ARCHIE IN AUGUST
TOM KING AND DAN PARENT UNITE FOR AN ARCHIE STORY DECADES IN THE MAKING!
Archie Andrews makes a fateful choice in the one-shot comic ARCHIE: THE DECISION this August!
May 22, 2024 – Archie Comics’ flagship character, the eternal teenager Archie Andrews, has been struggling with a choice almost since his debut more than 80 years ago: Betty or Veronica? This August, he finally tackles the dilemma head-on in ARCHIE: THE DECISION, a sprawling, antic all-ages one-shot comic by bestselling author Tom King (MISTER MIRACLE, HUMAN TARGET) and legendary Archie artist Dan Parent!
"As a massive Archie fan, this is just a pure joy project for me,” King said. “I wanted to do something zany and cool and screwball and hysterical and gorgeous and harebrained and maybe a little tiny itty-bitty bit profound as a tribute to my Golden and Silver Age Archie heroes—people like Dan DeCarlo, Harry Lucey, Bob Bolling, Bob Montana, and Samm Schwartz. And who better to do that with than the modern Archie maestro, Dan Parent, who inherited and brilliantly carried on the legacy of those giants.”
“I had a chance to meet Tom King a few years ago at Comic Con,” Parent said. “I was already a super fan; he’s a writer whose work I love and had been raving about for years! The fact that he’s an Archie fan and was so complimentary to my work was such a pleasant surprise. We struck up a friendship and began to talk about a collaboration. And here we are, a fantastic story that encompasses everyone in the Archieverse!”
A frequent Archie Comics running gag is the mayhem caused by Archie’s inability to decide whom to date, whether it’s for one Friday night or forever. ARCHIE: THE DECISION opens on a historic moment: Archie has decided to put an end to all of that. Where King and Parent take him next is a joyfully tense escalating series of events that winds up engulfing the entire town, and reflects the expansiveness of today's Riverdale.
Tackling such an elemental aspect of the Archie Comics mythos is emblematic of the thoughtful character work and grand scale King brings to all his writing, most notably his fan-favorite emotionally resonant revivals of classic superhero characters like The Omega Men, Adam Strange, and The Vision. ARCHIE: THE DECISION will be his first Archie Comics title.
Parent has been regularly illustrating stories featuring every Riverdale character since 1987, including historic moments like the introduction of Archie’s first openly gay character Kevin Keller and the “Love Showdown” crossover that brought wild card Cheryl Blossom into the spotlight.
“The story contains all the elements of classic Archie madcap comedy, with a modern twist,” Parent continued. “It's an honor and a privilege to team up with the best writer in modern comics, and the fact that he’s a great guy and friend doesn’t hurt either!" King added, “This is an epic, riotous story featuring scores of Archie characters where Dan and I wrestle with the greatest dilemma in the near 85-year history of comics. I'm not sure we can solve it, but, like all of Riverdale, we're going to have a ton of fun trying.”
ARCHIE: THE DECISION releases August 28 in comic shops nationwide, with inks by Bob Smith, colors by Rosario “Tito” Peña, letters by Jack Morelli, and an open-to-order variant cover by Stephen Byrne. It will be available for pre-order on May 24.
A Tom King presentation isn't the event is used to be (especially after Identity Crisis) but this one is pretty stunning. I'd prefer a different artist, but you can't always get what you want.
ARCHIE’S DARK MAGIC UNIVERSE EXPANDS WITH KARDAK THE MYSTIC!
The Golden Age Archie Comics magician is revamped in an all-new one-shot comic this August!
Superheroics, magic, and cosmic horror converge in KARDAK THE MYSTIC, an all-new one-shot from Archie Comics in August! The new story by writer Joe Corallo (HAPPY HORRORDAYS) and artist Butch Mapa (STRANGE SCIENCE) reboots one of Archie’s oldest characters and adds to a burgeoning dark fantasy corner of the publisher’s rich fictional universe.
"One of my favorite projects is tasking creators with the ability to bring deep-cut characters from Archie's lore to life,” said Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante. “Kardak the Mystic is one Editorial was especially excited about, as we all have a deep love of magicians and were even more intrigued by the prospect of having a horror/sci-fi take on Kardak, where the magic can be a lot more ominous than your typical carnival fare."
