Valiant Comics doesn’t always get the same spotlight as Marvel or DC, but it’s home to some of the most layered, compelling storytelling in modern comics. For fans who crave character-driven action, grounded sci-fi, and world-building that actually connects, Valiant delivers. Whether you’re just getting into their universe or looking for standout stories to revisit, the publisher has plenty to offer.
From time-traveling soldiers to immortal warriors and techno-fueled psiots, Valiant creates stories that feel personal and intense. These arcs don’t just rely on big battles—they take time to explore what drives their heroes and villains. That makes the payoff even more satisfying.
What This Article Covers About Valiant’s Best Stories
This guide highlights some of Valiant’s strongest comic arcs, including:
- Fan-favorite titles that shaped the universe
- Self-contained arcs that are perfect entry points
- Crossovers with big impact and great storytelling
- Character moments that leave a lasting mark
If you’re looking to get into Valiant or expand your pull list, these stories bring out the best of what the publisher has to offer.
Harbinger (Joshua Dysart Run)
This arc centers on Peter Stanchek, a powerful psiot who struggles with addiction, control, and trust. His journey from runaway to reluctant leader sets the tone for a grounded yet supercharged series. Dysart writes Peter with raw honesty, and the conflict with Toyo Harada—one of the most complex villains in comics—adds weight to every decision.
Harbinger doesn’t shy away from tough questions. Loyalty, power, freedom—each issue forces the characters to face the consequences of their choices. The art by Khari Evans and others matches that tone perfectly, bringing both the chaos and quiet moments to life.
It’s not just a great Valiant arc—it’s a standout comic series, period.
The Valiant (Jeff Lemire, Matt Kindt, Paolo Rivera)
This short but impactful arc ties the whole Valiant Universe together through a high-stakes battle against The Immortal Enemy. It features Bloodshot, Eternal Warrior, Geomancer, and Kay McHenry in a story that blends horror, mythology, and destiny.
What makes it special is the way it handles legacy and sacrifice. Rivera’s art gives the book a haunting elegance, and the pacing pulls you in from the first page. For readers new to Valiant, this is a great way to see how the universe connects without needing to know every backstory.
It’s also one of those stories that sticks with you long after the last panel.
Bloodshot Reborn (Jeff Lemire)
Lemire reimagines Bloodshot not just as a weapon, but as a man haunted by what he’s done. The arc starts after Bloodshot loses the nanites that once made him nearly invincible. Now human, and deeply broken, he’s trying to find a new purpose while haunted by visions and violence.
This version of Bloodshot is vulnerable in ways that make his journey feel fresh. The series balances gunfights with soul-searching, and it never feels forced. Artists like Mico Suayan and Lewis LaRosa bring intense detail to every panel, capturing both the brutality and the quiet pain of the character.
Bloodshot Reborn isn’t just action—it’s heart.
Archer & Armstrong (Fred Van Lente)
Sometimes you need a story that mixes adventure with humor, and this arc delivers that without losing depth. Obadiah Archer is a skilled fighter raised by a cult. Armstrong is an immortal drunk with a heart of gold and a messy past. Together, they make one of the best odd-couple teams in comics.
Van Lente uses satire to explore religion, conspiracy, and loyalty. The dialogue is sharp, and the story never takes itself too seriously, even when it deals with heavy ideas. The chemistry between the leads carries the arc and gives it replay value.
If you like your comic action with wit and warmth, this one’s a gem.
X-O Manowar (Robert Venditti’s Run)
This arc reintroduces Aric of Dacia, a Visigoth warrior who’s abducted by aliens and ends up bonding with the most powerful armor in the universe. The story spans from space battles to political tension on Earth, blending science fiction with classic sword-and-shield drama.
Venditti crafts a complex lead who must balance power with duty. Aric isn’t just a warrior—he’s a leader, sometimes reluctant, often bold, and always tested. The arc explores what it means to carry a cause, and how the line between hero and conqueror can blur.
With stunning art from Cary Nord and others, X-O Manowar gives you high stakes with grounded storytelling.
Ninjak (Matt Kindt)
Colin King is a British intelligence agent with ninja skills, gadgets, and a knack for diving headfirst into danger. This arc peels back layers of his past, blending espionage and psychological depth.
Kindt structures the story like a puzzle, mixing flashbacks with present-day missions. The action scenes are slick, but what really stands out is the way the arc explores identity. Who is Ninjak without the mask? What drives him when no one’s watching?
It’s a stylish, smart ride that adds dimension to one of Valiant’s coolest characters.
Shadowman: Fear of the Dark
Jack Boniface returns in a horror-laced arc that dives deep into the supernatural. Shadowman’s connection to the Deadside puts him in the middle of creepy, mystical battles—and the story isn’t afraid to get weird.
The series plays with themes of legacy, self-doubt, and what it means to carry a dark power. The visuals are haunting, and the pacing pulls you deeper with every issue. It’s a perfect blend of horror and heroics.
If you’re into darker tones with a strong emotional thread, this arc stands tall in the Valiant catalog.
Valiant Comics offers more than just action. Its best stories explore identity, loyalty, sacrifice, and legacy. These arcs show why the universe has earned such a loyal fanbase. Whether you’re here for the grit, the humor, or the heart, there’s something in these pages that will stick with you.