Brand New! RAI # 3 Review

RAI # 3
Written by Matt Kindt
Art by Clayton Crain

Valiant Comics

This will be a spoiler free review.

                Spylocke and Father keep some secrets. Rai is looking for answers. And a certain Doctor in the Valiant Universe decides it is time to spill. 

ART:

                The book is still one of the most gorgeous, detailed books that has ever graced the comic book market. The richness of Crain’s work just brings so much life and action into this wonderous work. There is such kinetic actions. The fluid look of the art is really grabs your eyes. Crain gives us some great expressions with our characters and Rai in particular. The near cinematic style of the book really allows you to immerse yourself in New Japan.  The colors, like I said in previous reviews, are toned extremely well. They are not as dark as they normally are and Crain does some great scenes with Lula.  From the first panel to the last panel, every last piece and line in this book creates a truly immersive and powerful tapestry that will make you want more.

WRITING:

                Kindt writes another solid issue. We got to learn something fairly big this issue as the murder mystery starts to open some interesting facts about Rai and Father. More importantly, we start looking at the fact that this future is considering Earth  Hell while New Japan encompasses so many different cities we used to know. Definitely some great world building. And I love the characterizations of Rai, Lula, Spylocke and …., who really develop and further as main characters in their own way. Kindt does a good job of answering some questions while only making you ask more afterward. My only gripe, and it is very little, is the introduction of the Positron. Maybe it is just me but I felt that it’s addition to the book is …placed in the wrong part of the story. It felt, to me, that is should have come up much sooner than it did. Yet, I am sure it fits into whatever Kindt has planned. Otherwise, this was a great read.

FINAL VERDICT:
                For every answer, we got more questions. The action was insane. The art is absolutely ridiculous. The writing is fairly solid with one minor hiccup. But still, I feel fully immersed into this future and more more.  Kindt and Crain are definitely shining with this work.  I give Rai # 3 a 4.5 … out of 5.

RAI # 2 Review

RAI # 2
Written by Matt Kindt
Art by Clayton Crain
Lettering by Dave Lanphear
Valiant Comics

This will be a spoiler free review.

                The mystery continues as Rai goes to investigate the first murder in a thousand years in Japan. Rai then runs into Lula. Lula then gives Rai a new piece of the mystery that opens up a library to him. A library that is not under Father’s jurisdiction. And that library just beings to open more doors.

THE GOOD:

                Clayton Crain continues to draw a gorgeous book, full of images that pop right at you.  The amount of detail to the characters and background is astounding. And Crain really embraces the scifi feel and look of New Japan. The fully realized world of the future comes with some spectacular images and intense action. Crain brings out the best of his work from the first line to the last drop of color.

                Kindt script is solid from the word go. He tackles Rai, allowing Rai to be vulnerable while still being very much a letal weapon. Kindt gives a great amount of narrative and dialogue this issue but it really helps with the world building and developing character between Rai and Lula.  The story for the issue moves as a good pays. Kindt gives an incredible attention to detail as he links this book to present day Valiant while still building the future. With great pacing and compelling dialogue, this book is just a winner.

THE BAD:

                Nothing except waiting another month.

THE VERDICT:
                This book is nothing short of amazing. I definitely has me gripped with the story and the art is amazing. I give Rai # 2 … a 5 … out of 5. It is Amazing.

Comics News: RAI # 1 Sells Out First Week & Gets 2nd Printing!!!

RAI #1 Smashes into First Week Sell-Out; New Printing in Stores with June's RAI #2!


 

Valiant is proud to announce that RAI #1 – the debut issue of Valiant's newest ongoing series from New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (Unity, Mind MGMT) and superstar artist Clayton Crain(Carnage) – has rocketed through its 36,500 copy print run and is now completely sold out at the distributor level.  A second printing – with a new cover featuring Crain's stunning, digitally painted interior art – is now scheduled to arrive in stores June 4th, alongside the series' next blockbuster issue, RAI #2.

