Valiant Unveils New VALIANT PREMIUM Format For X-O MANOWAR #1 – Debuting On March 22nd!

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February 7, 2017

As the all-new X-O MANOWAR #1 prepares to begin its war-ravaged journey into deep space on March 22nd, Valiant is proud to reveal that one of the year’s most anticipated comics debuts will now ship in the VALIANT PREMIUM format — a brand-new form of deluxe packaging created specifically for Aric of Dacia’s battle-worn conquest of a savage alien world!

Beginning with the release of X-O MANOWAR #1 – the FIRST ISSUE to THE EPIC NEW ONGOING SERIES from New York Times best-selling-writer Matt Kindt (Divinity, Ninjak, Mind MGMT) and a rotating cast of all-star interior artists, including Tomas Giorello (4001 A.D.: War Mother, Bloodshot Reborn), Doug Braithwaite (Armor Hunters, Bloodshot U.S.A.), Clayton Crain (Rai, Carnage), Ryan Bodenheim (The Dying & The Dead), and Mico Suayan (Bloodshot Reborn) – fans and readers everywhere can look forward to the VALIANT PREMIUM format appearing on each issue of X-O MANOWAR in 2017 and beyond. Then, don’t miss Aric of Dacia’s one-man domination of a battle-scarred alien world… one that will force him onto the front lines of an eons-old extraterrestrial battlefield, and will send him into the deepest reaches of space!

Features for the all-new X-O MANOWAR #1, the first release to showcase the VALIANT PREMIUMformat, will include:

Deluxe matte finish cover stock covers.
Upgraded, heavyweight interior pages.
An oversized, 34-page first chapter.
Minimal advertisements for an uninterrupted storytelling experience!

Valiant Publisher Fred Pierce said:

X-O Manowar is Valiant’s most important series launch of the year – so much so that it has inspired us to create an entirely new format of publishing that’s designed to highlight the visionary and epic work of Matt Kindt, Tomas Giorello, and every stunning artist that will join them across the title’s first year. Valiant’s first truly cosmic series starts here, and it’s an absolutely relentless adventure from the first page. Moreover, the VALIANT PREMIUM format will be an additive addition – at no extra cost to the consumer – that will enhance the storytelling and narrative impact of one of our biggest release to date. These are can’t-miss comics for anyone who considers themselves a fan of the medium.

In contrast to VALIANT PRESTIGE — an ads-free format designated for the publisher’s most important standalone event and limited series — VALIANT PREMIUM will only be applied to X-O MANOWAR. However, the VALIANT PRESTIGE format will continue to be utilized as needed.

Born under the oppressive thumb of the Roman Empire, Aric of Dacia learned warfare at an early age. It was amid such violence that he was abducted by an alien race. Forced into slavery, he survived where others perished. His escape would come from bonding with a weapon of immeasurable power: the X-O Manowar armor. With it, he returned to Earth…only to find himself stranded in the modern day.

But that was a lifetime ago.

Now, far from home on a strange and primitive new world, Aric has begun a new life. Liberated from his past, he tends to his crops. Free from war. Free from violence. Free from the armor.

A brutal, deep-space saga awaits Valiant’s premiere hero here, as he enters a herculean voyage through the cosmos unlike anything fans have seen before! Alien planets, all-new characters, and out-of-this-world adversaries will stand revealed as Aric of Dacia rises from SOLDIER to GENERAL to EMPEROR to VISIGOTH in a star shattering adventure!

On March 22nd, the new VALIANT PREMIUM format blasts off in visceral detail as Matt Kindt and Tomas Giorello begin the space-faring, sci-fi odyssey of the year, only in X-O MANOWAR #1 – featuring covers by Lewis LaRosa (Bloodshot Reborn), Kenneth Rocafort (Inhumans vs. X-Men), Mico Suayan (Thor), J.G. Jones (Final Crisis), and Monica Palosz (Divinity III: Stalinverse)!

