Valiant Comics is making another comeback.
Since DMG Entertainment purchased the comic book publisher in 2018, production of the shared universe slowed to a trickle by the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new publishing deal with Alien Books has given the company the boost it needs, leading to its Resurgence of the Valiant Universe event. This seems to promise a return of sorts for Valiant, a company that has seen numerous reboots over the years.
Valiant Comics follows the shared universe format of Marvel and DC, but does so at a much smaller level. Many of the books connect with each other but they are separate enough that readers won’t feel alienated if they pick up just one.
This makes the Valiant Universe an excellent place for comic book readers to enjoy an alternative approach. If you decide to dive in, the next question centers around a starting point.
Fortunately, Valiant is one of the easier universes to read. This is particularly true as Alien Books and Valiant seem to have an eye to opening their back catalog to newcomers.
With the first issue of the mainline Resurgence book set to release, now marks the perfect time to introduce yourself with Valiant and its collection of largely underrated stories and characters.
What is Valiant Comics?
Valiant Comics originally began in 1989 after former Marvel Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter and businessman Steven Massarsky attempted to purchase Marvel Entertainment. The second-highest bid was not enough and the two instead formed Voyager Communications, which had a Valiant imprint.
Throughout the early ’90s, Valiant published many characters such as X-O Manowar, Ninjak, Bloodshot, and many others. By 1994, video game developer and publisher Acclaim Entertainment purchased Voyager.
This led to numerous video games based on Valiant characters such as Turok: Dinosaur Hunter and Shadowman. The partnership continued until 2004 when Acclaim filed for bankruptcy after loosing a sports video game license.
That next year, Dinesh Shamdasani and Jason Kothari led a group that purchased the rights to many Valiant properties though some did not make their way over.
In 2012, Valiant began publishing monthly comics again under the name Valiant Entertainment. There were four series — X-O Manowar, Harbinger, Archer and Armstrong, and Bloodshot — that served as a hard reboot to the Valiant Universe as part of the company’s Summer of Valiant event.
These stories remained separate from the original series but operated in a shared universe. Valiant continued to add new series throughout the 2010s before DMG Entertainment purchased the company in 2018.
Production slowed after the purchase though there were talks of film and TV adaptions of Valiant series with one being made. Bloodshot (2020) starred Vin Diesel in the titular role, but struggled at the box office and in reviews.
In 2023, DMG entered into a publishing agreement with Alien Books and by 2024, business began to pick up. Alien released several new series as a lead up to the Resurgence event.
Additionally, Alien has worked to make much of Valiant’s post-2012 library available through its Valiant Hero Universe Origins line. These large paperback books include many of the first issues of any specified character.
Where to Start
The nice part about Valiant is you can largely pick up any series and, for the most part, have no issues reading. The universe seems designed in a way that allows for any first issues of a series to serve as a great jumping on point.
Valiant Hero Universe Origins
As mentioned, Alien Books is in the process of releasing this line. It will drop a two books a month until the end of the year.
At the time of publication, there are five books available: X-O Manowar, Faith, Bloodshot, Rai, and Shadowman. Alien Books has plans to release seven more — Unity, Harbinger, The Valiant, Eternal Warrior, Archer and Armstrong, Ninjak, and Britannia — by the end of 2024.
Any of these are great starting points but there are some that would make more sense than others.
Many point to X-O Manowar is the ideal starting point. This book combines ancient history with futuristic technology as aliens abduct Visigoth warrior Aric of Dacia and later return him to Earth centuries later with a powerful armor.
X-O Manowar was one of the original four books so it helped usher in the modern Valiant Universe.
Another popular jumping on point is The Valiant. Jeff Lemire and Matt Kindt wrote this book in 2014 and Valiant touts it as ideal for new readers.
The Valiant centers on the Eternal Warrior’s protection of Earth of 10,000 years though he has failed three times at the hands of The Immortal Enemy, leading to an ensuing Dark Age. The Immortal Enemy returns but this time, the Eternal Warrior has The Valiant on his side.
Honestly, any of these 12 are good starting points. Some might make more sense with some background. Take Unity. This is Valiant’s Avengers-type team so it might be helpful to have some background knowledge on the members.
I recommend taking a look of the synopsis of each book and find the one that interests you the most. Valiant is set up in a way that you can pick up a first issue and roll from there.
Original Publications
For those who enjoy comics history, the very beginning may be the way to go. Unfortunately, finding these issues can be difficult and pricy.