The new story relates the fateful misadventures of John Cardy, a failed stage magician looking for one last chance to make it big. When he’s offered a too-good-to-be-true magic talisman, his tricks become real, and he’s soon enmeshed in a dark alternate universe, slipping in and out to increasing fame and dread. The unsettling undertones place KARDAK THE MYSTIC squarely next to recent dark fantasy releases from Archie like THE WICKED TRINITY and DARKLING, as well as BOB PHANTOM, a twisted reimagination of another Golden Age crimefighter.
"Getting to revisit the character of Kardak, whom I had the opportunity to touch on in a short for JINX'S GRIM FAIRY TALES, has been an absolute thrill!” Corallo said. “Combining classic elements from his Golden Age TOP-NOTCH appearances with a fresh, updated look and perspective on these characters will excite both longtime and new Archie fans alike!"
Kardak debuted in a story by C. A. Winter and Harry Shorten in 1939’s TOP NOTCH COMICS #1 as a superhero magician, employing tricks and mystical powers to fight organized crime and supervillains alongside his fiancée Lorna. He frequently employed the power of imperceptibility, a talent that will feature in the updated story, for better or for worse.
“Kardak the Mystic was there at the dawn of the Golden Age of comics, predating even Archie and the Riverdale crew,” Mapa said. “It's an honor to be able to bring the character back into the spotlight, and to redefine the character for a modern audience. Readers can expect a lot of spooky atmospheres, dark choices, and creepy monsters. Everyone should follow their dreams, but this issue warns us to be careful, because some of them can lead into nightmares!”
KARDAK THE MYSTIC releases August 14 in comic shops nationwide, with colors by Ellie Wright, letters by Jack Morelli, and an open-to-order variant cover by Skylar Patridge. It will be available for pre-order on May 24.
I have never heard of Kardak, but there were a lot of Mandrake wannabes in the early '40s.
ICONIC ARCHIE COMICS RETURN TO PRINT WITH NEW FACSIMILE LINE!
Archie Comics launches a hotly anticipated program of key reprints with BETTY & ME #16 in August
May 15, 2024 — Over more than 80 years of publishing and pop culture history, Archie Comics has built a vast library of memorable cover gags, first character appearances, and fan-favorite stories. Many of these sought-after collector’s items will be returning to print in a new line of faithful reproductions known as “facsimile editions,” launching in August. The program kicks off with a reprint of 1968’s BETTY & ME #16, sporting a world-famous widely memed cover by Archie legend Dan DeCarlo.
“We use the word ‘iconic’ a lot at Archie and it’s with good reason,” said Archie Comics CEO & Publisher Jon Goldwater. “We’re in our ninth decade of publishing the adventures of Archie and the gang, and that has naturally given us the runway to make a big impact. There have been so many touchstones through the years, whether it’s the debut of major new characters like Josie and the Pussycats and Sabrina, or the smaller things fans have come to cherish, the quick gags and sweet scenes that over time have built such strong character personalities and a lasting legacy. The Facsimile Editions are a way for us to celebrate some of these iconic moments with our most dedicated readers in comics that instantly recall the past, while introducing new readers to what makes Archie special, as well.”
Facsimiles are a soaring trend in comics, giving today’s readers a chance to own affordable versions of valuable issues without breaking the bank. And though many of these stories are available in trade paperback collections, facsimiles are printed in the original single-issue format, including all the vintage ads, editorial pages, and letter columns that fans enjoyed when they picked up the first printings decades ago, a reading experience that’s like going back in time.
“The whole Facsimile lineup is a real treat for collectors and fans; first appearances, all-timer cover gags, and important moments in Archie history, it’s all here,” said Archie Comics Editor-in Chief Mike Pellerito. “We’ve really gone deep to find the best of the best, not just in terms of great stories but genuinely classic issues that are works of art unto themselves as complete comic books, cover-to-cover.”
BETTY AND ME #16: FACSIMILE EDITION releases August 7 in comic shops nationwide, with stories by Joe Edwards, Frank Doyle, Dan DeCarlo, and many other legendary Archie Comics creators. It will be available for pre-order on May 24.
