Any love for the Valiant reboot?

[whetteon]

I disagree with that statement. I've seen plenty of pre-unity Valiant books spike up in interest (and price) since the new Valiant stories have been distributed and were well received. But have they gone Image #1's nutz? No. This might be a turtle and hare race so don't count them out just yet.

[Walking-migration]

I read 50-60 books a month and the Valiant titles are among my favorites. I don't think the books are failing. I never really expected the pre-unity books to take off from this reboot though. Not unless they start making movies based on the characters.

 

I just noticed this today. One month after the Valiant 8-bit covers:

http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2013/04/avengers-ai-1-gets-awesome-8-bit-variant-cover/

[valiantman]

As if on cue, Newsarama just posted the July 2013 Valiant solicitations... some amazing covers!

(Bloodshot #13 Bullock cover looks awesome!)

 

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/valiant-july-2013-solicitations.html

 

Plus, Valiant also offers that "fantastic story and art inside" bonus, which is pretty rare.

[THE LAUGHING M4N]

I like Harbinger and Archer & Armstrong but Valiant need to change their choice of printers, every single issue has some sort of defect, at least on the issues that arrive in the UK and its not due to transit.

 

I'm actually going to drop both and switch to trades for better quality and a cheaper price.

[Walking-migration]

Those really are some great covers for July. I like the bleeding monk and the Q&W goat voice variant the best. As far as the defects go I have noticed a flaw on almost every cover I've preordered from midtown. Next month I'll get my first dcbs order. I am really hoping those will be better copies, but the defects do seem like they are from the printer.

[synch]

only thing i am still reading & loving is XO I dropped anything else simply cause I was not enjoying it

 

[VEI Reborn]

I'd say that most people haven't jumped on board yet because there's not an Image logo on the cover.

 

At some point people will realize that they're really missing out on the Valiant relaunch.

Almost a year into it, and all solid books so far... very, very good.

 

The $9.99 first trades of each title are really the best way to get caught up.

 

Maybe it will be like 1992 all over again and the first pre-harbinger war books will be the ones to own.

 

 

Nope.

 

Books are failing.

 

I thought the new books would increase the value of Pre-unity.

 

Pretty much nothing.

 

 

Books are failing? By whos standard?

 

Numerous sellouts, new titles coming [means company is expanding], action figures coming, movies in the works, a good amount of press for a company only a year into publication [new material], and the Valiant team is very happy with their progress so far.

 

I read everything Valiant and Image put out. I read anything worthwhile from Marvel, DC, DH, and Oni. Valiant hands down has some of the best reads out right now. Anyone saying otherwise is either NOT reading, just plain hating, or isnt into the super hero stuff

[Bosco685]

I think they get no love here because these boards focus on speculation over content. Just a fact of the audience here. I picked up all the Valiant books for $1 or less each at cons.

 

I've read Harbinger and X-O. Both are really good.

 

I'm currently reading Bloodshot, and Shadowman is next.

 

Well, pass them along when you are done.

 

[Bosco685]

I read 50-60 books a month and the Valiant titles are among my favorites. I don't think the books are failing. I never really expected the pre-unity books to take off from this reboot though. Not unless they start making movies based on the characters.

 

I just noticed this today. One month after the Valiant 8-bit covers:

http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2013/04/avengers-ai-1-gets-awesome-8-bit-variant-cover/

 

Oh, that is too funny!

 

Now the folks that were bashing the Valiant covers will talk about how amazing this Marvel marketing plan is.

 

[___]

love all those 8 bit covers! Missing the good old video game days!

[Real Elijah Snow]

Harbinger is a very solid read. X-o is decent too.

[HarryRod]

I would hardly say that any of the books are failing.

Remember, this isnt 1991 anymore and just because a book doesnt sell a million copies doesnt mean it is a failure

[Awax]

I'm not sure how many my LCS orders, but the Valiant titles sell out each week there.

[CKB]

I'd say that most people haven't jumped on board yet because there's not an Image logo on the cover.

 

At some point people will realize that they're really missing out on the Valiant relaunch.

Almost a year into it, and all solid books so far... very, very good.

 

The $9.99 first trades of each title are really the best way to get caught up.

