Put some horror into your holidays with Archie’s ‘Happy Horror Days’ one-shot

Frank Tieri, Joe Eisma, Joanne Starer and more put the ‘ho, ho, ho’ into horror this December.

The Archie Horror line returns with a vengeance this fall, starting this week with Chilling Adventures Presents . . . Weirder Mysteries and continuing on into October with several new titles. But if you think you’ll be safe after Oct. 31, think again — Archie has announced Happy Horror Days, a one-shot holiday special that will add a bit of fright to your holiday festivities.

The one-shot will feature three stories, including a new Jughead: The Hunger tale by Frank Tieri and Joe Eisma, a Sheila Wu story by Joanne Starer and Butch Mapa, and a Sugar Plum story by Joe Corallo and Patrick Piazzalunga.

“In ”Twas the Night Before the Hunger,’ X-Mas turns into an X-Massacre when Jughead finds himself up against none other than a pissed off Krampus one fine Christmas morn. It’s a nice little tale of ho-ho-horror where we may see more than just Christmas cookies and hamburgers getting eaten,” Tieri said about his and Eisma’s story, which returns to the world where Jughead is a werewolf.

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Archie + Sam Hill team up to take down a hacker in ‘Archie Jumbo Comics Digest #333’ [Exclusive Preview]

Check out an exclusive preview of a new story coming in next week’s digest from Archie Comics.

Courtesy of Archie Comics, we’re pleased to present a preview of Archie Jumbo Comics Digest #333, which comes out Sept. 7.

This digest will include two brand-new stories, in addition to a selection of classic Archie material. Our preview today includes pages from “Case of the High Grade Hacker!” by Ian Flynn and Ryan Jampole, who you might know from their work on Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man. This one has Archie teaming up with Sam Hill, the private investigator who was first introduced back in the 1950s, as they take on a hacker who is plaguing Riverdale.

We also have a full-length classic Archie story for you, featuring the work of Bob White, the creator of Cosmo the Merry Martian. The story features Archie having all sorts of money troubles.

Check out the preview and solicitation information below.

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‘Bob Phantom’ rises again at Archie Comics

A Golden Age hero from Archie Comics’ past returns in a new story by James III and Richard Ortiz.

One of Archie’s earliest superheroes, Bob Phantom, will return in November in a new one-shot by writer James III of Netflix’s comedy sketch show Astronomy Club and artist Richard Ortiz, who worked on Archie’s The Fox.

Bob Phantom debuted in 1939 in the pages of Blue Ribbon Comics #2. The character was created by Harry Shorten and Irv Novick. By day he was theater critic/gossip columnist Walt Whitney, who was very critical of the local police. He was one of the first superheroes published by MLJ, the precursor to Archie Comics.

“With Bob Phantom, I wanted to explore what it means to write news today when everyone gets their news from the headlines on their Twitter feed without reading the articles, and you can’t tell what’s legitimate and what’s fake. (To use loaded terminology.) This might make you question your validity as a journalist and your worth as a person in society,” James III said. “I was heavily inspired by crime stories with news elements like Road to Perdition and Nightcrawler. What brings a person to snap pictures first and provide assistance later or not at all?”

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Trula Twyst rocks Jughead’s world in ‘World of Archie Jumbo Comics’ #122 [Exclusive Preview]

Check out an exclusive preview of two new stories coming in next week’s digest from Archie Comics.

Courtesy of Archie Comics, we’re pleased to present a preview of World of Archie Jumbo Comics #122, which comes out Aug. 17.

This digest will include two brand-new stories, in addition to a selection of classic Archie material. The new stories feature the work of Francis Bonnet, Craig Boldman, Bill Golliher, Rex Lindsey, Bob Smith, Rich Koslowski and more. In the first one, Archie tries to win an obstacle course — and a date with Veronica — as Mr. Lodge does everything he can to ruin Archie’s chances. The second story features Jughead’s nemesis, Trula Twyst, who steals his drumming style to get under his skin.

We also have a fill-length classic Archie story for you, featuring the work of Bob White, the creator of Cosmo the Merry Martian. The summertime story features Archie, Reggie, Veronica and poolside shenanigans.

Below you’ll also find previews of stories by Dan Parent, Ian Flynn, Jeff Shultz and more, plus a complete classic Archie story featuring the work of Frank Doyle and Dan DeCarlo. Enjoy!

