‘Valiant Beyond’ Reboots The Universe With New-Reader Friendly, Revamped Takes On The Icons

[ManofTheAtom]

‘Valiant Beyond’ Reboots The Universe With New-Reader Friendly, Revamped Takes On The Icons

First there was Ultimate. Then Absolute. And now it’s time to go Beyond with Valiant Beyond, a new-reader friendly reboot of the Valiant Universe, spinning out of the end of the Resurgence event.

Beginning in March, Valiant Beyond will present new versions of the iconic Valiant characters, designed to be, per PR from Alien Books, “new-reader friendly and ultra-accessible.” The line will kick off with Bloodshot #1 and Tales of the Shadowman #1 in March, followed by X-O Manowar #1 and All-New Harbinger #1 in April.

Beyond presenting new-reader friendly jumping on points, the line will also have “introductory-priced debut issues, extra story pages, and new logos and trade dress on the covers that help distinguish the line from what came before.”

“As we enter into the second year of our partnership with Valiant Comics and come out of the RESURGENCE crossover event, we wanted to take a big swing and try something new,” said Alien Books Director Matias Timarchi via a press release provided to Comic Book Club. “The success of the Absolute, Ultimate and Energon universes has shown that there is an appetite from both retailers and readers for accessible and high-quality storytelling. Our goal is to take inspiration from those lines while doing something that is distinctly our own.”

In case you’re curious what leads to the birth of Valiant Beyond? Well, you’ll have to wait a little longer for the Resurgence Finale to hit stores in January. However, like DC All In in Absolute Universe before it, it seems like while Valiant Beyond will present fresh, new stories, the currently running Valiant Universe will continue to exist, as well.

“Valiant has always been great at using superpowered characters to explore different genres, from horror to comedy to action and everything in between,” added Alien Books Editor-in-Chief Lysa Hawkins. “We’re looking at Valiant Beyond as an opportunity to refresh these characters by taking them out of their comfort zones while still retaining the essence and spirit that fans have adored over the past 30 years. And rest assured, the versions of the characters that you’ve followed through to the RESURGENCE event will be back as part of the VALIANT ZOMBIES: RESURRECTION event that begins on Free Comic Book Day. Keep reading and Stay Valiant!”

That’s all well and good, but what are these titles? And who are the creative teams working on them? Great questions, imaginary person. Bloodshot is written by Mauro Mantella, with art by Fernando Heinz Furukawa (for the first three-issue arc), and will send Bloodshot to Japan to battle gangster hooked on drugs with “vampiric side-effects.”

“In VALIANT BEYOND: BLOODSHOT #1, you’ll find a Bloodshot like you’ve never seen before, lliterally!” teased Mantella. “Trapped in the Japanese underworld of the undead, he’ll discover that this world is stranger, more complex, and far more dangerous than he ever imagined. Issue one is 24 pages packed with action, mad ideas, and one particular scene that I still can’t believe was approved!”

Then there’s Tales of the Shadowman, which will be written by AJ Ampadu with art by Sergio Monjes. The book is set in a “utopian version of New Orleans,” which I assume means a place where you can get drunk with no hangovers. Or possibly, per the press release, it’s “the magic capital of the world.” A detective trained in “the art of voodoo” has to team up with The Shadowman to save New Orleans from the Deadside.

“It’s a new era in the Valiant universe and I have the honor of introducing a brand new version of Shadowman,” said Ampadu. “The Shadowman is an ancient god of unknown origin who has no memory of his past. He drifts through the shadows of the Deadside, the mystic wasteland surrounding the utopian city of New Orleans. The impoverished residents both fear the Shadowman and rely on him for protection from the greater evils lurking in the Deadside. If someone needs help, they can summon the Shadowman, but this comes at a great price.”

While there are no creative teams announced as of yet for the other titles, of note the current plan is to run the Valiant Beyond titles for 12 issues, split into 3-4 issue arcs, with an overarching story for the full 12 issues. If there’s interest and demand, they will continue in further one-shots, series, and miniseries.

