Archie Comics and Webtoon are partnering on a new series starring the classic Riverdale character Big Ethel.
The Big Ethel Energy creative team consists of writer Keryl Brown Ahmed and artist Siobhan Keenan. Webtoon will exclusively launch the first three episodes of the series on Sept. 21, with new episodes debuting weekly on the platform. Big Ethel Energy follows our titular character all grown up, brimming with confidence. Its theme will also focus on adulthood, the search for inner strength while also remembering the importance of growth, change and forgiveness.
”We’re so excited for this partnership with Webtoon,” said Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante. "The work they’ve been doing is incredible, and the modern sensibilities they bring to their storytelling, along with the gorgeous and colorful art, aligns perfectly with Archie’s vision. It’s been amazing working with Webtoon and watching the evolution of Ethel take shape.”
“Bringing the Archie characters onto Webtoon is the next step in the evolution of our comics and how we tell stories,” said Archie Comics CEO/Publisher Jon Goldwater. “We are always looking for new and effective ways to deliver content to different audiences and working with Webtoon is a huge part of us continuing to do just that. We’re so thrilled to be debuting this new iteration of Ethel on a new platform and to a growing audience that has a huge love for comics. It’s tremendously exciting!”
“Archie Comics has some of the most enduring and beloved characters in comics, and we are grateful to be working with talents who are fans of both Archie Comics and Webtoon.” said David Lee, head of content for Webtoon Entertainment, US. “We can't wait to welcome these iconic characters to the global Webtoon community and introduce a new generation of comic fans to their stories."
This news follows on the heels of Webtoon's partnership with DC. The collaboration will see DC's lineup of heroes and villains star in their own webcomics. The first title to launch is Batman: Wayne Family Adventures, which formally adds Duke Thomas to the Bat-Family. Duke will move into Wayne Manor to join Batman's endless supply of adopted, fostered and biological vigilante children
Source: Archie Comics