Daily News : Valiant Edition

Daily News : Valiant Edition
And then came... Doctor Mirage!

Well it looks like we are finally up to date as word comes of the first appearance in the modern era Valiant of Doctor Mirage. I have to admit I kinda missed Doctor Mirage's appearance in the 90's era Valiant so this will all be rather new to me... so here you go, take this cut and paste!

"The Associated Press today announced that Dr. Mirage, Valiant's preeminent psychic investigator and supernatural hero, will debut this Wednesday in Shadowman #5 in a new incarnation created by writer Justin Jordan and co-writer/artist Patrick Zircher.

In this new iteration, Dr. Mirage is the stage name of Shan Fong, a one-time television investigator of paranormal phenomena whose unique abilities make her an invaluable asset to police departments around the world. During the upcoming "Darque Reckoning" storyline – beginning on March 6th in Shadowman #5 – Fong steps into the world of Jack Boniface and the Shadowman after discovering that no matter where she goes, the dead only have one thing to say: "Master Darque is coming."

"Since the Summer of Valiant, we've been slowly building towards several key events. You can see the first of these events this April in Harbinger Wars, where Bloodshot and Harbinger collide," Valiant CEO and Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani told the AP. "The return of Dr. Mirage is part of that plan — part of setting the stage. Dr. Mirage is a key piece in the future of the Valiant Universe and the timing of the return, as well as the manner, is no accident."

For more information on Shadowman, X-O Manowar, and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Twitter, on Facebook, or at ValiantUniverse.com.

SHADOWMAN #5 - ON SALE MARCH 6th!
Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER
Art by PATRICK ZIRCHER, LEE GARBETT, & ROBERTO DE LA TORRE
Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JAN131302)
"Blackout" Pullbox Exclusive Variant by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JAN131303)
Variant Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (JAN131304)
Linewide Variant by RAFAEL GRAMPA (JAN131305)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs."

Daily News Valiant Edition

There you go! I thought I would never hear again of affordable $10 softcover TPBs... but here it is! Enjoy some cut and paste while I plan my purchasing future.

"
Valiant is proud to announce that the Shadowman Vol. 1: Birth Rites trade paperback collection will debut on April 24th at just $9.99!

Previously solicited at $14.99, the Shadowman Vol. 1: Birth Rites TPB collects the first four issues of Valiant's best-selling Shadowman series by acclaimed creators Justin Jordan (The Strange Talent of Luther Strode) and Patrick Zircher (Captain America) and joins the rest of Valiant's volume one collections at the special introductory price of $9.99.

"Both fans and retailers have had an enthusiastic response to our $9.99 trade paperback releases. At this stage, one of Valiant's top priorities is to ensure that our titles are available to as many new readers as possible. Introducing the premiere volumes of our ongoing titles at $9.99 is an easy way to do just that," said Valiant Publisher Fred Pierce. "If you've been waiting to discover Valiant, or simply missed your chance to jump on board Shadowman, or Harbinger or any other Valiant series, each and every first volume in our line of trade paperbacks will be right there waiting for you for less than ten bucks."

There are a million dreams in the Big Easy. But now its worst nightmare is about to come true. As the forces of darkness prepare to claim New Orleans as their own, Jack Boniface must embrace the legacy he was born to uphold. As Shadowman, Jack is about to become the only thing that stands between his city and an army of unspeakable monstrosities from beyond the night. But is the mantle of Shadowman a blessing or a curse? And what is the true cost of his otherworldly power?

Start reading here to the witness the rise of New Orleans' next nocturnal protector as Shadowman meets the forces of the Deadside head-on and makes an indelible impression on the Valiant Universe. And don't miss the other introductory volumes in Valiant's line of specially priced $9.99 trade paperback collections – X-O Manowar Vol. 1: By The Sword TPB, Harbinger: Vol. 1: Omega Rising TPB, Bloodshot Vol. 1: Setting the World on Fire TPB, Archer & Armstrong Vol. 1: The Michelangelo Code TPB – available in finer comics shops everywhere!

For more information on Shadowman, X-O Manowar, and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Twitter, on Facebook, or at ValiantUniverse.com.