 

Maybe it will be like 1992 all over again and the first pre-harbinger war books will be the ones to own.

 

 

Nope.

 

Books are failing.

 

I thought the new books would increase the value of Pre-unity.

 

Pretty much nothing.

 

 

Books are failing? By whos standard?

 

Numerous sellouts, new titles coming [means company is expanding], action figures coming, movies in the works, a good amount of press for a company only a year into publication [new material], and the Valiant team is very happy with their progress so far.

 

I read everything Valiant and Image put out. I read anything worthwhile from Marvel, DC, DH, and Oni. Valiant hands down has some of the best reads out right now. Anyone saying otherwise is either NOT reading, just plain hating, or isnt into the super hero stuff

 

I believe you read his comment wrong - it was about VH1 price momentum failing not about VEI. (If he did mean the new VEI line is failing I completely disagree with that. The only people the new line is failing is speculators.)

 

I tend to agree with SoT on that one. I never expected a crazy bump for the VH1 pre-unity but I certainly expected more then the overall flat reponse we have seen. While there are a few notable exceptions (like Eternal Warrior 4) seeing books like Solar 3 (1st Harada) and Harbinger 1 (1st team) and XO 4 (1st Shadowman) with prices basically flat from 2 years ago is a bit of a surprise. 9.8 or raw, its about the same.

 

Where things have picked up a bit is runs. Full runs of VH1 have always sold well but I think they have been a bit stronger on eBay since the reboot.

 

I think we will need to see VEI with a bigger mass media presence to change the trend for VH1 and the new releases.

 

[Bosco685]

I believe you read his comment wrong - it was about VH1 price momentum failing not about VEI. (If he did mean the new VEI line is failing I completely disagree with that. The only people the new line is failing is speculators.)

 

I tend to agree with SoT on that one. I never expected a crazy bump for the VH1 pre-unity but I certainly expected more then the overall flat reponse we have seen. While there are a few notable exceptions (like Eternal Warrior 4) seeing books like Solar 3 (1st Harada) and Harbinger 1 (1st team) and XO 4 (1st Shadowman) with prices basically flat from 2 years ago is a bit of a surprise. 9.8 or raw, its about the same.

 

Where things have picked up a bit is runs. Full runs of VH1 have always sold well but I think they have been a bit stronger on eBay since the reboot.

 

I think we will need to see VEI with a bigger mass media presence to change the trend for VH1 and the new releases.

 

The VU1 material (don't want it confused with TV ) had quite the bump for a little while, with X-O 1 CGC 9.8s jumping to the $150-$175 range. But then it seemed like more copies came out for sale, and the market may have appeared flooded again. If anything, maybe it scared off buyers and speculators.

 

 

No matter what, I'll still keep my extras. I'm into Valiant for the long haul because I know first-hand it excels at amazing storytelling, and it has a nice size portfolio of characters to satisfy many readers.

 

[VEI Reborn]

I believe you read his comment wrong - it was about VH1 price momentum failing not about VEI. (If he did mean the new VEI line is failing I completely disagree with that. The only people the new line is failing is speculators.)

 

I tend to agree with SoT on that one. I never expected a crazy bump for the VH1 pre-unity but I certainly expected more then the overall flat reponse we have seen. While there are a few notable exceptions (like Eternal Warrior 4) seeing books like Solar 3 (1st Harada) and Harbinger 1 (1st team) and XO 4 (1st Shadowman) with prices basically flat from 2 years ago is a bit of a surprise. 9.8 or raw, its about the same.

 

Where things have picked up a bit is runs. Full runs of VH1 have always sold well but I think they have been a bit stronger on eBay since the reboot.

 

I think we will need to see VEI with a bigger mass media presence to change the trend for VH1 and the new releases.

 

The VU1 material (don't want it confused with TV ) had quite the bump for a little while, with X-O 1 CGC 9.8s jumping to the $150-$175 range. But then it seemed like more copies came out for sale, and the market may have appeared flooded again. If anything, maybe it scared off buyers and speculators.

 

 

No matter what, I'll still keep my extras. I'm into Valiant for the long haul because I know first-hand it excels at amazing storytelling, and it has a nice size portfolio of characters to satisfy many readers.

