Archie Comics will launch The Archies as an ongoing series from co-writers Alex Segura and Matt Rosenberg (Archie Meets Ramones) and artist Joe Eisma (Archie, Riverdale). As announced by MTV News, the ongoing series will take place after the events of the one-shot of the same name, following the band's first gig together.
According to Segura, he and Rosenberg had always intended to write an ongoing series following the one-shot, but it was ultimately the positive response from readers that actually made it possible.
RELATED: Segura Gives The Archies an Origin Story & Expands Dark Circle
The new series, which launches this October, will see real bands guest-star in the spirit of Archie Meets Ramones and Archie Meets KISS. Segura teased that they will introduce some of their favorite bands into Riverdale; however, it's unknown exactly which bands the writing team will include in the forthcoming comic.
“Adding real bands in the mix gives the series a must-read twist and opens the door for Matt, Joe and I to get our favorite bands into Riverdale,” he said.
The Archies will see the band leave Riverdale for their tour, which will allow Segura and Rosenberg to truly explore everything that a band endures on the road. According to Rosenberg, this format will allow the series to serve as a great jumping on point for new readers, while also allowing fans that grew up with Archie and company to experience something totally new.
“We're taking The Archies out of Riverdale and sending them on tour across the country to experience everything a touring band goes through,” Rosenberg explained. “So whether you grew up with Archie or you've never read a comic, here's a great chance to hop in the van with these 5 old friends and experience something totally new."
Artist Joe Eisma, colorist Matt Herms and letterer Jack Morelli will also return for the ongoing series after their work on the one-shot. Briefly teasing what's in store for the new series, Eisma went on to call the project "the ultimate comic."
RELATED: Archie Expanding Rebooted Universe with Four New One-Shots
According to the official synopsis for The Archies #1,
What’s next for the teenage rockers The Archies? When someone makes a decision that leaves the rest of the band scrambling, can the group keep it together? It’s friendship vs. fame in this must-read #1 issue to the new, ongoing THE ARCHIES series!
The first issue, which will feature a cover by Joe Eisma, will go on sale just in time for New York Comic Con on October 4th and will retail for $3.99, with variant covers by Matthew Dow Smith, Sandy Jarrell with Kelly Fitzpatrick and Thomas Pitilli.
THE ARCHIES #1
What’s next for the teenage rockers The Archies? When someone makes a decision that leaves the rest of the band scrambling, can the group keep it together? It’s friendship vs. fame in this must-read #1 issue to the new, ongoing THE ARCHIES series!
Script: Alex Segura and Matt Rosenberg
Art: Joe Eisma, Matt Herms, Jack Morelli
Cover: Joe Eisma
Variant Covers: Matthew Dow Smith, Sandy Jarrell with Kelly Fitzpatrick, Thomas Pitilli
On Sale Date: 10/4
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.