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Archie Horror returns in a big way this Fall

Frank Tieri, Cullen Bunn, Federico Sabbatini, Elliot Rahal, Sina Grace, Casey Gilly and more plan to scare you this Fall.

Archie will reanimate their Archie Horror line in a big way later this year, first in August with Jinx’s Grim Fairy Tales, then in the Fall with four new titles that arrive just in time for Halloween.

Creators bringing the chills in October include several who have played in the Archie Horror playground before, like Frank Tieri and Cullen Bunn, as well as Federico Sabbatini, Elliot Rahal, Sina Grace, Casey Gilly and more.

“Who ever thought Archie Comics and horror would go so well together? We did—but it definitely took a lot of other folks by surprise,” said Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante in a press release. “Since Afterlife with Archie‘s debut way back in 2013, we’ve been consistently delivering on unique horror stories featuring our cast, and we have no plans on stopping that any time soon! We’re so excited to bring everyone ‘Archie’s Month of Mayhem’ for the Halloween season. We’ve got something for everyone—three brand new horror one-shots and a middle grade horror anthology!” 

Here’s a look at what’s to come:

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Meet Archie’s newest character Jake Chang in ‘Betty and Veronica Jumbo Comics #305’

Check out an exclusive preview of three new stories coming in next week’s digest from Archie Comics.

Today, courtesy of Archie Comics, we’re pleased to present a preview of Betty and Veronica Jumbo Comics #305, which comes out July 6.

The digest will feature not just one but THREE new stories, along with classic Archie material. And one of those new stories, it turns out, will feature Jake Chang, the brand new character who has a TV series in the works, according to Deadline Hollywood. Jake Chang teams up with Betty and Veronica in the story “Toadally Washed Up,” which is by David Gallaher and Bill Galvan.

Below you’ll also find previews of stories by Dan Parent, Ian Flynn, Jeff Shultz and more, plus a complete classic Archie story featuring the work of Frank Doyle and Dan DeCarlo. Enjoy!

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Fireball + the Superteens team up in ‘World of Archie Jumbo Comics Digest’ #120

Check out an exclusive preview of two new stories coming in next week’s digest.

When a friend goes missing at a beach party, it’s up to Archie and the gang to find her. Meanwhile, the Eliminators have recruited some fiendish new members, and they’ve placed Fireball and the Superteens into a death trap! Writer David Gallaher returns to the world of the Mighty Crusaders for a new story featuring not only the flaming hot hero, but also the super-powered alter egos of Archie and the gang.

Courtesy of Archie Comics, we’re pleased to present an exclusive look at next week’s World of Archie Jumbo Comics Digest #120, which features 192 pages of comics, including two new stories. The first, “Beach Party Mystery,” is by Francis Bonnet, Jeff Shultz and Jim Amash, and the second, “The Heat of the Moment,” is by Gallaher, Bill Galvan and Bob Smith.

Below you’ll find previews of the new stories, as well as a complete Frank Doyle/Stan Goldberg story from the archives. Enjoy, and you can find it in stores June 8.

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Halloween comes early for Archie Comics in August

Lil’ Jinx hosts an Archie Horror one-shot, while a classic Archie story revisits the world of “Mirrordale.”

Archie Comics is starting the Halloween festivities early this year — well, early for most people. My wife actually starts decorating for Halloween at the beginning of September, and she’d probably go even earlier if I let her.

But I digress — Archie’s solicitations bring news of three Halloween-themed projects for the publisher. First up is Jinx’s Grim Fairy Tales, an anthology of spooky stories hosted by Lil’ Jinx, a character created in 1946 by Joe Edwards.

“Jinx is a character we’ve been wanting to explore more and we’re so excited we finally get the chance to . . . and what better way than having her as the cool babysitter who scares kids with creepy stories?” said Jamie L. Rotante, Archie’s senior director of editorial . “I mean, her name is JINX, how perfect is that? We were so happy we were able to blend the framework of spooky fairy tales and Jinx as our eager narrator and protagonist.”

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Archie goes Jurassic in ‘Archie Jumbo Comics Digest’ #330 [Exclusive Preview]

Check out a preview of ‘Archie Jumbo Comics Digest’ #330.