SHADOWMAN VOL. 1: BIRTH RITES TPB (FEB131168)
Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER
Art & Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER
$9.99/Rated T+/112 pgs.
ISBN: 978-1-939346-00-1
Collecting SHADOWMAN #1-4
ON SALE 4/24/13 (FOC - 4/1/13)

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG VOL. 1: THE MICHELANGELO CODE TPB (JAN131309)
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by CLAYTON HENRY
Cover by MICO SUAYAN
$9.99/Rated T+/112 pgs.
Collecting ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #1-4
ISBN: 978-0-9796409-8-8
ON SALE 3/6/13

BLOODSHOT VOL. 1: SETTING THE WORLD ON FIRE TPB (DEC121274)
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Art by MANUEL GARCIA & ARTURO LOZZI
Cover by ARTURO LOZZI
$9.99/Rated T+/112 pgs.
Collecting BLOODSHOT #1-4
ISBN: 978-0-9796409-6-4
ON SALE NOW!

HARBINGER VOL. 1: OMEGA RISING TPB (NOV121345)
Written by JOSHUA DYSART
Art by KHARI EVANS & LEWIS LAROSA
Cover by ARTURO LOZZI
$9.99/Rated T+/128 pgs.
Collecting HARBINGER #1-5
ISBN: 978-0-979-6409-5-7
ON SALE NOW!

X-O MANOWAR VOL. 1: BY THE SWORD TPB (OCT121241)
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by CARY NORD
Cover by ESAD RIBIC
$9.99/Rated T+/112 pgs.
Collecting X-O MANOWAR #1-4
ISBN: 978-0-97964094-0-5
ON SALE NOW!"

Daily News Valiant Edition

Master Darque (remember him?) is in Shadowman #5... and the issues before that if I remember my Only The Valiant reviews right... anyway have you some of that cut and paste stuff.

"Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #5 – the FIRST ISSUE of an all-new arc by acclaimed creators Justin Jordan and Patrick Zircher with Lee Garbett (X-O Manowar) and Roberto De La Torre (Age of Apocalypse)! Start reading here as the new Shadowman dives headlong into the dark side of the Valiant Universe – only to find himself caught in the crossfire of a demonic turf war engineered by the unspeakable evil of Master Darque!

Jack Boniface has just been to Hell and back. After surviving the horrors of the Deadside, Jack is taking his new abilities to the limit and discovering more about the legacy of the Shadowman with each passing night. But what if he wasn’t the only thing that managed to escape back to Earth? Something dark has arrived in New Orleans, leaving death and madness in its black wake. What’s more, the city’s deadliest cartel assassin is after Jack, and he refuses to die – literally!

Be here on March 6th as Valiant's best-selling hero begins a brand new chapter in Shadowman #5 – the perfect entry point into the series that Comic Vine says "delivers on every level."

For more information on Shadowman, X-O Manowar, and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Twitter, on Facebook, or at ValiantUniverse.com.

SHADOWMAN #5 - ON SALE MARCH 6th!
Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER
Art by PATRICK ZIRCHER, LEE GARBETT, & ROBERTO DE LA TORRE
Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JAN131302)
"Blackout" Pullbox Exclusive Variant by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JAN131303)
Variant Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (JAN131304)
Linewide Variant by RAFAEL GRAMPA (JAN131305)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs."

It should be out this coming week so run on down to the shop and get yourself a copy! I plan to... once I am all caught up and to date on Valiant reviewing.

Daily News : Valiant Edition

News! Clayton Crain joins the team doing Harbinger Wars #1! Have you some cut and paste now to read all about it!

"Valiant is proud to announce that superstar artist Clayton Crain (X-Force, Carnage) is joining Joshua Dysart, Duane Swierczynski, and Clayton Henry for Harbinger Wars #1 (of 4) – the FIRST ISSUE of Valiant's first family crossover! Arriving in stores on April 3rd, Harbinger Wars #1 is the can't-miss first chapter of the event that will pit Bloodshot and Harbinger against a new generation of superhuman – and each other.

"Clayton Crain is a phenomenal talent and we're extraordinarily happy to have him joining Valiant for Harbinger Wars #1," said Valiant Executive Editor Warren Simons.  "He will be handling a pivotal sequence introducing Generation Zero, the strike force controlled by Project Rising Spirit that inadvertently sets the Harbinger Wars in motion."

For decades, Toyo Harada's Harbinger Foundation and the government's own Project Rising Spirit have been waging a secret war over the rarest resource known to man – the unruly superhuman telekinetics known as Harbingers. Over the years, they've each collected a small army of these empowered children to inflict their agendas on the world. But now, the reformed Harbinger hunter known as Bloodshot needs to atone for his crimes – and he's going to start by releasing two dozen of the most volatile Harbingers from their PRS prison and into the world.

