Valiant Entertainment Launches X-O Manowar #1 in May

This summer is setting up for a superhero epic in X-O Manowar from Valiant Comics. To celebrate that release, Valiant Comics is announcing a special first issue that clocks in at 40 pages. That's a lot of epic superhero action.

THe new series is written by Robert Venditti and Cary Nord and is all about the transformation of the fifth century Visigoth Aric of Dacia into the weapon of destruction known as X-O Manowar. That first issue is 29-pages of lead story paired with an extra preview of Valiant's June debut issue of Harbinger #1.

"Valiant is committed to giving fans and retailers alike as many reasons as possible to pick up X-O Manowar #1 on May 2nd," said Publisher Fred Pierce. "This isn't just the first issue of one new series, it's the first issue of the all-new Valiant Universe. X-O Manowar #1 is a milestone in every sense of the word, and lengthening the book to 40 pages is the perfect way to do it justice -- both for our readers and the story."

Not only that, but days after X-O Manowar #1 hits shelves, Valiant will be dropping their Free Comic Book Day 2012 Special on Saturday, May 5. That FCBD edition has first looks at Harbinger #1 in June, Bloodshot #1 in July and Archer Armstrong #1 in August.

Full press release and interiors below.

VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHES 40-PAGE "X-O MANOWAR" #1 IN MAY

The summer's biggest super-hero epic is getting even bigger! To celebrate the return of the Valiant Universe on May 2nd, Valiant is proud to announce that X-O Manowar #1 is expanding to a colossal 40 pages! From visionary creators Robert Venditti (The Surrogates) and Cary Nord (Conan), the transformation of fifth century Visigoth Aric of Dacia into the alien-armored weapon of destruction known as X-O Manowar kicks off with a 29-page lead story -- plus an extra-added preview of Valiant's June debut issue, Harbinger #1 -- all for the originally solicited cover price of $3.99.

"Valiant is committed to giving fans and retailers alike as many reasons as possible to pick up X-O Manowar #1 on May 2nd," said Publisher Fred Pierce. "This isn't just the first issue of one new series, it's the first issue of the all-new Valiant Universe. X-O Manowar #1 is a milestone in every sense of the word, and lengthening the book to 40 pages is the perfect way to do it justice -- both for our readers and the story."

The 40-page expansion of X-O Manowar #1 is just the latest in a series of initiatives Valiant has announced for the first of its four new titles hitting this summer. The publisher recently unveiled the Pullbox Exclusive program that offers comic shop patrons who start a pull list subscription for X-O Manowar#1 an exclusive incentive cover by series artist Cary Nord. This was quickly followed by Valiant's QR Voice Variant -- a one-of-kind "talking" cover and the first comic of its kind to utilize QR technology to redefine the storytelling potential of print comics.

Just days after X-O Manowar #1 hits shelves, look for the Valiant's Free Comic Book Day 2012 Special on Saturday, May 5th for an exclusive advance look at all of Valiant's new summer titles -- Harbinger #1 in June, Bloodshot #1 in July, and Archer & Armstrong #1 in August.

The Summer of Valiant is coming. And it all starts on May 2nd when X-O Manowar #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere. For more information, visit ValiantUniverse.com!

X-O MANOWAR #1 - ON SALE MAY 2nd!
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by CARY NORD
Cover by ESAD RIBIC (MAR121221)
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by CARY NORD (MAR121222)
Variant Cover by DAVID AJA (MAR121223)
QR Voice Variant by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC (MAR121224)
$3.99/Rated T+/40 pgs.