2022 is officially The Year of the Valiant as the comic book publisher will have a number of new launches, new creative teams, and a renewed focus on a shared universe in the pages of their comics.
The new initiative will see the return of several popular Valiant Entertainment characters, including Punk Mambo in the pages of Shadowman, Faith in The Harbinger, and a yet-to-be-revealed character which will have fans excited. In addition, Valiant also revealed a new "Deadside War" story coming to the pages of Cullen Bunn and Pedro Andreo's Shadowman series.
Check out the Valiant Universe coming together in a stunning image from Tyler Kirkham and Arif Prianto featuring the publisher's most iconic characters.
Gregg Katzmann, Director of Publishing, said the Year of the Valiant will be great for both new and old readers and that he's proud of what's coming up in the Valiant Universe.
The Year of Valiant is all about making Valiant fans proud while offering the perfect opportunity to welcome new readers to one of the most compelling shared universes in comics. With every new series, I believe readers will be able to see it's always a passion project for the creative team as they respect the rich history of these iconic characters and fully embrace what makes them unique. I'm proud of the road ahead for Valiant and I do hope you'll join us for the adventure.
Executive Editor Rob Levin said Valiant has only scratched the surface of what's to come.
2022 marks the start of Valiant Entertainment's second decade since publishing resumed in 2012, and one of the reasons I joined the company this past summer is because I think we're only just getting started. We're building on the incredible legacy of both the original '90s comics and the 2012 reboot, stellar characters who encompass so many different types of stories, and the tightest and most accessible shared universe in comics, and we're bringing in new creators, characters, concepts, and titles -- and of course the return of fan-favorites who have been out of the spotlight lately. This year is really the start of everything we want to do with the universe in comics and beyond, and we’ve only scratched the surface of what's possible. I'm thrilled to be part of such an incredible team and organization, and thankful for the opportunity to help tell amazing stories with some of the best talent in comics.
Publisher Fred Pierce said the Valiant Universe is taking a step forward in 2022 with the characters appearing in their comics, video games, prose novels, and potentially even live-action projects.
So much is happening in Valiant's 2022 to bring our Universe forward with the return of characters that fans continue to anticipate and love. There will be sci-fi, horror, comedy, and so much action that it will be hard to sit down as they're being read. In addition to publishing, be on the look out for games based on our characters, like Shadowman, graphic novels, prose novels, and perhaps items of a more cinematic nature from our great parent company DMG Entertainment. The Valiant family is happy for everyone to join the excitement.
Senior Editor Lys Hawkins teased what's coming up next in the Valiant Universe in 2022.
The year starts off with the return of Punk Mambo in SHADOWMAN, Faith in THE HARBINGER, and [CLASSIFIED] to the pages of the Valiant Universe and that's just the start! Full on hero time comes next, coupled with mind-blowing sci-fi, bone-chilling horror, and laugh-out-loud humor. Valiant has something to offer for everyone and 2022 is the year where there is no better place and time to rediscover, or just plain discover what the Valiant Universe is all about.
Marketing Coordinator Nic Osborn said The Year of Valiant is all about the fans and bringing them some fantastic stories.
"There really has never been a more perfect time to show just how much we love the characters and the universe they live in by delivering on the highest quality storytelling in comics and so much more. At its core, The Year of Valiant is all about you, the passionate and dedicated fan community. With a remarkable lineup of titles featuring flagship and fan-favorite characters, the iconic shared Valiant Universe will truly stand out as the place to be for any fan, and we are only just beginning to reveal all of the awesome surprises in store for 2022. I honestly couldn’t be more hyped for the opportunity to be a part of such a special time for Valiant.”
Cullen Bunn, current writer on the Shadowman series teased the upcoming Deadside War. Check out the cover for the upcoming arc by Jon-Davis Hunt.
In the new Deadside War story in SHADOWMAN, we’re seeing Blights—tears in the fabric of reality between our world and the Deadside—opening with increased frequency and increased supernatural mayhem. Shadowman is tasked with protecting our world, but he’s no longer sure that throwing punches and swinging scythes is the way to combat the Deadside’s ultimate plans. Plans? How can a place have plans? The answer to that question will lead Shadowman to gather allies such as Punk Mambo to his side. It will also awaken some old adversaries who might be too much even for the combined might of our heroes. All this brings us to the titular war, which could rip the entirety of the Valiant Universe apart.
All-in-all, big things are coming to the Valiant Universe which should have fans excited. With the multiple new launches, the return of fan-favorite characters, and more big things on the horizon, 2022 is set to be the Year of the Valiant.