Robot Chicken writer Tom Root to pen Jughead 200

Jughead 200

Looks like Archie’s trying to keep the hits coming.  After massive sales on the “Archie Gets Married” storyline, Archie Comics looks like it’s reaching out to Hollywood.

Archie Comics announced today that Robot Chicken writer/producer Tom Root would write the 200th issue of “Jughead.”  Jughead is Archie’s snack-loving best friend.

“The Archie Comics characters are comedy icons,” said Root in a release. “Each character’s personality has been so well-defined over the course of nearly 70 years that it was a lot of fun to shake them up and present them with new challenges. Mostly, though, I just wanted to write a funny issue. I hope Archie fans like it!”

In the story “Something Ventured, Something Gained,” Jughead trades his body’s metabolism to a witch in exchange for an irresistible mega cheeseburger, according to Archie Comics’ news release.

“Tom Root infuses his scripts with wild humor and great storytelling that perfectly fits Jughead,” said Archie Comics CEO Jon Goldwater in a release.

Archie Comics will also create its first ever variant cover for “Jughead” 200; the variant cover will be drawn by Rex Lindsey.

“Jughead” 200 retails for $2.50 and will be available March 17.

- Matt Price


NewsOK Comics Podcast: Reviews of Archie 603, Blackest Night 5, Superman Secret Origin 3, World’s Finest 2 and Image United 1

Kyle Roberts and Matt Price flash back to the 1990s with Image United No. 1. We also take a look at Clark Kent’s first day at the Daily Planet, a Guardian-Robin team up by Sterling Gates, Archie’s second marriage, and the blockbuster hit of the year, Blackest Night.


It’s twins! Archie 602 preview

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Check out the preview of Archie #602, in which Archie and Veronica have twins!  This continues the “Archie Marries Veronica” story that started in “Archie” #600.

Click past the cut for the full solicitation info.

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And now, Archie to marry Betty?

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Last month, when Archie married Veronica in “Archie” comics No. 601, Oklahomans reacted, many with fervor, to the announcement.

Jeff Cook of Seminole e-mailed: “I’m 59 years old and read Archie’s comics for years and years. There is no way Archie should marry the self-absorbed Veronica. Reggie and Veronica are made for each other, and Archie and Betty are soul mates. Betty is far from the dumb blond, she is wife material; Veronica is more Paris Hilton.”

Cook and the other Oklahomans who wrote in favor of Betty will get their wish. In “Archie” No. 603, set for release in November, Archie proposes to Betty, The New York Times reported.

Wait, does this make Archie a two-timing lout? Surely bigamy is illegal in Riverdale.

(more…)


NewsOK Comics Podcast: Captain America Reborn 3, Blackest Night 3, Archie 601

Two of the year’s biggest series hit their third issue, and Archie ties the knot. Listen to Kyle Roberts and Matt Price discuss the eternal question, “Betty or Veronica”?


Preview: Archie #601 – The wedding!

Archie Comics has provided a preview of “Archie” #601, featuring the wedding of Archie and Veronica!

Solicitation info from Archie Comics:

ARCHIE #601

THE ARCHIE STORY OF THE CENTURY CONTINUES AS ARCHIE MARRIES VERONICA!!!

“Archie Marries Veronica Part 2: The Wedding”: This is it – the issue where Archie fans all over the world pinch themselves to see if they only dreamt last issue’s tale about Archie proposing to Veronica! Well, all we can say is prepare to be shell-shocked, because not only did he propose, but in this issue, wedding bells are ringing! This is the unforgettable epic that hurtles readers into Archie’s future… and it’s a future where Riverdale’s favorite rich girl wins his hand in marriage! With Mr. Lodge footing the bill, it’s proving to be the most spectacular wedding ever to hit Riverdale… and perhaps the country! The guys all look spiffy in their tuxes, and the girls are gorgeous in their gowns… but just who is Betty’s date, Henry? This emotionally-charged tale will tug at your heartstrings as you witness Archie’s poignant heart-to-heart talk with Betty before the nuptials, the choked-up parents of the betrothed, and a surprise ending that will leave you speechless! Don’t miss the biggest Archie Comics story since the famous “Love Showdown,” written by acclaimed superhero movie producer Michael Uslan and rendered by legendary Archie Comics artist Stan Goldberg! You are cordially invited to witness the Archie story of the century, so RSVP by ordering your copy today!

SCRIPT: Michael Uslan

ART: Stan Goldberg

Shipping Date: September 9th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: September 16th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: September 29th, 2009

32-page, full color comic

$2.50 US


Archie’s upcoming wedding has people talking

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In last month’s “Archie” No. 600, perpetual comic-book teenager Archie Andrews jumped into the future and proposed marriage to ritzy Veronica Lodge.

