Collector’s Corner: Modern Valiant (2012 – Present)

 

“If you buy a comic book for $1,000, and sell it for $1,100 you have made a minor profit. But if you buy a comic book for $300 and sell it for $1,100, you have made a significant return on investment. In a game based on numbers, number matter. The trick is to actually pay less attention to what the market is focused on today, and more attention to what they will focus on tomorrow. It also helps when both the quality and vision are already in place; which they indeed already are.”

– DBS

Since the 2012 re-launch of Valiant Entertainment, there have been hundreds of comics (and variants) published and released to the comic book community. While the market is fluid, and some debated is expected (and encouraged in the comments below), these are the Top 20 modern Valiant books based on market trends and market value.

1. Unity #1 (Crain Golden Ticket), Unity #1 (Foreman Golden Ticket), & Unity #1 (Jones Golden Ticket): On Nov 21, 2013 Valiant Entertainment announced its “Unity #1 Golden Ticket Contest” (Source: Official Golden Ticket Announcement). Unity #1 had a print run of 60,003 copies, and what Valiant did was to print a #UNITYGOLDENTICKET hashtag in gold ink on the UPC box of only copy of each of the five Pullbox Exclusive Variants, and then place them at one of five pre-selected local comic shops across the continental United States. The five Golden Tickets were:

• Unity #1 (Crain Golden Ticket)
• Unity #1 (Foreman Golden Ticket)
• Unity #1 (Jones Golden Ticket)
• Unity #1 (Hitch Golden Ticket)
• Unity #1 (Rivera Golden Ticket)

Each Golden Ticket is a one-of-a-kind book. The prize for finding and obtaining a Golden Ticket included the chance to win one of ten exclusive prize packages, including tickets to New York Comic Con 2014.

ValiantFans.com forum member “Magnus9178” was the first, finding the Unity #1 (Jones Golden Ticket) on Dec 14, 2013 at Ed Greenberg’s Collector’s Paradise in Canoga Park, CA. The second was ValiantFans.com forum member “Beware Cyclops” who found the Unity #1 (Crain Golden Ticket) on Dec 16, 2013 at Forbidden Planet in New York City, NY. The third was Mr. Jesse Fresco, who is perhaps best known for his Bloodshot Cosplay (see: Jesse Fresco’s Twitter) as well as his movie reviews on youtube’s “Someone Has to Review It!” (see: Someone Has to Review It!). Jesse found the Unity #1 (Foreman Golden Ticket) at the 2014 SDCC (reportedly at the Midtown Comics booth during the convention).

Both the Unity #1 (Hitch Golden Ticket) and the Unity #1 (Rivera Golden Ticket) have never been located.

Of the three known Golden Tickets, only the Unity #1 (Foreman Golden Ticket) has ever been sold; the Unity #1 (Crain Golden Ticket) and Unity #1 (Jones Golden Ticket) are both still owned by the original owners. All three have been CGC graded as follows:

• CGC 9.6 Unity #1 (Crain Golden Ticket): 
• CGC 9.6 Unity #1 (Foreman Golden Ticket): 
• CGC 9.4 Unity #1 (Jones Golden Ticket): 

There is no debate that of all modern Valiant Comics (released after the 2012 re-launch) that these three are at the top of the list. Market value for these books do not exist, though several multi-thousand dollar offers have been declined.

The Unity #1 (Golden Ticket) is listed by Recalled Comics as “Ultra-Rare” and among the top 12-15 rarest comics in the world today.

 

 

 

 

2. Harbinger #1 (DMG Promo Variant) & Bloodshot #1 (DMG Promo Variant): On Mar 9, 2015 Valiant Entertainment announced “a new partnership to span motion pictures, television, publishing, and licensing that will culminate in the big screen debut of Valiant’s universe of characters in theaters around the world” (Source: ValiantUniverse.com).

During the announcement in Beijing, China, promotional comics for both Harbinger and Bloodshot were distributed to members of the Chinese press who attended the press conference. These promotional comics were reprints of Harbinger #1 and Bloodshot #1 written in Mandarin Chinese.