The year is 4001 A.D. – led by the artificial intelligence called “Father,” the island nation of Japan has expanded out of the Pacific and into geosynchronous orbit with the ravaged Earth below. With billions to feed and protect, it has fallen to one solitary guardian to enforce the law of Father’s empire – the mysterious folk hero known as Rai. They say he can appear out of nowhere. They say he is a spirit…the ghost of Japan. But when the first murder in a thousand years threatens to topple Father’s benevolent reign, Rai will be forced to confront the true face of a nation transformed…and his own long-lost humanity…

On June 4th, pick up RAI #1 SECOND PRINTING and RAI #2 to discover why critics are calling Matt Kindt & Clayton Crain's RAI the most daring new series of the summer:
 

"An immersive experience…unlike anything else in comics." – Comic Book Resources
"Rai is off to a killer start… This is a book you really need to check out." – Comic Vine
"Rai is just plain amazing…  It’s impossible to overstate how great Crain’s work is here." – IGN
"Maybe the best looking comic Valiant has produced yet, and a book that has nearly unlimited potential…" – Multiversity Comics
"A beautifully visualized, engaging artifact of future noir… [Rai] comes with the highest praise." –PopMatters
 

The first title of the VALIANT FIRST publishing initiative, RAI is a series unlike anything else in comics today – and a perfect introduction to Valiant’s award-winning line of titles! With major new #1 debuts arriving all summer long, look to VALIANT FIRST each month to discover a whole new array of titles that will have you reading Valiant FIRST when you head home from the comic shop:

• MAY: RAI #1 by Matt Kindt and Clayton Crain
• JUNE: ARMOR HUNTERS #1 by Robert Venditti and Doug Braithwaite
• JULY: ARMOR HUNTERS: BLOODSHOT #1 by Joe Harris and Trevor Hairsine
• JULY: ARMOR HUNTERS: HARBINGER #1 by Joshua Dysart and Robert Gill
• AUGUST: THE DELINQUENTS #1 by James Asmus, Fred Van Lente, and Kano
• SEPTEMBER: THE DEATH–DEFYING DR. MIRAGE #1 by Jen Van Meter and Roberto de la Torre

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, on Tumblr, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

RAI #1 CRAIN SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (VALIANT FIRST)
Written by MATT KINDT
Art & Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (MAR148327)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 6/4/14 (FOC – 5/12/14)

RAI #2 (VALIANT FIRST)
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by CLAYTON CRAIN
Cover A by RAUL ALLEN (APR141423)
Cover B by MICO SUAYAN (APR141424)
Mask Cover by RIAN HUGHES (APR141425)
Variant Cover by BART SEARS (APR141426)
Variant Cover by PAOLO RIVERA (APR141427)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 6/4/14 (FOC – 5/12/14)

First Look: RAI # 2

First Look: RAI #2 – MATT KINDT and CLAYTON CRAIN's New Series Soars in June!

Valiant is proud to present an advance look inside RAI #2 – the second issue of RAI's staggering first story arc by superstar creators Matt Kindt (Unity, Mind MGMT) and Clayton Crain (X-Force, Carnage)! This summer, discover the astonishing world of the 41st century as the VALIANT FIRST initiative launches in force!

In the far future of 4001 A.D., Japan is a single endless city-state, governed by a benevolent artificial intelligence and policed by one lone enforcer – the mysterious Rai, spirit guardian of the rising sun. But, soon, a single bullet will shatter the peace it has taken 2,000 years to secure…

On April 30th, start at the beginning to step into a daring new vision of what comics can be in RAI #1 – the must-read FIRST ISSUE of Matt Kindt and Clayton Crain's breakneck new series. Then, the radical journey into a future transformed continues on June 4th in RAI #2 – featuring fully painted interiors by Clayton Crain! Contact your local retailer to pre-order your copies today!

What do you read first? Throughout 2014, VALIANT FIRST will be rocketing to the top of your read pile with a major #1 issue debut monthly by some of the most talented creators in comics. Each month, Valiant is committed to delivering compelling and accessible new entry points to its award-winning publishing line – all while releasing no more than nine core titles per month by the end of the year. A combination of new ongoing titles, unprecedented crossover collisions, and high-profile mini-series, these are the books that will have you reading Valiant FIRST when you head home from the comic shop – and it all begins on April 30th in RAI #1!
 

