We’ve got an exclusive preview of Archie Comics 85th Anniversary Presents: Archie Game Galaxy, a new one-shot arriving April 29 from writer and artist Holly G!, and the timing couldn’t be better, what with the Super Mario Galaxy movie opening in theaters this week.
The story kicks off when Betty agrees to watch Sabrina’s mischievous cat Salem, and the whole gang tags along to keep her company. Things take a turn when Jughead discovers an old gaming console and powers it up. Suddenly, Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead and the rest find themselves sucked inside the game and stranded in a dazzling universe of quirky planets and wild challenges.
Holly G!, who handles the full creative package here, incluidng script, pencils and the cover, brings her distinctive style to both the classic Riverdale characters and the game world setting.
“I’m so stoked to share my latest project for Archie Comics, where I had the chance to bring the Archie gang into a groovy, Mario-like video game universe. I’m a lifelong gamer—my journey started at just seven years old when my grandfather bought me Pong!!” she said. “Although I’m not a die-hard Mario fan (I’m more a Skyrim, dungeon crawler kinda gal) I absolutely LOVE the new Mario movie and the Epic Universe park section. WOOHOO! To make sure this adventure was authentic, I picked up Mario Galaxy on my Xbox (since my Switch decided it needed a break—meh). The story kicks off with Betty earning some extra cash pet sitting at Sabrina’s house, where they stumble upon a magical gaming console that transports them into a whimsical, wild world with Salem as their guide. Of course, I had a blast designing not only the gameplay but the fashions, as well, to honor their origins! I do hope you enjoy the blend of nostalgia and fun that I created for you in this SUPER story!”
Inks are by Bob Smith, colors by Glenn Whitmore and letters by Jack Morelli. Variant covers are by Stan Goldberg, with a foil variant by Joe Staton.
Check out the preview below, along with a complete classic Archie story that’ll also be included in the comic.
ARCHIE COMICS 85th ANNIVERSARY PRESENTS: ARCHIE GAME GALAXY (ONE-SHOT)
Archie and his friends get their game on in this BRAND NEW video game story, just in time for the The Super Mario Galaxy Movie! While Betty is tasked with feeding Sabrina’s mischievous cat, Salem, the gang decides to join her. Things get wild when Jughead discovers an old gaming console and powers it up—suddenly, they’re all sucked into the game! Now trapped in a dazzling universe filled with quirky planets and unique challenges, Salem becomes their unexpected guide through this vibrant realm. Together, they must navigate wacky worlds and tackle hilarious obstacles as they work to find their way back home. With teamwork and friendship at the forefront, will they conquer the cosmos and return before it’s time for Salem’s next meal? Join them on this uproarious journey full of laughter, adventure, and interstellar surprises!
Script: Holly G!
Pencils: Holly G!
Inks: Bob Smith
Letters: Jack Morelli
Colors: Glenn Whitmore
Main Cover: Holly G!
Variant Cover: Stan Goldberg
Foil Variant Cover: Joe Staton
On Sale Date: 4/29
32-page, full color comic
$4.99 (REG) / $7.99 (FOIL)
The issue will feature variant covers by Stan Goldberg and Joe Staton:
And here’s a complete classic Archie story that’ll appear in the issue, by George Gladir and Samm Schwartz:
