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)

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.