Tag Archives: lysa hawkins

Lysa Hawkins Prepares us for the Deadside War as Shadowman Returns in January

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Shadowman #5 Cover A Jon Davis-Hunt
Cover A Jon Davis-Hunt

Shadowman returned in 2021 with a four issue arc that brought the character back in a buzzed about series. On January 19th, the series next arc kicks off with Shadowman #5, the start of the “Deadside War“. The new arc is a jumping on point written by Cullen Bunn, with art by Pedro Andrea, color by Jordie Bellaire, and lettering by Clayton Cowles.

But, the story goes beyond the pages of Shadowman as 2022 also sees the Valiant: Fight for Deadside tabletop game coming to Kickstarter!

We got to talk to senior editor Lysa Hawkins about the series return and what we can expect for the tabletop game tie-in.

Graphic Policy: Shadowman #5 kicks off the “Deadside War”; is there going to be any effect of this felt in other Valiant titles? If so, how much coordination needs to go into something like that?

Lysa Hawkins: While the “Deadside War” takes place within the pages of Shadowman that doesn’t mean that you won’t see how it affects the various heroes of the Valiant Universe.

GP: Can you tell us if we’ll see other Valiant heroes showing up within the pages of Shadowman during the Deadside War?

LH: See previous response… :) Yes! Yes! Yes!

GP: We see Shadowman take a different approach to the burgeoning war by attempting to broker a peace; where did that idea come from?

LH: Clearly from the brilliant mind of Cullen Bunn… Jack is doing some soul searching and tries something new. You know what they say about doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result? Shadowman may not win…but he’s not crazy!

Shadowman #5 Cover B (Horror Movie Homage Variant) Jonathan Marks Barravecchia
Cover B (Horror Movie Homage Variant) Jonathan Marks Barravecchia

GP: What coordination is going on between the comic and the tabletop game Valiant: Fight for Deadside? Are the two connected?

LH: We are in contact regarding the game storylines and character depictions. From what I’ve seen, it looks amazing!

GP: Not to disparage Jordie Bellaire’s work, but are there any plans on releasing a few pages of the uncoloured art as a bonus feature in the comic or trade?

LH: Nothing can disparage Jordie…She rocks too hard, but yes, I believe the first previews you’ll see of Shadowman #5 will be Pedro’s pencils and inks…and boy are they good!

GP: Shadowman #5 is a jumping on point for the series and continues the series. How hard is it to balance that?

LH: That can be tricky, but not with someone like Cullen at the helm. While Shadowman #5 does continue the story Cullen started in the first arc. You don’t need to have read that arc to pick up issue #5 and start fresh. Hopefully, in the case of the new reader, you’d want to go back and pick up the first arc, but you won’t need to. 

GP: The comic has had a fantastic reception. Does that add any pressure for the new arc?

LH: Yes! But in the best of ways. Cullen’s spinning a great horror tale, Pedro’s art is on fire it’s so hot. I’m super excited to see it come out and see if that fantastic reception doesn’t just grow. I’m so thankful to our fans!

  • Pre-order cover Adam Pollina
  • Inked and unlettered pages Pendro Andreo
  • Inked and unlettered pages Pendro Andreo
  • Inked and unlettered pages Pendro Andreo

Lysa Hawkins Takes Us Into the Shadowy World of Ninjak

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Ninjak #1

Valiant Entertainment’s top superspy is stepping out of the shadows…

From Ringo Award-winning writer Jeff Parker and artist Javier Pulido, Ninjak #1 follows Colin King, aka Ninjak, as the secret operative is on the run after the identity of every MI6 agent is exposed. Now, Colin must embark on a global adventure to evade the deadly people who have him in their sights…

Ninjak #1by writer Jeff Parker, artist Javier Pulido, and letterer Dave Sharpe goes on sale July 14th, 2021, and features covers by David Nakayama, Caspar Wijngaard, Damion Scott, Ibrahim Moustafa, and Javier Pulido.

We got a chance to ask Ninjak editor Lysa Hawkins about the series and what we can expect in the latest take of Valiant’s superspy.

Graphic Policy: Hey Lysa, how’re things?

Lysa Hawkins: I’m fully vaccinated! Things are a lot brighter now!

GP: So, Ninjak. How would you describe him to somebody who has no idea what to expect?

LYSA: I like to say Ninjak is the love child of James Bond and Modesty Blaise, so you really don’t know what to expect.

GP: How has the experience been editing Ninjak? Are there any differences between this book and others you’ve edited?

LYSA: Did I mention I love James Bond and Modesty Blaise? Working on a spy thriller is very near and dear to me. I’ve been blessed at Valiant to have my toe dipped in many different genre pools. Horror, sci fi, action-adventure, supernatural and now spy thriller. I’m feeling pretty lucky.

