VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT’s Top Editors on The Way Forward

Meet the new editorial leaders of Valiant Entertainment: Lysa Hawkins and Heather Antos.

The duo were recently promoted to be the company’s Senior Editors just as the company’s first film Bloodshot entered theaters, but also just as Valiant’s comics line has been put on hold due to Coronavirus. But with the Direct Market distribution channel aiming to return in a few weeks, it’s a new beginning for the house of X-O Manowar, Shadowman, Bloodshot, and more.

Hawkins and Antos spoke with Newsarama about their recent promotions, the COVID-19 crisis, and the company’s plans going forward.

Newsarama: First off, congratulations to both of you on these promotions. With the departure of Robert Meyers, you are as far as we know the top editors at Valiant. How does it feel?

Lysa Hawkins: Thank you very much!

Heather Antos: Well, firstly, I’d like to think all of the editors at Valiant are top-level editors! We’ve got an extremely talented and dedicated crew at Valiant HQ. But yes, you’re correct in that Lysa and I are both the most senior editors and are currently running the department together.

I’d be lying to say I wasn’t a little intimidated, but I’m also extremely honored and thrilled. There’s nothing I love more in the world than creating comics, and to continue to do so with such an amazing partner in Lysa, along with our fantastic team, is such a joy. We’ve some big shoes to fill – Robert has been with the Valiant family for a very long time. He’s who brought me in to Valiant, and he will be missed by the staff and talent greatly.

Hawkins: Well, to be honest, we got the promotion just in time for COVID-19, so nothing feels normal yet. I’ll answer that when we know what the new normal is! As for Robert, we wish him the very best.

Nrama: As you said, this comes at not the most perfect time, as many comics are on hiatus due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic – and Valiant has confirmed it has asked some creators to stop work on announced projects. What can you say is going on at Valiant right now?

Antos: I tell you what, there is nothing more interesting than getting a promotion and going through an internal transition than during the middle of a global pandemic!

Needless to say that although we are unable to send individual issues to print during this time due to government restrictions, we are as busy as ever in our Valiant work-from-home offices! From developing and working on projects in other mediums (more on this to come hopefully soon!), to finding new ways to support our retailers and creators digitally, to doing some secret evil planning for Valiant’s future publishing line, there is a lot to keep any editor busy these days!

Hawkins: Valiant is doing all it can to protect and be of service to the comic book industry and community while we ride out this unprecedented pandemic. We are constantly striving to come up with new ways to keep the fans and retailers assured we stand beside them in these tough times.

Nrama: Which books are still being worked on?

Antos: Well if I told you, I’d have to kill you! Some of these projects haven’t been announced yet!

Hawkins: We have a ton of stuff in the works, but mostly nothing I can discuss with you now.

Nrama: I know much is still TBD until distribution gets back on schedule, but does Valiant have a plan for releasing books going forward?

Hawkins: We are working on it currently! We are taking into consideration what the demand from the stores and fans will be.

Antos: As you said, there is only so much we can do until printers open, distributors are able to ship product, and stores are able to open doors to the public again. But every single day our staff is evaluating the situation as it changes and adjusting plans as necessary. All I can say on when we’ll know for sure is…stay tuned!

Nrama: Now let’s get into easier questions – how would each of you describe your editorial strengths – or maybe describe each others?

Hawkins: Well, I’m my freelancer’s biggest advocate. I’m the cheerleader. I’m here to fight for my team. My excitement for my projects tends to lead me to the right talent and they in turn become excited too and if done right, it’s all a big love fest.

Antos: Lysa Hawkins is a powerhouse of an editor all around. When it comes to knowing classic superheroes and their tropes, Lysa passes every test. Not to mention she’s worked with some of the best in the business and continues to bring these talented creators into the Valiant family today. She is such a passionate creator and loves her books as if they were her own children. With experience at both Marvel and DC on families like the X-Men and Batman, there is no one else I’d rather be leading this department with.

Hawkins: As for Heather, she’s the most organized person I’ve ever met. She’s a 100% type A and I’m about as much of a B type as you can be. Funny thing is, we are very similar when it comes to talent. We both fight for our people. We care and that’s why freelancers enjoy working with us.

Nrama: How would you describe your working relationship with each other?

Hawkins: Great. I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating, we complement each other very well. Between the two of us, we can almost always find the answer to any problem that’s industry related.

Antos: Lysa and I have shared an office together for about a year now and because of that we have really found a beautiful rhythm to collaborating. I think it’s fair to say that we complement each other’s strengths very well, though that’s not to say we don’t have our disagreements! There’s no competition between us as we share one common goal — and that is to bring you guys great comics!

Nrama: Valiant paused on publications just as the Bloodshot film came out. How would you describe your visions – and Valiant’s – going forward now in comics?

Antos: Our vision hasn’t changed – continue working hard to push Valiant to the forefront of the industry! We’ve got such a great swathe of amazing characters and even greater stories starring them planned for release this year – and that hasn’t changed at all!

Hawkins: Yeah, terrible timing, but what can be done about a plague? We are using this time to put together a new vision of Valiant going forward. The entire world is going to change in the wake of the coronavirus and Valiant will, as will the entire industry be changed. This is a good opportunity to take stock of what works, what doesn’t and what is yet to be tried.

Nrama: What can you say to the readers and creators here now, reading this?

Antos: To our readers, our creators, our retailers… Thank you. Thank you for your continued support. Thank you for believing in Valiant. Thank you for always sticking by us. And thank you for coming together to support each other during these strange times and show how beautiful of a community we can truly be in times of uncertainty.

Thank you for the retailers shifting gears to offer curbside pick-up and delivery to make sure fans can escape to comics during these times.

Thank you to readers for continuing to support creators and retailers when times are tough for them.

Thank you to creators for using your platform to signal boost local shops, other creators, as well as your local services. We need heroes more than ever right now, thank you for embodying that in real life.

Hawkins: We are here for you! If you have any concerns or questions or just want to say hi, reach out.  And as always, Stay Valiant!

Nrama: And what’s the future look like for Valiant’s comics now? 

Antos: Come on now, Chris! I’m not a fortune teller! Though, it would be pretty cool if I were…

I couldn’t be more excited for what we are planning for the future of Valiant. From announced books like Shadowman, Savage, and The Final Witness… to some exciting unannounced projects with some big name creators…to projects in other mediums and beyond…there’s so much to be excited about! And I can’t wait until we can talk in more detail about everything and better yet get it in your hands!

Hawkins: The future is bright. This too shall pass and Valiant will ever be Valiant. Stay Valiant and stay safe!