Welcome to The New U Interviews and Reviews page. I mainly colored Justice but helped out on a few other titles, too. I seem to recall pitching in on DP7 and Kickers. We were a bit behind deadline on the whole New Universe launch, so there wasn't a lot of time to really create a cohesive look and feel. We had to get them done fast. I know that the reasons for the short time frame have been explored in other interviews, with Jim at least, so I won't go into all that too much. Well, the powers-that-be upstairs at Marvel cut the budget for it and the people who were supposed to be developing the concepts initially failed to make much progress so by the time Jim Shooter took over the project it was over a year behind schedule. What I remember is a lot of late nights of crazy camaraderie in the bullpen. We had anyone who was available working late into the night for weeks. We would get pretty punchy. People napped under desks. There was a certain smell of old chinese take out and fusty bodies. But most of it is a blur. I had been trying to develop a different way of coloring comics since my early days at Marvel. Early on when I came to Marvel Bill Sienkiewicz was trying to do the DUNE movie adaptation in full painted color. At the time all that Marvel could offer him to paint on was photostat copies of the inked pages and they had a very unpleasant reaction with the watercolor dyes that were largely used at the time. Dr Martin's watercolor dyes were the standard for this type of work because of their bright colors and transparent qualities. Other types of paint such as colored inks and acrylics have too much pigment (which makes them only semi-opaque) to be easily used. So from the beginning I saw that there was a need for a better way. Q) Greg, how many members does your site have? Q) About how many messages are posted there each day? Q) Greg, why has Valiant comics retained such a strong following after all these years? Q) What were the lowlights? Q) Which original Valiant comics were the most important historically? Q) What would a successful relaunch of Valiant comics consist of? You can learn more about Valiant Comics by visiting ValiantComics.com. One of the most important characters in the New Universe was Philip Nolan Voigt, the paranormal who would become president and later start World War 3.
I'll always be grateful to Janet "JayJay" Jackson for taking the time to do such an extensive and candid interview for this site. Also, special thanks to Greg Holland of ValiantFans.com for doing such a great interview, and to Joe Piechota for the cool D.P. 7 review.
Janet 'JayJay' Jackson Interview:
Interview With Greg Holland, founder of ValiantFans.com. Interview conducted 6-19-07
Greg Holland: As of today, there are 1,250 members. A better measure might be recent membership growth, which is 140 new members in just the past three months.
Greg Holland: There are nearly 300,000 messages on the board since February 2004, and our daily rate has been around 250 to 300.
Greg Holland: I believe that several things aligned to make Valiant comics what it was in the 1990s. First of all, Valiant comics had strong stories, tight continuity, and attractive art. There was something familiar about Valiant, but also something new and exciting. Secondly, as we all know, the boom of the comic industry at the time saw many thousands of collectors and speculators enter a market for the first time. People were buying just about everything being printed, and Valiant was right in the mix. In addition to Marvel and D.C., collectors learned about Valiant at the same time, and so a seed was planted for the future. For collectors entering the hobby in the 1990s, it was already sixty years too late support D.C. Comics from the beginning. It was thirty years too late to “get in on the ground floor” of the Marvel universe. Valiant provided the opportunity to see it all unfold in real time for the first time. Whatever happened in a Valiant comic actually mattered. There weren’t decades of Valiant stories to understand, it was still early in laying the Valiant foundation. It was like we were all a part of something that was going to be huge. We didn’t know how it would turn out, but the expectations were great. So, why a strong following today? Nostalgia, of course. Quality, though, plays a big part in the picture. There are other companies from the same timeframe that don’t have as strong a following… and it’s likely that the quality of the product is what determines the strength of the following. Valiant comics have stood the test of time. It’s only been a short time, but it’s pretty obvious that Valiant’s competitors, particularly Image, haven’t ignited a similar fire in collectors for their earliest books. It seems that Image provided flash, where Valiant provided substance. For those of us too young to be Golden Age or Silver Age collectors (as kids), some of us have become “Valiant Age” supporters… based upon those memories of what could have been.
Q) What would you say were the highlights of the original Valiant comics?
Greg Holland: Strong storytelling highlighted the first years of the original Valiant comics. Each title was carefully crafted to focus on the main characters, but also to fit into the larger view of the Valiant universe. The Unity storyline of 1992 was very well executed, incorporating and introducing titles into the line, telling the same event from each character’s point of view. The strength of the earliest issues carried Valiant to comic industry prominence, which was well-earned. I have often suggested that collectors interested in Valiant should start with the earliest books, read at least through the Unity storyline, and continue reading/collecting any titles which they find interesting. With the Valiant universe, I know that I haven’t missed decades of comic books back to the 1930s (like D.C.) or to the 1960s (like Marvel). If D.C. started in my grandfather’s time, and Marvel started in my father’s time, then Valiant is the universe for “my time”. I can know all about Valiant without feeling like it’s all “classic re-runs”. I can collect them all without spending a fortune. I can find others like me who feel “more connected” to Valiant than Marvel or D.C. A great universe comes along in comics about once every thirty years. I’m glad to say that mine is Valiant.