Veronica, half of the “Betty and Veronica” duo that have long-competed for Archie’s heart, appears to have won the round, as “Archie” No. 601, on sale Sept. 16, features “Archie Marries Veronica Part 2: The Wedding.”

“This is the unforgettable epic that hurtles readers into Archie’s future – and it’s a future where Riverdale’s favorite rich girl wins his hand in marriage!” states an Archie Comics news release.

The story is written by Michael Uslan (the producer of the 1989 “Batman” film) and drawn by Stan Goldberg.

Are Archie fans disappointed that blond Betty Cooper, the stable, helpful girl next door is being set aside for Veronica? Many are. As reported by The Associated Press, comic book store owner Dave Luebke protested the decision by selling his copy of the rare “Archie” No. 1.

Luebke’s “Archie Comics” No. 1 sold for $38,837 from Dallas’ Heritage Auction Galleries, which may have softened the sting.

One “Archie” artist, Dan Parent, was sketching “Archie marries Betty” drawings for fans in San Diego who were upset by the choice of Veronica, as well.

So, is this it for Archie’s single days? Archie Comics is playing it close to the vest, but solicitation info from the company for November’s “Archie Comics” No. 603 indicates Archie’s future may not be absolute.

“Life has taken some amazing turns for Archie and his friends lately,” the release says. “What path will Archie follow next? One thing is certain: Should he choose to venture back down memory lane, anything can happen!”

What do you think?

Do you approve of Archie settling down with Veronica, or is Betty the perfect choice? E-mail me with your thoughts at mprice@opubco. com.

From Tuesday’s The Oklahoman
by Matthew Price


NewsOK Comics Podcast: Supergirl 44, X-Men Legacy 227, Wolverine Weapon X 4 and Archie 600

Kyle Roberts and Matt Price discuss how you can’t always judge a comic book by its cover, as they review Supergirl 44, X-Men Legacy 227, Wolverine Weapon X 4 and Archie 600.


Archie #600 preview

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Archie Comics has provided a 4-page preview of next week’s “Archie” #600, “Archie Marries Veronica Part 1: The Proposal.”

Solicitation info: “Archie Marries Veronica Part 1: The Proposal”: Could it be true? Has Archie finally decided to take the plunge and propose to comics’ favorite rich girl? It sure looks that way! Earlier this year readers got a chance to relive “Freshman Year” with the famous teens of Riverdale High. Now make way for this special story that takes a look at Archie and his friends after they graduate college! What careers will they seek? Will the friends stay in Riverdale or disperse? What would lead Archie to have marriage on his mind? And why would he choose Veronica over Betty? How will Betty react? Can Archie shake off his klutzy past and hold down a steady job… for more than a month? Two things are certain: with the Lodges as hosts, this will be the biggest wedding Riverdale has ever seen… and the biggest Archie Comics story since the famous “Love Showdown!” Acclaimed superhero movie producer Michael Uslan draws upon his lifelong love of Archie comic books to write this very special tale, rendered by legendary Archie Comics artist Stan Goldberg! The Archie story of the century begins here… don’t miss it!

SCRIPT: Michael Uslan

ART: Stan Goldberg

Shipping Date: August 12th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: August 19th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: September 1st, 2009

32-page, full color comic

$2.50 US


Comic-Con Preview Night

Kevin Eastman signs during Preview Night at Comic-Con International

Kevin Eastman signs during Preview Night at Comic-Con International

SAN DIEGO — I didn’t schedule anything major for tonight, so I could wander the floor and check in with people.   While traffic is lighter than it’ll be during the full days, it still felt pretty full once the show got in full swing.

Among things seen at Preview Night:

* Saw Mark Waid signing at Boom! Studios and thanked him for giving me an interview back in the mid-1990s when I was starting my own comics zine.   He was friendly and gracious about it.   I encourage everybody to check out his Irredeemable, which is a dark and intense comic.

* Saw Alex Ross artwork that costs more than my car.  By quite a bit, actually.

* Saw some Heritage auctions items that also were quite pricey – a 9.8 Incredible Hulk 181 had an estimate of $17,000.

* Lots of new toys in the Mattel booth – Captain Marvel has a figure upcoming in the “Brave and Bold” line, so I hope that means we’ll see him on the show.

* Got a “Nexus Army” T-shirt from the Rude Dude booth.  They were going fast, according to Rude Dude’s Jaynelle Rude, so if you want one, get over there quick!

* Also purchased a new “Scott Pilgrim” shirt from the Oni booth – really getting excited for that movie, and of course the comic remains among my favorites.

* Kevin Eastman was drawing a large line with his new “TMNT” book – congrats on the 25th anniversary of that indie hit!

* Dan Parent, “Archie” writer/artist, was doing a commission of Archie marrying Betty – giving the Betty fans some retailiation for the upcoming Archie/Veronica wedding, it seems!

- Matt Price