Archie Andrews and the gang are getting a stylish refresh just in time for their 85th anniversary. Oni Press and Archie Comics have unveiled the first official character redesigns for Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, and Sabrina Spellman, offering fans a sneak peek at what's coming this fall. The new looks arrive as part of an ambitious publishing partnership that promises to expand the Archie universe with fresh monthly series, graphic novels, and collector's editions.
A Fresh Coat of Paint for Riverdale's Iconic Cast
The redesigned characters, crafted by acclaimed artists Fábio Moon and Kano, strike a balance between modern flair and timeless charm. Rather than overhauling the beloved archetypes, Kano focused on subtle updates that keep the essence of each character intact. "Working on the redesigns for these iconic Archie characters was a real challenge, because the last thing you want to do is change them," Kano explained. "They're beloved, instantly recognizable, and hold a special place in fans' hearts." The artist aimed to create flexible designs that future illustrators can build upon while honoring decades of history. Jughead, in particular, proved the most fun to reimagine, offering room to evolve without losing his laid-back personality.
Moon, who will illustrate the upcoming Archie #1, took a different approach. Instead of focusing on physical changes, he emphasized personality through body language, expressions, and fashion. "My focus on these characters isn't as much in what they look like," Moon said, "but more in how they behave and how their body language and fashion choices can help us convey their distinct personalities." The result is a Riverdale that feels both fresh and familiar, ready to welcome new readers while satisfying longtime fans.
Three New Series Launch This Fall
The relaunch kicks off on September 2 with Archie #1, written by Ben H. Winters and illustrated by Moon. The story follows 17-year-old Archie as he navigates Riverdale's past, present, and future, all while unraveling a mysterious puzzle that only Jughead can solve. The oversized debut issue will also include puzzles, pin-ups, bonus stories, and interconnected mysteries. For fans of the supernatural, Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 arrives in October from writer Corinna Bechko and artist Kano. The series follows Sabrina as she balances high school life with her newfound magical heritage, just in time for Halloween. When Salem introduces a mythical trickster into her world, chaos ensues.
For those who prefer their Archie with a darker twist, Archie in Hell #1 drops in November from Patrick Horvath and Tyler Crook. This horror-infused tale imagines an alternate Riverdale where Archie is trapped by a curse stretching from 1690 to the present day, forcing him down a bloodier path than fans are used to. The three titles showcase the breadth of the new initiative, proving that Riverdale can support everything from coming-of-age adventures to full-fledged horror while still feeling unmistakably like Archie.
As the franchise celebrates its 85th anniversary, the relaunch aims to honor its legacy while pushing boundaries. Whether you're a longtime collector or a newcomer, there's something to look forward to in this bold new chapter for Archie and friends.
