Archie Comics Makes a Splash
The news may typically all be about DC's relaunch, or Marvel's next big event, but Archie Comics, another long-lasting publisher, is making its own waves as well.
As highlighted in The New York Times, Archie is bringing back its Red Circle imprint superhero titles in Spring of 2012, launching with The New Crusaders, a team of superheroes, which includes The Shield, the original patriotic hero. Fans may recall the characters' latest revival in 2008 when DC licensed them and published miniseries based on the characters.
What's even more interesting is that Archie is taking this relaunch digital only and will be presenting not only brand new tales, but a trove of material meant to enrich the reading experience for readers unfamiliar to the superhero team without the worry of bogging them down with decades old continuity.
This new digital intiative, though, will be fee-based, similar to the Netflix model. "It will be a nominal monthly charge with access to new comics and thousands and thousands of pages from the archive," said Co-CEO Jon Goldwater.
Time will tell if the model will work, and if fans will be willing to pay the "nominal monthly charge" for the privilege of reading these stories.
You can check out other Archie comics on the Archie app.
Robot 6 Dubs Archie "Most Important Publisher"
Amid a recent post concerning how solicit previews are handled, the bloggers over at Comic Book Resources' Robot 6 had this to say - "Archie -- a company I am slowly becoming convinced is secretly the most important publisher in the industry that isn't Marvel or DC, seriously."
Wow! Further proof that Archie Comics is pushing the boundaries of what many thought possible from a 70-year-old franchise and opening new doors at every turn. The Village Voice's Topless Robot already awarded Archie their 'diversity award' in which they state, "Keep trying, Marvel and DC. Maybe you'll catch up with Archie one day! Maybe!" They cite the "amazing bonkers"Life With Archie as the standard to which all other publishers' books must aspire to which will feature the groundbreaking wedding of Kevin Keller.
Thanks to this outpouring of support from fans and the media, Archie Comics has quickly risen in the ranks and is now the comic publisher to watch. With each big announcement follows more press putting Archie in league with the Big Two and praise for the company's progressiveness. Archie's 70th anniversary marks a turning point in how the longstanding publisher is perceived and there's no telling what the future will bring!
Archie Does New York
Archie Comics' NYCC Schedule
The biggest comic convention on the east coast is nearly here and Archie Comics will be there to take your questions, unveil new artwork, plus load you up with some exciting new Archie books! Not only will we be giving out free stuff to all who attend but you will also be entered into a drawing to win a Mighty Seven poster signed by Stan Lee!
Saturday, October 15
1:30PM - 2:30PM Archie Comics: Riverdale and Beyond - Archie Comics continues to blaze trails in comics, digital, and that's just the beginning! Join Archie Co-CEO Jon Goldwater, President Mike Pellerito, Editor in Chief Victor Gorelick, iVerse's Michael Murphey, Licensing Coordinator Kari Silbergleit, comic historian Craig Yoe (The Best of Archie's Madhouse), superstar creator Dan Parent (Kevin Keller),Michael Uslan (Life With Archie) and Executive Director of Publicity and Marketing Alex Segura (Archie Meets Kiss) for a look into the future of Archie stories including the forthcoming Archie Meets Kiss crossover! Join us for major announcements, special guest stars, digital and much more! All attendees will receive giveaway bags with over $100 worth of content including B&V BEACH PARTY, ARCHIE: WILL YOU MARRY ME?, MEGA MAN and SONIC comics! Room 1A02
Sunday, October 16
10:45AM - 11:45AM Archie Video Games: Sonic and Mega Man - This year Sonic celebrates his 20th anniversary and for 19 of those years, Archie has crafted an epic and exciting comic universe around Sonic the Hedgehog and the many wonderful characters that populate the universe of the SEGA character, recently taking the Blue Blur back to his video game roots in a story arc appropriately titled, "Genesis". As if that wasn't enough blue, this panel also highlights the top selling Mega Man series featuring the Blue Bomber's compelling, detailed universe of the best-selling video game series. Join writer Ian Flynn (Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Universe, Mega Man), artist Patrick "Spaz" Spaziante (Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Man), Editor Paul Kaminski (Sonic, Mega Man), Archie President Mike Pellerito and Executive Director of Publicity and Marketing Alex Segura for a discussion that promises to be full of big Sonic and Mega Man news, teasers, artwork and more!
Room 1A03
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