You can check out the full solicits and covers below for Bloodshot and Tales of the Shadowman.

VALIANT BEYOND: BLOODSHOT #1 (of 3)


A NEW ERA OF SUPERHERO STORYTELLING BEGINS HERE!

Designed as the ULTIMATE jumping-on point, the Valiant Beyond line of comics are ABSOLUTE must-reads that will ENERGIZE your love for superheroes!

A powerful new drug is unleashed on Japan and has set the underworld ablaze! There’s only one force strong enough to stop the B-S… and he’s not looking for an invitation to start kicking butt!

It’s Bloodshot like you’ve never seen him before in this all-new cutting-edge series from rising star writer Mauro Mantella (BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED: RELOADED) and artist Fernando Heinz Furukawa (X-O MANOWAR: INVICTUS)!

Get ready to sink your teeth into 28 pages of action and chaos in this special introductory-priced issue featuring an incredible cover by superstar artist Rodolfo Migliari (Blackest Night, Geiger) and variants by Nahuel Grego (Marvel Flair / Upper Deck), Dennis Calero (X-Factor) and Fernando Heinz Furukawa!

Script: Mauro Mantella

Art: Fernando Heinz Furukawa

Main Cover: Rodolfo Migliari (A – Reg)

Variant Covers: Nahuel Grego (B – Wraparound), Dennis Calero (C – Connecting), Fernando Heinz Furukawa (D – Design), Rodolfo Migliari (E – Virgin), Nahuel Grego (F – Wraparound Virgin), Dennis Calero (G – Connecting Virgin)

Final Order Cut-Off: 2/3/2025

On Sale Date: 3/5/25

Rated Mature

28-page, full color comic

$3.99 U.S.

VALIANT BEYOND: TALES OF THE SHADOWMAN #1 (of 3)

THE NEW ERA OF VALIANT COMICS CONTINUES!

Designed as the ULTIMATE jumping-on point, the Valiant Beyond line of comics are ABSOLUTE must-reads that will ENERGIZE your love for superheroes!

The city of New Orleans is home to a rich history of music, art, and culture that has achieved unparalleled progress and success. It’s the magic capital of the world and home to a hard-nosed detective trained in the ways of Voodoo who has dedicated her life to keeping New Orleans safe! When an ultra-dangerous monster invades her jurisdiction and threatens the peace they’ve fought so hard to protect, she must disobey her orders and summon the mysterious being known as “Shadowman” in order to save the city she loves!

Discover the secrets of the Shadowman in this all-new 28 page story from the fan-favorite team of AJ Ampadu and artist Sergio Monjes (SHADOWMAN: SOUL EATERS) at a special introductory price!

Script: AJ Ampadu

Art: Sergio Monjes

Main Cover: Damian Connelly (A – Reg)

Variant Covers: Bella Rachlin (B), Dennis Calero (C – Connecting), Andres Ponce (D – Design), Damian Connelly (E – Virgin), Bella Rachlin (F – Wraparound Virgin), Dennis Calero (G – Connecting Virgin)

Final Order Cut-Off: 2/17/2025

On Sale Date: 3/19/25

Rated T+

28-page, full color comic

$3.99 U.S.

[ManofTheAtom]

'VALIANT BEYOND' Universe Spinning Out of ' Resurgence: Finale'

BLOODSHOT #1 and TALES OF THE SHADOWMAN #1 in March to kick off the all-new Valiant Beyond Universe, followed by THE X-O MANOWAR #1 and ALL-NEW HARBINGER #1 in April.

Alien Books, in partnership with Valiant Comics, is set to begin a new era of dynamic and boundary-pushing superhero storytelling with the launch of the Valiant Beyond universe this March.

Spinning out of the RESURGENCE OF THE VALIANT UNIVERSE crossover event, Alien Books is spearheading a new line of titles under the 'Valiant Beyond' banner that will feature new versions of iconic Valiant characters including Bloodshot, Shadowman, X-O Manowar, Harbinger, and more.

Designed to be new-reader friendly and ultra-accessible, each Valiant Beyond series will feature introductory-priced debut issues, extra story pages, and new logos and trade dress on the covers that help distinguish the line from what came before.

