail him at Blake@comixtreme.com and visit him on the web at Think About It Central.

[Ben Lehnsherr]

Like the article, Blake.....though I don't relate to much of it. Entertaining read nonetheless.

I would like to break/discuss this Action Comic pick of the week, though. I see its another of these "greatest Superman comic" claims for Action Comics #863, but I don't see it. I mentioned this another thread, which I'll quote for ya.

Originally Posted by Ben Lehnsherr

Dude, you totally set that up for disappointment for me. This issue was definitely not that good. The story was over way too quickly and too easily......This was more awesome in a Superman fanboy kind of way and I can totally someone who's totally into Big Blue geeking out, but for me who've just been surprisingly enjoying this Legion arc, this issue was kind of a downer finale. For me, not even the best issue in this arc.

Oh, and a side note.....anyone that harps on photo-referencing (not me, I don't mind it)can't allow Frank to escape making Superman look exactly like Christopher Reeve. It wasn't as bad earlier on, but it was pretty evident this issue.

Now, All-Star Superman #10. That was an absolute modern classic Superman issue. That's the one worthy of the AC #775 talk.

You don't feel that the issue ending way too quickly or easily, even for Superman? Its one thing to know Superman will prevail but this comic went from end of the Earth to fairy tale-holding hands skipping into the sunset in a matter of a couple pages it seemed. Geoff Johns doesn't go horribly in depth with his characters in this arc anyways with the huge casts he likes to use, but here it was pretty evident. Earth Man feel very generic and the dialogue wasn't as strong as other issues in the arc.

I don't wanna sound like I hated this comic or this arc. Its quite the opposite in fact, but when I heard these "best issue of Superman ever" claims, I'm not seeing it. Geoff has the ability to appeal to both the hardcore fanboy and the casual reader alike, but I can't only see the hardest-core Supes digging this one that much.....

[Blake Petit]

Originally Posted by Ben Lehnsherr

You don't feel that the issue ending way too quickly or easily, even for Superman? Its one thing to know Superman will prevail but this comic went from end of the Earth to fairy tale-holding hands skipping into the sunset in a matter of a couple pages it seemed. Geoff Johns doesn't go horribly in depth with his characters in this arc anyways with the huge casts he likes to use, but here it was pretty evident. Earth Man feel very generic and the dialogue wasn't as strong as other issues in the arc.

Did you read the whole arc, Ben? There was nothing quick OR easy about this ending for Superman, he and the LOSH both went through hell to get there. And no, there wasn't a lot of character development here -- this was an action issue. This was the payoff for everything he'd built over the last five issues, and it was spectacular.

[chrismozer]

I loved Valiant during their reign. Started losing interest when they kept publishing tons of new titles (Secret Weapons, Psi-Lords, Geomancer, Ninjak, Eternal Warrior, etc.) that just didn't have the "umph" storywise. Plus, all the fancy covers didn't help much. And let's not forget those gold logo/red logo covers. As a completist, at the time, it was very frustrating. And everytime i turned around there seemed to be another chromium cover. Valiant just seemed to be too gimmicky as time when on.

During the Acclaim time, i did enjoy the new twist on the characters and was disappointed when the titles died out.

But............cannot wait for more h/c reprintings. As i type, i just placed my order for Harbinger h/c on Amazon.

[Ben Lehnsherr]

Originally Posted by Blake Petit

Did you read the whole arc, Ben? There was nothing quick OR easy about this ending for Superman, he and the LOSH both went through hell to get there. And no, there wasn't a lot of character development here -- this was an action issue. This was the payoff for everything he'd built over the last five issues, and it was spectacular.

Yes, I definitely read the whole arc, and I loved it....as I did this issue. But I still feel this "best Supes issue" jazz is completely unwarranted. Everything feel together way too easily. Five issues of great build-up, and it wrapped up easy as pie. Hardly any struggle at all, winning the day was a complete breeze.

Maybe Geoff Johns is saving all that for the mini, I guess.

[Blake Petit]

Originally Posted by chrismozer

I loved Valiant during their reign. Started losing interest when they kept publishing tons of new titles (Secret Weapons, Psi-Lords, Geomancer, Ninjak, Eternal Warrior, etc.) that just didn't have the "umph" storywise. Plus, all the fancy covers didn't help much. And let's not forget those gold logo/red logo covers. As a completist, at the time, it was very frustrating. And everytime i turned around there seemed to be another chromium cover. Valiant just seemed to be too gimmicky as time when on.

During the Acclaim time, i did enjoy the new twist on the characters and was disappointed when the titles died out.

But............cannot wait for more h/c reprintings. As i type, i just placed my order for Harbinger h/c on Amazon.

This is exactly the reason I could never be a completist.

Eternal Warrior was actually one of the earlier books -- it launched during Unity. Glad to hear you're getting the Harbinger book -- the more sales they get, the better the chances of the Valiant Universe coming back.

Ben -- Easy? Really? Dude, I can't even believe we read the same book.

[Ben Lehnsherr]

Originally Posted by Blake Petit

Ben -- Easy? Really? Dude, I can't even believe we read the same book.

The

sun was yellow again like that. After however long being hooked to the machine, the Sun Boy fixed it all for Superman with a simple kiss. Superman's powers returned completely on a whim. Even Earth Man's defeat only took a couple panels. And then we were just to assume everything would be okay again.

Like I said, good issue.....but where's the struggle, the drama, the panic? I wasn't feeling it.

[Blake Petit]

I'm not going to try to convince you, dude. If you couldn't feel the energy there, there's nothing I can say that'll change it.

[Ben Lehnsherr]

Originally Posted by Blake Petit

I'm not going to try to convince you, dude. If you couldn't feel the energy there, there's nothing I can say that'll change it.

That's cool. As we well know, I'm not the biggest Superman fan. And as I said, I could definitely see Supes fanboys totally geeking out over a finale like this. Thanks for entertaining my thoughts, though. Really shows how far we've come with our opposing viewpoints. I still enjoyed the arc very much, and I'm glad you guys kept recommending it which enabled me to go out, get it, and enjoy it.

Still stay All Star Superman #10 was the better story and more deserving of "all time awesome" Supes praise. But hey, different strokes, different folks.

[Blake Petit]

Back to Valiant, though -- for you old-school fans, if the VH1 universe DOES return, which books would you want to see return? I think Harbinger and X-O are most likely, as they're leading with those hardcovers, but I'd really like to see a new Eternal Warrior series.

Assuming, of course, that they don't secure the Magnus rights again.

[chrismozer]

Originally Posted by Blake Petit

This is exactly the reason I could never be a completist.

Eternal Warrior was actually one of the earlier books -- it launched during Unity. Glad to hear you're getting the Harbinger book -- the more sales they get, the better the chances of the Valiant Universe coming back.

Glad my completist days are long behind me otherwise i'd be running around getting all the variants for Secret Invasion.

Eternal Warrior started out good but lost steam along the way. Maybe it's just me, but i never understood the hoopla about Bloodshot. Loved Rai and knew Bloodshots past tied into Rai history but still wasn't for me. Hope Rai sees a reprint, too.

Also pre-ordered X-O manowar. I figure once i read 'em, i'll pass them along to my son.

Add Shadowman, Magnus, Solar, to my list of stuff i'd like to see reprinted. Pass on HARD Corps, Armorines, Second Life of Dr. Mirage, Geomancer, Archer & Armstrong, Psi-Lords, Bloodshot, Ninjak, Secret Weapons, Timewalker, Turok. Possibly The Visitor as it featured Peter Stanchek of Harbinger fame.

[Eric Barrett]

I only read one or two Valiant comics, and have very dim memories of them. But I relate to this column because we all have some "property" that we loved but died too soon for our tastes.

Hopefully this new stuff will do justice to the Valiant fans out there.

[chrismozer]

Originally Posted by Eric Barrett

I only read one or two Valiant comics, and have very dim memories of them. But I relate to this column because we all have some "property" that we loved but died too soon for our tastes.

Hopefully this new stuff will do justice to the Valiant fans out there.

I was lucky enough to get in on the ground floor of Valiant before the early issues became sought after. My love for Valiant stemmed from one thing.......lot of stuff pubished by Marvel and DC during that time stunk to high hell. Valiant was a breath of fresh air and i found myself actually looking foward to next issues.

One more thing for Blake....Great job on the column. I'm a big fan of your weekly EBI but this had me drooling bythe time i was done reading.

[Blake Petit]

Originally Posted by chrismozer

Glad my completist days are long behind me otherwise i'd be running around getting all the variants for Secret Invasion.

Eternal Warrior started out good but lost steam along the way. Maybe it's just me, but i never understood the hoopla about Bloodshot. Loved Rai and knew Bloodshots past tied into Rai history but still wasn't for me. Hope Rai sees a reprint, too.

Also pre-ordered X-O manowar. I figure once i read 'em, i'll pass them along to my son.

Add Shadowman, Magnus, Solar, to my list of stuff i'd like to see reprinted. Pass on HARD Corps, Armorines, Second Life of Dr. Mirage, Geomancer, Archer & Armstrong, Psi-Lords, Bloodshot, Ninjak, Secret Weapons, Timewalker, Turok. Possibly The Visitor as it featured Peter Stanchek of Harbinger fame.

The early Archer & Armstrong stuff, when Windsor-Smith was still on the book, was great. And actually, I think the Second Life of Dr. Mirage was the only really good book in that final wave from the original Valiant Universe.

Psi-Lords... man, what were they thinking?

[chrismozer]

Originally Posted by Blake Petit

Psi-Lords... man, what were they thinking?

They were thinking "if we give the first issue a chromium cover, they will buy." Followed by..."if the 2nd issue is in Valiant Vision, they will buy."

[Blake Petit]

Originally Posted by chrismozer

They were thinking "if we give the first issue a chromium cover, they will buy." Followed by..."if the 2nd issue is in Valiant Vision, they will buy."

Actually, the whole series was supposed to be in "Valiant Vision."

I think it lasted 3 issues.

[chrismozer]

Originally Posted by Blake Petit

Actually, the whole series was supposed to be in "Valiant Vision."

I think it lasted 3 issues.

That was 3 issues too much. Valiant Vision was a dud gimmick.

But, kudos for Valiant for the "zero" issue. Prior to the Magnus send-away, i don't recall ever seeing one before.

FYI....Wizard Guide put out the first #1/2 issue with Sam Keith's Maxx.

[Blake Petit]

Yeah -- I don't think Valiant actually invented the zero issue, but they definitely popularized it.

Valiant Vision was a cute idea, but it didn't really add much to the books.

[chrismozer]

Originally Posted by Blake Petit

Yeah -- I don't think Valiant actually invented the zero issue, but they definitely popularized it.

Valiant Vision was a cute idea, but it didn't really add much to the books.

Now i'm gonna be on a mission to find out who did the first zero issue.

Always wondered how come we didn't wind up with #1/4 issues, #1/8 issues, etc. as other companies jumped on the band wagon. Remember Marvel having those "minus one" issues?

Did you know that Harbinger is gonna be a movie? SWEET.

[Blake Petit]

Originally Posted by chrismozer

Now i'm gonna be on a mission to find out who did the first zero issue.

Always wondered how come we didn't wind up with #1/4 issues, #1/8 issues, etc. as other companies jumped on the band wagon. Remember Marvel having those "minus one" issues?

Did you know that Harbinger is gonna be a movie? SWEET.

Did you know it's gonna be directed by Brett Rattner? SLIT MY WRISTS.

I can't be 100 percent sure, but I think the first zero issue was an underground comic, ZAP Comix, from 1967.