Alien Books has published four classic omnibuses — Eternal Warrior, Archer and Armstrong: Revival, Ninjak 7th Dragon, and Bloodshot: The Blood of Heroes — but have not announced any further plans on releasing these.
Furthermore, the issues do not relate significantly to the current universe but do provide fascinating views into the origins of this alternative publication.
The classics also are home to several books that did not carry over in the 2005 acquisition. These include Magnus Robot Fighter, Doctor Solar, and Turok. Dynamite Entertainment has the publishing rights to these characters.
Seeking out the originals is perfect for comic book historians and anyone who wants to see where these characters began.
By Genre
Valiant does a good job at diversifying its library, making sure there is something for everyone. This means readers will find action, adventure, science-fiction, historical, fantasy, and comedy series.
Find your reading interests and pursue books that relate to those interests. One area that many underrate Valiant is its comedic lines.
Archer and Armstrong as well as Quantum and Woody are the two main series that embrace comedic elements. Both are well written and are sure to give you a laugh, particularly with both series’ first runs after the 2012 reboot.
I recommend Quantum and Woody if you want to see how well Valiant does comedy. These two are adoptive brothers who reunite after their father’s death despite loathing each other.
They end up investigating their father’s murder and survive an accident that leaves them with metal wristbands that they must hit together every 24 hours to avoid being dissolved. They carry the name “The World’s Worst Superhero Team.”
Each of the books carry a unique tone and embrace their genres. Series like X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, and Ninjak carry heavier tones while Faith has a more light-hearted and optimistic feel to it.
Again, finding the book that interests you and running with it is the perfect way to start here. Many people have unique stories on how they started reading Valiant and that is a testament to how accessible the company makes its series.
Resurgence of the Valiant Universe
There is a lot of history behind the Valiant Universe but it appears the company has designed its Resurgence event as a great introduction point as well.
Throughout 2024, Valiant has built to this event and, so far, reviewers are saying the first issue lives up to the hype. The first issue will release on Sept. 18.
One area that some reviewers have highlighted Resurgence is it’s a good reintroduction of many of the characters. Many fans seem optimistic about this return so there is a lot riding on the success of this event.
As such, Valiant will likely be aiming to welcome in new fans so this event will present a great chance to join in the fun.
Furthermore, you can find the characters you enjoy and return to the beginning of the 2012 universe to catch up.
Recommendations
The Valiant Universe has a little something for everyone. Furthermore, it’s easy to get into and doesn’t require extensive knowledge of all other books. Many of the characters are just over 30 years old so they feel more modern.
Below are just some of the recommendations I have if you’re interested in jumping into characters and other series from the post-2012 reboot. Kindle Unlimited has many of the trade paperbacks available if you subscribe to the service, providing an easy way to test out the titles.
- Harbinger: Harbinger is Valiant’s version of the X-Men but with Psiots instead of mutants. Toyo Harada makes an appearance in this book and plays a role in the larger Valiant Universe. There are also many popular spinoffs that focus on individual characters in Harbinger including Faith, Livewire, Imperium, and Generation Zero.
- Bloodshot: Bloodshot is an assassin that works for the U.S. government as part of government super soldier project. He has a healing factor thanks to experimental nanites. Bloodshot feels like a cross between Captain America and The Punisher.
- X-O Manowar: Aliens abduct Aric of Dacia during the 5th Century. He leads a rebellion on the Vine’s ship, stealing the X-O Manowar armor and becoming a powerful weapon. Upon leaving the ship, he finds it is the 21st Century. This book is perfect fans of sci-fi adventures mixed with ancient historical fiction.
- Archer and Armstrong: For those wanting comedy, Archer and Armstrong is a great place to start. It’s a buddy comedy about an immortal drunk and a young extremist. Their story often overlaps with Quantum and Woody, Eternal Warrior, and Ivar, Timewalker.
- The Death-Defying Doctor Mirage: Shan Fong can talk to the dead and uses her gifts to solve homicides as a paranormal investigator. Her adventures see her work alongside a government occultist and take trips to the Underworld. This is a great example of Valiant’s paranormal side.
- Divinity: During the Cold War, the Soviet Union sends a man deep into space in an attempt to win the space race. Long thought lost, this man returns to Earth with god-like powers. This is a good mix of sci-fi and paranormal action.
- Faith: Faith Herbert is also known as Zephyr and appears largely in the Harbinger series. She lost her parents at a young age and embraced nerd culture as a way to cope through the tragedy. A lot of what makes Faith so appealing is her body-positive image, optimism, and ability to relate to the reader as someone living out their dream of being a superhero.
Featured Image: Valiant Entertainment (via CBR)
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