Greg Holland: Valiant’s early success caused “behind the scenes conflict” between Valiant’s business side and Valiant’s creative side. The business side sees success in terms of dollars, and makes decisions which intend to maximize those dollars. Creator Jim Shooter’s forced departure from Valiant may have been a savvy business decision for those who remained, but it was definitely a “lowlight” for readers of the Valiant universe. Coinciding with this “staff change” was a huge increase in print runs. Some might see this as a “bait and switch” scenario. Get the readers hooked on quality, then switch it out for quantity. This increase in the number of titles and inflated print runs diluted the quality and Valiant became known for having “some good books” rather than “all good books”. Valiant also became known for chromium covers and dealer incentive issues, which are nice enhancements, but are not enough to redeem a book which does not already have strong contents. Some books maintained their quality within their titles, but the vision of the Valiant universe as a whole was blurred, and the connections to the early days keep stretching further and further from their origin.
Greg Holland: Magnus Robot Fighter #1 started the Valiant universe by reviving a 1960s Gold Key character. Solar, Man of the Atom #1 was the second Valiant title, and was also a revival of 1960s Gold Key. The first original Valiant character was Rai, a counterpart to Magnus with stories set in future Japan. Rai’s first comic appearance was on the “flipside” of Magnus Robot Fighter #5. The first fully original Valiant title was Harbinger #1, followed by X-O Manowar #1 and Shadowman #1. Each of these first issues began the continuing series for Valiant’s earliest titles. First appearances of characters who would later receive their own titles were also important within the Valiant universe. Solar, Man of the Atom #10 introduced Gilad, the Eternal Warrior. Magnus Robot Fighter #12 re-introduced Turok, another character from 1960s Gold Key (and even earlier as a 1950s Dell character). Both the Magnus Robot Fighter #0 and Harbinger #0 issues were available by redeeming coupons clipped from the first few issues of their titles. These books provide important origins and were produced in fewer numbers than the regular series titles at the time. Harbinger #0 was later reprinted with a blue cover, however, the pink (first) edition was once among the most valuable of all Valiant issues. Because of the importance of the early storylines to the Valiant universe, it might be said that any Valiant issue produced prior to August 1992 (cover date) is important. May 1991 to July 1992 books comprise the 50 Valiant issues known as “pre-Unity” (issued prior to the Unity storyline).
Greg Holland: There are many possible ways to relaunch Valiant comics, but I suspect that most messageboard members would mention “three keys”: 1) having Jim Shooter involved in some way, 2) having a focus on the earliest Valiant material as the foundation, and 3) having a strong commitment to a quality product. Valiant’s first new product is the “Harbinger: The Beginning” deluxe hardcover reprinting the first eight issues of Harbinger, and including a new “Origin of Harada” story by Jim Shooter. It seems that Valiant Entertainment, Inc. (VEI) is starting right, since the “three keys” are already present in their first product. Success for Valiant will be determined by their ability to create interest from new readers, as well as satisfying the existing fanbase. Success as an entertainment company goes far beyond printed comics today, and VEI’s success will require expansion into other media. This will take us places Valiant has never been before, and it will be a first for all fans, old and new. It’s exciting to have Valiant back. The full potential for these characters was never reached, and it’s been ten years since anyone really tried. Provided decisions are being made for creative reasons, rather than strictly business ones, there’s reason to hope that Valiant is finally back for good.
D. P. 7 review by Joe Piechota
I recently began reading the New Universe series “D. P. 7” by writer Mark Gruenwald and artist Paul Ryan. I have amassed a good part of the New Universe comics line, an imprint of Marvel from the mid 80’s, but I had yet to read any of them other than “Star Brand”. I made sure I read that series first as they were written by the Godfather of the New Universe (not to mention Valiant, Defiant and Broadway Comics), Jim Shooter. I enjoyed that book immensely but I had still to immerse myself in the rest of the “New U.” to see if it was enjoyable or if it’s quick death was warranted.
My interest in the New Universe has been revived recently because I have been posting on Mark Davis’ message board, which covers his web site, newuniversecomics.com. I mentioned on the board how much I was enjoying my reading of the D.P. 7 books. Mark privately asked me if I would be interested in writing a review of the series. As I am easy to bribe, I quickly agreed!
D. P. 7 (or Displaced Paranormals 7) was one of the flagship books of the New Universe. It was one of the books that survived the early purge, where half the line was cancelled in one fell swoop. It continued on for 32 issues, plus an Annual.
Since a great synopsis of the book is available on Wikipedia here, I won’t go too in depth into the story aspects. Instead, I will tell you what I liked about the book, why it appealed to me as a reader.
First, I have found in the past the late Mark Gruenwald to be an excellent comics writer, as I have enjoyed his work both on Captain America and the Squadron Supreme mini series. His writing is right up to par on D. P. 7. The characters are all very believable people; Gruenwald does an excellent job of bringing them to life and defining their personalities. His characterization ability shines through in this series.