"As we enter into the second year of our partnership with Valiant Comics and come out of the RESURGENCE crossover event, we wanted to take a big swing and try something new," explains Alien Books Director Matias Timarchi. "The success of the Absolute, Ultimate and Energon universes has shown that there is an appetite from both retailers and readers for accessible and high-quality storytelling. Our goal is to take inspiration from those lines while doing something that is distinctly our own."

Alien Books and Valiant Entertainment's publishing partnership began in 2024 and saw the return of many iconic comic series to comic shops and digital platforms and the release of trade paperback collections reprinting many iconic stories and runs. The RESURGENCE OF THE VALIANT UNIVERSE event featured the heroes and villains switching allegiances when the maniacal Dr. Silk upended the rules of life and death on Earth. The game-changing finale to the RESURGENCE event, releasing in January, will detail the birth of the Valiant Beyond universe while also providing a pathway for the continuation of the existing Valiant continuity and characters.

"Valiant has always been great at using superpowered characters to explore different genres, from horror to comedy to action and everything in between," adds Alien Books Editor-in-Chief Lysa Hawkins. "We're looking at Valiant Beyond as an opportunity to refresh these characters by taking them out of their comfort zones while still retaining the essence and spirit that fans have adored over the past 30 years. And rest assured, the versions of the characters that you've followed through to the RESURGENCE event will be back as part of the VALIANT ZOMBIES: RESURRECTION event that begins on Free Comic Book Day. Keep reading and Stay Valiant!"

The first title to launch as part of Valiant Beyond will star the fan-favorite nanite-enhanced cyborg with a penchant for s something drastically different about this version of Bloodshot as he battles a Japanese underworld hooked on a new drug with vampiric side-effects. Written by rising star Mauro Mantella (BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED: RELOADED) with stunning artwork from Fernando Heinz Furukawa (X-O MANOWAR: INVICTUS), the initial three-issue arc for Bloodshot will blend crime-fighting, horror and ultra-violence into one unmissable mature readers story.

"In VALIANT BEYOND: BLOODSHOT #1, you'll find a Bloodshot like you've never seen before, lliterally!" teases Mantella. "Trapped in the Japanese underworld of the undead, he'll discover that this world is stranger, more complex, and far more dangerous than he ever imagined. Issue one is 24 pages packed with action, mad ideas, and one particular scene that I still can't believe was approved!"

The team behind the acclaimed SHADOWMAN: SOUL EATERS mini-series, writer AJ Ampadu and artist Sergio Monjes, will reunite to showcase a very different side of the fan-favorite anti-hero in TALES OF THE SHADOWMAN. Set in a utopian version of New Orleans, the magic capital of the world, TALES OF THE SHADOWMAN follows a detective trained in the art of voodoo who faces an unprecedented threat to her city. Out of options, she must summon the enigmatic force known as The Shadowman to help save New Orleans from the forces of the Deadside in this stunning new take on the character.

"It's a new era in the Valiant universe and I have the honor of introducing a brand new version of Shadowman," explains Ampadu. "The Shadowman is an ancient god of unknown origin who has no memory of his past. He drifts through the shadows of the Deadside, the mystic wasteland surrounding the utopian city of New Orleans. The impoverished residents both fear the Shadowman and rely on him for protection from the greater evils lurking in the Deadside. If someone needs help, they can summon the Shadowman, but this comes at a great price."

The Valiant Beyond line will continue to expand in April with the launch of a new THE X-O MANOWAR #1 and ALL-NEW HARBINGER #1 with additional series and one-shots in the works. The new designs for the Valiant Beyond characters were crafted by artist Andres Ponce and Fernando Heinz Furukawa and drew inspiration from previous versions of the characters, medieval armor, anime, and sci-fi films.

"For this new version of Shadowman, instead of designing a suit with belts, seams, and the usual vigilante elements, I went with more of a living silhouette look with white accents for contrast," explains Ponce. "I wanted something reminiscent of the classic mask with the two pointed ends, but not as a piece of material, so I went for a more ghost-like vibe there. The overall concept is for him to feel more spectral and diffused, like he's wearing a piece of darkness rather than an outfit."