There’s no time better then summertime, and what does summertime bring? Sun, surf and dinosaur movies! Wait, what? OK, this summer does, and it also brings a brand new story featuring a prehistoric version of the Archie gang.

Courtesy of the fine folks at Archie Comics, we’re pleased to present an exclusive look at next week’s Archie Jumbo Comics Digest #330, which features 192 pages of comics — including a new story by Dan Parent, Bob Smith, Glenn Whitmore and Jack Morelli, titled “Jurassic Farce!” We’ve got a snippet of the new story, as well as a complete Frank Doyle/Harry Lucey story from the archives.

You can find all the solicitation details and the preview below:

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Archies collide when ‘Archie Meets Riverdale’ in May

Writer Daniel Kibblesmith and artists Pat and Tim Kennedy will bring the different versions of Archie and the gang together in a new one-shot.

Two versions of Archie Andrews will meet in May when the happy, fun comics version of Archie meets the dark,broody Archie from TV’s Riverdale.

The new one-shot by writer Daniel Kibblesmith and artists Pat and Tim Kennedy will arrive in stores in May.

“Some of the best fun we have here at Archie Comics is when we take two wildly different concepts and jam them together and watch the chaos unfold afterwards,” said Mike Pellerito, Archie Comics’ new editor-in-chief/president. “The cult classic Archie Meets Punisher’ crossover from the 90s is a great example of taking two things that couldn’t be further apart in terms of tone and delivering a story that stands the test of time while holding true to both franchises.”

That’s certainly true; Archie has turned into one of the most flexible characters when it comes to crossovers or simply re-imagining the concepts, whether you’re talking about The CW’s Riverdale, the Archie Horror line or the countless crossovers with everyone from the Punisher to Predator to KISS.

“When the idea of doing a crossover between the classic versions of the Archie Comics characters with the gritty and dramatic Riverdale versions first came up, we knew we had to get someone with a great appreciation for both takes that could deliver everything we were looking for,” Pellerito said. “We’re so thrilled to have Daniel Kibblesmith on board, and together with Archie veterans Pat and Tim Kennedy, they’ve put together a story that is an absolute must-have for all Archie Comics and Riverdale fans!”

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Comics Lowdown | Creators file class action suit against Action Lab Entertainment

Plus: News on TOON Books, Image Comics, Archie’s new editor-in-chief and more!

Nearly 40 creators have signed on for a class action lawsuit against Action Lab Entertainment and Action Lab president Bryan Seaton. Action Lab has published a long list of titles over the years, including Spencer & Locke, Princeless, Jupiter Jet, Midnight Tiger, Molly Danger and many others.

According to ClassAction.org, the 46-page complaint “contends that although Action Lab promised to print, promote and market creators’ works, report quarterly sales and income numbers, properly maintain social media accounts, and generally make a reasonable effort to sell comics, the company has largely done none of these things and even failed to inform creators when its office shut down ‘without reason.’”

Creators listed in the complaint include David Pepose, Rylend Grant, Jorge Santiago Jr., Jeremy Whitley, Ken Marcus, Tom Rogers and many more. You can read the full legal complaint here.

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Free Comic Book Day 2022 Gold titles revealed

Diamond Comics Distributors has revealed the 11 gold-tiered titles you can get for free next May.

Diamond Comics Distributors has revealed the 11 “gold sponsor” titles that retailers will have available on Free Comic Book Day 2022, which is scheduled for May 7.

“This year’s lineup of titles has something for every kind of comic fan,” said Ashton Greenwood, Free Comic Book Day spokesperson. “We’re excited for FCBD to return to the first Saturday in May, and we can’t wait to celebrate the day with another incredible line up of comic book titles. We hope fans will safely visit their local comic shops to celebrate and to pick up a few of the great titles available this year.”

Free Comic Book Day returns to its traditional May date next year after a couple of years where the pandemic caused a bit of a shuffle — but what’s new, right? This past year the event was held in August, while in 2020 the date went through several changes before ultimately being cancelled — but comics were still delivered to retailers for distribution as they saw fit during the summer.

Here’s a look at the Gold Sponsor titles; the Silver titles will likely be announced soon as well. Also, there are no DC titles on the list, since they no longer use Diamond, but it’s a safe bet they’ll have free comics available in May as well.

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