Archie Comics Are Re-launching Archie To be "Edgier" And Suited For Today's Readers

The creative team will be headed by Mark Waid and Fiona Staples, and will for the first time ever reveal the origins of the Riverdale gang.

On December 15, Archie Comics announced a new series set to begin in 2015 which will be used to engage the audience of today.

Archie Comics / Via archiecomics.com

ARCHIE #1 will hit the stands in 2015, headed by Eisner Award-winning writer Mark Waid, and Eisner Award-winning artist Fiona Staples. The point of the revamp will be to provide a fresh look at the Riverdale gang, and for the first time ever the origins of the teens will be revealed, most notably the beginning of the love triangle between Archie, Betty, and Veronica.

On Archie Comics official site, Archie Comics Publisher/CEO Jon Goldwater said, "The new series will focus on the strengths of the popular characters, their world and harken back to the comic's humorous and edgier roots."

(Pictured above is the Archie promotional artwork by series artist Fiona Staples.)

Archie Comics

"The Archie characters aren't in need of a tune-up, 'shocking change,' or revision. These characters have stood the test of time and resonate to this day – we've proven that over the last six years," Goldwater said on the Archie Comics Site. "What ARCHIE #1 will do, though, is bring together two of the most talented creators in comics in Mark Waid and Fiona Staples and create a surprising and definitive take on Archie's origin – a story that has never been. The book will bring back some of the bite of Archie's original tales in a modern, forward-looking manner, while still retaining the character's all-ages appeal. What better way to celebrate 75 years of Archie Andrews?"

According to the New York Times, Waid and Staples will focus on a "edgier" Riverdale. This new direction will work well for Waid, as he has reinvigorated comic books in the past, like Flash, Fantastic Four and Daredevil. Waid is also well known as the man behind DC Comic’s critically acclaimed Kingdom Come. As for Staples, this will be a change up from her current ongoing series Saga, which is a Star Wars like space opera.

The relaunch is just another way to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Archie Comics, which was introduced in 1941. Other plans include a live-action series by FOX, as well as exclusive line of Archie themed apparel for men by fashion designer Marc Eckō.