Ninjak #1

GP: The last time we saw Ninjak he’d severed ties with MI6 – will we see what happened in the immediate aftermath?

LYSA: Yes and no. Our story takes place a few months after he left MI6, but you do learn what Colin has been up to since departing from MI6.

GP: How did the creative team come together?

LYSA: Synchronicity! I actually had Javier on board before I found Jeff, which is unusual as it’s usually the other way around. When I read Jeff’s script I could just see what I thought Javier would bring to the table, of course I was wrong. He brought so much more!

GP: Javier Pulido’s art style is a departure from what we’ve seen in the past when it comes to Ninjak books. Can you talk a little about that?

LYSA: Denny O’Neill once wrote a great article talking about your favorite Batman, as we have seen so many incarnations of the Dark Knight over the years. It’s the same with Ninjak.  He is a universal character that will have many different art styles over the years. If this isn’t your Ninjak, just wait, yours will pop back up eventually. Javier is bringing something new to Ninjak, which I find very exciting and appealing, and while the style is different, the character is thoroughly all Ninjak.

GP: We’ve seen a few pages already, but can you tease any more about the series’ direction?

LYSA: You ain’t seen nothing yet! No, seriously, Javier pushes the boundaries of the art on every page resulting in an exciting, joy ride of action. 

Ninjak #1

GP: The series sees the identities of the MI6 agents exposed. It feels like that’s a pretty relevant story with today’s concerns over data and privacy and even some of the secrets that have been leaked out.

LYSA: Without a doubt, this tale is very much set in our modern world. One of the things I like the most about playing in the Valiant Universe. It walks that fine line of fiction and reality.

GP: Ninjak feels like one of the more high-profile British comic characters out there. How much does that play into the character and is there work to try to get that detail “right”?

LYSA: Well, if it’s done right, you hear his voice in your head sounding British. I happen to think Jeff nails it. Not only is Colin completely British, he’s also deadpan and funny.

Ninjak #1

GP: What sets this book apart from the other Ninjak stories we’ve had from Valiant over the years?

LYSA: It looks unlike any other Ninjak book previously. It gets to push the envelope further because of the art style and the reader gets to go along for the ride.

GP: Valiant has always been impressive to us in that it balances stories that can be enjoyed by themselves and the greater interconnected stories and world. How difficult is it to balance that?

LYSA: We are the Valiant Universe. We are meant to be enjoyed on our own or together, always one expanding universe. 

GP: What are you the most excited for about this book?

LYSA: Gosh! Everything! I think you’ll like Myna. She’s a great new character. 

GP: Thanks for your time!

LYSA: Thank you! And Stay Valiant!

Valiant Virtual Portfolio Review Program Returns for Artists

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Valiant Virtual Portfolio Reviews

Round Three of the Virtual Portfolio Review program is on the way from Valiant Entertainment!

The publisher will host another edition of the program to assist aspiring comic book artists and find new creators for future projects. For the upcoming round of the program, the award-winning publisher’s Senior Editors (Lysa Hawkins, Heather Antos, David Wohl) will be offering virtual one-on-one portfolio reviews for aspiring interior artists, cover artists, colorists, and letterers. 30 people in total will be selected to have their work reviewed. 

Please read the below information very carefully for submission details and deadlines.

Dates of Digital Portfolio Reviews
  • Tuesday, November 10th from 12pm-2pm EST
  • Wednesday, November 11th from 12pm-2pm EST
  • Thursday, November 12th from 12pm-2pm EST
How to Submit
  • Email your submission to PortfolioReview@valiantentertainment.com
  • Subject line: Name, Discipline, Available Date
  • Subject line example: Ray Garrison, Cover Artist, November 10th, 11th, & 12th
  • Please note: Submissions should be a digital PDF attachment, a single document with an information page in the back with your name, a link to your online portfolio, and contact info. The document should be no more than 20 pages.
Submission Deadline
  • Submissions open October 28th and are due by November 4th at 5pm EST
  • Those selected for the first day of sessions will be notified by Monday, November 9th no later than 10pm EST
  • Those selected for the second day of sessions will be notified by Tuesday, November 10th no later than 10pm EST
  • Those selected for the third day of sessions will be notified by Wednesday, November 11th no later than 10pm EST

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I don’t have a prepared portfolio. Can I share a link to my Website/Twitter/Instagram instead?

No, we are only accepting PDF attachments (max 25mb). PDF2GO is a free service if you donʼt own Acrobat.

