Alien Books and Valiant Comics are relaunching a series of superhero books in the “Valiant Beyond” universe. Coming out of the revival of Brave Universe game-changing ending Launching this January, the relaunched series will feature new versions of iconic Valiant characters, including Bloodshot, Shadowman, XO Manowar, Harbinger and more.
The series aims to attract new readers in a similar manner to Skybound’s Energon, Marvel’s Ultimate and DC’s Absolute Universe series of books. It also means to act as nA great jumping-off point for new readers, featuring new origins, design, logo, additional story pages, There is also trade dress on the cover to help differentiate the series from previous offerings.
this renaissance of brave universe The event featured the heroes and villains of the Braveverse changing allegiance when the insane Dr. Silk subverted the rules of life and death on Earth and gave birth to the Braveverse Beyond. New stories begin with “BLOODSHOT #1” and “Shadowman Legends #1” in March, followed by “XO MANOWAR #1” and “ALL-NEW HARBINGER #1” in April.
“As we enter our second year with Valiant Comics and wrap up the RESURGENCE crossover, we wanted to make a big move and try something new,” explained alien book director Matthias Timachus. “The success of the Absolute, Ultimate and Energon universes shows that retailers and readers alike are interested in accessible and high-quality storytelling. Our goal is to draw inspiration from these lines while making something of our own things.
“Valiant has always been great at using super-powered characters to explore different genres, from horror to comedy to action and everything in between,” added Lysa Hawkins, Editor-in-Chief of Alien Books. “We see Valiant Beyond as an opportunity to update these characters and take them out of their comfort zones while still retaining the essence and spirit that fans have come to love over the past 30 years. Rest assured, you are following the version of the characters rise again The event will return as part of the campaign Brave Zombies: Resurrection The event begins with Free Comics Day. Keep reading and stay brave!
Brave Beyond: Bloody #1 It will be available in comic shops on March 5th and will be owned by Rodolfo Migliari, Nahuel Gregor, Denis Caleroand Fernando Heinz Furukawa. Final orders close on February 3rd in comic shops. Brave Beyond: Tales of the Shadow #1 Released on March 19, the cover is by Damian Connelly, Bella Rachlin, Denis Calero, and Andres Ponce. Final orders close on February 17th in comic shops. XO Manowar #1 and New Omen #1 It will be released in April, with full creative team details to be announced in January.
“Our goal is for each Valiant Beyond series to be at least 12 issues, divided into 3/4-issue arcs that combine to tell a larger story,” explained Alien Books Art Director Martin Casanova. “We are optimistic that fan and retailer support will help us further expand the series with additional miniseries and specials.”
“If direct market retailers meet very achievable order goals, the first wave of Valiant Beyond releases will be returnable,” added Manny Castellanos, Sales and Operations Manager, Alien Books. “We want stores to feel confident stocking these magazines on their shelves for customers, and we look forward to sharing more details about Valiant Beyond and how we plan to support retailers at ComicsPRO in February.”
“We think Valiant Beyond is a great opportunity to supplement the Valiant lore and do something fresh and new based on what has come before,” concluded Alien Books Director Matthias Timach. “We hope that as we embark on this new path forward together, the many loyal, long-time fans of Valiant will help us welcome new readers on this journey.”
Details for each row are now provided by Alien Books.
The first game to launch as part of Valiant Beyond will star the fan-favorite nano-enhanced robot with a penchant for ultra-violence: Bloodshot. Readers will discover that this version of Bloodshot battles a Japanese underworld addicted to a new drug with vampiric side effects. Author: rising star Mauro Mantra (Bloodshot Unleashed: Reloaded) Stunning artwork from Fernando Heinz Furukawa (XO Manowar: Perseverance), Bloodguard’s initial three-issue arc will combine crime-fighting, horror and extreme violence into a can’t-miss story for mature readers.
“exist Brave Beyond: Bloody #1you will find a bloodshot you have never seen before, really! tease cape. “Trapped in Japan’s undead underworld, he will discover that the world is stranger, more complex, and more dangerous than he imagined. The first issue is 24 pages long and packed with action, crazy ideas, and a story that I still Can’t believe that particular scene was approved!”
Screenwriter: Mauro Mantra
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).
Final order deadline: February 3, 2025
Release date: March 5, 25
Rating mature
28 pages full color comic
$3.99
The team behind it is well-received Shadowman: Soul Eater miniseries, writer Ampad too and artist Sergio Monyeswill reunite in “Tale of Shadowman,” showing a completely different side of the fan-favorite antihero. Set in a utopian version of New Orleans, the magical capital of the world, Legend of the Shadowman tells the story of a detective trained in the art of voodoo as her city faces an unprecedented threat. With no other choice, she must summon a mysterious force called the Shadow People to help save New Orleans from the forces of the Deadlands in this stunning new role.
“This is a new era in the Valiant universe, and I’m honored to introduce a new version of Shadowman,” explained Ampadu. “The Shadow Man is an ancient god of unknown origin with no memory of his past. He drifts in the shadows of the Deadlands, a mysterious wasteland surrounding the utopian city of New Orleans. The impoverished residents both fear the Shadow Man , and rely on him to protect themselves from the greater evil that lurks in the Land of the Dead. If anyone needs help, they can summon the Shadow Man, but it comes at a great cost.
“For this new version of Shadowman, instead of designing a suit with belts, seams, and the usual vigilante elements, I went for more of a vivid silhouette look with white accents for contrast,” Ponce explained. “I wanted something reminiscent of a classic mask with two prongs, but not one piece of material, so I went for a more ghostly vibe there. The general concept was to make him feel more ghostly and scattered, just Like he was wearing a patch of darkness instead of a suit of clothing.
Screenwriter: AJ Ampadu
Art: Sergio Monyes
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 deadline: February 17, 2025
Release date: March 19, 2025
Rated T+
28 pages full color comic
$3.99
Valiant Beyond product line will continue to expand with new products launched in April XO Manowar #1 and New Omen #1 and other series and one-shots are in the works. New designs for Valiant Beyond characters crafted by artists Andres Ponce and Fernando Heinz Furukawa And draw inspiration from previous versions of the character, medieval armor, anime and science fiction movies.
“My initial idea for the new XO armor 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,” Ponce continued. “I chose a tougher looking armor with plates or segmented sections mostly on the torso and leaving some muscle fibers in the chest. Then I added shoulder pads as big as possible! While re-doing When designing, I had classic 90s animation in mind, but as I received feedback on different sketches, I toned it down a bit.
