Straight Forward Reviews : Unity # 9

The fight against the Armor Hunters heats up in Unity # 9.

Writer - Matt Kindt

Artist - Stephen Segovia

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Livewire wrestles with who she is and if using the Armor some time ago when she thought Aric to be her enemy has any effects on her. While that is going on the enemies unleashed during Armor Hunters are causing destruction and Gilad and Ninjak are called in to take them out.

Livewire's flashbacks and pondering her humanity are quite well written and Gilad's flashbacks as a way to reveal how he comes up with his tactics are quite nice as well.

Art

The art in this book is fantastic. There's mostly action scenes and all of it looks as dynamic as it should. Some of the panels even look like they could be done as posters or wall scrolls and it gives the comic a reason to be picked up even if you weren't interested in the story.

Verdict

This issue furthers the Armor Hunters plot and delves into Livewire's and Gilad's psyches really well. The awesome drawn action scenes which are plenty in this issue gives all the more reason to read. I give Unity a 9 out of 10.

Jeff Lemire, Matt Kindt, and Paolo Rivera Join THE VALIANT – A New Prestige Format Limited Series Beginning in December!

A battle ten millennia in the making is about to begin...

Valiant Entertainment is proud to announce THE VALIANT – a new prestige format four-issue limited series beginning in December from New York Times best-selling writers Jeff Lemire (Green Arrow,Animal Man) and Matt Kindt (RAI, UNITY, Mind MGMT), and featuring interior artwork and covers by Eisner Award-winning artist Paolo Rivera (Daredevil)!

An entirely self-contained comics event spotlighting Bloodshot, Eternal Warrior, Geomancer, and a cast of heroes and villains from across the Valiant Universe, THE VALIANT is a visionary new adventure from three of the greatest creative talents in comics today.

The Eternal Warrior has protected the Earth for more than 10,000 years. A master of countless weapons and long forgotten martial arts, he is guided by the Geomancers – those who speak for the Earth. During his long watch, the Eternal Warrior has failed three times. Each time, the Geomancer was killed…and a new dark age for humanity began. Each time, he was unable to stop The Immortal Enemy – a monstrous force of nature. A civilization killer. A horror that appears differently each time it arrives…and whose seemingly only purpose is to bring disorder and darkness to the world. Now, the time has come for The Immortal Enemy to return once more. But, this time, the Eternal Warrior will be ready. This time, he has a force greater than any single warrior. This time, he has…THE VALIANT.

"I've been a huge fan of what Valiant Comics has been doing for the past two years, with a lot of my favorite creators, and favorite people, like Matt Kindt, Josh Dysart and Rob Venditti, doing incredible work for the publisher," said writer Jeff Lemire. "So, it's a huge thrill for me to now step into the Valiant Universe in a BIG way with the upcoming four-issue series, THE VALIANT, along with co-writer Matt Kindt, and one of the most incredible artists working in comics today, Paolo Rivera. THE VALIANT will not only serve as a great entry point for brand new readers to Valiant, but also enrich the existing universe and shake it up dramatically moving forward. Valiant has an incredible stable of characters to play with, and they will ALL play a role in THE VALIANT."

"Jeff and I have been threatening to work together for a long time," said writer Matt Kindt. "And we did a little bit on Sweet Tooth with the few issues I did, but this is the first time we've really created something from scratch and written a long piece of work together. Collaborating on writing isn't something I normally get excited about, but Jeff and I just got coffee after a con one night and started brainstorming different things we could do and, by the end of the night, the waitress got a big tip and we'd written an outline for this epic story. It was like being transported to your best friend's kitchen table when you're 11 and cooking up fantastic comic book ideas. But in this case, when we were done, we got Paolo to draw it. We couldn't be more excited. I was just a fan of his on his now classic run on Daredevil. He's just a great cartoonist, you know? He can tell a story so well – and I think we gave him plenty of story to draw."

"I've heard nothing but good things about Jeff and Matt, and their script does not disappoint," said artist Paolo Rivera. "One of the major things that brought me to this project was the epic scale. Most of the stories I've worked on, even when action-packed, have been on the level of individuals. While our main characters are still the heart, this story spans epochs and realms, with consequences that, quite literally, affect the entire Earth."

"I worked with [Valiant Editor-in-Chief] Warren [Simons] briefly at Marvel, but he's been doing his best to lure me (and my Dad) to Valiant since 2012," added Rivera. "We've been doing mostly covers since then, so it's awesome to be drawing comics again. That, and it's fun to draw Bloodshot getting blown to bits."

A New York Times best-selling writer and artist, Jeff Lemire is the award-winning author of some of the most acclaimed graphic novels and comic book series in recent memory, including the Essex Countytrilogy, Sweet Tooth, and The Underwater Welder. A recipient of the American Library Association's prestigious Alex Award and the Joe Shuster Award, Lemire's work has also been nominated for the Eisner, Harvey, and Ignatz Awards. Most recently, his work for DC Comics has included critically acclaimed runs on Animal Man, Green Arrow, and Justice League United, as well as the creator-owned series Trillium for Vertigo. THE VALIANT will be Lemire's first full-length work for Valiant Entertainment.

