Valiant Comics announces new X-O Manowar #1 issue augmented by QR codes

Valiant Comics has unveiled a new issue of X-O Manowar #1that the company is calling a first in the world, as it includes a talking comic book cover that has been augmented by a QR code.

Comic shops are already allowing readers to preview this new experience. According to the chief creative officer at Valiant, Dinesh Shamdasani, the company is hoping that comic fans around the globe will discover that something new and interesting is happening at their local comic shop, and that this will create a significant hype for the official release of the “new Valiant Universe” on May 2, 2012.

Shamdasani went on to explain that the new QR Voice Variant from Valiant “is not only a new innovation in comics and a true incentive for retailers, but an enhanced and immersive experience for fans as well.” He stated that by bringing digital and print together, they are hopeful that they have come up with something that fans won’t be able to resist checking out in person.

The QR codes on both the comic book cover as well as on the promotional preview poster will bring smartphone users to an X-O Manowar video that will show a speech directed to fans of comic books worldwide.

The executive editor of Valient, Warren Simons, said in a press release by the company that from the perspective of the storyteller, this technology offers a significant amount of additional potential. He elaborated by saying that for the first time, using the printed page alone, characters in comic books will be given a voice.