"For the new X-O armor, my initial concept was to move away from the organic and muscular look of the classic design as the new story places him in a more medieval setting," continues Ponce. "I went for a harder looking armor, with plates or segmented sections, mostly on the torso and kept some of the muscle fibers on the chest. And then I added the largest shoulder pads that I possibly could! I had classic '90s anime in mind while working on this redesign, but I toned it down a bit as I received feedback on the different sketches."

"We're aiming for at least 12 issues per Valiant Beyond series, split into 3/4-issue arcs that combine to tell a larger story," explains Alien Books Art Director Martin Casanova. "We're optimistic that fan and retailer support will help us expand this line further with more mini-series and specials."

"The first wave of Valiant Beyond debut issues will be returnable for direct market retailers if they hit very achievable order goals," adds Alien Books Sales & Operations Manager Manny Castellanos. "We want stores to feel confident in stocking these issues on their shelves for walk-in customers and we're looking forward to sharing more details about Valiant Beyond and how we plan to support retailers at ComicsPRO in February."

VALIANT BEYOND: BLOODSHOT #1 releases March 5 in comic shops and will boast an assortment of covers by Rodolfo Migliari, Nahuel Grego, Dennis Calero, and Fernando Heinz Furukawa. Final orders are due at comic shops on February 3. VALIANT BEYOND: TALES OF THE SHADOWMAN #1 launches on March 19 with covers by Damian Connelly, Bella Rachlin, Dennis Calero, and Andres Ponce. Final orders are due at comic shops on February 17. THE X-O MANOWAR #1 and ALL-NEW HARBINGER #1 will be released in April with full creative team details to be revealed in January.

"We see Valiant Beyond as a great opportunity to add to the Valiant lore, to build on what came before while doing something fresh," concluded Alien Books Director Matias Timarchi. "We're hopeful that the many dedicated long-time Valiant fans will help us in welcoming in new readers on this journey as we embark on a new path forward together."

Find out how the Valiant Beyond universe begins in the pages of RESURGENCE OF THE VALIANT UNIVERSE FINALE, on sale January 22, and look for more behind-the-scenes concept art and sketches in the VALIANT UNIVERSE ULTIMATE GUIDE, on sale February 12. The fallout from RESURGENCE continues in VALIANT ZOMBIES: RESURRECTION, a free comic available as part of Free Comic Book Day at participating comic book shops on May 3.

[Ryan]

So a reboot using the names but mixing some of the old concepts with all new characters in an all new universe, that seems familiar somehow *cough* VH2 *cough*

It seems like they've been doing the whole 'hey Bloodshot is SUPER ULTRA VIOLENT now' marketing for a number of years of relaunches now, so it doesn't look all that different Guess we'll see what the new origin is and if his powers are different in any way.

Shadowman is set in an even more fantasy version of New Orleans? Eh I've always wished they would bring it back to more like Big Easy Batman with Voodoo elements rather than full on Voodoo Fantasy with Deadside, magic and all that. But I like the Sergio Monjes art I've seen so I'll give it a look.

The VEI versions are going to become the Valiant Zombies? Ok.

If a reboot was what they wanted to do, I'm not sure why they didn't just start with it? This looks better than VEI universe stuff they've been doing, so I'll keep an open mind and check these out as we learn more

[ManofTheAtom]

So a reboot using the names but mixing some of the old concepts with all new characters in an all new universe, that seems familiar somehow *cough* VH2 *cough*

It seems like they've been doing the whole 'hey Bloodshot is SUPER ULTRA VIOLENT now' marketing for a number of years of relaunches now, so it doesn't look all that different Guess we'll see what the new origin is and if his powers are different in any way.

Shadowman is set in an even more fantasy version of New Orleans? Eh I've always wished they would bring it back to more like Big Easy Batman with Voodoo elements rather than full on Voodoo Fantasy with Deadside, magic and all that. But I like the Sergio Monjes art I've seen so I'll give it a look.