The exact number of printed copies is unknown; as is the number of copies that were actually distributed to the press. Additionally, while seasoned collectors and/or speculators have a proud history of protecting and caring for their comics; non-collectors typically DO NOT and tend to toss such “gems” haphazardly into a bag filled with business cards, company pens, and, business flyers. At the time of this writing, only three sales of these comics (that we are aware of) have occurred, each selling for an unexpectedly significant amount.

A raw ungraded copy of the Harbinger #1 (DMG Promo Variant) was sold via private sale for a reported $1,000+ in Sept, 2015.

In Nov, 2015 a CGC 9.6 Harbinger #1 (DMG Promo Variant) and a CGC 9.6 Bloodshot #1 (DMG Promo Variant) each sold for $510 which is the highest legit selling price for a modern Valiant comic in that grade. Clearly, any NM+ and/or CGC/CBCS 9.8+ copies will sell for a premium (if they are found).

Presently, the Harbinger #1 (DMG Promo Variant) & Bloodshot #1 (DMG Promo Variant) appear to be the among, if not the rarest and/or hard to find Harbinger #1 and/or Bloodshot #1 variants released so far.

Very few (almost zero) copies have been found in the wild. Valiant Mega-Collector Justin Ehart reportedly contacted a number of sources in mainland China in search of these books with negative results. At-least one or two were signed by Valiant Editor in Chief Warren Simons and provided to “Brigadier” Bruce Hartshorn as a gift for his years of support during and after the 2012 re-launch of Valiant Entertainment.

This books should NOT be treated like the many other foreign language reprints found in comics; this book is #2 on this list for very good reason, and we dare you to find one of these two rare gems.

 

 

3. X-O Manowar #15 (Kotaki 1:50 Error) and X-O Manowar #15 (Kotaki 1:50 Variant): This (the Error) is a book that some collectors have called VEI’s “Bloodshot #0 (Platinum Error).” It is considered a “Modern Valiant Holy Grail” by collectors, and almost all sales of this book have been conducted private or between friends.

What makes this book special is a number of factors;

• It is an Error from a 1:50 variant, which means the print run was already low (estimated less than 300 based on a print-run of 13,997 regular copies (source: Comichron sales data for July, 2013)).
• The Error Copies exist only within the pool of available 1:50 variants, which means that while the exact number of printed Error copies is unknown, we DO know that it is smaller than the total number of 1:50 variant for this issue.
• The Error is an X-O Manowar #15 (Kotaki 1:50 Variant) with Quantum & Woody #1 interior pages (which ALSO makes this the rarest Quantum & Woody #1 Variant as well).

There has been a recent raw auction via eBay where this book sold for $441 ungraded.

It is unknown how many “Error Copies” exist, but CGC/CBCS 9.8 copies are worth a TON of cash to Valiant Fans and/or Collectors. So are ANY copies for that matter when you think about it.

Additionally, due to the relationship between the X-O Manowar #15 (Kotaki 1:50 Error) and the X-O Manowar #15 (Kotaki 1:50 Variant) in that they shared the same low print run, the non-error version of X-O Manowar #15 (Kotaki 1:50 Variant) also holds a strong spot on this list, and as such is included as part of #3.

 

4. Shadowman #13 (Davis 1:50 Variant): Based on a print run of 9,403 regular copies (source: Comichron sales data for December, 2013) it is estimated that less than 200 copies of Shadowman #13 (Davis 1:50 Variant) exist.

Some collectors even question that number, as it has almost never been seen by fans and/or collectors; many of which have been searching for the past two years for a copy with little luck.

Most recently, a CGC 9.8 copy was auctioned via eBay with a winning bid of $516. Other than this sale, there has been silence in the market, as copies are simply not available.