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

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com

X-O MANOWAR (2017) #1
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by TOMÁS GIORELLO
Cover A by LEWIS LAROSA (JAN172113)
Cover B by KENNETH ROCAFORT (JAN172114)
Interlocking Variant Cover by MICO SUAYAN (JAN172116)
X-O Manowar Icon Variant by J.G. JONES (JAN172117)
Brushed Metal Variant Cover by MONIKA PALOSZ (JAN172117)
$3.99 | 40 pgs. | T+ | VALIANT PREMIUM | On Sale MARCH 22nd (FOC – 2/27/17)

X-O MANOWAR (2017) #2
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by TOMAS GIORELLO
Cover A by LEWIS LAROSA (FEB172049)
Cover B by KENNETH ROCAFORT (FEB172050)
Interlocking Variant by MICO SUAYAN (FEB172052)
X-O Manowar Icon Variant by KAARE ANDREWS (FEB172053)
Blank Cover Also Available (FEB172051)
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | VALIANT PREMIUM | On Sale APRIL 26th (FOC – 4/3/2017)

Check out some interior preview pages below and tell us what you think in the comments!

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5. X-O MANOWAR (2017) #1 – Interior Art by Tomas Giorello with Diego Rodriguez

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‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2’ Director Discusses ‘Thanos’ and Awesome New BTS Pics

By

Emma Nicholson

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February 7, 2017

News of the Guardians of the Galaxy has been showered upon us this week, and the latest is a selection of new behind the scenes shots, as well as an explanation from director James Gunn regarding the surprising absence of Thanos (a.k.a. the Mad Titan) who was debuted in the first instalment. The news comes courtesy of Comic Book Movie around three months before the film’s late spring release date.

We’ve already heard Kevin Feige’s slant on the Thanos affair and his placement in the Marvel Extended Universe, and now James Gunn, director of Vol.2 has had his say. In an interview with Collider, Gunn explained that despite the Mad Titan appearance in the first film, he will not feature in the sequel so as not to detract from the central storyline. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 focuses on the dynamics of the team, particularly the relationship between the sisters Nebula (Karen Gillan) and Gamora (Zoe Saldana).

“It’s about two sisters. It’s not about the sisters and their father. It’s about two sisters and what were the sisters’ problems with each other? And, you know, some of those things were caused by being raised by the ultimate abusive father. But it really isn’t about Thanos, and frankly, I just wasn’t inspired to put him in the movie. You know, I kind of go with my gut on these things and it just wasn’t what I wanted to do. It wasn’t the most fun part of the movie last time for me and I just didn’t really wanna do it this time.

“And again, the relationship with Thanos has nothing to do with it. It’s not about their relationship with Thanos. It’s about their relationship to each other, and what is that? And that was interesting to me, and I thought that was important to our story, and that was important to our characters. What happened with them in the past—there’s a lot of stuff that happened with them in the past that affects our characters presently.”

So, although he may have no physically presence, we can expect a mention at the very least if some rekindling of sisterly, family bond is to be expected between Gamora and Nebula.

There’s not long to wait now before our speculation can be put to rest. In the meantime, we’ve been gifted with a set of energetic behind the scenes photos to whet our appetites.

The official synopsis is as follows:

Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.

Written and directed by James Gunn, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 sees the return of Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Dave Bautista as Drax, Michael Rooker as Yondu, Karen Gillan as Nebula, Sean Gunn as Kraglin, and once again borrows the voices of Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper for Groot and Rocket respectively. New cast include Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Elizabeth Debicki as Ayesha, Chris Sullivan as Taserface and Kurt Russell as Ego.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 hits theaters on May 5th.

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‘Blood Blister’ Is A Gross And Disturbing Addition To Horror Comics

By

Manuel Gomez

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Brandon Hull is a morally corrupt lawyer who abuses his power, neglects his family, and thinks himself above most people. He also suffers from a mysterious blister that never seems to stop bleeding. When Hull enters what he thinks is a children’s Halloween haunted house to pick up his son, he encounters hellish images and literal demons that may just reveal the depths his human soul has sunk to.

