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.
Comic Book Club Live Info:
Discover more from Comic Book Club
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.