 

 

 

 

5. Eternal Warrior #5 (Mack 1:50 Variant): Similar to Shadowman #13 (Davis 1:50 Variant), this book had a print run of 9,503 regular copies (source: Comichron sales data for January, 2014) it is estimated that less than 200 copies of Eternal Warrior #5 (Mack 1:50 Variant) exist.

Further significant to Valiant fans and collectors as Eternal Warrior #5 introduced the world of 4001 AD to the Valiant Universe, which would later be the setting not only for Rai, Eternal Warrior, and Ivar, Timewalker, but also Valiant’s 2016 mega cross-over event titled “4001“.

Recent sales at the have proven interesting. There have been raw, ungraded sales for $300+, and a recent CGC 9.8 copy sold for just under $500.

 

 

 

 

6. Shadowman #NN (Black): We do not know how many were printed; however, we DO know that only 500 copies were “Earned” by retailers, fans, and/or collectors.

The condition for many copies has been questionable times, with a number of flaws that prevent them from achieving a grade of CGC/CBCS 9.8. Due to the condition-sensitive nature for this book, coupled with low number in circulation, CGC/CBCS 9.8 copies have sold for a premium with recent sales in the $450–$500 range.

Originally, each copy came with an all black slip cover; however, both CGC and CBCS remove this during the grading and encapsulation process (similar to what they do with the old “Poly-bags” for the early 1990’s”).

In any event, Shadowman (Black) is a rare book with a striking cover, and further features the 1st appearance of Valiant’s modern Shadowman (this copy pre-dates Shadowman #1 which was released two months later in December). See 1992’s X-O Manowar #4 for the 1st appearance of Shadowman in comics.

Both in demand and coveted by collectors, it holds well on this list.

 

7. Shadowman #1 (Zircher Gold): According to Valiant Master-Seller Jay Hall (Forum Name: “Bloodshot” on Valiant Fans) this book is ridiculously difficult to obtain in CGC/CBCS 9.8. He would know, personally inspecting and/or pre-grading multiple copies with limited (but occasional) luck.

It is a “white-whale” for many, and a difficult book for collectors to get their hands on in High Grade; and it is not getting any easier to find.

Recent sales have shown a $480 price tag.

 

 

 

 

 

8. Divinity #1 (LaRosa 1:40 Variant): It was almost a perfect storm that created this monster of a book:

• The first appearance of a **NEW** and/or original major Valiant character in decades.
• Under-ordered by local comic shops, so a low Divinity print run.
• Valiant’s Dinesh Shamdasani announced that less than 350 copies even existed.
• Fan-favorite artist Lewis LaRosa’s cover art.
• High-quality cover stock increasing the potential for high grade copies, which gave confidence to buyers and/or investors.
• Multiple printings of the regular editions due to increased demand and/or discussion.
• A unique and completely original premise and story by writer Matt Kindt.
• Future significance in the Valiant Universe.

Almost immediately the Divinity #1 (LaRosa 1:40 Variant) became a success. While most new Valiant books are typically discussed in detail on Facebook (Valiant Comics Group) and on Valiant Fans (Valiant Fans Forum), Divinity #1 (LaRosa 1:40 Variant) was a break-out story that generated discussion all over the place, such as the Comic Book Speculation & Investment (CBSI) group (see: CBSI on Google + and/or the CBSI Website) where it was listed in their “Hot 10 Comics” multiple times (ranked #1 twice) and the Collector’s Society (see: the Collector’s Society CGC Forum).

At the time of this writing, raw sales have averaged $350+ (several raw copies selling $430 to $440) with CGC/CBCS 9.8 sales averaging $500 (with several in the $550 to $650 range). A CBCS 9.9 reportedly sold for $900, though it is highly likely that given time that book would have moved for more. There is (currently) one CGC 9.9 copy owned by “Intrepidxc” (Chris) from the Valiant Fans Forum. 

With a significant role in the Valiant Universe, appearances in other titles, and a second mini-series slated for 2016, the Divinity #1 (LaRosa 1:40 Variant) not only earns a well deserved spot on this list, but will only continue to grow in its dominance and/or demand.

