With the launch of the new Archie Comics in September from Oni Press and Archie Comics, we are delighted to be joined by New York Times Bestselling Writer, Philip K. Award Winner & Eisner Award Nominee Ben H. Winters, Hugo Award Nominee Corinna Bechko, and Eisner Award Winner Patrick Horvath.
Archie #1 is written by Ben H. Winters with art by & Fábio Moon. Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 is written by Corinna Bechko, with art by Kano. Archie in Hell #1 is written by Patrick Horvath with art by Tyler Crook.
Hi Ben, Corinna and Patrick, it’s so great to have you all here with us.
What is it about Riverdale that made you want to be involved with the Archie Comics relaunch?
CSB: I don’t know how anyone who loves comics could resist the opportunity to work on one of the most classic comics of all! And Sabrina is such an iconic character too: a coming-of-age story about a teen girl who is also grappling with newfound magical powers? Plus the opportunity to collaborate with the amazing artist Kano? There was no question, I was on board immediately.
BWH: Well, the last time Hunter Gorinson called me out of the blue I got to write stories for Cruel Universe and that was awesome, so this time I actually said “yes” instead of “hello.” What a relief that the question was, “Wanna write Archie?” This is an iconic American sandbox we’re getting to roll around in here. This is an opportunity to put a new stamp on something classic and beloved. Only a madman would say no.
PH: Honestly, Hunter called and up until that moment, it had never crossed my mind. All of a sudden, I was like, “Yes, I should try doing an Archie book.” Something about the opportunity in working on the project with Oni involved felt like such a fun swing to take. I had a great experience putting out Free For All with them, and it felt like a fun next step to take.
Archie Comics has 85 years of history; does that make the Archie Comics relaunch more difficult?
CSB: I really don’t think so. It’s true there’s a lot of history, but there’s not a huge amount of story continuity. I believe it’s the feeling the characters give the readers that keeps them coming back. That’s why Archie Comics continue to resonate with audiences. As long as the characters feel right, the possibility for new adventure is endless.
BHW: Yeah, exactly. There is a sense of history here, and that’s all well and good, but every time you sit down to write one of these scripts it’s about solving the problems of that story, and you very quickly go, right, right, 85 years, American icon, yada yada. How do I pay off this bit, or how do I get Archie out of this jam?
PH: Very much agree with Corinna and Ben. It wasn’t too hard to step into these shoes. I think because there’s a constant “reset” that’s happening with all of the digest and contemporary stories, it’s really inviting to jump aboard. And just to echo Corinna, you mostly just have to pay respect to the characters and anything else can follow.
For anyone unfamiliar with Riverdale, what can you say about it?
CSB: It’s a recognizable place that’s just a little bit skewed from wherever we live. Even though it’s small enough for everyone to know each other there’s still room for all sorts of people. There’s also room for plenty of drama, although not meanness. And it’s definitely where you will find the best malts around.
BHW: I think it’s an undersold contributor to the great stream of American culture, of what small town ensemble storytelling would look like in this country. Without Riverdale, do we get Gilmore Girls? The Simpsons? Do we get South Park? Do we get, um, Riverdale? (Definitely not on that last one.)
PH: I feel like Corinna and Ben covered it pretty well. Riverdale seemed like the perfect smalltown Americana stage to play out all of these amusing vignettes that were exploring this new pop culture notion of the “teenager.” As the decades rolled on, it’s remained the perfect place, able to evolve into whatever new shape it needs to be to tell the story.
What’s your favourite Archie comic?
CSB: Surprising no one, I love the Sabrina comics. She was supposed to be just a fun side character, but obviously she had other ideas. In particular I love her craziest adventures, the ones where she makes friends with monsters or has to fight birds after accidentally shrinking herself to the size of a caterpillar. There’s really no end to the mischief she can get into.
BHW: Archie 1941 is really cool and beautiful.
PH: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina probably inches out the rest as my favorite. There’s something so doomed and lovely about it.
Is there a particular character from the Archie universe that you are excited to write for?
CSB: I always include animals in pretty much everything I write (blame my zoology degree) so I have a special fondness for Salem, Sabrina’s long-suffering feline familiar. His sardonic wit is a great foil for Sabrina’s enthusiasm.
BHW: Well, definitely Jughead, who is sort of my personal guru. But Corinna’s answer reminds me that I’ve developed a fondness for Vegas, Archie’s dog, and there will be at least one issue in which he stars.
PH: It’s a tie for me between Archie and Sabrina. Sabrina was the one that I’d always thought I might do something for at some point just based on how much fun I had reading Chilling Adventures but after looking at things with Archie’s eyes, it’s been such a fun shift that I hadn’t been expecting. There’s something so virtuous and sort of naïve about him that really adds a lot of fun as you collide him with these wild scenarios.
What can you tell us about the Archie Comics relaunch happening this Fall?
CSB: I can honestly say that I’m excited to read these books! Ben and Patrick both are instant buys when I see their names on anything. And the art is going to be amazing! Kano’s take on Sabrina is absolutely perfect.
BHW: I can tell you that however excited your readers are about it, I am twice so.
PH: I’m so new to the industry still, but it’s the largest coordinated project that I’ve been a part of, and I’m thrilled to be included. From the initial phone call that I had with Hunter, the excitement for it as something I’d like to read was already pretty high, not to mention actually getting to write for it. Can’t wait to see what we all create!
Any message for the ComicBuzz readers?
CSB: Thank you for reading! Without our readers, what are we even doing? You are appreciated!
BHW: Hell yeah! THANK YOU!
PH: Oh yes, thank you so much!
We would like to say a big thank you to Ben, Corinna, and Patrick for chatting with us and wish them all the best of luck with the launch of the new Archie Comics.