 

 

 

Spot on. The X-O VH1 books were selling like hot cakes when X-O VEI came out. Market got flooded quick and then everything went back to normal.

 

I watch the valiant market very closely as you can tell from my online collection on the valiant forums

http://www.valiantfan.com/valiant/collectorpoints.asp

[valiantman]

There's a simple explanation that doesn't cover EVERY situation, but it does cover a lot of them.

 

Let's say you're a Valiant fan who has been waiting for Valiant to return.

You've got a nice Valiant 1990s collection, but it's essentially completed.

 

May 2012... Valiant has one book... X-O Manowar #1... four variants.

The rarest variant (1:50 QR Voice variant) jumps to $150+ on ebay right out of the gate.

Why? Valiant fans have been waiting for it... and they have exactly ONE new issue to buy... X-O Manowar #1.

Competition will be fierce... and if a brand new book can be $150+,

surely a CGC 9.8 of the first appearance from 20 years ago can be $150+.

So... for a brief period of time... it is.

 

Then what?

 

Everyone who wants a copy of new X-O Manowar #1 gets one... many shops still have regular covers for sale.

No one really orders the second printing when it's solicited, so it becomes a hot item... with a print run around 1,600.

Then... a third printing... fourth. Other titles, Harbinger #1, Bloodshot #1, each with 1:20 and 1:50 variants.

 

Long-term Valiant fans are excited, but they didn't all get raises at their jobs... same paycheck... more Valiant options for spending it.

A little for Harbinger, a little for Bloodshot, etc.

Each successive Valiant title released has a brief period of "hot" followed by quickly cooling.

Valiant books are on time... so every month you can guarantee something new.

Prior issues continue to cool because the "gotta have it" guys already have it...

and the "gotta have the newest stuff" guys aren't looking for the earlier books.

 

Valiant has kept their books available... up to fourth printings, when necessary... then trade paperbacks.

 

Money is pouring into Valiant for the first time in 15 years... but the "sea of Valiant" is wider and deeper than ever.

The cash register is not full... and it's certainly not running over.

 

Nothing is pushing people to fight over the books.

The competition makes the prices rise. Simple supply and demand.

Valiant has lots of buyers... but they've got the books available.

 

Valiant prices for the old AND the new stuff will rise as Valiant readership grows.

There's still only one first appearance of X-O Manowar. That's X-O Manowar #1 from 1992.

If you like Valiant, if you collect Valiant... at some point, you're going to want that book.

 

For a book like CGC 9.8 X-O Manowar #1, there are currently 5 copies on ebay.

3 of those 5 copies are around the normal price for the book, a little above, but not much.

As long as there are copies available at the going rate... prices are going to be stable.

But it doesn't take much for the market to shift. 4 buyers for 3 copies will do it.

Even if the supply increases, there can still be price growth.

10 buyers for 5 copies will push it even further.

 

Yes, a major publicity event would have a big impact... movie, tv show, etc.,

but as long as Valiant is putting out great books... they're going to build the fanbase.

 

The more people love the characters, the more likely they'll be to seek out the key issues.

CGC 9.8 X-O Manowar #1 has a census count of 279.

 

As Valiant grows, more books, readers, collectors, fans... that 279 is not going to be enough.

The census will grow, too, but my guess is that the steeper incline will be growth of the fans.

279 copies after 20 years since publication (or after 13 years of CGC) isn't exactly an unlimited supply.

How many copies are already in long-term collections?

 

Valiant is building its fanbase from deep, strong roots in quality stories, art, and continuity.

It'll take more than slight wind to knock it over. The same can't be said for other current publishers.

 

I fear there's a "recent issue" crash coming for many titles...

but since Valiant isn't inflated, Valiant won't be damaged at all.

[Bosco685]

I fear there's a "recent issue" crash coming for many titles...

but since Valiant isn't inflated, Valiant won't be damaged at all.

It makes sense that there will be a correction. Having new books financially explode like they do right now - assisted by CGC 9.8-10.0 labels - seems like the 80's and 90's all over again. There is just too much supply for prices to be sustained like that.