That's one way to defang a joke: Own it.
THE DARK SECRETS OF ARCHIE'S CURSED LIBRARY ARE REVEALED!
Archie Comics scream queens Jinx, Danni, and Madam Satan team up in THE CURSED LIBRARY series launching in August!
Dark worlds converge in August when Archie Comics opens the doors to THE CURSED LIBRARY, an all-new premium-printed limited series that unites Archie's three main horror heroines — and its various one-shot comics — in one explosive storyline by writers Magdalene Visaggio (Eternity Girl) and Eliot Rahal (Bleed Them Dry) with art by Craig Cermak (Red Team).
“The CURSED LIBRARY event that Mags and I have been asked to helm is unlike any other moment in Archie Comics history," Rahal said. "It’s both a throughline and nexus point that weaves together everything in the Archie Horror universe that’s happened so far. Its goal is to provide shape to the world that has been created. THE CURSED LIBRARY is essentially saying: ‘All of this matters. There is a fabric.’"
Archie Horror readers have been treated to a series of standalone one-shot comics in recent years that can be enjoyed as chilling ghost stories and campfire tales, but eagle-eyed fans will have noticed hints of connection, which came to a head in last fall's MADAM SATAN: HELL ON EARTH. That story ended with Madam Satan, the escaped Queen of Hell, captured by Jinx Holliday, a teenager interested in magic and rock 'n' roll who is rumored to be Satan's daughter. Jinx is often aided by her loyal best friend Danni, who made global headlines last summer when she was revealed to be Archie's first transgender character. While all three protagonists have charted their own course thus far, their worlds collide in THE CURSED LIBRARY when each will be tested as Danni descends into the depths of Hell to save her friend's soul — and the world.
“This is an ambitious project led by two of the best writers we've had the pleasure of working with on our horror titles, and, honestly, two of the best writers in comics, period," said Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante. "I have the ultimate trust in them to craft a story that is layered, poignant, and still metal AF. This feels like the culmination of almost everything I've personally worked on as an editor, and I'm thrilled that I get to watch Eliot and Mags create a world (or rather, convergence of worlds) that I'm, frankly, in awe of. This is not just a love letter to our fans, but to the art of storytelling as a whole, complemented by the stunning artwork of Craig Cermak.”
Cermak has made a big impact on the Archie Horror line, having illustrated Jinx's horror adventures and the initial appearances of The Cursed Library itself, a mysterious collection of books that seem to chronicle the events depicted in recent one-shot comics like CAMP PICKENS and BETTY: THE FINAL GIRL. “It's been exciting to go on this journey with Jinx and see it develop into something much grander," Cermak said. "Building on top of all the various horror tales featuring so many great Archie characters is providing such a gratifying opportunity as an artist, with so much great material from which to pull.
Rahal has written all of Madam Satan's modern adventures, relating the anti-hero's struggle against Satan and her efforts to chart her own destiny. Madam Satan is one of Archie Comics' oldest characters, debuting in PEP COMICS #16 in 1941. She was reintroduced as Sabrina's antagonist in the horror series CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA, which was adapted as a Netflix streaming series in 2018. Visaggio is the architect of Jinx's modern resurgence, where she is an older and more macabre version of the classic Archie humor character known as Li'l Jinx, who first appeared in PEP COMICS #62 in 1947. Visaggio scripted Danni's return alongside Jinx and her solo star turn in last year's STRANGE SCIENCE one-shot. Danni first appeared in DILTON'S STRANGE SCIENCE in 1989 as an equally brilliant friend and foil to Dilton, Riverdale's resident genius. The talents of, and more importantly, the bonds between all three women will be the focus of THE CURSED LIBRARY.
"I think what I love and am most proud of is that this connectivity is secondary to the story," Rahal added. "THE CURSED LIBRARY can stand alone because, at its heart, this is the culmination of two stories: Madam Satan’s and Jinx’s. These two characters have had painful journeys of self-discovery and are finally meeting their climax –– but it’s all wrapped up in the Apocalypse. It’s both the end and a new beginning. And by the time we’ve closed the chapter on the Cursed Library, the Archie Horror line will be diving into a very new and exciting future.”