Blood Blister #1
Written by: Phil Hester
Art by: Tony Harris, Eric Layton and Guy Major
Published by: AfterShock Comics

Writing

Seasoned comics veteran Phil Hester brings some visceral horror in this book. But it’s not without dark humor (at least initially) as the opening scene with the redneck family brings to mind gory splatter comedies like Re-Animator and Basket Case with its depiction of grossness for laughs. But even then there is an underlying feeling of true horror, specifically “body horror” (think David Cronenberg) that isn’t lost on the reader. The main character constantly bloodletting his blister is fairly disgusting, and every time it does it builds a bit of intrigue.

So when the tone changes toward the end and gets serious, it doesn’t seem jarring. In fact, the ending is the best part for me, as it really starts to open up the story, which I felt was starting to get a little slow. The paced eased a bit in the middle, but the ending will leave you hooked and awaiting the second issue.

Art

The art in this is great. Tony Harris, Eric Layton, and Guy Major create a look that is stylized but still disturbing when it needs to be. It actually invokes EC Comics style horror, but with a very modern sense of page layout and panel structure. It’s very inventive and visually pleasing. And again, like the writing, there is an overall feeling of “not right’ that swims beneath the surface.

The line work is inked thick and dense, which really makes the art jump off the page. Everything is outlined in black, which is subtle art move, but one of the most effective ways to give comic book art a look that draws attention to each figure.

The character design is also fantastic, and the very expressive faces really allow for the horror to come through when needed. The entire haunted house sequence at the end is a high-light, with an excellent use of space and color. It’s great stuff.

Conclusion

Blood Blister seems poised to be an intriguing mystery, with serious horror elements. There is enough originality in it to help separate it from other horror titles out now. AfterShock Comics continues to pump out very interesting non-superhero genre work, and that is always welcome in the medium. Give this a shot; you will be amused, disgusted, and maybe even a little disturbed.

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‘Kong: Skull Island’ Has So Many Incredible Posters

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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February 7, 2017

We are just art a month away from Kong: Skull Island, and if the movie itself is half as great as the trailers suggest, and a tenth as wonderful as the endless barrage of posters, we are in for a treat.

The latest awesome poster from Kong: Skull Island comes from Japan, and the Japanese certainly know how to frame big monster action in their artwork. Check it out:

Amazing. And it’s just the most recent in a whole collection. Previously released American posters really look to amp up the whole Vietnam era Apocalypse Now vibe of the movie. This IMAX poster is my personal favorite because it resembles AN fan art despite the fact it comes from the studio:

And if we didn’t have these, we would still have the first one. It’s magnificent as well, and the palette of blues and oranges is perfection.

Scientists, soldiers and adventurers unite to explore a mythical, uncharted island in the Pacific Ocean. Cut off from everything they know, they venture into the domain of the mighty Kong, igniting the ultimate battle between man and nature. As their mission of discovery soon becomes one of survival, they must fight to escape from a primal world where humanity does not belong.

Kong: Skull Island stars Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman, Tom Hiddleston, and a wacky John C. Reilly who is already my favorite character from the film. It’s directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, and is intended to set up a showdown between Kong and Godzilla some time in the future. We still have to get that second Godzilla movie up and running first.

We will see just how great this thing is March 10.

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Iron Fist Releases New Kick Ass Trailer

By

Nick Enquist

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February 7, 2017

Iron Fist dropped a full length trailer today that included an in-depth look at the tone of the series, and its characters. The Marvel, Netflix production is the fourth series to come from their “Defenders” universe. In this trailer we can see more of Danny Rand, what his quest is, and the characters he’ll interact with. There’s also a ton of action in this trailer, as well as a fair bit of humor. The plot indicates that Danny Rand’s return will be full of challenges and conflicts from some questionable characters. (Madame Gao, anyone?) Check out the trailer below.

Fifteen years after being presumed dead in a plane crash, Danny Rand (Finn Jones) mysteriously returns to New York City determined to reclaim his birthright and family company. However, when a long-destined enemy rises in New York, this living weapon is forced to choose between his family’s legacy and his duties as the Iron Fist. Marvel’s Iron Fist premieres March 17, 2017 exclusively on Netflix.