Bloodshot wants to lead them. Toyo Harada wants to control them. And Peter Stancheck, a teenage renegade with immense powers of his own, wants to give them free rein. But the runaway children of PRS have their own ideas for the future...and, as the body count rises, the Valiant Universe will realize that power this immense cannot be contained. It must be exercised. Who will survive the Harbinger Wars?

A 12-issue crossover event from an all-star cast of visionary talent, the defining Valiant Universe storyline of the year begins in Harbinger Wars #1 (of 4). Then the action continues with all-new jumping-on points in Harbinger #11 and Bloodshot #10 – the first issues of new standalone, four-issue story arcs chronicling the fallout of the Valiant Universe's first full-scale superhuman conflict. Spanning 12 issues total, follow the story independently in Harbinger Wars, Harbinger or Bloodshot, or read them all to experience the full scope and intensity of the Harbinger Wars saga!

It all begins on April 3rd in Harbinger Wars #1 (of 4) – written by Joshua Dysart and Duane Swierczynski with art by Clayton Henry and Clayton Crain!

HARBINGER WARS #1 (OF 4)
Written by JOSHUA DYSART & DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Art by CLAYTON HENRY & CLAYTON CRAIN
Cover by LEWIS LAROSA (FEB131152)
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by CLAYTON HENRY (FEB131153)
Variant Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (FEB131154)
Variant Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (FEB131152)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE - 4/3/13 (FOC - 3/11/13)

HARBINGER WARS #2 (OF 4)
Written by JOSHUA DYSART & DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Art & Cover by CLAYTON HENRY (MAR131316)
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by LEWIS LAROSA (MAR131317)
Variant Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (MAR131318)
Variant Cover by STEPHANE PERGER (MAR131319)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs."

Sounds good to me. Yet another thing to schedule on my to review list, so stay tuned!

Daily News : Valiant Edition

Let's see, so far we have a IDW and a Valiant Edition of the news... but of course if I am popping up a DC cast I will begin gathering DC news soon, so stay tuned. In the meantime have some cut and paste about X-O Manowar #10 and the coming Planet Death storyarc!

"Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of X-O Manowar #10 by superstar creators Robert Venditti and Trevor Hairsine! Planet Death looms! A new X-O Manowar rises! And nothing can stop what’s coming. The battle-worn road toward the most ambitious X-O Manowar event ever kicks off right here in Prelude to Planet Death — Part 2 (of 2)!

With the Vine invasion fleet waiting in orbit, Aric of Dacia is forced into the one battle he never wanted, against the strongest, most horrifying opponent he’s ever faced. This adversary doesn’t want the X-O Manowar armor. It doesn’t want Earth. It only wants Aric — dead. The winner will hold the fate of everyone, human and Vine, in the palm of his hand. Because before this fight is over, the armor will reveal that it wields far more destructive potential than anyone could have possibly imagined.

Be here on February 20th as Robert Venditti and Trevor Hairsine conclude the introduction to Planet Death, the epic storyline a year in the making, only in X-O Manowar #10!

And be back in 30 days for the explosive FIRST ISSUE of Planet Death in X-O Manowar #11, featuring the return of Eisner Award-winning artist Cary Nord!

To keep up with the next great happenings for X-O Manowar and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Twitter, on Facebook, or at ValiantUniverse.com.

Prelude to Planet Death – Part 2 (of 2):
X-O MANOWAR #10 – ON SALE FEBRUARY 20th!
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art & Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (DEC121266)
Variant Cover by CARY NORD (DEC121267)
$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

Planet Death – Part 1 (of 4):
X-O MANOWAR #11 – ON SALE MARCH 20th!
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by CARY NORD
Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (JAN131298)
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by CARY NORD (JAN131299)
Variant Cover by PAOLO RIVERA (JAN131300)
Wraparound Variant by BART SEARS (JAN131301)
$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

Planet Death – Part 2 (of 4):
X-O MANOWAR #12 – ON SALE APRIL 17th!
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by CARY NORD
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC (FEB131162)
Variant Cover by JUAN DOE (FEB131163)
$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

Planet Death - Part 3 (of 4)
X-O MANOWAR #13 – ON SALE MAY 15th!
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by CARY NORD
Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (MAR131330)
Variant Cover by RYAN SOOK (MAR131331)
$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs."

