This fall, the greatest heroes of the Valiant Universe
are taking Europe by storm!
Valiant is proud to announce that it has partnered with
Panini, Europe's leading publisher of comics and graphic novels, for a new line
of foreign language comics, translating Valiant's smash hit monthly series into
French and Italian for the very first time.
The first Panini-published issues of X-O Manowar by New
York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti and Eisner Award-winning artist
Cary Nord, and Harbinger by New York Times best-selling writer Joshua Dysart
and Harvey Award nominee Khari Evans will debut in France and Italy in
September/October 2013 with more Valiant series to be added to the publishing
roster in subsequent months. Panini will also distribute Valiant's foreign
language content digitally with both launch titles being made available as
day-and-date digital releases in France via comiXology Europe, Hachette and
most major French language e-tailers. In Italy, digital editions of Valiant's
Italian language releases will be available through Amazon.it and
Simplicissimus.
"Panini is excited at the prospect of being
Valiant’s partner in bringing its array of heroes into key markets such as
Italy and France, and beyond," said Panini Publishing Director Marco
Lupoi. "Valiant stories are an amazing blend of action, adventure, mystery
and socio-political intrigue which resonates strongly with the local comic book
culture, and mix exciting modern artwork with storylines which defy genre and
are able to intrigue readers with bold new storytelling ideas."
"Since day one, getting the Valiant heroes back into
the hands of loyal fans in France, Italy and beyond has always been a top
priority for Valiant," said Russell A. Brown, Valiant's President of
Consumer Products, Promotions, and Ad Sales. "Panini has a fan base and
hard-earned reputation that speaks for itself and, with so much quality
storytelling to draw upon, Valiant's European fans can look forward to finally
engaging with the all-new Valiant Universes in their native languages."
Headquartered in Modena, Italy, the Panini Group is a world
leader in the collectibles and trading cards market, as well as one of the
leading publishers of children’s magazines and books, comics, manga and graphic
novels in both Europe and Latin America. In addition to Valiant, Panini's other
international publishing partners include Mattel, Hasbro, Blizzard, Disney,
Nickelodeon, Marvel Entertainment, DC Comics, Dark Horse, Viz Media, Image
Comics, Kodansha, and many more.
Valiant is a leading character-based entertainment
company with a library of over 1,500 characters. Since its summer 2012
relaunch, Valiant has returned to the fore as one of the most highly regarded
publishers in comics, winning a 2012 Diamond Gem Award for Comic Book Publisher
of the Year. Valiant’s current titles include X-O Manowar, Harbinger,
Bloodshot, Archer & Armstrong, and Shadowman with a sixth title – Quantum
and Woody – scheduled to debut this July.