The VEI versions are going to become the Valiant Zombies? Ok.

If a reboot was what they wanted to do, I'm not sure why they didn't just start with it? This looks better than VEI universe stuff they've been doing, so I'll keep an open mind and check these out as we learn more

I'm glad they didn't just do it. They were right to first provide the VEI versions with an ending.

[Ryan]

So a reboot using the names but mixing some of the old concepts with all new characters in an all new universe, that seems familiar somehow *cough* VH2 *cough*

It seems like they've been doing the whole 'hey Bloodshot is SUPER ULTRA VIOLENT now' marketing for a number of years of relaunches now, so it doesn't look all that different Guess we'll see what the new origin is and if his powers are different in any way.

Shadowman is set in an even more fantasy version of New Orleans? Eh I've always wished they would bring it back to more like Big Easy Batman with Voodoo elements rather than full on Voodoo Fantasy with Deadside, magic and all that. But I like the Sergio Monjes art I've seen so I'll give it a look.

The VEI versions are going to become the Valiant Zombies? Ok.

If a reboot was what they wanted to do, I'm not sure why they didn't just start with it? This looks better than VEI universe stuff they've been doing, so I'll keep an open mind and check these out as we learn more

I'm glad they didn't just do it. They were right to first provide the VEI versions with an ending.

Do the VEI fans feel 'closure' from the year of stories and Resurgence? I guess we'll see.

I just think we'll get Alien's best work when they're doing exactly what they want to do instead of trying to do what they think VEI fans want them to do. Now we're finally going to get that so we'll see how it is.

[ManofTheAtom]

So a reboot using the names but mixing some of the old concepts with all new characters in an all new universe, that seems familiar somehow *cough* VH2 *cough*

It seems like they've been doing the whole 'hey Bloodshot is SUPER ULTRA VIOLENT now' marketing for a number of years of relaunches now, so it doesn't look all that different Guess we'll see what the new origin is and if his powers are different in any way.

Shadowman is set in an even more fantasy version of New Orleans? Eh I've always wished they would bring it back to more like Big Easy Batman with Voodoo elements rather than full on Voodoo Fantasy with Deadside, magic and all that. But I like the Sergio Monjes art I've seen so I'll give it a look.

The VEI versions are going to become the Valiant Zombies? Ok.

If a reboot was what they wanted to do, I'm not sure why they didn't just start with it? This looks better than VEI universe stuff they've been doing, so I'll keep an open mind and check these out as we learn more

I'm glad they didn't just do it. They were right to first provide the VEI versions with an ending.

Do the VEI fans feel 'closure' from the year of stories and Resurgence? I guess we'll see.

I just think we'll get Alien's best work when they're doing exactly what they want to do instead of trying to do what they think VEI fans want them to do. Now we're finally going to get that so we'll see how it is.

I'm okay with the closure, but would rather these new iterations were second-gen characters in the same universe as VEI.

[Ryan]

I'm okay with the closure, but would rather these new iterations were second-gen characters in the same universe as VEI.

Sure, but that defeats the whole purpose of a reboot. The reboot is for new readers to have a chance to jump on with no background needed (just read the press release, that's what they say) and for creators to do exactly what they want without having to follow or fit their story into past comics.

VH2 and VEI could've been new iterations of Vh1 characters in the same universe, but they weren't for the same reason Alien is doing it. They think a reboot is the best way to attract new readers. They cite examples of Ultimate Marvel, Absolute DC, and the Energon universe. I don't agree with it, but that's what they're doing

[ManofTheAtom]

I'm okay with the closure, but would rather these new iterations were second-gen characters in the same universe as VEI.

Sure, but that defeats the whole purpose of a reboot. The reboot is for new readers to have a chance to jump on with no background needed (just read the press release, that's what they say) and for creators to do exactly what they want without having to follow or fit their story into past comics.

