Prestige Format redefined for new Valiant books

By pghhead -

EDITOR’S NOTE:  Back in the 1980’s when the comics industry first began to experiment with different papers, DC Comic debuted the “prestige format”.  Prior to this, all comics were printed on cheap, pulpy, or composition paper (made of various grades of paper).  The DC prestige format printed its copies on a 1) heavier stock of paper, making it more durable and also 2) on paper that was whiter and less grainy than traditional, which made the colors more bright and vibrant.  DC only printed a select number of titles in their prestige format, usually charging a $1.00 more per copy than the standard comic. Now in the 21st Century, Valiant puts a new spin on the format with theier Valiant Prestige books.

from the official press release . . . . . .

THE-VALIANT_001_prestige2

As VALIANT NEXT readies for the launch of six epic new ongoing series and prestige format projects beginning with the release of THE VALIANT #1 (of 4) on December 10th, Valiant is proud to reveal the first look inside the all-new VALIANT PRESTIGE format – a new form of deluxe packaging for Valiant's most important standalone limited series and events! 
Beginning with the release of THE VALIANT #1 (of 4) – the first issue of the four-issue epic from New York Times best-selling writers Jeff Lemire (Green Arrow, Animal Man) & Matt Kindt (RAI, Mind MGMT) and Eisner Award-winning artist Paolo Rivera (Daredevil) – next week, fans and retailers can look forward to a high-end presentation unlike anything else in comics today with each and every issue. Features for THE VALIANT #1 (of 4), the very first release to feature the VALIANT PRESTIGE format, will include:

  • Deluxe matte laminate card stock covers
  • Custom-designed heavyweight end sheets
  • An oversized, 25-page first chapter
  • An exclusive guide to THE VALIANT, detailing the backstory and origins of the series' principal players
  • Never-before-seen commentary and back matter, curated by Eisner Award winner Paolo Rivera
  • All complete with no advertisements and a standard $3.99 cover price!

THE-VALIANT_001_prestige1

Each subsequent issue of THE VALIANT by Jeff Lemire, Matt Kindt, and Paolo Rivera will feature the same deluxe presentation, as will DIVINITY #1 (of 4) – the VALIANT NEXT prestige format limited series debuting in February from New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (RAI, Mind MGMT) and blockbuster artist Trevor Hairsine (X-Men: Deadly Genesis). Featuring the landmark debut of Valiant's first major new character, each issue of DIVINITY will feature covers by Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic (Thor) and designer Tom Muller (Zero) in addition to an array specially crafted special features and behind-the-scenes insights into the development and design of Valiant's next pivotal hero.
"The thinking behind the VALIANT PRESTIGE format is simple – match the scale, scope, and dynamism of our most unique, most epic stories with an equally compelling presentation that practically leaps off the shelf," said Valiant Publisher Fred Pierce. "By design, the first two titles to receive this treatment – THE VALIANT and DIVINITY – are stories that couldn't be told in an ongoing book, or even as standard limited series. They truly are can't-miss excursions into the Valiant Universe, telling stories unlike anything Valiant has undertaken before. The presentation of our VALIANT PRESTIGE offerings – no ads, exclusive content, upgraded covers, end sheets, and more – designates these titles as special books within the Valiant line, and will give fans an extra-added layer of depth to the storytelling experience."

THE-VALIANT_001_prestige3
"Over the past three years, Valiant has introduced several new innovations to great success – subscription-only Pullbox variants, expanded Plus Edition issues, QR code-enabled talking covers, and many more," said Valiant CEO & Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani. "VALIANT PRESTIGE is a central new addition that list. It's both a tribute to the great standalone, prestige format tales that helped inform our love of the medium, like Kingdom Come and Marvels, while, at the same time, a chance to break new ground by revitalizing and refining the concept of what prestige format can be for a whole new generation of readers. We have some truly special stuff in the offing for these titles, and we can't wait to see them on the shelf."
Look for more developments soon on each VALIANT PRESTIGE release, and visit your local retailer today to pre-order each epic VALIANT NEXT series. Beginning with THE VALIANT #1 (of 4) on December 10th, VALIANT NEXT continues with five blockbuster new series in 2015, starring Valiant’s biggest, most-demanded heroes alongside all-new, never before seen characters:

  • IVAR, TIMEWALKER #1 by Fred Van Lente and Clayton Henry in January
  • DIVINITY #1 (of 4) by Matt Kindt and Trevor Hairsine in February
  • IMPERIUM #1 by Joshua Dysart and Doug Braithwaite in February
  • NINJAK #1 by Matt Kindt and Clay Mann in March
  • BLOODSHOT REBORN #1 by Jeff Lemire and Mico Suayan in April
  • DIVINITY_001_COVER-A_DJURDJEVIC

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