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, on Tumblr, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

RAI #1 (VALIANT FIRST)
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by CLAYTON CRAIN
Cover A by CLAYTON CRAIN (MAR141386)
Cover B by BRYAN HITCH (MAR141387)
Cover C by STEPHEN SEGOVIA (MAR141388)
Cover D by RAUL ALLEN (MAR141389)
Variant Cover by KHARI EVANS (MAR141392)
Variant Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (MAR141393)
Variant Cover by DAVID AJA & RAUL ALLEN (MAR141394)
Blank Cover also available (MAR141390)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 4/30/14 (FOC – 4/7/14)

RAI #1 PLUS EDITION* (VALIANT FIRST)
Written by MATT KINDT
Art & Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
$4.99/T+/48 pgs.
ON SALE 4/30/14 (FOC – 4/7/14)

*For Valiant’s dedicated pullbox subscription customers, celebrate the launch of VALIANT FIRST with a special expanded edition of RAI #1, featuring 16 extra pages of in-story bonus features and dedicated looks inside the world of 4001 A.D. that won’t be collected for the trade paperback!

RAI #2 (VALIANT FIRST)
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by CLAYTON CRAIN
Cover A by RAUL ALLEN (APR141423)
Cover B by MICO SUAYAN (APR141424)
Mask Cover by RIAN HUGHES (APR141425)
Variant Cover by BART SEARS (APR141426)
Variant Cover by PAOLO RIVERA (APR141427)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 6/4/14 (FOC – 5/12/14)

Preview: RAI # 1

All-New Preview: RAI #1 – Inside the Visionary World of 41st Century Japan!

Valiant is proud to present an all-new look inside RAI #1 – the FIRST ISSUE of the hotly anticipated ongoing series from New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (Unity, Mind MGMT) with fully painted interiors by superstar artist Clayton Crain (X-Force, Carnage) arriving in stores on April 30th!

The year is 4001 A.D. – led by the artificial intelligence called “Father,” the island nation of Japan has expanded out of the Pacific and into geosynchronous orbit with the ravaged Earth below. With billions to feed and protect, it has fallen to one solitary guardian to enforce the law of Father’s empire – the mysterious folk hero known as Rai. They say he can appear out of nowhere. They say he is a spirit…the ghost of Japan. But when the first murder in a thousand years threatens to topple Father’s benevolent reign, Rai will be forced to confront the true face of a nation transformed…and his own long-lost humanity…
 

The first series of the VALIANT FIRST publishing initiative, RAI #1 is an experience unlike anything else in comics today – and a perfect introduction to Valiant's award-winning line of titles! Hitting stores one week early on April 30th – just before Free Comic Book Day 2014 - start reading here to explore a daring new vision of the year 4001…then discover one of the most acclaimed publishers in comics today with one new major VALIANT FIRST #1 issue each month from May onward! Packed with all-new entry points from some of the most talented creators in comics, these are the titles that will have you reading Valiant FIRST when you head home from the comic shop:
 

• MAY: RAI #1 by Matt Kindt & Clayton Crain
• JUNE: ARMOR HUNTERS #1 by Robert Venditti & Doug Braithwaite
• JULY: ARMOR HUNTERS: BLOODSHOT #1 by Joe Harris & Trevor Hairsine
• JULY: ARMOR HUNTERS: HARBINGER #1 by Joshua Dysart & Robert Gill
• AUGUST: THE DELINQUENTS #1 by Fred Van Lente, James Asmus & Kano
• SEPTEMBER: THE DEATH–DEFYING DR. MIRAGE #1 by Jen Van Meter & Roberto de la Torre

 

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, on Tumblr, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

For more information on Free Comic Book Day, visit FreeComicBookDay.com.