Once I get going on reviewing Valiant we'll be checking this out so stay tuned! And yes, more news coming up!

FYI This Week

FYI
Publishers Week 3

Now that we are rolling again full time... once RKYV Online #55 releases... anyway it's time to once again say hi to the publishers, and learn the 2013 ground rules.

Mind you back in the early 21st Century, when I worked for Comic World News and Comic Book Insider I already had contact with the likes of Dark Horse and MARVEL Comics pre Disney... and I tried to contact DC but I think they turned me down. But that was then, this is now. So far I have done 2 waves of contacts to date.

Wave 1 - DC Comics, IDW, MARVEL and Valiant.
Wave 2 - Dark Horse and Dynamite

From this so far I have come to the following conclusions.

- All responses to date have been... random.

Dynamite and IDW took 1 day each to respond. Valiant it was almost two weeks, and it was a press release as opposed to a proper greeting email.

- All responders to date are publishers I have no prior experience with. Valiant I am still befuddled about personally.

Lets see... I am on the PR mailing list for Valiant, but I am waiting on my first press release from Dynamite.

I am told Dynamite will help me with reviews, but they didnt say how yet or if that includes review material requests. I did send an email for verification... haven't heard back from them yet.

Valiant? No contact emai so no idea where I stand on either interview requests or review material requests.

Best thing to do right now, I think, is stick to the plan. Do my research, prepare reviews and get ready to drop my first interview request... but still, even with the news I am getting? This is very little to work with. So that is where we are right now. We are onto week 3 of FYI, and over the halfway point of the month, and I have made contact with three publishers.

News on upcoming releases? Got that from IDW and Valiant... still waiting on Dynamite.

Interview requests? IDW... and MAYBE Dynamite.

Review Material Request? IDW... well actually its 5 page previews so my RKYV Online article will be called "Tickle Your Fancy" utilizing my preview rating system.

Now explain to me how a five page preview can violate an embargo.

Dynamite I have that vow of assistance, but need to gather more information on what that means.

So, in actuality, to date I am at the minimum in regards of review material requests. Maybe that will change with further contact with Dynamite and Valiant... stay tuned.

Admittedly I am the most perplexed by my contact with Valiant. From listening to the podcast Only the Valiant I actually had a warmer, more interactive and open image of Valiant in my mind when I contacted them. But this? Confuses me. I think I will drop an email on Only the Valiant to see what they say. Stay tuned.

Well thats it for the week behind the scenes. Next week? We'll look at some of the new stuff I'm writing up for http://rpgunite.blogspot.com, so see you next week!

News Weekend Valiant Edition

News Weekend

Lots of news to cover so let's get started! First off, from Valiant Comics, we have news on this first bundle batch of one dollar comics coming up this May, a quick and easy way to get your feet wet with the new Valiant line.
Cut and paste below! Read on!

Dateline February 12th 2013
Publisher - Valiant
Subject - One Dollar Debuts line!

"Valiant is proud to announce a new line of One Dollar Debuts, re-presenting the sold-out #1 issues that relaunched the Valiant Universe — just in time for Free Comic Book Day and the one-year anniversary of Valiant's return! Arriving in stores on May 1st, this is the perfect chance to jump aboard all five of Valiant's best-selling series from page one. From Archer & Armstrong to X-O Manowar, each One Dollar Debut edition contains the first epic chapter of a new hero's introduction to the Valiant Universe, as told by the some of the most acclaimed creators in comics!"

That's Archer and Armstrong, Bloodshot, Harbinger, Shadowman and X-O Manowar #1 if your curious! I for one am looking forward to picking up the bundle ($5) and reviewing it! Stay tuned for more on this as news comes in.

Speaking of more how about some more Valiant news!

Dateline February 14th 2013
Publisher - Valiant
Subject - Archer and Armstrong #5 and Shadowman #2 roll out second printing!

"Valiant is proud to announce that the sold-out FIRST ISSUE of Archer & Armstrong's new smash hit story arc, "Wrath of the Eternal Warrior", will be returning to stores with the Archer & Armstrong #5 Second Printing Variant on March 13th! From acclaimed creators Fred Van Lente and Emanuela Lupacchino and featuring the first appearance of the Eternal Warrior in the all-new Valiant Universe, Archer & Armstrong #5 is the perfect place to find out why this is the series that Comic Book Resources trumpets as "exactly what you should want from a monthly comic."