VH2 and VEI could've been new iterations of Vh1 characters in the same universe, but they weren't for the same reason Alien is doing it. They think a reboot is the best way to attract new readers. They cite examples of Ultimate Marvel, Absolute DC, and the Energon universe. I don't agree with it, but that's what they're doing

I don't agree with it either, and I'm just stating my preference of what I wish they had done instead, which definitely applies to VH 2 as well.

[BugsySig]

I was all for the Alien “closure” books at first, but each one was worse than the last. Hopefully there will be improvement with “Beyond.” These characters and their legacy deserve better.

I do like the redesigns so far, but the covers do not say “VALIANT” to me without the compass/V logo worked into them more. But the cover art at least looks good. Hopefully we’ll get some interior previews sooner rather than later.

[Ryan]

I don't agree with it either, and I'm just stating my preference of what I wish they had done instead, which definitely applies to VH 2 as well.

Agreed. Which is why my first thought was that this feels like a VH2 moment. "Same as it never was" again

But I'm trying to stay optimistic. If you're someone like yourself who's loved everything Alien has done, wouldn't you be excited to see what they can do with a fresh start and total creative freedom?

[ManofTheAtom]

I was all for the Alien “closure” books at first, but each one was worse than the last. Hopefully there will be improvement with “Beyond.” These characters and their legacy deserve better.

I do like the redesigns so far, but the covers do not say “VALIANT” to me without the compass/V logo worked into them more. But the cover art at least looks good. Hopefully we’ll get some interior previews sooner rather than later.

For sure.

[ManofTheAtom]

I don't agree with it either, and I'm just stating my preference of what I wish they had done instead, which definitely applies to VH 2 as well.

Agreed. Which is why my first thought was that this feels like a VH2 moment. "Same as it never was" again

But I'm trying to stay optimistic. If you're someone like yourself who's loved everything Alien has done, wouldn't you be excited to see what they can do with a fresh start and total creative freedom?

Main reason I'm open minded is because this new start follows a seeming conclusion to Dinesh's version, which is more than what Shooter, Nicieza, and even Black got in the '90s.

I'd still rather they didn't do the same thing DC and Marvel have done before and instead did something more befitting of VALIANT.

In the '80s, Shooter wanted all the Marvel heroes to die and new ones to take their place. That would have been preferable here to a reboot.

[ManofTheAtom]

Over on Facebook, Martin Casanova confirms that "it's a separate universe, like Marvel's Ultimate line, or DC's Absolute."

[Ryan]

Main reason I'm open minded is because this new start follows a seeming conclusion to Dinesh's version, which is more than what Shooter, Nicieza, and even Black got in the '90s.

I'd still rather they didn't do the same thing DC and Marvel have done before and instead did something more befitting of VALIANT.

In the '80s, Shooter wanted all the Marvel heroes to die and new ones to take their place. That would have been preferable here to a reboot.

Would you say the 'illusion of continuity' is pretty much the number one thing (only thing?) you're concerned about?

For me, its only one factor. The overall quality and tone are much more important.

Like if they said it's a reboot, but it's being written by Ed Brubaker and Jim Shooter and is going to be bringing forward the tone and feel of pre-Unity Vh1 then I would be 100% in, pre-ordering everything and doing all I could to support and promote it.

If, on the other hand, they said its a continuation of Vh1 factoring in all the continuity but its being done by people whose comics I don't like and they're going to bring a modern anime/children's book aesthetic and tone to Valiant, then I wouldn't be very excited.

The illusion of continuity can be an important factor in good comics, but there are plenty of great comics that aren't all about continuity.

Over on Facebook, Martin Casanova confirms that "it's a separate universe, like Marvel's Ultimate line, or DC's Absolute."

It's pretty clearly a full reboot when the have "NEW ORIGIN NEW UNIVERSE" stamped on every cover.

Screenshot 2024-12-18 195342.png

[ManofTheAtom]

Would you say the 'illusion of continuity' is pretty much the number one thing (only thing?) you're concerned about?

For me, its only one factor. The overall quality and tone are much more important.

Like if they said it's a reboot, but it's being written by Ed Brubaker and Jim Shooter and is going to be bringing forward the tone and feel of pre-Unity Vh1 then I would be 100% in, pre-ordering everything and doing all I could to support and promote it.