2. I have more than 20 pages I want to share. Can I sneak in an extra couple?
No, this will disqualify your portfolio.

3. Can I just embed/attach single images instead of making a PDF?
No, we are only accepting PDF attachments (max 25mb, 20 pages of art). Again, you can use PDF2GO if you don’t own Acrobat. 

4. My PDF is too large to send as an attachment. Can I just send a link to my PDF portfolio?
No, we are only accepting PDF attachments (max 25mb). PDF2GO can shrink your PDF if you do not have Acrobat.

5. I’ve never been hired for professional work before, can I still submit my work?
Of course! If you’re an artist, submit any interior, cover, colors, lettering samples you’ve done on your own or for self-published books. If you’re a writer, submit any completed self-published comic you’ve worked on (no scripts will be accepted, period).

6. I missed the deadline to submit my work. Is it okay to still send it in if it’s before the selections have been made?
No, late submissions will not qualify due to the large number of submissions that need to be reviewed. Please meet the deadline, and if you cannot, keep an eye out for a future edition of the program.

7. I don’t think my work is good enough. What’s the point?

Portfolio Reviews arenʼt a competition to see whoʼs the best, but rather an opportunity to learn how to improve. Weʼre actively looking for creators who we think could benefit from one-on-one time with an Editor to take their work to the next level.

Please remember to review all of the guidelines carefully before sending your submission.Good luck and Valiant’s Senior Editors look forward to checking out your portfolios!

Watch the Valiant WonderCon Panel

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Enjoy the Valiant WonderCon panel from the comfort of your home!

Valiant’s Craft of Comics panel features Bloodshot writer Tim Seeley, Shadowman writer Cullen Bunn, and artist Jon Davis-Hunt, senior editors Lysa Hawkins and Heather Antos, and digital marketing manager Emily Hecht!

The entertaining discussion covers what it’s like being a writer, artist, and editor in the industry. Plus, enjoy an in-depth look at how these creators put their own spin on iconic Valiant characters!

Valiant Promotes Heather Antos and Lysa Hawkins

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Valiant Entertainment has announced that Heather Antos and Lysa Hawkins have been promoted to Senior Editors!

As Senior Editors, Heather and Lysa will play key roles in managing the Editorial Department, crafting the future of the Valiant Universe, overseeing relationships with comic book creators, and much more. Lysa and Heather both have extensive and acclaimed careers in the comic book industry and have been influential in the return of many fan-favorite Valiant characters while also establishing completely original properties that explore new areas of the Valiant Universe.

Lysa is currently editing the action-packed Bloodshot, the critically-acclaimed RAI, and working on multiple titles that have yet to be revealed. Heather is currently editing the hit comedy series Quantum & Woody, as well as the upcoming titles The Final Witness, X-O Manowar, Shadowman, and another fan-favorite franchise that will be announced later this year.

Lysa Hawkins (left) and Heather Antos (right)
Lysa Hawkins (left) and Heather Antos (right)

Exclusive Preview: RAI #5

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We’ve got an exclusive early look at RAI #5, which ends the first arc! If you haven’t been reading the series, you’ve been missing out one of the best comics out today.

RAI and Bloodshot editor Lysa Hawkins hints as to what’s to come!

Everyone should be excited for RAI #5. It answers the question that has weighed heavily though-out the last four issues. What will become of Rai and Raijin after they succeed in their mission? And what will be revealed will make the little hairs on your arms stand straight up. Although it’s the end of the first arc, as always the story written artfully by Dan Abnett allows new readers to join in on the fun.”

RAI #5 makes its way to shops on March 11, 2020 and is written by Dan Abnett with art by Juan Jose Ryp.

Lysa Hawkins Joins Valiant as Editor

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Valiant Entertainment hasannounce that veteran comics professional Lysa Hawkins has been named to the position of Editor. In her new role on the Valiant Editorial team, Hawkins will be instrumental in developing titles in the publisher’s Valiant Beyond initiative and in 2019’s slate, to be announced in the coming weeks.

Hawkins has two decades’ worth of experience in the comic book industry, first in the Marvel Comics bullpen under Virginia Romita, then later as an editor working on titles like X-Men Unlimited, X-Men Hidden Years, Generation X, Mutant X, Spider-Man Unlimited, Domino, and Witches. She moved on to DC Comics, where she worked on Batman: Gotham Knights and Teen Titans Go, and was responsible for bringing in critically acclaimed writer Gail Simone to pen the Birds of Prey series.

Hawkins’ hire marks the latest expansion to Valiant’s editorial team, which includes Executive Editor Joe Illidge, Editorial Director Robert Meyers, Editor Karl Bollers, and Assistant Editor David Menchel.