Ian Flynn has been an Archie Comics MVP for more than a decade, as the primary writer of Sonic the Hedgehog. Though that license is now at IDW Publishing, Flynn has remained a major presence at the company -- writing superhero series The Mighty Crusaders, all-ages title Cosmo and, as of February's Archie #28, co-writing the flagship New Riverdale series with Mark Waid.

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: Riverdale Romance is in Chaos in Archie #28

With Archie #28 due out on Feb. 14 and Cosmo now in stores, CBR caught up with Flynn to talk about his latest Archie Comics accomplishments, collaborating with Mark Waid and Archie artist Audrey Mok, the experience of reviving Cosmo with Sonic artists Tracy Yardley and Matt Herms, and what's left for him to tackle in the World of Archie.

Additionally, CBR has the first look at covers and solicitation text for April's Archie #30 and Cosmo #4. Check back with CBR later this week for Archie Comics' full April 2018 solicitations.

Archie #28 cover by Audrey Mok.

CBR: Ian, you've been a part of the Archie family for quite a while -- what does it feel like to now be co-writing the flagship title?

Ian Flynn: Archie has this balance of slice-of-life drama and humor that’s really tricky to get right. You can’t fall back on an action scene or the spectacle of a surreal set piece -- you’ve got the gang and Riverdale and you have to make them work on their terms.

What's it like collaborating with Mark Waid on this? Not only is he, well, Mark Waid, but he's really defined the "New Riverdale" era of Archie.

Mark’s been fantastic to work with. He’s been the main driving force behind the storyline, but he’s given me tons of room to approach the story in my own way. It’s been a pleasure working with him and -- like you were saying -- I can say I worked with Mark Waid.

"Heart of Riverdale" was in many ways an emotionally heavy story. How do you see the tone of the series going forward?

I can’t say how things will be for Archie and the crew for the future, but the next arc certainly isn’t lighter. By the end of it you’ll be seeing some pretty shocking high stakes.

The main Archie series has had some amazing artists in its current run. What do you like about Audrey Mok's work on the book?

She has this brilliant balance of realism and whimsy. She makes everyone in Riverdale feel like real people, and when Archie’s antics start getting cartoonish, she sells them with the same level of believability. I think that makes the sight gags all the funnier.

Cosmo launched earlier this month. How have you enjoyed reteaming with Tracy Yardley and Matt Herms, and the challenge/opportunity presented by reviving such an obscure Archie property?

I will always be happy to work with Tracy and Matt. We make a fantastic team and we’ve learned how to function like a well-oiled machine. Tons of love and respect there too. I’ve been really happy to get the chance to take the absolutely bonkers concepts behind Cosmo and freshen them up for today’s audience.

RELATED: Ian Flynn Revives Archie’s Original Red Circle in Mighty Crusaders

Between Archie, Cosmo and Mighty Crusaders, you're really covering a lot of ground at Archie these days. Are there any Archie properties left that you're eager to try your hand at?

I’ll always hold out hope that Young Salem will get another shot, but I’d be happy with just about anything within the Sabrina/Salem mythos. We might have some other fun things percolating behind closed doors.

Page 2: [valnet-url-page page=2 paginated=0 text='Check out the first look at Archie #30 and Cosmo #4 covers and solicitation text!']

Archie #30 main cover by Audrey Mok.
Archie #30 variant cover by Sandy Jarrell with Kelly Fitzpatrick.
Archie #30 variant cover by Adam Gorham.

ARCHIE #30

  • It's the run-up to the most important event in the gang's lives—the spring dance! Who's going with who? Who's NOT going with whom? And how will Archie end up tanking the whole night?
  • Script: Mark Waid, Ian Flynn
  • Art: Audrey Mok, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Jack Morelli
  • Cover: Audrey Mok
  • Variant Covers: Adam Gorham, Sandy Jarrell with Kelly Fitzpatrick
  • On Sale Date: 4/25
  • 32-page, full color comic • $3.99 U.S.
Cosmo #4 main cover by Patrick Spaziante.
Cosmo #4 variant cover by Vincent Lovallo.
Cosmo #4 variant cover by Asami Matsumura.

COSMO #4 (of 5)

  • Retailers: Combined initial orders matching or exceeding 75% of combined initial orders on issue #1 will receive an additional 10% discount.
  • The evil battle princess Cleo has our hero Cosmo cornered! Is this the end of the mighty Martian’s mission or will the wheel of fate turn in his favor? Find out in the penultimate chapter of this 5-part mini-series!
  • Script: Ian Flynn
  • Art: Tracy Yardley, Matt Herms, Jack Morelli
  • Cover: Patrick Spaziante
  • Variant Covers: Vincent Lovallo, Asami Matsumura
  • On Sale Date: 4/18
  • 32-page, full color comic • $3.99 U.S.