SDCC15: All Things Archie as Archie Comics Prepares for Biggest Comic-Con Presence Ever

ARCHIE #1 Cover by Fiona Staples

New York, NY (July 6, 2015) Archie Comics, the acclaimed and bestselling comic book publisher that is home to some of the best-known pop culture creations in the world, including Archie, Jughead, Betty & Veronica, Josie & The Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and the hit AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE series, today unveiled plans for an expansive and ambitious presence at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2015—timed to the launch of an all-new ARCHIE #1 from the all-star creative team of writer Mark Waid and artist Fiona Staples.

ARCHIE #1, hitting comic shops and digital retailers on Wednesday, July 8—the same day doors open on Comic-Con International: San Diego 2015—reimagines the classic character and his friends Jughead, Betty & Veronica, Reggie and more, infusing them with a modern day sensibility that still harkens back to the roots of the long-running comedy series. It’s a story for all ages that reiterates the vibrancy, relevance and quality that fans have come to expect from Archie Comics as the company heads into its 75th year.

“ARCHIE #1 is a milestone for this company, in every way,” said Jon Goldwater, Archie Comics Publisher/Co-CEO. “We are pulling back the curtain and showing fans the true origin of Archie, the love triangle and so much more, under the watchful eye of two of the absolute best comic book creators on the planet – Mark Waid and Fiona Staples. Not only are they brimming with talent, but they’re huge Archie fans—once again showing how impactful these characters have been and proving that not only will Mark and Fiona create a legendary story, but they will honor the past while building a new, exciting future for Archie and friends.”

The new ongoing comic book series is the first of three “New Riverdale” titles set to roll out over the next 12-18 months, including a new JUGHEAD title in October, spotlighting Archie’s burger-loving best friend, from writer Chip Zdarsky (Sex Criminals) and Erica Henderson (The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl) and BETTY AND VERONICA next summer, taking readers deeper into the friendship and rivalry between the beloved teen characters, from legendary writer/artist Adam Hughes (Before Watchmen: Doctor Manhattan).

The relaunch sets the stage for an amazing week of events, giveaways, exclusives and announcements at the biggest pop culture event in the world, Comic-Con International: San Diego 2015—including two exclusive-to-the-show variant cover editions of ARCHIE #1 and a chance to win a free copy of the landmark issue by attending the Friday Archie Comics Forever panel in Room 4.

Archie Comics Panels at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2015

Archie Forever, Friday, 7/10/15, 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m., Room: 4 Hot off the blockbuster launch of the first Archie #1 in over 75 years, this is one panel Archie fans can’t miss! Get exclusive news on the Archie Horror titles, the new JUGHEAD ongoing series, and more! The panel features Jon Goldwater (co-CEO/publisher), Victor Gorelick (co-president/editor-in-chief), Mike Pellerito (president), Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (chief creative officer/writer of Afterlife with Archie, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Mark Waid (writer of Archie), Chip Zdarsky (writer of Jughead), Adam Hughes (writer/artist Betty & Veronica), Dan Parent (writer/artist, Life With Kevin, Archie vs. Sharknado),Anthony C. Ferrante (writer of Archie vs. Sharknado), and moderator Alex Segura (SVP-publicity and marketing/editor of Dark Circle Comics). Plus, an exclusive gift bag ticket and a FREE copy of the all-new ARCHIE #1 for all attendees!