 

But quality early Valiant and the new material can take their time, and grow slowly as new readership comes on board. First appearance books like Solar 10, X-O Manowar 4, Shadowman 1, Magnus 5, Eternal Warrior 4 and Rai 0, and even potentially Harbinger 10 and Quantum and Woody 1 as B-character 1st, have strong potential. Solar 3 is one that seems to be very affordable (1st Harada), and is a great book anyway to read. With that issue especially, I've happened across many with this bluish printer ink along the bottom of the spine, so if you happen across a 9.6-9.8, grab it. And I know you have, Greg, as I have watched you buy them on here and regretted missing out.

 

My first Valiant experience was Archer & Armstrong 0, which is their first appearance. I very much cherish that book for this very reason. I even sent my original copy recently to a friend as an attempt to get him hooked on Valiant, with a letter explaining why it was so impactful to me. So that is one I am biased towards. Still a semi-key, and a top-tier purchase when it is the gold cover.

 

More importantly, whether these books pop any time soon or not, they are fantastic stories that helped establish wonderful characters and an amazing universe. So even better I don't regret owning them because I love what I collect, and I collect what I enjoy reading.

[valiantman]

I fear there's a "recent issue" crash coming for many titles...

but since Valiant isn't inflated, Valiant won't be damaged at all.

It makes sense that there will be a correction. Having new books financially explode like they do right now - assisted by CGC 9.8-10.0 labels - seems like the 80's and 90's all over again. There is just too much supply for prices to be sustained like that.

 

But quality early Valiant and the new material can take their time, and grow slowly as new readership comes on board. First appearance books like Solar 10, X-O Manowar 4, Shadowman 1, Magnus 5, Eternal Warrior 4 and Rai 0, and even potentially Harbinger 10 and Quantum and Woody 1 as B-character 1st, have strong potential. Solar 3 is one that seems to be very affordable (1st Harada), and is a great book anyway to read. With that issue especially, I've happened across many with this bluish printer ink along the bottom of the spine, so if you happen across a 9.6-9.8, grab it. And I know you have, Greg, as I have watched you buy them on here and regretted missing out.

 

My first Valiant experience was Archer & Armstrong 0, which is their first appearance. I very much cherish that book for this very reason. I even sent my original copy recently to a friend as an attempt to get him hooked on Valiant, with a letter explaining why it was so impactful to me. So that is one I am biased towards. Still a semi-key, and a top-tier purchase when it is the gold cover.

 

More importantly, whether these books pop any time soon or not, they are fantastic stories that helped establish wonderful characters and an amazing universe. So even better I don't regret owning them because I love what I collect, and I collect what I enjoy reading.

 

Excellent points. The other thing about older Valiant market potential is that the books are pretty well distributed.

When a new Image #1 starts heating up, you can be sure that there are probably 50+ guys with 50+ copies.

 

I'm guessing the number of guys with even 50 raw copies of X-O Manowar #1 (1992) is under 5...

and that kind of stack took a lot of work to put together... it didn't arrive in a Diamond box last week.

 

The number of guys with a stack of 5+ CGC 9.8 X-O Manowar #1 (1992) is probably under 5... if that many.

(If anyone's wondering, I only have 2.)

 

Judging from the Modern For Sale section on this board, there's no end to the supply of "hot" Image books... slabbed or not.

 

It's very unusual to see slabbed Valiant books in the same section, primarily because even the BIGGEST Valiant slab collectors (*cough* ckb *cough* ) usually don't have quantities of extras.

 

They might have a few odds and ends in their ebay store... but outside of their permanent collection, slabbed Valiant inventory just doesn't hang around.

 

With some recent Image slabs getting three and four figures on the market... it's a dangerous game to play.

I'd say that any original Valiant key book in CGC 9.8 that's two figures (under $100) is probably a no lose situation.

The last CGC 9.8 X-O #1 (1992) on ebay went for $75... shipped.

 

As Bosco points out... the old books are loved and the new books are loved!

There's no downside to owning the first appearance of that much love.

(...and NO, I'm not selling either of my two copies. Get your own!)

[carter3175]

And thanks to you and CKB and BOSCO you've helped me get my collection together.