Also, as a former Wisconsin resident, I greatly enjoy that the series is set in Wisconsin. There are frequent references to places in the state and this serves to me, as a person familiar with the places he is discussing, to grab my attention and really get into the story. Sure, there are minor quibbles, one member of the team is said to have family in “North Milwaukee”, which is not an actual place. However, this does not cancel out the excellent authentic feel of the story for me. It turned out that Gruenwald was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Another thing that is fascinating to me as a VALIANT comics fan is the similarities between D.P. 7 and the later published Harbinger. Both books have people with unusual powers responding to an ad in the newspaper soliciting an offer of help in dealing with their newfound abilities. In both books, it is learned fairly quickly that all is not as it seems with the organization offering the help, in this case The Clinic. The seven main characters realize that the Clinic means to use them for some unknown future task, apparently whether they want to do it or not. This causes them to escape from the facility and go on the run from agents of the Clinic. They are pursued and eventually captured and brought back to the Clinic and an attempt to recover them as agents is performed by some means not entirely clear to me yet, but it appears to be some form of “brainwashing”.
Does this sound familiar to you as a VALIANT fan? It should. First, Pete's reading of the ad from the Harbinger Foundation, responding to it and enjoying his time with the Foundation at first. He later finds out that Harada and his Foundation are using Harbingers to form his own personal army. The escape from the facility is echoed in both books. Also, both books feature the protagonists being pursued by forces in an attempt to capture them and bring them back to the clutches of the enemy. Even the “brainwashing” is reflected in what Harada did to Sting’s teammates in the issues approaching Harbinger #25. As my reading is still incomplete, it is still for me to find out if Philip Nolan Voigt, the Clinic director is as charasmatic and ruthless as the Harbinger Foundation’s Toyo Harada is.
Well, that’s my take on it. I think this book is definitely worthwhile seeking out, especially since the early issues can be readily found in bargain comic boxes. I think VALIANT fans in particular should read this book and see the similarities for themselves. I think they’ll like what they see.
Editor's note:
Philip Nolan Voigt Appearance List:
DP7 1,2,10,12,28,
Justice 29, 31
Psi-Force 26 (behind-the-scenes)
Starbrand 18
The War 2-4
Quasar 56
Starblast 4
Quasar 57
Review: Star Brand #1
Reviewed by Michael Dean
Writer - Jim Shooter
Penciller - John Romita Jr.
Inker - Al Williamson
Colorist - Max Scheele
In this issue we meet Ken Connell, a somewhat less-than-responsible young man, as was probably typical in 1986. He is out in the Laurel Mountains on his dirt bike when he meets a strange old man who offers him a gift. That gift turns out to be the Star Brand, the most powerful weapon in the universe. Does he throw on some spandex and thwart evil-doers? No, he has a mechanic job he's about to lose and a date with a girl who is waiting for him to propose - not that he's ready for that. He has enough problems without being the target of an attack by an alien looking for the Brand.
Writer Jim Shooter does a great job here of setting up Connell and his already complicated life. The characters of his slightly off-balance therapist friend Myron, his girlfriend Barbara, and his ever-loyal friend "Duck" are also introduced well enough that you can really get a feel for them. In just 24 pages you already feel like you have invested in these characters. That's not easy to do when you're starting a new series from scratch.
Overall, I find this to be an outstanding issue. One of the best single issues I think I've ever read. As good as any origin story, and better than many. I like to review issues with letter grades as opposed to stars, and this one definitely gets an A. I hope the rest of the run can live up to the promise of this issue.
Review: Justice #9
Reviewed by Mark Davis
Writer- Gerry Conway
Penciller- Keith Giffen
Inker- Rick Bryant
Colorist- Bob Sharen
Justice was the title of a comic book published by Marvel Comics for its' New Universe line from November 1986 to June 1989. Justice was also the name of the main character in the title. Alias John Tensen, Justice could release blasts of high intensity and heat from his right, or “sword” hand. He could generate force fields of different shapes and sizes with his left, or “shield” hand. Justice was a vigilante who focused on seeking to deal lethal justice after being able to read evil in a person’s aura.
For the first eight issues the comic struggled to find an identity. The concept for the character was solid. The execution, however, was lacking. Enter Gerry Conway as writer in issue 9. Suddenly the stories were excellent as Conway, former Amazing Spider-Man writer and co-creator of The Punisher, brought some real writing skills to the table.
The bad guy in this issue, Leon Crisp, is an interesting study. Crisp was a serial killer who killed good Samaritans who had heroically saved a life at some point. During one such killing Conway works in Crisp’s motive for the killings, as the madman declares “my mother died and no one saved her. She was mugged and raped. She coughed her guts out in blood. No one rescued her. Why weren’t you there when my mother died?”
The gifted scribe then works in a thought-provoking twist. Justice, himself having been shot in the right shoulder earlier, finds he is unable to use his sword hand to generate the usual deadly blasts. In a dramatic end to Crisp’s life, the last thing the killer sees is Justice pulling out a pistol and blowing him away. It seems being unable to use his sword hand won’t stop Justice from punishing evil men such as Crisp.
Keith Giffen’s art looks great with Rick Bryant’s inks. Giffen’s quality pencils are usually a given. I don’t remember Bryant as an inker, but his work on this issue adds to the enjoyment of the story.
Pick up this issue to find out what Justice could have been like with this creative team on all thirty-two issues of the run.
