This fall, the greatest heroes of the Valiant Universe are taking Europe by storm!

Valiant is proud to announce that it has partnered with Panini, Europe’s leading publisher of comics and graphic novels, for a new line of foreign language comics, translating Valiant’s smash hit monthly series into French and Italian for the very first time.

The first Panini-published issues of X-O Manowar by New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti and Eisner Award-winning artist Cary Nord, and Harbinger by New York Times best-selling writer Joshua Dysart and Harvey Award nominee Khari Evans will debut in France and Italy in September/October 2013 with more Valiant series to be added to the publishing roster in subsequent months. Panini will also distribute Valiant’s foreign language content digitally with both launch titles being made available as day-and-date digital releases in France via comiXology Europe, Hachette and most major French language e-tailers. In Italy, digital editions of Valiant’s Italian language releases will be available through Amazon.it and Simplicissimus.

“Panini is excited at the prospect of being Valiant’s partner in bringing its array of heroes into key markets such as Italy and France, and beyond,” said Panini Publishing Director Marco Lupoi. “Valiant stories are an amazing blend of action, adventure, mystery and socio-political intrigue which resonates strongly with the local comic book culture, and mix exciting modern artwork with storylines which defy genre and are able to intrigue readers with bold new storytelling ideas.”

“Since day one, getting the Valiant heroes back into the hands of loyal fans in France, Italy and beyond has always been a top priority for Valiant,” said Russell A. Brown, Valiant’s President of Consumer Products, Promotions, and Ad Sales. “Panini has a fan base and hard-earned reputation that speaks for itself and, with so much quality storytelling to draw upon, Valiant’s European fans can look forward to finally engaging with the all-new Valiant Universes in their native languages.”

Headquartered in Modena, Italy, the Panini Group is a world leader in the collectibles and trading cards market, as well as one of the leading publishers of children’s magazines and books, comics, manga and graphic novels in both Europe and Latin America. In addition to Valiant, Panini’s other international publishing partners include Mattel, Hasbro, Blizzard, Disney, Nickelodeon, Marvel Entertainment, DC Comics, Dark Horse, Viz Media, Image Comics, Kodansha, and many more.

Valiant is a leading character-based entertainment company with a library of over 1,500 characters. Since its summer 2012 relaunch, Valiant has returned to the fore as one of the most highly regarded publishers in comics, winning a 2012 Diamond Gem Award for Comic Book Publisher of the Year. Valiant’s current titles include X-O Manowar, Harbinger, Bloodshot, Archer & Armstrong, and Shadowman with a sixth title – Quantum and Woody – scheduled to debut this July.

For more information, visit PaniniComics.com or ValiantUniverse.com.