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Light Up Your Superhero Fan Cave With These Awesome Valiant Comics Logo Lights

By

Manuel Gomez

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February 7, 2017

Set aside sports fans! Us comic geeks are getting our own ~~man~~ fan cave style light up signs. Check them out below and comment what you think!

InLightz, the exclusive designer of LED logo boxes for fans and enthusiasts, is proud to announce a new partnership with Valiant Entertainment. For the first time ever, the renowned publisher’s line-up of critically acclaimed superheroes including X-O Manowar, Faith, Bloodshot, Shadowman, and Harbinger, will shine like never before in three-dimensional LED light boxes that will power up your home, office, and everywhere in between! Hitting comic shop shelves everywhere beginning Second Quarter 2017, no collection will be complete without these superheroic display items!

The new InLightz logo box was developed by company founder Mathew Cianchino, a lifelong comic book, movie and gaming enthusiast. He was inspired to create this product as he searched for a way to showcase his favorite superheroes at his desk. Since there was nothing like this on the market, he designed a back-lit, three-dimensional LED box that could display fun, colorful logos.

In collaboration with Michael Chiriac, InLightz has produced a product that fits enthusiast’s many passions. Fans of all ages will have the ability to interchange logos as they hunt to collect the entire Valiant Universe.

Russell A. Brown, Valiant’s President, Consumer Products, Promotions & Ad Sales said:

Valiant is home to some of the most iconic superheroes in comics. From Bloodshot to Harbinger to Shadowman to X-O Manowar, our characters are becoming increasingly recognized by comics and pop culture enthusiasts across the country. InLightz is a truly innovative way to display the bold iconography of the Valiant Universe, and we’re thrilled to partner with them for this fun and interactive product that will catch the eye of fans everywhere.

The LED logo box features include:

Officially licensed artwork from Valiant, including logos for Bloodshot, Faith, Harbinger, Shadowman, X-O Manowar, and Valiant Entertainment
Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.25 x 1.5 (WxHxD)
Interchangeable parts that are quick and easy to use
A single, super bright LED with long battery life
Two LED modes: Always On or 4-Hour Timer
Patent pending design

About InLightz:

InLightz is dedicated to providing a totally unique way for fans to showcase their enthusiasm for what they love. It is the first and only company to offer collectible, illuminated logo boxes that can be transported anywhere. Whether it be superheroes or villains, sports teams, automotive, games or movies, we want to make sure that our products light up our customers’ passions. Find more information at www.InLightz.com or follow us on Facebook (InLightz).

About Valiant Entertainment:

Valiant Entertainment is a leading character-based entertainment company that owns the largest independent superhero universe in comics. With more than 80 million issues sold and a library of over 2,000 characters, including X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Harbinger, Shadowman, Archer & Armstrong, and many more, Valiant is one of the most successful publishers in the history of the comic book medium. Today, the company’s characters continue to be forged in publishing, licensing, film, video games, and beyond. Valiant consistently produces some of the most critically acclaimed comics in the industry and has received numerous industry awards and accolades, including a Diamond Gem Award for Comic Book Publisher of the Year. Visit them online at ValiantUniverse.com.

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, and ValiantUniverse.com.For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com

Valiant Comics

VALIANT INLIGHTZ – Complete Set

VALIANT INLIGHTZ – Valiant Entertainment Logo Unlit

VALIANT INLIGHTZ – Valiant Entertainment Logo Lit

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It’s ‘Wick’ Week, So Let’s Discuss Keanu Reeves’ 10 Best Roles

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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February 7, 2017

This week, John Wick: Chapter 2 hits theaters. It marks another successful action franchise for the always marginalized, never fully appreciated Keanu Reeves. Sure, these days, Reeves has finally been canonized by a few pockets of self-respecting movie nerds, but general consensus out there is he’s just a bad actor.

False.

Even outside John Wick and the Matrix Trilogy Reeves has, more often than not, managed to find the perfect vehicle for his unique acting chops. And his decisions have been consistently interesting over the years, rarely boring moves outside that Bullock lake movie. Even when his movies fail (late 90s crap like Johnny Mnemonic and Chain Reaction), the movies aren’t boring. Just bad. After all this is the dude who was awesome in Speed, and smart enough to pass up on Speed 2.