RAI #1 (VALIANT FIRST)
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by CLAYTON CRAIN
Cover A by CLAYTON CRAIN (MAR141386)
Cover B by BRYAN HITCH (MAR141387)
Cover C by STEPHEN SEGOVIA (MAR141388)
Cover D by RAUL ALLEN (MAR141389)
Variant Cover by KHARI EVANS (MAR141392)
Variant Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (MAR141393)
Variant Cover by DAVID AJA & RAUL ALLEN (MAR141394)
Blank Cover also available (MAR141390)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 4/30/14 (FOC – 4/7/14)

RAI #1 PLUS EDITION* (VALIANT FIRST)
Written by MATT KINDT
Art & Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
$4.99/T+/48 pgs.
ON SALE 4/30/14 (FOC – 4/7/14)

*For Valiant’s dedicated pullbox subscription customers, celebrate the launch of VALIANT FIRST with a special expanded edition of RAI #1, featuring 16 extra pages of in-story bonus features and dedicated looks inside the world of 4001 A.D. that won’t be collected for the trade paperback!

Comics News: Rai # 1 Video Trailer!

Video Trailer: RAI #1 – A Daring New Vision of the Future from MATT KINDT and CLAYTON CRAIN!

Valiant is proud to debut the official video trailer for RAI #1 – the FIRST ISSUE of an all-new ongoing series from New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (Unity, Mind MGMT) and superstar artistClayton Crain (X-Force, Carnage)! Now set to arrive in stores on April 30th – one week earlier than previously solicited, and just in time for Free Comic Book Day 2014 – discover the world of 41st century Japan with an all-new vision of the future unlike anything you've seen before!

The year is 4001 A.D. – led by the artificial intelligence called “Father,” the island nation of Japan has expanded out of the Pacific and into geosynchronous orbit with the ravaged Earth below. With billions to feed and protect, it has fallen to one solitary guardian to enforce the law of Father’s empire – the mysterious folk hero known as Rai. They say he can appear out of nowhere. They say he is a spirit…the ghost of Japan. But when the first murder in a thousand years threatens to topple Father’s benevolent reign, Rai will be forced to confront the true face of a nation transformed…and his own long-lost humanity…

On April 30th, Matt Kindt and Clayton Crain’s one-of-a-kind adventure proves that there is nothing else in comics like RAI! Contact your local retailer to pre-order your copy today, and look for the RAI #1 PLUS EDITION – featuring 15+ pages of all-new, in-story content that won't be collected for the trade and limited to initial orders – in stores the same day!

This summer, there's six new reasons to read VALIANT FIRST! Beginning with RAI #1, look for a major new #1 release from VALIANT FIRST each month – and a brand new reason to jump on board the most acclaimed publishing line in comics today:

• MAY: RAI #1 by Matt Kindt & Clayton Crain
• JUNE: ARMOR HUNTERS #1 by Robert Venditti & Doug Braithwaite
• JULY: ARMOR HUNTERS: BLOODSHOT #1 by Joe Harris & Trevor Hairsine
• JULY: ARMOR HUNTERS: HARBINGER #1 by Joshua Dysart & Robert Gill
• AUGUST: THE DELINQUENTS by Fred Van Lente, James Asmus & Kano
• SEPTEMBER: THE DEATH–DEFYING DR. MIRAGE by Jen Van Meter & Roberto de la Torre

For a sneak peek inside each monumental VALIANT FIRST release, look for the ARMOR HUNTERS FCBD 2014 SPECIAL – featuring previews of RAI #1, ARMOR HUNTERS #1 (of 4), X-O MANOWAR #24 (PRELUDE TO ARMOR HUNTERS), and much more – in participating Free Comic Book Dayretailers everywhere on May 3rd, 2014!

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, on Tumblr, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

For more information on Free Comic Book Day, visit FreeComicBookDay.com.

RAI #1 (VALIANT FIRST)
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by CLAYTON CRAIN
Cover A by CLAYTON CRAIN (MAR141386)
Cover B by BRYAN HITCH (MAR141387)
Cover C by STEPHEN SEGOVIA (MAR141388)
Cover D by RAUL ALLEN (MAR141389)
Variant Cover by KHARI EVANS (MAR141392)
Variant Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (MAR141393)
Variant Cover by DAVID AJA & RAUL ALLEN (MAR141394)
Blank Cover also available (MAR141390)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 4/30/14 (FOC – 4/7/14)

RAI #1 PLUS EDITION* (VALIANT FIRST)
Written by MATT KINDT
Art & Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
$4.99/T+/48 pgs.
ON SALE 4/30/14 (FOC – 4/7/14)

*For Valiant’s dedicated pullbox subscription customers, celebrate the launch of VALIANT FIRST with a special expanded edition of RAI #1, featuring 16 extra pages of in-story bonus features and dedicated looks inside the world of 4001 A.D. that won’t be collected for the trade paperback!

