In July 2015, Archie Comics relaunched its title with a new creative team and a new #1. After almost 32 issues under Mark Waid (“Captain America”) and a slew of great artists, “Archie” has been a huge success and has proven that these characters can work in any medium i.e. Riverdale.
To celebrate 700 issues of “Archie,” a brand new creative team is slated to come aboard the series starting with “Archie” #700, according to the New York Times. Nick Spencer (“The Amazing Spider-Man”) will take the reigns from Mark Waid after his series arc concludes with issue #32. Spencer will be joined by Marguerite Sauvage (“DC Bombshells”), providing art duties. In October, “Archie” #699 will go on sale for $1.00 at local comic book stores and will act as a sort of catch up issue followed by “Archie” #700 the next month.
About the relaunch, Spencer says “Archie Comics has a long, proud history. I don’t want to blow things up or do anything that would upset the long-term audience.” He also added that he wants to “depict that in a way that the Riverdale audience can appreciate and enjoy.” He did note that the book does not have a ‘Mature’ rating on it, and assures fans that he knows what boundaries can be crossed.
This relaunch of sorts isn’t just affecting the main “Archie” series, however. A new “Betty and Veronica” number one will begin in December with writer Jamie L. Rotante set to take over the series. Fans can rest assured that the characters will be in good hands as Rotante scripted “Betty and Veronica: Vixens,” so she has some familiarity with both Betty and Veronica. The series will see Betty and Veronica explore life in their senior year of high school. Archie Comics haven’t announced an artist, but Marguerite Sauvage has provided the cover art for issue #1. In an email, Rotante says “We stack a lot onto the backs of teens and often dismiss their concerns as juvenile.” She then added “I think now, more than ever, it’s apparent that teens matter and that their voices should be heard.”
Jon Goldwater, the publisher and co-chief executive of Archie Comic Publications was very candid in his explanation for the renumbering. He says “It’s a way to bring attention to the book again and have a good time.” He also notes that Archie has success over various mediums for one reason: “If you keep the DNA of the characters intact, you can take them anywhere.” And it seems other iterations of iconic Archie characters, in different media are in the works as well.
“Archie” #32 will be available this Wednesday July 11, 2018. Be sure to pick up “Archie” #699 to catch up in October and get ready for “Archie” #700, in stores this November.
