Dylan Davison
Valiant Comics is back! Thanks to an amazing partnership with Alien Books our favorite characters from the Valiant Universe are coming back strong! I was lucky enough to get a chance to sit down and talk with Lysa Hawkins, Senior Editorial Director at Valiant. We talked about the new partnership and some amazing upcoming projects! You may even get a hint or two for some upcoming projects!
Dylan Davison (CW): Hello!
Lysa Hawkins (LH): Hello to you!
CW: Thank you for taking the time for this interview I’m sure things are really busy over there. So I really appreciate it!
LH: Thank you for asking! You got that right, I’m a little swamped here, working on, at last count, over 13 books now…
CW: Can you share a bit about yourself and your role at Alien Books and Valiant Comics?
LH: Sure! I’ve been in comics for a bit now, starting in Marvel, in the famed Bullpen under the watch of the John and Virginia Romita. I moved into editorial, mostly worked on X-books, then went over to DC where I worked on Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, etc. Over five years ago, I started at Valiant and currently I have the very neat position of creating the Valiant Universe. What I mean by that is, Valiant’s titles have always stood alone, what if we bring them all together? Like a real universe? So, that’s what’s happening.
CW: With Valiant undergoing significant changes, what excites you the most about the collaboration with Alien Books?
LH: The ability to play with all the toys in the toybox. The freedom to run with an idea and push the envelope. I’m hoping to showcase, albeit maybe briefly, everyone’s favorite Valiant character at some point.
CW: There are several upcoming releases from Alien/Valiant, such as Book of Shadows and the latest XO Manowar. What’s one thing you’re particularly eager for readers to experience in these upcoming comics?
LH: Well, Book of Shadows is a collection of the previous mini series, but it’s a nice collection of heroes, so if you haven’t picked it up, please do. XO will continue to kickass in space finishing up his current run, but he will be back shortly in his second run, written by the same team of Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad, and that run leads directly into HUGE EVENTS coming in the Valiant Universe in 2024.
CW: Valiant has recently slowed down its publishing schedule to one book a month. Was partnering with Alien Books a strategy to break away from this pattern and meet the demand for more frequent releases?
LH: Yes! We are able to give the fans and the retailers what they have been asking for. More books.
CW: As a fan of Shadowman and Valiant’s magical side, I enjoyed Book of Shadows. Can you share any insights into upcoming projects related to this aspect of the Valiant universe?
LH: Yes! We see Punk and Doctor Mirage in the upcoming “A Very Valiantine’s Day Special” out in February. Punk returns for a one-shot in April, written by her creator, Peter Milligan. There is much more down the line, but I fear it’s too soon to mention.
CW: Without giving away too much, are there any upcoming projects or hints you can share to excite both existing and potential Valiant fans?
LH: Yes, how about two hints?
One: We will be returning to 4001, and we will finish what we started.
Two: Two assassins. He loves her. She wants him dead.
CW: Lastly, picking favorites can be tough, but do you have a favorite Valiant character? Or is that akin to choosing a favorite child?
LH: That’s tough and I would typically say it’s the book that I’m currently working on, but I’m currently working on the entire Universe so I can’t fall back on that. I was given three books to work on my first day of Valiant. Rai, Punk Mambo and Roku. All three of them are special to me, but Rai (and maybe Raijin, especially) brings a smile everytime.
CW: Thank you once again for your time. Any closing words for our readers and devoted Valiant fans?
LH:Thank you for being a part of Valiant! Thank you for sticking with us and I promise if you tune in a little longer and it’ll be worth all the wait. You ask for it. I listened. You are going to enjoy the ride!
Long live Alien/Valiant!
I want to thank Valiant/Alien Comics, Lysa Hawkins and everyone who made this interview possible! I’m so excited for what the future brings for Valiant titles!