Comics News: Rai # 1 Release Date Moves Up to April 30th, 2014

RAI #1 Release Date Moves Up to April 30th, 2014 – Just in Time for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!


 

Valiant is proud to announce that RAI #1 – the FIRST ISSUE of an all-new ongoing series from superstar creators Matt Kindt (Unity, Justice League of America) and Clayton Crain (X-Force,Carnage), and the launch title of the VALIANT FIRST publishing initiative – will be hitting stores one week early on April 30th, just in time for Free Comic Book Day 2014!

"Free Comic Book Day has been a major component of Valiant's success since our return, and we always like to make sure that our retail partners are adequately equipped for the single biggest day of foot traffic in stores across the world," said Valiant Publisher Fred Pierce. "Moving the release of Rai #1 up to April 30th is the perfect way to ensure that local comic shops shops can get the jump on the launch of the Valiant First initiative, and introduce as many fans as possible to the stunning world of 41st century Japan as realized by two of the most phenomenally talented creators working in comics today."

This summer, Matt Kindt and Clayton Crain’s one-of-a-kind adventure proves that there is nothing else in comics like RAI! The year is 4001 A.D. – led by the artificial intelligence called “Father,” the island nation of Japan has expanded out of the Pacific and into geosynchronous orbit with the ravaged Earth below. With billions to feed and protect, it has fallen to one solitary guardian to enforce the law of Father’s empire – the mysterious folk hero known as Rai. They say he can appear out of nowhere. They say he is a spirit…the ghost of Japan. But when the first murder in a thousand years threatens to topple Father’s benevolent reign, Rai will be forced to confront the true face of a nation transformed…and his own long-lost humanity…

What do you read first? Throughout 2014, VALIANT FIRST will be rocketing to the top of your read pile with a major #1 issue debut monthly by some of the most talented creators in comics. Each month, Valiant is committed to delivering compelling and accessible new entry points to its award-winning publishing line – all while releasing no more than nine core titles per month by the end of the year. A combination of new ongoing titles, unprecedented crossover collisions, and high-profile mini-series, these are the titles that will have you reading Valiant FIRST when you head home from the comic shop –and it all begins on April 30th with RAI #1 by superstar creators Matt Kindt and Clayton Crain! Contact your local retailer to pre-order your copy today!

Also hitting on Free Comic Book Day, get a sneak inside the far-flung world of 4001 A.D. in the pages of Valiant's ARMOR HUNTERS FCBD 2014 SPECIAL – also featuring an advance look inside the launch of VALIANT FIRST's colossal summer crossover event ARMOR HUNTERS!
 

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, on Tumblr, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

For more information on Free Comic Book Day, visit FreeComicBookDay.com.

RAI #1 (VALIANT FIRST)
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by CLAYTON CRAIN
Cover A by CLAYTON CRAIN (MAR141386)
Cover B by BRYAN HITCH (MAR141387)
Cover C by STEPHEN SEGOVIA (MAR141388)
Cover D by RAUL ALLEN (MAR141389)
Variant Cover by KHARI EVANS (MAR141392)
Variant Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (MAR141393)
Variant Cover by DAVID AJA & RAUL ALLEN (MAR141394)
Blank Cover also available (MAR141390)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 4/30/14 (FOC – 4/7/14)

RAI #1 PLUS EDITION* (VALIANT FIRST)
Written by MATT KINDT
Art & Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
$4.99/T+/48 pgs.
ON SALE 4/30/14 (FOC – 4/7/14)

*For Valiant’s dedicated pullbox subscription customers, celebrate the launch of VALIANT FIRST with a special expanded edition of RAI #1, featuring 16 extra pages of in-story bonus features and dedicated looks inside the world of 4001 A.D. that won’t be collected for the trade paperback!

