An Introduction To Valiant Comics

Over the past few years, you may have heard of Valiant in articles discussing a new cinematic universe, not that dissimilar to the MCU. With the first movie in Valiant’s cinematic debut — Bloodshot, starring Vin Diesel — releasing just around the corner on February 21st, there has never been a better time to familiarise yourself with this expansive world.

Valiant Comics boasts the third largest collection of connected characters — Credit: Valiant Comics

So, what is Valiant? To answer that we have to look back to the era of action and pouches that was the '90s… so many pouches. Jim Shooter, a name familiar to many a seasoned comic fan, had just abandoned Marvel and set out to create something new. That idea would become Valiant. This company would eventually fall into the hands of Acclaim and… well, let’s just say that didn’t work out so well. Fast forward to 2012 and Valiant Entertainment was in full force, now helmed by the entrepreneurs Dinesh Shamdasani and Jason Kothari. And that is where I first discovered them.

Art of Vin Diesel as Bloodshot by Lewis LaRosa — Credit: Valiant Comics

In 2015, plans were made with Sony Pictures to produce five films, starting with solo movies for their key properties Harbinger and Bloodshot. This would be followed by sequels for both and an eventual crossover, based on the lauded comic event Harbinger Wars. The film rights to Harbinger were recently sold to Paramount, so seeing these plans come to fruition seems unlikely. Nevertheless, this is still an exciting time to be a fan of these characters, and the idea of a cinematic universe is still possible with other major players such as X-O Manowar, Shadowman, and the Eternal Warrior still yet to find a home in the movie-making business.

With all that cleared up, you’re probably still wondering why you should even care. To put it simply, if you want a quality alternative to the mainstreams of Marvel and DC, Valiant provides a strong ensemble of interlinking characters for you to follow. Not to mention, for the most part, Valiant has retained a track record of producing quality books. This is supported by an all-star team of talented writers and artists, including Matt Kindt, Joshua Dysart, Jeff Lemire, and Clayton Crain. Some of these names you may already be familiar with; if not, you’ll thank yourself once you are.

Now, let me introduce you to your new favourite characters…

Bloodshot: To nobody’s surprise, let’s begin with the man himself.

Bloodshot is leading the charge into mainstream media, portrayed by Vin Diesel in the new movie of the same name. A soldier and amnesiac enthused with nanites in his blood, Ray Garrison is like a mix between Wolverine and the Punisher. Utilised as a weapon by Project Rising Spirit in the hunt of powered individuals, known as Psiots, Bloodshot broke free of their hold to become a reluctant hero. If you want an action-packed story starring a character that has more depth than just killing men by the dozen, then definitely give these books a read.

Bloodshot — Credit: Valiant Comics

X-O Manowar: Does the idea of Thor mixed with Iron Man sound fun to you? Well it should.

Aric Of Dacia is a fifth-century Visigoth warrior who was abducted by an alien species called the Vine and went on to harness the power of the sacred armour of Shanhara. As an unfortunate side effect of interstellar travel aboard an alien slave ship, Aric returns home only to find he has been thrust into the present day. Through incredible writing and character development, we see Aric grow from an impulsive brute into a wise and compassionate leader. If this doesn’t demonstrate the dynamic and creative potential of the Valiant universe, I truly don’t know what does.

X-O Manowar by Clay Mann — Credit: Valiant Comics

Ninjak: Ninjak is my personal favourite character from Valiant and recent headliner of his own web-series directed by popular YouTube creators Bat in the Sun.

Colin King poses an interesting take on the superhero genre, mixing elements of spy thrillers with that of martial arts action. If the concept of a spy-ninja seems a bit wacky at the moment, I urge you to give the idea a chance. There are many dimensions to Colin. And I may be a bit bias in this, but as a fellow Englishman, it is a pleasure to hear the exclamative ‘bloody’ uttered so many times in one book.

Ninjak — Credit: Valiant Comics

Harbinger: Are you bored of the traditional black and white notion of good and bad? Then chances are Harbinger is for you. One minute you’ll be routing for Peter Stanchek and his unlikely group of superpowered Renegades and the next you’ll find yourself reluctantly agreeing with one of the most multidimensional antagonists of recent years — the fantastic Toyo Harada.

As the next likely film property to come out of Valiant’s dive into the world of cinema, this is a title nobody should be sleeping on. If you’re a fan of the X-Men, Harbinger can give you a more realistic take on powered heroes, with a willingness to go places you would never explore in a Marvel book. I cannot give enough credit to Joshua Dysart for the depth and layers he has managed to instil into his writing.

Peter Stanchek — Credit: Valiant Comics

These are just four of many excellent properties in the Valiant vault. Take a look yourself and discover Archer And Armstrong, Rai, Quantum And Woody, Ivar Timewalker, Divinity, and many more!