For Alien Books, the “resurgence” of the Valiant properties is only the beginning.
The current Resurgence of the Valiant Universe event series, which ends in January, will pave the way for a rebooted Valiant universe, which they are calling “Valiant Beyond.” Alien Books plans for the new line to be
“new-reader friendly and ultra-accessible,” while featuring new versions of Bloodshot, X-O Manowar, Shadowman and more.
“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. “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 and Valiant announced their publishing agreement in 2023, and since then, they’ve rejuvenated the Valiant line, which seemed to be dying on the vine prior to the deal. The comics published by Alien Books leading into their Resurgence event so far have been continuations of the previous era, so I can see wanting to start fresh.
“Valiant has always been great at using super-powered characters to explore different genres, from horror to comedy to action and everything in between,” said 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.”
Valiant has announced four titles for March and April as part of Valiant Beyond, starting with Bloodshot by Mauro Mantella and Fernando Heinz Furukawa.
Below is the solicitation information for the first issue. I like that they recognize this is coming on the heels of Marvel’s Ultimate Universe and DC’s Absolute Universe, and instead of shying away from those inevitable comparisons, they totally lean into it in the solicitation text.
VALIANT BEYOND: BLOODSHOT #1 (of 3)
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.
Mantella said that this is a Bloodshot we’ve never seen before. “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,” he said.
That’ll be followed later in March by Tales of the Shadowman:
VALIANT BEYOND: TALES OF THE SHADOWMAN #1 (of 3)
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.
“It’s a new era in the Valiant universe and I have the honor of introducing a brand new version of Shadowman,” Ampadu said. “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.”
Those two titles will be followed in April by The X-O Manowar and All-New Harbinger, with promises to share the creative teams for them in January. They did send promotional art for X-O by Ariel Olivetti, along with some concept artwork:
“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,” said Alien Books Art Director Martin Casanova. “We’re optimistic that fan and retailer support will help us expand this line further with more miniseries and specials.”
They’re also making the first issues returnable for retailers who order enough copies.
“The first wave of Valiant Beyond debut issues will be returnable for direct market retailers if they hit very achievable order goals,” said 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.”
You can check out the beginning of the Valiant Beyond universe in next month’s Resurgence of the Valiant Universe finale, and there’s also a Valiant Universe Ultimate Guide being released in February that’ll contain concept artwork and sketches.
Also, the new universe doesn’t spell the end for the current Valiant universe. It’ll be back after Resurgence on Free Comic Book Day, as part of the Valiant Zombies: Resurrection event.
FCBD: VALIANT ZOMBIES: RESURRECTION
ENTER THE UNDEADSIDE!
After the shocking events of RESURGENCE, the heroes of the Valiant Universe are scattered and broken! Those who have survived find themselves in a world overrun by flesh eating creatures intent on their destruction – THE UNDEADSIDE!
Out of hope, out of time, the Valiant superheroes will uncover the secrets of the Undeadside in an ALL-NEW story that sets up the Valiant Comics event of 2025!
Script: Fred Van Lente
Art: Diego Giribaldi and Tomas Aira
Cover: Fernando Baldo
Available in comic book shops on May 3, 2025.