Also returning to stores on March 13th, look for the Shadowman #2 Second Printing Variant, from fan favorite creators Justin Jordan and Patrick Zircher. Continuing the debut adventure of the new Shadowman and his first battle against the forces of the Deadside, get in on the ground floor of the series IGN calls "simply stunning" before an all-new arc begins on March 6th in Shadowman #5!

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter or at ValiantUniverse.com.

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #5 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (DEC128341)
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER
$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE – 3/13/13 (FOC – 2/18/2013)

SHADOWMAN #2 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (DEC128340)
Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER
Art & Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER
$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE – 3/13/13 (FOC – 2/18/2013)"

OK they're out by now so go check them out if you haven't had a chance to pick them up yet! Should be quite good! Speaking of which how about some Harbinger news!

Dateline February 14th 2013
Publisher - Valiant
Subject - Harbinger #9 brings on the Zephyr... huh?

Here, have some cut and paste.

"ZEPHYR Flies High in HARBINGER #9

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Harbinger #9 from New York Times best-selling author Joshua Dysart (BPRD) and rising star Pere Pérez (Smallville Season 11)! Pinned down by the forces of Project Rising Spirit, Peter Stanchek and his new team of Renegades are facing their first trial by fire and their only hope is the amazing, the indomitable, the indestructible…Faith Herbert?!

Nothing can bring her down. She’s the light in the dark. The soul of a rising resistance movement. Here now, for the first time, is the story of Zephyr (aka Faith…but shhh don’t tell anyone)! As danger closes in on all sides, Faith must begin the trials and tribulations of being the Valiant Universe’s first real-life superhero. Look, up in the air! It’s a bird, it’s a plane… it’s frakkin’ Zephyr!

On February 20th, learn the secret potential of Zephyr's powers and the truth about her time at the Harbinger Foundation — and then follow her into her battle as she vies to save the Renegades in the devastating penultimate chapter of "Renegades," only in Harbinger #9!

HARBINGER #9 - ON SALE FEBRUARY 20th!
Written by JOSHUA DYSART
Art by PERE PEREZ
Cover by MICO SUAYAN (DEC121263)
Variant Cover by KHARI EVANS (DEC121264)  
$3.99/T+/32 pgs"

.Finally wrapping up the news we have May Solicitations so let's see... we have...

HARBINGER WARS #2 (of 4)
Written by JOSHUA DYSART & DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Art & Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by LEWIS LAROSA
Variant Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
Variant Cover by STEPHANE PERGER

The HARBINGER WARS heat up Las Vegas!

After decades of secret conflict, Toyo Harada has managed in one fell swoop to cripple Project Rising Spirit through the masterful manipulation of key players in the Valiant Universe. Now he wants the psiot children Bloodshot rescued from the bowels of a nightmarish PRS facility. Too bad.  This rogue band of super-powered escapees have begun to call themselves GENERATION ZERO and they've declared a war of their own. First strike: Vegas, baby! And while PRS fashions a radical plan for getting the kids back, Peter Stanchek and the Renegades are following visions right into the heart of the Harbinger Wars.

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 1st!

HARBINGER #12 (HARBINGER WARS)
Written by JOSHUA DYSART
Art by KHARI EVANS
Cover by AMY REEDER
Variant Cover by KHARI EVANS

HARBINGER WARS: HARBINGER continues here!

Battle weary, the Renegades follow Peter Stanchek's strange dreams and visions into the Southwest American desert, unsure of what exactly they'll find. Under the duress of constant conflict, and led by the words of the Bleeding Monk – who bleeds but does not die – our band of teens begins to fray, barely even a cohesive group by the time they reach Las Vegas, Nevada – now rechristened "Psiot Nation." Here Peter and his crew come face to face with the Harbingers who have escaped from Project Rising Spirit’s prison…Harbingers who call themselves GENERATION ZERO.

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 8th!

BLOODSHOT #11 (HARBINGER WARS)
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Art by BARRY KITSON
Cover by KALMAN ANDRASOFSZKY
Variant Cover by MATTHEW CLARK

HARBINGER WARS: BLOODSHOT continues here!