First Look: Valiant's RAI # 1 Pullbox Variant

Look Inside RAI #1 with the All-New Monthly VALIANT FIRST PULLBOX PREVIEW

In support of the Valiant First publishing initiative, Valiant is proud to announce the Valiant First Pullbox Preview – a brand new wave of promotional preview books shipping from March to August to Valiant's top 500 retail partners worldwide! Valiant's Pullbox Preview editions will come bundled in shrink-wrapped packages of 20, and can be distributed to comic shop patrons and pullbox subscribers. Valiant will also be making additional bundles available to retailers for reorder via Diamond.

Hitting stores on March 12th alongside Unity #5, the first Pullbox Preview edition will feature a fully lettered preview of Rai #1 by superstar creators Matt Kindt and Clayton Crain, plus the first look at master storyteller Doug Braithwaite's stunning interior pencil art for Armor Hunters #1 (of 4), a complete checklist reading order for the entire 18-part Armor Hunters crossover event, and much more!

      

"Over the course of the past two years, Valiant has made it our mission to arm our retail partners with some of the very best promotional tools and incentives in the business. Now, with the highly anticipated Valiant First rollout set to begin this May with Rai #1, Valiant is redoubling its efforts yet again with the new Pullbox Preview program. Beginning this March, fans can head to their local retailer each month and pick up the first of many all-new, free looks inside the biggest Valiant releases of the year with our new Pullbox Preview promotional comics," said Valiant Publisher Fred Pierce.

What do you read first? Throughout 2014, Valiant will be rocketing to the top of your read pile with a major #1 issue debut monthly by some of the most talented creators in comics. Each month, Valiant is committed to delivering compelling and accessible new entry points to its award-winning publishing line – all while releasing no more than nine core titles per month by the end of the year. A combination of new ongoing titles, unprecedented crossover collisions, and high-profile mini-series, these are the titles that will have you reading Valiant FIRST when you head home from the comic shop!

MAY

RAI #1 by Matt Kindt (Unity, Mind MGMT) & Clayton Crain (X-Force)
 

JUNE
ARMOR HUNTERS #1 by Robert Venditti (X-O Manowar, Green Lantern) & Doug Braithwaite (Unity, Justice)
 

JULY
ARMOR HUNTERS: BLOODSHOT #1 by Joe Harris (X-Files: Season 10) & Trevor Hairsine (X-Men: Deadly Genesis)

JULY

ARMOR HUNTERS: HARBINGER #1 by Joshua Dysart (Harbinger Wars) & Robert Gill (Batgirl)

AUGUST
THE DELINQUENTS #1 by Fred Van Lente (Marvel Zombies), James Asmus (Thief of Thieves) &Kano (Gotham Central)
 

SEPTEMBER
THE DEATH-DEFYING DR. MIRAGE #1 by Jen Van Meter (Hopeless Savages) & Roberto de la Torre (Daredevil)

Head to your local comics retailer this March to get your first look at the landmark comics initiative of 2014 in the pages of the Valiant First Pullbox Preview – featuring an advance preview of Rai #1 byMatt Kindt and Clayton Crain! And look for subsequent issues spotlighting Valiant First's most important releases to arrive each and every month.

   

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, on Tumblr, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

VALIANT Comics May 2014 Solicitations

      

RAI #1
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by CLAYTON CRAIN
Covers by CLAYTON CRAIN, BRYAN HITCH, STEPHEN SEGOVIA, and RAUL ALLEN
Variant Cover by KHARI EVANS
Variant Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE
Variant Cover by DAVID AJA & RAUL ALLEN
Blank Cover also available

VALIANT FIRST begins in force this May with an  all-new vision of the future in RAI #1 – a new monthly series from comics superstars Matt Kindt and  Clayton Crain!

The year is 4001 A.D. – led by the artificial intelligence called “Father,” the island nation of Japan has expanded out of the Pacific and into geosynchronous orbit with the ravaged Earth below. With billions to feed and protect, it has fallen to one solitary guardian to enforce the law of Father’s empire – the mysterious folk hero known as Rai. They say he can appear out of nowhere. They say he is a spirit…the ghost of Japan. But when the first murder in a thousand years threatens to topple Father’s benevolent reign, Rai will be forced to confront the true face of a nation transformed…and his own long-lost humanity…

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 7th!

