Oni Press has shared a first look at the new character designs for its upcoming partnership with Archie Comics Publications Inc. with artwork by acclaimed artists Kano and Fábio Moon. The new designs will first be seen in Archie #1 and Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1, the first titles in the all-new ambitious and wide-ranging publishing partnership launching a distinctly original and stylistically reimagined slate of monthly comic series, original graphic novels, and prestige collections.
Timed to coincide with the 85th anniversary of Archie’s’ first appearance in Pep Comics #22 in 1941, the new partnership between Oni Press and Archie Comics will kick off in September with Archie #1 byNew York Timesbestselling writer, Edgar Award and Philip K. Dick Award winner, and Eisner Award nominee Ben H. Winters (EC’s Cruel Universe, Benjamin), multiple Eisner Award–winning artist Fábio Moon (Daytripper, Casanova), and rising star artist Nick Cagnetti (Spirit in the Shadows, Pink Lemonade) — followed in October by SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #1 by Hugo Award nominee Corinna Bechko (Green Lantern: Earth One, EC’s Blood Type) and Eisner Award nominee Kano(Daredevil, Gotham Central).
“Working on the redesigns for these iconic Archie characters was a real challenge, because the last thing you want to do is change them. They’re beloved, instantly recognizable, and hold a special place in fans’ hearts,” said Kano. “My approach, both with the Archie cast and on Sabrina, was the opposite, while still celebrating and honoring their original essence. I searched for modern aesthetics that feel true to their classic styles and personalities, creating a richer visual toolkit for the other artists. My goal was to provide versatile references that allow them to enhance each character’s look and adapt their outfits as the stories demand, while staying faithful to who they are. I hope these designs become a helpful foundation for the whole relaunch team. And I probably shouldn’t say this…but Jughead’s design is my favorite! Archie is legendary, of course—but Jughead had the most exciting room to evolve while still celebrating everything that makes him special.”
“My focus on these characters isn’t as much in what they look like—that was Kano’s job—but more in how they behave and how their body language and fashion choices can help us convey their distinct personalities,” said Fábio Moon.
For his entire life, 17-year-old Archie Andrews has had it all: adoring friends, football glory, and a natural charm that always seems to make him the center of attention. Now, through his eyes, experience the warmth and wonder of Riverdale and its near-infinite roster of residents—the popular kids, the endearing oddballs, and everyone in between—as Archie embarks on a whirlwind, all-star adventure through his town’s past, present, and future . . . beginning with a local film festival that’s about to turn everything upside down! And, at the center of it all, lies an enigmatic paradox that only Archie’s pal Jughead Jones can possibly unravel . . . Plus: Puzzles! Pin-ups! Bountiful bonus stories! And a veritable sweet shop of surprises that all link to the same inextricable mystery . . . Finally, your antidote for postmodern malaise has arrived. Welcome to the all-new Archie #1!
Who’d ever want to be ordinary when you could be a teenage witch instead? Still reeling from the surprise revelation of her secret birthright and with Halloween just around the corner, high schooler Sabrina Spellman is honing her craft one hex at a time and figuring out how to balance her magical new life with the crushing responsibilities of being 16 years old. But when her feline familiar Salem drops a mythical trickster on Sabrina’s literal doorstep, she might not be able to keep her two worlds from smashing together like two busted pumpkins on All Hallow’s Eve. No time for fate. No time for destiny. No time for homework. Being a teenager is far from magical . . . even when you’re a witch! Are you ready for Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1?
Also, later this year, the inferno begins in Archie in Hell #1 in November! In another time, in another Riverdale, Archie Andrews’ radiant life is about to turn pitch black. Separated from his friends and bound by a terrible curse, there’s only one way to save Archie: to damn him. But he won’t be alone for long . . . The next smash hit in Archie’s wildly successful horror line is Archie in Hell! Join multiple Eisner Award winner Patrick Horvath (Beneath the Trees where Nobody Sees) and Eisner Award nominee Tyler Crook (Out of Alcatraz, Harrow County) as they forge a brand-new legend of Archie horror, leaving a blood-stained trail from 1690 to the present day.
