Official Press Release

Archie Comics, the leading children's comic book publisher and home to some of the most recognizable pop culture characters in the world, including Archie, Betty and Veronica, Jughead, Kevin Keller, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Josie and the Pussycats, and licensed publisher of videogame comics featuring Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man, has announced that NASCAR racing star Danica Patrick will be featured in the upcoming Sonic Universe #45. The issue is a direct crossover to the SEGA video game Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformedâ„¢. The current NASCAR phenomenon and winningest female driver in Indy Car history will appear in both the new release from SEGA as well as the game's comic book primer-story in Sonic Universe #45, continuing the trend of real-life-celebrity appearances in Archie Comics titles.

"We're super-psyched to have Danica appear in this issue," said Archie Comics Executive Director of Editorial Paul Kaminski. "Working with her, SEGA and the rest of the team behind this awesome game has been a really great experience, and writer Ian Flynn went all-out in making this Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed story an action-packed adventure fans won't soon forget!"

Other special guest stars from SEGA video games that will appear in the issue include AiAi from Super Monkey Ball, Beat from Jet Set Radio, and Vyse from Skies of Arcadia.

Sonic Universe #45 (AUG120810E, $2.99) appears in comic shops October 17 and Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed will be available in stores beginning on November 18.