2016 marks the 75th anniversary of Archie Comics, and the publisher has today announced its plans to celebrate the milestone, beginning with a relaunch next year of its flagship title Archie with a new series from spearheaded by two of the most acclaimed and best-selling creators in comics today. Writer Mark Waid and artist Fiona Staples are set reenergize the story of Archie and his friends, presenting for the first time ever the origins of everyone’s favorite redheaded teen and his friends while showcasing the beginnings of the historic love triangle between Archie, Betty and Veronica. Here’s some promotional artwork from Fiona Staples…
“The Archie characters aren’t in need of a tune-up, ‘shocking change,’ or revision. These characters have stood the test of time and resonate to this day – we’ve proven that over the last six years,” said Archie publisher/CEO Jon Goldwater. “What ARCHIE #1 will do, though, is bring together two of the most talented creators in comics in Mark Waid and Fiona Staples and create a surprising and definitive take on Archie’s origin – a story that has never been. The book will bring back some of the bite of Archie’s original tales in a modern, forward-looking manner, while still retaining the character’s all-ages appeal. What better way to celebrate 75 years of Archie Andrews?”
The groundbreaking relaunch kicks off a bold and multi-platform celebration of 75 years of Archie starting in the latter half of 2015 and rolling through the anniversary year of 2016. The “Archie 75” celebration will include:
– “Riverdale,” a one-hour drama written by Archie Comics Chief Creative Officer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa based on the iconic Archie comic book characters will debut on Fox, produced in tandem with Warner Brothers Studios and studio-based Berlanti Productions. Set in the present, the series offers a bold, subversive take on Archie, Betty, Veronica, and their friends, exploring the surreality of small-town life and the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale’s wholesome facade.
– Marc Eckō, the hugely successful tastemaker and fashion designer, has signed on to design an exclusive line of Archie themed apparel for men, from teens to adults, under the Unlable.ME brand. First becoming a nationwide name in the early 1990s, Marc Eckō’s clothing lines have generated billions of dollars at retail since that time, and Fall 2014 marks the return of Marc Eckō as the Operator and Lead Designer of his eponymous label, Marc Eckō Cut & Sew.
– A robust and diverse publishing initiative that will feature 75th anniversary-themed periodical, graphic novel, digital and specialty product geared toward new and longtime fans. Editorially, fans can expect to see a targeted digest program retaining the “classic” Archie look and style and the expansion of the world being built in the new ARCHIE series via additional ongoing titles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszH_jfuJoo8HCG1-lGjvfH2F&v=ZqEqJ-QNmio&feature=player_embedded
Originally published December 17, 2014. Updated April 15, 2018.