Dark Circle Comics, Saturday, 7/11/15, 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m., Room: 29AB Get in on the ground floor of 2015’s most ambitious comics imprint as Alex Segura (editor of Dark Circle Comics), Jon Goldwater (co-CEO/publisher), Mike Pellerito (president of Archie Comics), Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (chief creative officer), and key talent like Adam Christopher and Chuck Wendig (co-writers, The Shield), and Frank Tieri (writer, The Hangman) expand the cinematic and literary universe of titles coming from Dark Circle Comics, including The Black Hood, The Shield, and The Hangman! Archie Action, Sunday, 7/12/15, 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m., Room: 32AB What do the heroes of SEGA and CAPCOM do when facing unbeatable odds? They unite their forces! Find out more about this summer’s blockbuster Archie Action crossover event, WORLDS UNITE, asVincent Lovallo (Editor of Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Man) is joined by Mike Pellerito (president of Archie Comics), Alex Segura (SVP-publicity and marketing), Evan Stanley (writer/artist Sonic Universe), and Edwin Huang (artist of Mega Man) to take you behind the scenes and break the latest news and announcements!

Archie Comics Creator Signing Schedule (Booth #1829)

Thursday: 4-5pm: Dan Parent (Betty and Veronica, Kevin Keller) 5-6pm: Evan Stanley, Dan Schoening, Luis Antonio Delgado, Edwin Huang (Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Man) Friday: 12-1pm: Adam Christopher (The Shield) 2-3pm: Mark Waid (Archie, The Fox) 3-4pm: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Afterlife with Archie, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) 4-5pm: Dan Parent (Betty and Veronica, Kevin Keller), Bill Galvan (Archie) 5-6pm: Evan Stanley, Dan Schoening, Luis Antonio Delgado (Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Man) Saturday: 11am-12pm: Alex de Campi (Archie vs. Predator) 12-1pm: Dan Parent (Betty and Veronica, Kevin Keller), Bill Galvan (Archie) 2-3pm: Frank Tieri (The Hangman), Adam Christopher, Chuck Wendig, Drew Johnson (The Shield) 3-4pm: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Afterlife with Archie, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) 4:30-5:30pm: Mark Waid (Archie, The Fox) 5:30-6:30pm: Evan Stanley, Bill Freiberger, Dan Schoening, Luis Antonio Delgado, Edwin Huang (Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Boom, Mega Man) Sunday: 12-1pm: Alex de Campi (Archie vs. Predator) 2-3pm: Evan Stanley, Bill Freiberger (Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Boom) 3-4pm: Dan Parent (Betty and Veronica, Kevin Keller)

Archie Comics Exclusives

ARCHIE #1 SDCC Exclusive Variant A Get in on the ground floor of this summer’s most-talked about comic book relaunch from the superstar creative team of Mark Waid and Fiona Staples with this Comic-Con International: San Diego exclusive ARCHIE #1 variant cover! Featuring brand-new cover artwork from series artist Fiona Staples depicting Archie, Betty, and Jughead enjoying the outdoors, this variant is extremely limited and a must-have for all attendees! Price: $20.00

ARCHIE #1 SDCC Exclusive Variant B Get in on the ground floor of this summer’s most-talked about comic book relaunch from the superstar creative team of Mark Waid and Fiona Staples with this additional Comic-Con International: San Diego exclusive ARCHIE #1 variant cover! Featuring cover artwork from series artist Fiona Staples depicting the gang outside of Riverdale High, this variant is extremely limited and a must-have for all attendees! Price: $20.00 Also available at the Archie Comics Booth: ARCHIE #1 Fiona Staples Regular Cover ARCHIE #1 Blank Sketch Cover

MEGA MAN #50 “Worlds Unite” SDCC Exclusive Sketch Variant Celebrate 50 issues of Mega Man with the latest chapter in the globe-smashing Sonic/Mega Man crossover event featuring a Comic-Con International: San Diego exclusive cover! This special edition anniversary comic showcases in-progress cover artwork by Archie Action Legend Patrick “Spaz” Spaziante! Don’t miss out on this limited edition comic featuring everyone’s favorite super fighting robot! Price: $10.00

SDCC Exclusive Dark Circle Comics Poster Featuring a stunning pin-up of 2015’s hottest new comic book series THE BLACK HOOD, THE FOX, THE SHIELD and THE HANGMAN by THE SHIELD artist Drew Johnson!