--



RAI #1 PULLBOX PLUS EDITION
Written by MATT KINDT
Art & Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN

For the very first time – pre-order to get 15+ extra pages of 4001 A.D. action!

For Valiant’s dedicated pullbox customers, celebrate the launch of VALIANT FIRST with a special expanded edition of RAI #1, featuring more than 15 pages of in-story bonus features and dedicated looks inside the world of 4001 A.D. that won’t be collected for the trade paperback!

Retailers please note: this item will come polybagged and will be limited to initial orders only.

$4.99/T+/48 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 7th!

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X-O MANOWAR #25
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI with PETER MILLIGAN and JUSTIN JORDAN
Art by DIEGO BERNARD with J.G. JONES, BRYAN HITCH, and RAFER ROBERTS
Covers by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC and BRYAN HITCH
Armors Variant by ARTURO LOZZI
Throwback Variant by SEAN CHEN
Variant Cover by TERRY DODSON

VALIANT FIRST delivers another must-read milestone this May with a blockbuster, 48-page celebration of X-O Manowar’s 25th issue…and an essential introduction to the comic book event of 2014 – ARMOR HUNTERS!

Find out why the galaxy’s most feared team of hunter-killers have journeyed across the stars to destroy the X-O Manowar armor and the Earth along with it in ARMOR HUNTERS: PART ZERO by Robert Venditti and Diego Bernard. Then, revisit the roots of Aric of Dacia’s transformation from Visigoth conqueror into the 21st century’s alien-armored guardian, as told by Robert Venditti and J.G. Jones! Plus, all-new tales of X-O Manowar from Peter Milligan & Bryan Hitch, Justin Jordan & Rafer Roberts, and much, much more!

$4.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 21st!

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ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #20 (NEW ARC!)
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by PERE PEREZ
Covers by SHAWN CRYSTAL and MICHAEL WALSH
Variant Cover by MICO SUAYAN

ALL-NEW ARC! START READING HERE!  “AMERICAN WASTELAND” begins here!   

His whole life, Obadiah Archer has been lied to about his true heritage – but when he and his pal Armstrong arrive in L.A. to meet his real parents, they find them in the clutches of the CHURCH OF RETROLOGY! What insidious plans does THE LIZARD KING, the head of the favored religion of the Left Coast’s rich and famous, have for the Valiant Universe’s premier conspiracy busters? And what lurks in the Hollywood Hotel? (Hint: You can check in anytime you like, but you can never leave!)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 7th!

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SHADOWMAN: END TIMES #2 (of 3)
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art by VALENTINE DE LANDRO
Cover by JEFF DEKAL
Variant Cover by TREVOR McCARTHY

The return of Master Darque!  

Only one man can help Shadowman now…his worst enemy! Forced to confront the greatest shock of his lifetime, Jack Boniface speeds down a self-destructive spiral he may never recover from. Exterminating the wild and evil loa spirits that haunt New Orleans at any cost, Jack has left himself with nothing to lose…in this world. By crossing the veil into the dark world beyond – the Deadside – will Jack save his own soul…or destroy himself?

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 28th!

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UNITY #7
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by CAFU
Covers by TREVOR HAIRSINE and RAUL ALLEN
Variant Cover by DAVE BULLOCK

The final deathtrap of Dr. Silk!

Ninjak’s ultimate enemy has drawn his web tight around X-O Manowar and the rest of Valiant’s unbreakable all-star superteam…and now they’re about to find out how the globe’s most brilliantly depraved mind doles out revenge. “Trapped by Webnet” cuts to an action-packed conclusion…and no one will escape Dr. Silk’s grasp unscathed!

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 21st!

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HARBINGER #23
Written by JOSHUA DYSART
Art by CLAYTON HENRY
Cover by MICO SUAYAN
Final Interlocking Variant by ZACHARY MONTOYA
Variant Cover by KHARI EVANS

Dead. Means. Dead.