You can read my article Investing in Divinity: Divine Speculation.

 

9. Shadowman #5 (Grampa 1:125 Line Variant): It was long suspected that this book possessed a “hidden demand potential” with collectors. Nearly one year ago I predicted as much, but at the time of that writing, there were no sales (public sales that is) to support those predictions with solid proof; only speculation and gut-instinct.

Reported to have a print-run of 800 copies or less; yet (oddly enough) rarely seen. It is highly likely that those numbers are wrong, and that the print-run is much lower. Raw sales today are in the $150 range, and CGC/CBCS 9.8 copies sell for $400–$500 each.

This book features the first appearance of Doctor Mirage (Shan Fong) who has been featured throughout the Valiant Universe, as well as in The Death Defying Doctor Mirage mini-series as well as The Death Defying Doctor Mirage: Second Lives mini-series.

Both rare and significant, this is a solid investment book.

 

 

10. Ninjak #1 (LaRosa Gold): Similar in many ways to Shadowman #1 (Zircher Gold), this book is ridiculous to obtain in CGC/CBCS 9.8 with very few making the grade.

9.8 sales have occurred in the $380–$400 range, though $500 sales are not out of the question for the right buyer.

This books features the 1st appearance of Roku, a character who according to “common sense” and/or the events seen in Book of Death #1, has a significant future in the Valiant Universe.

LaRosa’s stunning cover, significance, scarcity, and it’s condition sensitive nature make this book in strong demand.

 

 

 

11. X-O Manowar #1 (Djurdjevic 1:50 QR Variant): Most collectors might have expected X-O Manowar #1 (Gold) to have been the dominant variant for X-O Manowar #1, which was the first of Valiant Entertainment’s line in released in May of 2012. X-O Manowar #1 (Gold) was first given to fans at the 2012 Valiant Panel in San Diego, and later distributed as a 1:100 retailer incentive variant.

However, as the first ever QR variant of any publisher that utilized modern smart-phone technology, X-O Manowar #1 (Djurdjevic 1:50 QR Variant) emerged as the dominant variant for X-O Manowar #1. While it has been speculated that both variants had similar print runs; X-O Manowar #1 (Djurdjevic 1:50 QR Variant) is far less common, and much more condition-sensitive. Some estimates show 850 to 875 copies in circulation; however, documented sales history seems to indicate a lower number.

It is seldom seen in CGC/CBCS 9.8, and has sold in the $350–$400 range when it is made available.  Raw copies also sell well, though condition (as with most books) is of course a consideration.

X-O Manowar is a flagship character for Valiant Entertainment, and in the modern Valiant Universe, his story starts here.

 

12. Harbinger #1 (Djurdjevic 1:50 QR variant): Similar to X-O Manowar #1 (Djurdjevic 1:50 QR Variant), this book was released the following month when Valiant Entertainment launched their second title of their 2012 re-launch.

Released in June of 2012 (nearly 8-9 months before Harbinger #1 (Gold) which ALSO sells quite well…), Harbinger #1 (Djurdjevic 1:50 QR variant) is both rare and condition-sensitive. It is seldom seen in CGC/CBCS 9.8, and has sold in the $325–$350 range. Estimated quantities in circulation show a likely 640 to 650 printed copies.

While Harbinger #1 (Gold) is a no-joke book by any means, Harbinger #1 (Djurdjevic 1:50 QR Variant), is the original high-end variant for this flagship series and is considered by many to be the most desired Harbinger #1 variant  of the 2012 re-launch.

While the original Valiant Harbinger #1 from 1991/1992 featured the 1st appearance of the Harbinger Kids (Peter, Kris, Faith, Charlene and Torque); Harbinger #1 from 2012 featured the first modern appearances of Peter, Harada, Kris, Bleeding Monk, Project Rising Spirit, Tull and Harbinger Foundation. This is basically a who’s who of many key-players in the modern Valiant Universe.