THE CURSED LIBRARY: ALPHA releases August 21 in comic shops nationwide, with colors by Matt Herms, lettering by Jack Morelli, and open-to-order variant covers by Robert Hack, Soo Lee, and Reiko Murakami. It will be available for pre-order on May 24. The first issue will be followed by OMEGA in September and the final chapter, UNBOUND, in October.
THE CURSED LIBRARY: ALPHA main cover art by Craig Cermak
THE CURSED LIBRARY: ALPHA variant cover art by Robert Hack
THE CURSED LIBRARY: ALPHA variant cover art by Soo Lee
THE CURSED LIBRARY: ALPHA variant cover art by Reiko Murakami
As I mentioned in the FCBD thread, Cursed Library pulls together all the various Archie Horror miniseries and one-shots.
ARCHIE COMICS AUGUST SOLICITS/JUNE PREVIEWS
THE CURSED LIBRARY: ALPHA
This is it... this is the moment our horror one-shots have led to… THE CURSED LIBRARY!
When we last left off in MADAM SATAN: HELL ON EARTH, Jinx has the former Queen of the Underworld trapped in the mysterious library, as her father-bestowed demon powers have intensified. To stop Jinx from becoming like her father, her best friend Danni Malloy must rescue and convince Madam Satan to guide her through Hell itself to find the one thing that can possibly save her friend’s soul––Jinx’s mom. Along the way, they’ll also discover a number of faces they’ve seen before, though only in the pages of the terrifying tomes within the cursed library. This three-issue limited series horror event tells a story about the bonds that tie us together and how the only thing that can save the world from evil is radical love. It’s Riverdale’s Return of the Jedi meets Dante’s Inferno. A three-part event that will close the door on the Cursed Library and usher in a whole new chapter of horror stories.
Script: Eliot Rahal, Magdalene Visaggio
Art: Craig Cermak
Colors: Matt Herms
Letters: Jack Morelli
Main Cover: Craig Cermak
Variant Covers: Robert Hack, Soo Lee, Reiko Murakami
On Sale Date: 8/21
32-page, full color comic, $4.99 U.S.
KARDAK THE MYSTIC (ONE-SHOT)
All John Cardy ever wanted was to be recognized for his talents at magic tricks and sleight of hand. He's talented, but not enough to get noticed for it until he comes across a (unbeknownst to him) cursed ruby. This ruby grants John the power of invisibility. As Kardak the Mystic, he performs feats no one else can with this magic. Unfortunately for him, going invisible isn't just a trick of the eyes, but rather entering another realm parallel to our own. And something inside that realm wants to use Kardak to enter our world for dark purposes.
Script: Joe Corallo
Art: Butch Mapa
Colors: Ellie Wright
Letters: Jack Morelli
Main Cover: Butch Mapa
Variant Cover: Skylar Patridge
On Sale Date: 8/14
32-page, full color comic, $3.99 U.S.
ARCHIE HORROR PRESENTS... TERRIFYING TALES (TPB)
Archie Comics continues to terrify with this collection of seven tales featuring final girls, grotesque gourmands, frightening fandom, summer camp slashers and more!
TERRIFYING TALES is a feast for any horror-hungry fans, with everything from psychological thrillers to dimension-bending sci-fi. Madam Satan and Jinx are joined by Danni Malloy, Bingo Wilkin, and others in a true terror tour through the depths of Hell and back. Beware as you read horror stories from every corner of the Archie Universe! Featuring a retro, distressed cover by horror comic master Robert Hack. This collection includes the following one-shots: BETTY: THE FINAL GIRL, POP’S CHOCK’LIT SHOPPE OF HORRORS, THE CULT OF THAT WILKIN BOY, JINX: A CURSED LIFE, CAMP PICKENS, STRANGE SCIENCE, AND MADAM SATAN: HELL ON EARTH.
Script: Various
Art: Various
Cover: Robert Hack
979-8-88967-990-5
$17.99 US / $21.99 CAN
6 5/8 x 10 3/16”
160 pp, Full Color
Direct Market On-Sale Date: 8/14
Here's a bunch of the one-shots that Cursed Library is tying together. Jinx is a central player in all this, too.