To celebrate Wick Week, let’s have some fun looking back at Reeves’ 10 best roles, or best movies, however you’d like to couch this thing. Enjoy…

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1. Scott Favor, My Own Private Idaho

In the same year Point Break came out, Keanu Reeves also managed to sneak in his best, most subtle, most emotionally textured performance in Gus Van Sant’s Portland street hustler adaptation of Henry IV. In a way then, this is Reeves’ first foray into Shakespeare. He plays Scott, the rich street hustler and the object of River Phoenix’s affection. Private Idaho is a film thriving on its own brilliant idiosyncrasies, and it’s the best pure acting in Reeves’ career.

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Watch: ‘The Lego Batman’ Meets The CW DC Heroes In New Video

By

Aric Sweeny

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February 7, 2017

As if the marketing for The Lego Batman Movie couldn’t get any better, they drop this video for the world to see. Yes, you read that headline right. Down below, watch Lego Batman interact with The CW DC heroes in a new video.

What are your thoughts on this funny new piece of marketing? Are you planning to see The Lego Batman Movie in theaters this weekend? Comment below!

Plot synopsis: “In the irreverent spirit of fun that made “The LEGO Movie” a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble – LEGO Batman – stars in his own big-screen adventure: “The LEGO Batman Movie.” But there are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker’s hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up.”

The Lego Batman Movie stars Will Arnett as the Caped Crusader, Ralph Fiennes as Alfred Pennyworth, Zach Galifianakis as The Joker, Rosario Dawson as Barbara Gordon/Batgirl, Billy Dee Williams as Harvey Dent/Two-Face, Mariah Carey as Mayor Grange, and Michael Cera as Dick Grayson/Robin.

The film lands in theaters on February 10.

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John Boyega Shares Photo From ‘Pacific Rim’ Sequel

By

Aric Sweeny

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February 7, 2017

2013’s Pacific Rim is looking to be bigger and better than the first, and has added John Boyega, among others, to the cast.

Boyega recently shared a photo from the film on Twitter. Check it out below.

I am Pentecost
2018#PacificRimUprising pic.twitter.com/36BEwIVRVD

— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) February 7, 2017

Are you looking forward to seeing the actor in Pacific Rim: Uprising? What did you think of the first?

Pacific Rim: Uprising is directed by Stephen DeKnight and stars Boyega, Charlie Day, Cailee Spaeney, Jing Tian, Rinko Kikuchi, Burn Gorman, Levi Meaden, Adria Arjona, Scott Eastwood, Karan Brar and Nick E. Tarabay.

The movie hits theaters on February 23, 2018.

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It Might Be Time to Give Up on This ‘Friday the 13th’ Reboot

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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February 6, 2017

Earlier today, Friday the 13th was pulled from Paramount’s slate of upcoming movies. The World War Z sequel was removed as well, but that’s probably the best for everyone.

As for the Friday the 13th reboot, round two, it might be time to give up on this thing. Originally slated for a meaty June release, the murderous misadventures of everyone’s favorite undead goalie has been sputtering for years trying to get going. There’s been no reason given for the removal yet, but perhaps it’s because nobody cares about a reboot?

The original Friday the 13th series is fun and entertaining mostly for nostalgic reasons. Let’s not kid ourselves, they are trashy movies and more of them are unwatchable than even halfway decent. That being said, when the original franchise works, it works really well. Also, call me crazy, but that 2009 reboot was one of the better Jason movies… ever made? That sounds weird but, yeah, it benefited from an actual production budget.

Maybe nobody really cares about slasher films anymore. Or maybe just not right now. Horror junkies might be able to correct me here, but has their been a stalker/slasher film to come out this decade that wasn’t some tired retread or sequel intent on dragging a dead franchise through the mud and the blood? I’m looking at you, Saw.

Anywho, R.I.P. Friday the 13th. If anything changes we will let you know.

At least we will have the game before long.

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