Everyone says they want what's best for the children... but Bloodshot's the only one who’s willing to fight for it. After a lifetime of lies, destruction and pain, he's vowed to use his extraordinary abilities to do one simple thing: keep these kids alive, even if they’re terrified of him. The war for GENERATION ZERO, however, has been waging longer than Bloodshot realizes. And what can one soldier do when he's up against two powerful, secret armies?

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 15th!

X-O MANOWAR #13 (PLANET DEATH)
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by CARY NORD
Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE
Variant Cover by RYAN SOOK

Part III of the explosive PLANET DEATH mega-event!

Aric discovers the Vine he intends conquer aren’t the only race on planet Loam, but will these surprise inhabitants offer him refuge or rivalry?  Meanwhile, the Vine leaders plan their most devastating attack yet, one that will push the X-O Manowar armor to its limits and beyond.  The stakes are raised and the table set for the epic battle from which no one—human or Vine—will emerge unchanged.

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 15th!

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #0
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art & Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by LEE GARBETT
Wraparound Gatefold Variant by TOM FOWLER

The true story of the Epic (Fail) of Giglamesh!

Original series artist and Harbinger Wars superstar Clayton Henry returns to tell a tale of the early days of the man known as Armstrong! How early? How's ancient Ur sound? For the first time, the 100% true story behind the Epic of Gilgamesh can be told… A tale of three warrior brothers, the Anni-Padda – or as you may know them, ARMSTRONG, the ETERNAL WARRIOR and TIMEWALKER – on a quest to the mysterious Faraway to bring back its immortal Boon. What they find is a lost land full of danger, excitement – and the greatest secret of the Valiant Universe! Plus: this issue tees up the next arc of A&A, beginning this June in issue #10!

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 8th!

SHADOWMAN #0
Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER
Art by TREVOR HAIRSINE
Cover by DAVE JOHNSON
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by KHARI EVANS
Wraparound Gatefold Variant by LEWIS LAROSA

The end has always been near.

Twenty five years ago, Josiah Boniface was the Shadowman, and he had more problems than simply Master Darque: things from beyond are trying to eat the world, the police are trying to send him to jail and now he's got to rescue Helena LeBretton from a murderous cult, whether she likes it or not.

A special standalone issue featuring art by comics superstar Trevor Hairsine, go back to the beginning to discover why this is the series IGN calls “all kinds of great” right here in Shadowman #0!

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 1st!

ONE DOLLAR DEBUT: X-O MANOWAR #1
ONE DOLLAR DEBUT: HARBINGER #1
ONE DOLLAR DEBUT: BLOODSHOT #1
ONE DOLLAR DEBUT: ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #1
ONE DOLLAR DEBUT: SHADOWMAN #1
ONE DOLLAR DEBUT: WAVE ONE (BUNDLE)

On May 1st, jump into all of Valiant’s ongoing series for only a dollar apiece!

Just in time for Valiant’s one-year anniversary and Free Comic Book Day 2013, Valiant is proud to announce a new line of reprints, re-presenting the sold-out first issue debuts of the series that launched the all-new Valiant Universe.

And try all five at once with the One Dollar Debut: Wave One bundle – a shrink-wrapped package containing all five #1 issues for only $4.95!

 “We’ve been yelling from rooftops about how good this Valiant relaunch has been, so now’s the time to jump on board.” – MTV Geek
“The Valiant Entertainment relaunch is one of the best things to happen to superhero comics for a while." – Comic Book Resources
“Every book in Valiant's relaunched comic line is a really great comic book." – IGN
“Valiant means business…” – iFanboy

$1.00 each/T+/32 pgs. each
ON SALE MAY 1st!

HARBINGER VOL. 2: RENEGADES TPB
Written by JOSHUA DYSART
Art by PHIL BRIONES, MATTHEW CLARK, KHARI EVANS, LEE GARBETT, BARRY KITSON and PERE PEREZ
Cover by MICO SUAYAN

Outside the law. Inside your head. Welcome to the Renegades.

Battered and broken after his escape from the Harbinger Foundation, telekinetic teenager Peter Stanchek only has one option left – run. But he won’t have to go it alone. Crisscrossing America with the only two people he can trust, Peter will have to activate a new team of super-powered recruits before Toyo Harada and his Harbinger shock troops can reach them first. Peter Stanchek. Zephyr. Kris. Flamingo. You’ve never met a team of super-powered teenagers quite like the Renegades. And, together, they’ll dismantle Harada’s global empire one brick at a time.