In case you didn’t already know, Valiant Entertainment plans to release three “Harbinger-Centric” films in the near future. It is not a case of “IF” but one of “WHEN” these films will be made, so enjoy the easy investments while you can…

 

13. Harbinger #8 (Lemire 1:125 Line Variant): For every 125 copies of Valiant (any) placed, retailers received one of these Line Variants. From all estimates, that means that 538 copies exist.

As one of the hardest to find Variants of the Harbinger series, collectors regularly look to obtain a copy with raw sales averaging around $250, and CGC/CBCS 9.8 reaching the $400 range.

The cover art by Jeff Lemire is clearly based on classic high school art that might be found in the notebook of an aspiring artist. in January of 2016, a similar cover was released for Bloodshot: Reborn #10 (Lemire 1:100 Line Variant) which (intentional or not) has created a demand by collectors looking to match as part of a set.

Make no mistake, this is a popular book; that exists in limited quantities, and a strong potential for significantly increased demand in the future as we move closer to the release of the Harbinger films.

 

 

14. Ivar, Timewalker #1 (Allen Gold): From a literally phenomenal series that was easily among the very best titles 2015 had to offer, raw copies of Ivar, Timewalker #1 (Allen Gold) are not overly difficult or expensive to obtain.

However, CGC/CBCS 9.8 copies are.

For whatever reason(s) that might exist, both CGC and CBCS find condition issues with this that make it difficult to obtain in 9.8 condition. As a result, CGC/CBCS 9.8 copies often sell in the $300–$325 range.

This book features the first appearance of Doctor Neela Sethi.

 

 

 

 

15. Unity #1 (Braithwaite Gold): Not long ago there was a discussion on the Valiant Fans forums asking if perhaps Unity #1 (Braithwaite Gold) was harder to obtain in CGC/CBCS 9.8 than Shadowman #1 (Zircher Gold). After some debate by several prominent collectors, it was decided that Unity #1 (Braithwaite Gold) is certainly is not far behind Shadowman #1 (Zircher Gold) in terms of scarcity in high grade.

Raw copies can sell for about $100 and CGC/CBCS 9.8 go for $300+ (when they can be found).

 

 

 

 

 

 

16. Harbinger Wars #3 of 4 (Evans 1:20 Variant):

NOTE: All of the Harbinger Wars variants listed in this and the next few spots have CRAZY HIGH investment potential! Valiant Entertainment has already announced that it will create a Harbinger Wars movie in the near future, and it is HIGHLY likely that much of the story will be based on events and/or characters in the Harbinger Wars mini-series crossover books. The print runs were low. Harbinger Wars #1 featured the 1st appearance of the Gen Zero kids. Harbinger Wars #3 featured the 1st modern Valiant appearance of the H.A.R.D. Corps. 

 Harbinger Wars #3 of 4 (Evans 1:20 Variant) featured the 1st modern Valiant appearance of the H.A.R.D. Corps, and had a print run of less than 700 copies.

CGC/CBCS 9.8 copies have sold in the $300 range. Not bad for a book that once cost less than $20.

Don’t expect this book to lose value anytime soon. You have been warned.

 

 

17. Harbinger Wars #1 of 4 (Zircher 1:50 Variant):

NOTE: All of the Harbinger Wars variants listed in this and the next few spots have CRAZY HIGH investment potential! Valiant Entertainment has already announced that it will create a Harbinger Wars movie in the near future, and it is HIGHLY likely that much of the story will be based on events and/or characters in the Harbinger Wars mini-series crossover books. The print runs were low. Harbinger Wars #1 featured the 1st appearance of the Gen Zero kids. Harbinger Wars #3 featured the 1st modern Valiant appearance of the H.A.R.D. Corps. 

Harbinger Wars #1 of 4 (Zircher 1:50 Variant) featured the 1st appearance of the Gen Zero kids (who will be seen again in the Valiant Universe), and had a print run of 550 to 600 copies.