ARCHIE: THE DECISION (ONE-SHOT)
Archie. Finally. Decides. At long last, the answer to the question generations of fans have asked will be answered. Who will Archie choose? Betty or Veronica? Written by Eisner Award-winning comics scribe TOM KING and illustrated by Archie legend and fan-favorite artist DAN PARENT, this is the tale only they can tell. Everyone in Riverdale is waiting for his choice, and all of your favorites, from Josie & The Pussycats to Sabrina the Teenage Witch (and even Hot Dog!), are joining in the fun. No matter who you want him to choose, you DEFINITELY don't want to miss this ALL-NEW, FULL-LENGTH story!
Script: Tom King
Pencils: Dan Parent
Inks: Bob Smith
Colors: Rosario “Tito” Peña
Letters: Jack Morelli
Main Cover: Dan Parent w/ Rosario “Tito” Peña
Variant Cover: Stephen Byrne
On Sale Date: 8/28
32-page, full color comic , $3.99 U.S.
BETTY AND ME #16 FACSIMILE EDITION
It’s the cover that snuck past the Comics Code Authority and would go on to spawn a million memes! Archie Comics is proud to present this highly sought after issue of BETTY AND ME #16 faithfully reprinted in a full-facsimile edition!
Script: Various
Art: Various
Cover: Dan DeCarlo
On Sale Date: 8/7
32-page, full color comic, $3.99 U.S.
ARCHIE’S SCARY STORIES (TPB)
More Halloween hijinks than you can shake a glow stick at in this spine-tingling collection of haunting tales. Come along with spirits TRICK and TREAT, as they guide you door to door, looking for fun! This collection is a must-have for the spooky holidays.
Script: Various
Art: Various
Cover: Dan Parent, Rosario “Tito” Peña
979-8-88967-992-9
$12.99 US / $16.99 CAN / 6 x 9” / 120 pp, Full Color
Direct Market On-Sale Date: 8/21
ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #353
BRAND NEW STORY! In the fast-paced, ever-changing world of modern slang, how do you keep up with everyone's spectacular vernacular? Join us for a lesson in today's grooviest terms. (Kids still say groovy, right?)
Script: Timmy Heague
Pencils: Bill Galvan
Inks: Jim Amash
Colors: Glenn Whitmore
Letters: Jack Morelli
Cover: Dan Parent, Rosario “Tito” Peña
On Sale Date: 8/21
192-page, full color digest, $9.99 U.S.
ARCHIE MILESTONES JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #25: JUGHEAD’S FUN FOR FALL
Riverdale's foremost burger connoisseur trades his triple-decker dreams for spooktacular treats in tales guaranteed to give you goosebumps.
Script: Various
Art: Various
Cover: Dan Parent, Rosario “Tito” Peña
On Sale Date: 8/7
192-page, full color digest, $9.99 U.S.
BETTY AND VERONICA JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #327
BRAND NEW STORY! You've marveled at Betty as Superteen, and been thrilled by Veronica as Powerteen, but nothing could have prepared you for the dazzling first appearance of WONDER TEEN X. Who is she? You'll have to read it to believe it!
Script: Tom DeFalco
Pencils: Steven Butler
Inks: Jim Amash
Colors: Glenn Whitmore
Letters: Jack Morelli
Cover: Dan Parent, Rosario “Tito” Peña
On Sale Date: 8/28
192-page, full color digest
$9.99 U.S.
WORLD OF BETTY & VERONICA JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #34
BRAND NEW STORY! Let's be honest, more Moose is always a good thing. Especially if we're talking about Mini-Moose, the first appearance of the brand-new canine companion to Riverdale's favorite jock. What could go wrong?
Script: Chris Cummins
Art & Letters: Rex Lindsey
Colors: Glenn Whitmore
Cover: Dan Parent, Rosario “Tito” Peña
On Sale Date: 8/14
192-page, full color digest
$9.99 U.S.
Replies
They did their "Big" stories about Archie choosing Betty, then Veronica, then Valerie from Josie & the Pussycats in the 2010s!
I'm a pretty big Tom King fan. I hope I remember to buy this when it comes out. (Someone remind me.)