If, on the other hand, they said its a continuation of Vh1 factoring in all the continuity but its being done by people whose comics I don't like and they're going to bring a modern anime/children's book aesthetic and tone to Valiant, then I wouldn't be very excited.

The illusion of continuity can be an important factor in good comics, but there are plenty of great comics that aren't all about continuity.

Every story has a beginning, middle, and end. VH-1 and VH-2 had two out of three, neither had a proper ending. In contrast, VEI appears to be getting one (though they say it is continuing). I like the sense of closure.

I subscribe to the notion that every generation should have their own version of a comic book superhero, whether that is a reinvention like with Batman and Superman from the Golden Age to the Silver Age to the Modern Age, or a next generation legacy like with Alan Scott, Hal Jordan, Kyle Rayner, Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, and Wally West.

With VALIANT, VEI gave us the former while VH-2 could have given us the latter. Now, Beyond appears to be giving us the former again, though I'd much rather it was the latter.

Since the two lines will continue as per Casanova's clarification, time will tell what will happen. Will one replace the other, will they merge, will one fizzle out? Who knows at this point. We'll find out in a year I guess.

It's pretty clearly a full reboot when the have "NEW ORIGIN NEW UNIVERSE" stamped on every cover.

Screenshot 2024-12-18 195342.png

It's a reboot in the style of Ultimate Marvel, set in its own separate universe that does not affect the VEI iteration.

[Chiclo]

Over on Facebook, Martin Casanova confirms that "it's a separate universe, like Marvel's Ultimate line, or DC's Absolute."

And are you ok with that?

[Ryan]

Every story has a beginning, middle, and end. VH-1 and VH-2 had two out of three, neither had a proper ending. In contrast, VEI appears to be getting one (though they say it is continuing). I like the sense of closure.

I subscribe to the notion that every generation should have their own version of a comic book superhero, whether that is a reinvention like with Batman and Superman from the Golden Age to the Silver Age to the Modern Age, or a next generation legacy like with Alan Scott, Hal Jordan, Kyle Rayner, Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, and Wally West.

With VALIANT, VEI gave us the former while VH-2 could have given us the latter. Now, Beyond appears to be giving us the former again, though I'd much rather it was the latter.

Since the two lines will continue as per Casanova's clarification, time will tell what will happen. Will one replace the other, will they merge, will one fizzle out? Who knows at this point. We'll find out in a year I guess.

That's cool. Yeah I guess most comic lines don't get a proper 'ending', but that's just the nature of commercial comics I guess. They're usually intended to just keep going on indefinitely, as long as the money train keeps chugging along.

If the ending of VEI is really that they just become the Valiant zombies, then I'm not sure that would qualify as a good or satsifying ending. I guess we'll just have to see how it plays out and what the VEI fans think. (are the VEI fans still around? Hello? Beuller?)

It's a reboot in the style of Ultimate Marvel, set in its own separate universe that does not affect the VEI iteration.

That's the definition of a hard reboot. Separate universe. VH4? VH5? VHnoonecaresanymore?

[ManofTheAtom]

Over on Facebook, Martin Casanova confirms that "it's a separate universe, like Marvel's Ultimate line, or DC's Absolute."

And are you ok with that?

It's better than the alternative.

[ManofTheAtom]

Every story has a beginning, middle, and end. VH-1 and VH-2 had two out of three, neither had a proper ending. In contrast, VEI appears to be getting one (though they say it is continuing). I like the sense of closure.

I subscribe to the notion that every generation should have their own version of a comic book superhero, whether that is a reinvention like with Batman and Superman from the Golden Age to the Silver Age to the Modern Age, or a next generation legacy like with Alan Scott, Hal Jordan, Kyle Rayner, Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, and Wally West.

With VALIANT, VEI gave us the former while VH-2 could have given us the latter. Now, Beyond appears to be giving us the former again, though I'd much rather it was the latter.