Matt Kindt is the New York Times best-selling writer and artist of many acclaimed graphic novels and comic book series, including Mind MGMT, 3 Story: The Secret History of the Giant Man, Pistolwhip,Red-Handed: The Fine Art of Strange Crimes, Revolver, and Super Spy. A Harvey Award winner and Eisner Award nominee, his other works include Justice League of America and Suicide Squad for DC Comics, and Marvel Knights: Spider-Man for Marvel Comics. In addition to THE VALIANT, Kindt currently writes two ongoing series, RAI and UNITY, for Valiant Entertainment.

Paolo Rivera quickly gained notoriety for his painted artwork on Marvel Comics' Mythos before moving on to provide distinctive and striking covers for nearly all of the publisher's top series. With his father Joe Rivera inking his work, Rivera penciled the best-selling relaunch of Marvel's Daredevil with writer Mark Waid – a run that won the father-son duo two Eisner Awards for their work. THE VALIANT will mark Rivera's first full-length comics' work since Daredevil in 2012. He can be found online atpaolorivera.blogspot.com and twitter.com/PaoloMRivera.

This December, the Geomancer's sacred mission begins anew as superstar creators Jeff Lemire, Matt Kindt, and Paolo Rivera bring together THE VALIANT – a new comic book milestone, coming soon from Valiant Entertainment.
 

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

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.
 

THE VALIANT #1 (of 4)
Written by JEFF LEMIRE & MATT KINDT
Art & Cover by PAOLO RIVERA
$3.99 | T+ | 32 pgs.
COMING IN DECEMBER!
 

THE VALIANT #1 – Cover by Paolo Rivera


THE VALIANT #1 – Interior Pencils by Paolo Rivera


THE VALIANT #1 – Interior Pencils by Paolo Rivera


BLOODSHOT – Character Study by Paolo Rivera


GEOMANCER – Character Study by Paolo Rivera


IMMORTAL ENEMY – Character Study by Paolo Rivera

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.

Unity # 7 Review

UNITY #  7
Written by Matt Kindt
Art by CAFU & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics

This will be a spoiler free review.

                Unity splits up to take down Dr. Silk and webnet. Yet, in doing so, we see our heroes having to get their hands dirty in order to save the world as Ninjak tries to find Dr. Silk’s original body while the others face other horrors.

THE GOOD:

                Kindt lets all the previous issues plots boil to a great finale here. The plots all connect. There is a great feeling of coming to an end of a journey with this finale. Kindt ties up the plot well while still leaving danging plots for future stories. Unity taking things separately made sense in this situation and has the team facing off different threat. Yet, what two of our heroes do in order to save the world … kudos for Kindt for not making it easy. The dialogue is smooth while the issue is paced perfectly.

                CAFU and Reber do an excellent job giving us a stunning visual finale. I want more of CAFU in this book. His clean, tight pencils and Reber’s colors just light up every panel while still capturing the mood and tone of the story. Nice detailed work that is enhanced by each other. Really great art at the end of the book.

THE BAD:

                My only complaint is that the end, while satisfying was still a bit predictable. Otherwise, that’s it.

THE VERDICT:
                Unity # 7 was just a joy to read. The action was amazing. The story was solid. Kindt and CAFU make an exceptional team and I look forward to more from them. I give Unity # 7 4 stars … out of 5.

Preview: UNITY # 7

UNITY #7 ("TRAPPED BY WEBNET" – FINALE)
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by CAFU
Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (MAR141411)
Variant Cover by RAUL ALLEN (MAR141412)
Variant Cover by DAVE BULLOCK (MAR141413)

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 5/21/14 (FOC – 4/28/14)

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)

Straight Forward Reviews : Unity # 6

The team of Unity continue in their pursuit of Dr. Silk. While the "good" Dr. plans to unleash something he's been cooking up on the whole world.

Writer - Matt Kindt

Artist - CAFU

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The story sees X-O Manowar, Ninjak, and the Eternal Warrior chasing Dr. Silk and his brainwashed goons while Livewire is talking with the man himself.

Through the issue Silk's motivations are expanded upon and we see that not only are his goals not the standard fair but his motivations as well. He doesn't want to cause strife but the plan he reveals is most definitely a nefarious one. The intention for this arc was to show that Silk was a legitimate threat to these four and he definitely has done that. Silk is written very well.

There was also some more nice references to other things in the Valiant universe shown during Silk's explanations on why he's doing what he's doing that might be appreciated. So that's a bonus if you're a longtime Valiant fan.

Art

A lot of what I mentioned in my review of the previous issue applies here. The level of detail is really high and everything still manages to look dynamic. Which is a bit of a downfall of overly detailed art. Sometimes things get so detailed it actually starts to look less believable but CAFU does a fantastic job of having things look good and detailed. 

Verdict

This issue has some great plot building and character development for the villain. The team still seems to not be a true cohesive unit yet but we do see growth for them as well. All in all I can't really say to skip this one, it's a worthy read and for that I give Unity # 6 a solid 9 out of 10.

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!