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 28th!

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BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS #22 (NEW ARC!)
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE & JOSHUA DYSART
Art by AL BARRIONUEVO
Covers by LEWIS LAROSA and ROBERTO DE LA TORRE
Variant Cover by RILEY ROSSMO

ALL-NEW ARC! START READING HERE!  Bloodshot VS. H.A.R.D. Corps! 

The one-man army known only as Bloodshot is forced to turn his guns on his own people!  Project Rising Spirit, the private military organization that created Bloodshot, enlisted him to fight on their side – and Bloodshot, seeking his own secret justice, agreed. Now his agenda comes to light, and Bloodshot turns around to destroy Rising Spirit once and for all…but he has to go through Major Palmer and his own ragtag team of men and women to do it! Our hero versus our heroes in a bloody battle with life-or-death stakes to save or destroy an evil corporation…and whoever wins…everyone loses!

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 14th!

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QUANTUM AND WOODY #10
Written by JAMES ASMUS
Art by KANO
Covers by KANO and RUSSELL DAUTERMAN

Quantum and Woody – against the world…or against each other?! 

Woody always had a weakness for the ladies…and when an old flame lures the goofus into a gang of mad-science super-crooks, Woody flips back to his old lawless ways! Where does this leave Woody’s sweet clone girlfriend? And now it’s up to his own brother Eric, who isn’t that sure he even wants to be a superhero, to bring Woody in! Don’t miss this bro-down for the ages!

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 14th!

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SHADOWMAN VOL. 4: FEAR, BLOOD, AND SHADOWS TPB
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE & AL BARRIONUEVO
Cover by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE

Master storytellers Peter Milligan and Roberto de la Torre present an all-new new beginning for New Orleans’ mysterious defender.  

When a troubled young man with a history of violence and a penchant for blackouts meets an overwhelming source of power with a mystical scythe, the results are doomed to be destructive. A voodoo loa has possessed Jack Boniface – or so he believes. But after Jack awakens in an alleyway covered in blood, he embarks on a journey across lands of shadows and death to discover if he can expel the dark force that’s seized control of his life…and which may be responsible for a violent rampage throughout New Orleans…

Collecting SHADOWMAN #13-16 by comics icon Peter Milligan (Hellblazer, X-Statix) and visionary artist Roberto De La Torre (Daredevil), start reading here as Shadowman begins a brand new era…and Jack Boniface gets dragged to his blackest depths yet!

$14.99/T+/32 pgs.
TRADE PAPERBACK
ISBN: 978-1-939346-27-8
ON SALE MAY 7th!

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HARBINGER WARS DELUXE EDITON HC
Written by JOSHUA DYSART and DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Art by CLAYTON HENRY, PERE PEREZ, BARRY KITSON, TREVOR HAIRSINE, KHARI EVANS, CLAYTON CRAIN, and MICO SUAYAN
Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN

Re-presenting Valiant’s best-selling crossover event in complete chronological order, the acclaimed Harbinger Wars saga gets the deluxe oversized hardcover treatment – with more than 20+ pages of bonus content and rarely-seen special features! 

When an untrained and undisciplined team of super-powered test subjects escape from Project Rising Spirit and onto the Vegas Strip, Bloodshot and the Harbinger Renegades will find themselves locked in battle against a deadly succession of opponents – and each other. As the combined forces of the H.A.R.D. Corps, Generation Zero, and omega-level telekinetic Toyo Harada all descend on Las Vegas to vie for the control of Rising Spirit’s deadliest assets, the world is about to discover the shocking price of an all-out superhuman conflict…and no one will escape unscathed. Who will survive the Harbinger Wars?

Collecting HARBINGER WARS #1-4, HARBINGER #11-14, BLOODSHOT #10-13 and material from the HARBINGER WARS SKETCHBOOK, the Harbinger Wars Deluxe Edition HC is the only place to find the complete story of the groundbreaking crossover that IGN calls “one hell of a ride.”

$39.99/T+/368 pgs.
OVERSIZED HARDCOVER
ISBN: 978-1-939346-32-2
ON SALE MAY 28th!