Since the two lines will continue as per Casanova's clarification, time will tell what will happen. Will one replace the other, will they merge, will one fizzle out? Who knows at this point. We'll find out in a year I guess.

That's cool. Yeah I guess most comic lines don't get a proper 'ending', but that's just the nature of commercial comics I guess.

If the ending of VEI is really that they just become the Valiant zombies, then I'm not sure that would qualify as a good or satsifying ending. I guess we'll just have to see how it plays out and what the VEI fans think. (are the VEI fans still around? Hello? Beuller?)

It's a reboot in the style of Ultimate Marvel, set in its own separate universe that does not affect the VEI iteration.

That's the definition of a hard reboot. Separate universe. VH4? VH5? VHnoonecaresanymore?

I doubt Resurrection is the end-end. Do keep in mind I said that before it was clarified that they both lines will co-exist. So, maybe VEI is not ending.

A hard reboot would replace the previous version. This is not the case, but it would count as VH-5 (VH-3 was Perham's unpublished post U2K version while VEI would be VH-4).

[Ryan]

I doubt Resurrection is the end-end. Do keep in mind I said that before it was clarified that they both lines will co-exist. So, maybe VEI is not ending.

A hard reboot would replace the previous version. This is not the case, but it would count as VH-5 (VH-3 was Perham's unpublished post U2K version while VEI would be VH-4).

How does an unpublished concept count as one of the Valiant continuities? Well whatever it doesn't matter, only the old heads use that terminology anyway, and the old heads are becoming an endangered species.

[Ryan]

I doubt Resurrection is the end-end. Do keep in mind I said that before it was clarified that they both lines will co-exist. So, maybe VEI is not ending.

Yeah then its an alternate universe that co-exists with the 'main' universe. Like Ultimate Marvel, Absolute DC, Elseworlds, GI Joe ARAH, TMNT Archie, etc. etc.

The difference being all those 'main' universes publish more comics than the 'alternate' universes. We don't know now how VEI will continue. Just in a single Valiant Zombies series? As a subplot in the Valiant Beyond comics? Or will there be new series' starring the main VEI characters like X-O continuing their adventures separately from the Valiant Beyond line?

[ManofTheAtom]

I doubt Resurrection is the end-end. Do keep in mind I said that before it was clarified that they both lines will co-exist. So, maybe VEI is not ending.

Yeah then its an alternate universe that co-exists with the 'main' universe. Like Ultimate Marvel, Absolute DC, Elseworlds, GI Joe ARAH, TMNT Archie, etc. etc.

The difference being all those 'main' universes publish more comics than the 'alternate' universes. We don't know now how VEI will continue. Just in a single Valiant Zombies series? As a subplot in the Valiant Beyond comics? Or will there be new series' starring the main VEI characters like X-O continuing their adventures separately from the Valiant Beyond line?

We don't know yet. Future solicitations will tell. The zombie story is clearly not the end of it.

[Dallow Spicer1]

I’ve lost confidence in Alien. The Bloodshot books have been low IQ nonsense and I stopped reading Shadowman a while back. Would need to see some good reviews to get me to buy into another Bloodshot launch (or tried and tested creators).

[ManofTheAtom]

I’ve lost confidence in Alien. The Bloodshot books have been low IQ nonsense and I stopped reading Shadowman a while back. Would need to see some good reviews to get me to buy into another Bloodshot launch (or tried and tested creators).

The Bloodshot anthology certainly wasn't as great as it could have been, but I don't think that should be used to pre-emptively judge what's coming in the reboot.

[Dallow Spicer1]

I’ve lost confidence in Alien. The Bloodshot books have been low IQ nonsense and I stopped reading Shadowman a while back. Would need to see some good reviews to get me to buy into another Bloodshot launch (or tried and tested creators).

The Bloodshot anthology certainly wasn't as great as it could have been, but I don't think that should be used to pre-emptively judge what's coming in the reboot.

I only read issue 2 of the anthology, I actually thought it was kind of interesting (in a way). I meant every other Bloodshot mini series Alien have put out (hot on the heels of DMG’s garbage Bloodshot series).

How many tries do you give a company