No known CGC/CBCS 9.8 copies have been sold. $450–$550 is not unlikely at this stage.

Raw copies sell in the $150–$200 range.  

Don’t expect this book to lose value anytime soon. You have been warned. THIS BOOK WILL BE HUGE!

 

 

18. Harbinger Wars #3 of 4 (Zircher 1:50 Variant):

NOTE: All of the Harbinger Wars variants listed in this and the next few spots have CRAZY HIGH investment potential! Valiant Entertainment has already announced that it will create a Harbinger Wars movie in the near future, and it is HIGHLY likely that much of the story will be based on events and/or characters in the Harbinger Wars mini-series crossover books. The print runs were low. Harbinger Wars #1 featured the 1st appearance of the Gen Zero kids. Harbinger Wars #3 featured the 1st modern Valiant appearance of the H.A.R.D. Corps. 

Harbinger Wars #3 of 4 (Zircher 1:50 Variant) featured the 1st modern Valiant appearance of the H.A.R.D. Corps, and had a print run of 550 to 600 copies.

No known CGC/CBCS 9.8 copies have been sold. $450–$550 is not unlikely at this stage.

Raw copies sell in the $200+ range.  

Don’t expect this book to lose value anytime soon. You have been warned. THIS BOOK WILL BE HUGE!

 

 

19. Divinity #3 (LaRosa 1:20 Variant): The “little brother” of Divinity #1 (LaRosa 1:40 Variant) has been steadily growing in both visibility and in demand and is (presently) the second most sought-out Divinity book on the market! The Divinity #3 (LaRosa 1:20 Variant) spent most of the year overlooked and ignored by buyers, with most raw sales between $20 and $30 and CGC/CBCS 9.8 sales between $100 and $200.

Then in Oct, 2015, speculation began regarding a female cosmonaut (as well as another male cosmonaut) who both made their first appearance in this issue. The clues were pieced together into a clear picture that the Divinity #3 (LaRosa 1:20 Variant) was a significant issue. Almost overnight, both raw and slabbed copies vanished from eBay and/or Amazon listings. Auctions for this book were MUCH more active than they had previously been, and the raw price jumped by nearly 900%! CGC/CBCS 9.8 copies have since sold for $400 to $450. Presently, sales have slowed somewhat and settled in the $200–$250 range; however, as stated previously, the release of Divinity II has the potential to change that significantly.

CBSI listed Divinity #3 (LaRosa 1:20 Variant) in their “Hot 10 Comics” multiple times (ranked #2 in Oct). As more information become available regarding 2016’s Divinity II, expect Divinity #3 (LaRosa 1:20 Variant) to continue to grow. There are only 450 to 500 copies of this book, so it is not going to get easier to find for collectors. With a high-quality cover stock that increases the potential for high grade copies both raw and graded copies are likely.

NOTE: Based on Valiant Entertainment’s recent solicited covers and/or sneak-peaks of artist Trevor Hairsine’s interior pages for Divinity II, it can 100% be confirmed that early speculation about Divinity #3 was in fact correct! This book has the potential to climb this list to a higher spot in 2016.

You can read my article Investing in Divinity: Divine Speculation.

 

20. Harbinger #1 (Lozzi Gold): while Harbinger #1 (Djurdjevic 1:50 QR variant) placed higher on this list, in no way should Harbinger #1 (Lozzi Gold) be considered any less. Sales for BOTH books are limited as there simply are not many of them, and fans are only recently taking a second look at the investment potential of these books.

Collectors are willing to pay in the $300+ range for this book in CGC/CBCS 9.8, and it is not like Valiant is going to print any more of copies. As the market for Valiant (and Harbinger) grows in the near future (it already is) this is a book that simply will not be available for everyone in high grade.

As any comic book collector knows all so well, books that are not available, often later become available at a much higher cost.

Do yourself a favor and be on the “Right Side of History” on this. There is an entire demographic of collectors that are “completionists” who will be looking for this, and many other books on this list very soon.

It’s science. It’s a fact.