Collecting HARBINGER #6-10 by New York Times best-selling author Joshua Dysart and an all-star cast of comics’ top artistic talents, get ready for the second stunning volume of the series Ain't It Cool News calls "simply astonishing."

“Four words, ladies and gentlemen: Read this book NOW.” – Ain’t It Cool News
“A superb level of awesomeness.” – IGN

$14.99/T+/128 pgs.
ISBN: 978-1-939346-02-5
ON SALE MAY 22nd!

VALIANT MASTERS: SHADOWMAN VOL. 1 - SPIRITS WITHIN HC
Written by STEVE ENGLEHART, BOB HALL, BOB LAYTON, JIM SHOOTER and More
Art by STEVE DITKO, BOB HALL, DAVID LAPHAM, DON PERLIN and More
Cover by DAVID LAPHAM

A deluxe hardcover collecting Shadowman’s legendary first appearance in the original Valiant Universe – featuring classic work by Steve Ditko, Steve Englehart, Bob Hall, David Lapham, Jim Shooter and more!

Jack Boniface nearly died one night – attacked by something out of a nightmare. But since that terrifying experience something has changed. Now, when darkness falls, a feeling comes over him, an urge to destroy the demons that would defile the New Orleans night. Wild, reckless, and hell-bent on eliminating evil in all its forms, Jack is now his city’s new protector – the nocturnal avenger simply called Shadowman.

This Valiant Masters volume collects SHADOWMAN (1992) #0-7 and material from DARQUE PASSAGES  (1994) #1.

$24.99/T+/184 pgs.
ISBN: 978-1-939346-01-8
ON SALE MAY 29th!

All this and news is already stacking up AGAIN! I think I will need to post two news posts for Valiant a week at this rate Well, more news then coming up Wednesday so stay tuned!

FYI Week 2

FYI
Introduction Part 2
Sweet 16 & Updates

Continuing from last time we wrap up the Sweet 16 list by looking at MARVEL and Valiant... then I have an update on my contacting the big 4! But first thing first...

MARVEL
About as good a time to jump in since they just twice rebooted themselves, their present gimmick being the MARVEL NOW line, of which I will tap into review wise.

Avengers
What can I say? It's an Avengers title, and Avengers 2 is coming up 2015... go figure.

Guardians of the Galaxy
Since we will be talking about it next year with the coming movie I might as well review the comic.

Superior Spider-Man
I'd say we are in for the long haul... but rumor has it Peter gets over being dead in Issue #7 at the earliest...we'll see what I do next with this title when that happens.

X-Men
New female led X-Men title? Me want.

And finally...
Valiant Comics
Presently it sports 5 titles, but I am only reviewing 4... the 5th, Harbringers, I will pick up in Trade Paperback format.

Archer and Armstrong
Bloodshot
Shadowman
X-O Manowar

My crowning achievement with Valiant, though, will be the series of ebooks I plan to write covering the history of Valiant in the 90's. I also have books planned for covering Defiant Comics, Malibu's Ultraverse and MARVEL to an extent. Stay tuned to Book Em Danno for more info.

Now onto some pretty positive news... and that is I contacted the big four publisher I mentioned (DC, IDW, MARVEL and Valiant).

As my usual when contacting publishers I focus on 3 criteria of relations.- Press Releases, aka the Daily Newsfeed of comics. What's new, what's big, what's up and coming.

- The ability to make interview requests

- Review Material Requests

With those three basics set to mind I approached the big four, resulting in...

Day 1 (February 4th)
Made contact with IDW. Brief and right to the heart of the matter. Look forward to...

- IDW News, here every Sunday as well as with RKYV Online.

- Researching for first interviews.

- IDW Reviews article coming in, double the words double the reviews... previews. I am still figuring that out.

Day 5 (February 8th)
As the first week drew to a close... nothing else happened. But still I figured I would be patient. After all this doesnt go up until February 14th. Plenty of time, right?

So I waited. And waited... and waited...

Week 1 ended, and... we'll end it here. What happens next? Lets see... Day 8 we brought in Phase 2, and that is when I heard from Dynamite. Then I began receiving press releases from Valiant from Phase 1 so I knew I did get in contact with them... but the details remained rather unclear, kinda like my present dealings with Dynamite really.

Next time?
Well unless there is a major update in this venue, ie I hear back from Dark Horse, DC or MARVEL... also looking for more info on my dealings with Dynamite and Valiant as well. Stay tuned.

