Oni Press and Archie Comics are celebrating a major milestone this December with Archie #4, an oversized 48-page anniversary special honoring 85 years of Archie Andrews. Timed to coincide with Archie’s first appearance in Pep Comics #22 in 1941, the issue brings together an all-star lineup of creators for a collection of new stories, bonus material, and classic Archie history.
The issue opens with a new standalone story by ongoing series creative team Ben H. Winters and Fábio Moon, making it an accessible jumping-on point for new readers. From there, the celebration expands with contributions from Kelly Sue DeConnick and Leonardo Romero, Ryan North and Derek Charm, Caroline Cash, Dan Parent, Jay Stephens, and additional creators still to be announced.
Beyond the new stories, readers can expect pinups, puzzles, and a deluxe reprint of Archie’s historic debut from Pep Comics #22. The anniversary issue also features a lineup of commemorative covers led by Joe Quinones.
Oni Press Publisher Hunter Gorinson called the project a dream collaboration.
“It’s been the honor of a lifetime for the entire Oni Press team to be invited into the Riverdale sandbox alongside our friends at Archie Comics. Now, we’re teaming up on one of the grandest comic book traditions of all: the anniversary milestone issue, and there’s no one more deserving than the immortal Archie Andrews himself as he officially marks 85 years of stardom.”
Writer Ben H. Winters said he wanted his contribution to capture everything fans love about Archie.
“For the super-cool, extra-special 85th anniversary spectacular, I wanted to tell a story that was quintessentially Archie: playful, action-packed, a little ridiculous and a little heartwarming. We’re topping it off with some back-of-the-book features that are a little bit ‘memory lane,’ a little bit ‘road to the future.'”
The celebration continues beyond the anniversary issue. The new Archie ongoing series launches on September 2, followed by Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 in October from Corinna Bechko and Kano. November ushers in Archie in Hell #1 from Patrick Horvath and Tyler Crook, expanding Archie’s growing horror line.
Fans attending San Diego Comic-Con can also learn more during the Archie Comics: 85th Anniversary Celebration panel on Saturday, July 25, where Oni Press and Archie Comics will preview the future of Riverdale.
Archie #4 arrives in comic shops this December.
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