The Archies are leaving the ‘50s behind.
Via The New York Times, Archie Comics has announced plans to relaunch its primary Archie comic with writer Mark Waid (Daredevil) and artist Fiona Staples (Saga) as the new creative team.
Archie # 1 will reintroduce the classic characters, Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, Jughead Jones, Reggie Mantle and Kevin Keller in a more modern setting with contemporary attitudes towards the teenage characters. For most of Archie’s 75 year history, the Archie gang has been largely frozen in a timeless setting that resembled the ‘50s.
“Over the years, some of the sharp edges have been sanded off,” explained Waid.. “They are kids, and they should act as kids.”
Related: Archie May Be Coming Back To TV on Fox
Archie Comics Chief Creative Officer, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa added that “the tension against that perceived innocence and the darker material, that’s the sweet spot. The worst thing that could happen is that Archie could stop being relevant.”
This Archie relaunch comes at a time when Archie Comics has two critical hits with the mature audience themed Afterlife With Archie and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, both of which are horror titles with the Archie characters. Fox is also developing “Riverdale,” a one hour drama version of the Archie characters with “The Flash” and “Arrow” producer, Greg Berlanti on board.
Waid and Staples’ Archie # 1 will debut in 2015.