End Note?
If I don't hear back from MARVEL before the end of the month? I am seriously thinking of bumping them in favor of Dynamite, who I have heard back from.

Start of the Week Midweek Update

Start off the Week
Mid Week 1 Update

So here we are again. Monday has rolled around once again, so lets see what we're working on this week!

Big Six Wait Continues... take 2.
As February started I contacted the four big publishers, and as of Day 1 I heard back from IDW! Then I expanded it to six, and one day after that expansion I heard from Dynamite. It is now Day 15, and I am still waiting on Dark Horse, DC, MARVEL and Valiant.

So then 2 weeks... I mean one and a half weeks have passed... any fresh progress to speak of? Hmmm... good question. As of right now, with the notable exception of Valiant, only publishers I have no past experience with are contacting me... strange though about Valiant, especially since all my listening to Only the Valiant gave me this impression that they would have contacted me first. They're really supposed to be fan friendly. I am abit worried, but I am still hopeful that I hear from them soon.

Sadly after two 1 day responses I wonder if I will hear anything if they did not respond on day 1. Well lets clear away some other stuff first as we wait.

So what is coming up? Well coming up next week...

Tuesday - This Old Comic Addict
X-Men Evolution #1 to #8

Thursday - FYI
Publishers Update

Saturday - Book Em' Danno!
Bloodshot #1

Sunday - News Weekend
Latest  News!

Another week, another batch of original content. If you like what we are releasing please follow the blogs (RKYV Revue and This Old Comic Addict) I am updating weekly. It would be most appreciated! Well we are all caught up so lets get back to the count down... as I flashback with past experience.

2/12
We start off by remembering Dark Horse. I did abit in terms of coverage of them in the past, from when I use to work for Comic Book Insider, then homemademech in the UK. I did a few interviews, reviewed a few things, all was good and well.

I thought we left on an ambicle high note... we'll see. Anyway updates?

And then I heard from Valiant... in the form of a Press Release. Well I am on their PR list now. News coming this Sunday. And its great news! Get in at ground level of the new era of Valiant this May 1st, and buy all five Issue ones for $1 a pop, $5 total! I am so there, so look forward to a BIG Valiant review this May!

OK... now my theory is confirmed. I only heard back from all the publishers I had no prior experience with. Go figure. But we have a few days left so...

Actually it looks like we are out of space so special midweek update! Lots happened in a few days so go figure... hopefully Monday's Start of the Week update brings more news. Stay tuned.

Book Em' Danno : Introduction

Book Em Danno!
Introduction

The first time I wrote an ebook it covered the short limited lifespan of the faith based Christian "Manga" (OEL Manga to be precise if we go that route) Realbuzz Studios. It was pretty short... it only published 17 100 page comics after all, and I even published my one and only interview to boot.

This time out I am looking at subjects sure to fill bigger ebooks. And that is what we'll look at here.

A Short Life in Print...
So far it will be a revamp of my Realbuzz coverage, as well as coverage of the short lived Defiant Comics (Warriors of Plasm for instance).

Into The Ultraverse
The history and full coverage of the Malibu Ultraverse.

MARVEL at Night
The supernatural side of MARVEL.

Print Valiant
Full history and coverage of the 90's Era Valiant Comics.

So... to recap we are looking at...

Defiant Comics
Malibu's Ultraverse
MARVEL Comics
Realbuzz Studios
Valiant Comics (90's)

We'll rotate through those as the content comes in. Oh, I also have a few Superman themed topics for the year but that relates more to Superman Turns 75 than a book I am writing. FYI. Once stuff starts rolling in I will put together a Want list over at www.ihaveplanet.com to keep track of what I am looking for.

Anything else? I guess I will be rotating the review item weekly so you get a little of this and a little of that every week. Also when things come in I will update how much closer I am to getting one of these ebooks assembled.

Well... thats that. Lets wrap up early and next week we start reviewing. We'll kick things off with MARVEL.

Next Week
Several years ago MARVEL rolled out the Midnight Sons concept. Tying together Ghost Rider with new titles like Spirits of Vengeance, Morbius and this title, Darkhold.

Its not quite the Necronomicon, and she's no Bruce Campbell, but somebody has to recover the lost pages Friday the 13th the TV Series style, against the evil Anti-Tattoo... you'll see.

See you next week!