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Jim Sokolowski Promises ‘Afterlife With Archie’ Is A Real Horror Comic

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Comic book readers have been speculating about the upcoming “Afterlife with Archie” series that brings zombies into the pleasant world of Riverdale. Some people are concerned that the series, written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa with art from Franchesco Francavilla, might just be more Archie innocence. But, according to Jim Sokolowski the series is a legitimate horror comic, combinging elements of H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, and “The Walking Dead”. See the official statement below.

Bleeding Cool got the following statement, which Jim Sokolowski issued to comic book retailers:

I’ve been hearing that some of you think that AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE is like any other Archie title, or maybe like Archie meets Kiss. THAT IS INCORRECT!

I’ve read the scripts (Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa) and seen the pages (Franchesco Francavilla) for issue #1…

We all know the Archie gang. Good kids. Living in their peaceful community, where the biggest problem is “Who’s going to the dance with Archie…Betty or Veronica”. We grew up with them. We like them. Like I said, good kids. That is NOT Afterlife with Archie!

Take some H.P. Lovecraft, mix in a scoop of Stephen King, add a dollop of Walking Dead and pour this horrifying mixture over idyllic Riverdale. We’ve never seen Archie and the gang have to deal with anything close to this level of BAD. We’ll see who steps up and who shuts down, who leads and who falls. We’ll learn things about the denizens of Riverdale that the previous 70+ years of stories never would have told. That IS Afterlife with Archie

We’d like you and your customers to join us ion this strange trip..

Afterlife with Archie is an on-going $2.99 title. The 1st issue goes on sale in your stores on October 9 (kicking off NYCC, for those who keep track). Here’s a list of what we’re doing to help you sell this “out of the crypt” Archie title.

– * Variant covers from Franchesco Francavilla, Tim Seeley, and Andrew Pepoy

– *A retailer specific variant featuring “Your Store” by Robert Hack

– *4”X6” Promotional Postcards to distribute to your clientele (coming from DCD, let me know if you need more than you receive).

– *There will be NO Newsstand Distribution for Afterlife with Archie. This is rated Teen + and should be racked with similar product. It should not be racked with other Archie comics.

If you’re still not convinced that this is a “real horror comic”, e-mail me and ask for a copy of the script for the 1st issue. I’ll be happy to share it with you. I only ask that you don’t share it with the press/blog/gossip/twittersphere.

We’re excited about this new launch and truly appreciate your help and support in making Afterlife a hit. If you have any ideas you’d like to share (or just need more postcards), don’t hesitate to contact me.

Comics

‘The Wicked Trinity’ – Preview New Archie Comics One-Shot Inspired by ‘The Craft’ [Exclusive]

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From Sabrina’s Magical World, Bloody Disgusting has learned this afternoon that Archie Comics will be releasing brand new one-shot comic The Wicked Trinity this coming June.

You’ll be able to meet The Wicked Trinity in the 32-page comic on June 12, 2024.

In The Wicked Trinity, “Sabrina’s magical nemesis Amber Nightstone and her sidekicks, Jade Kazane and Sapphire Gill, are intent on becoming the most powerful witches in the world. Isolated from so many around them, the three have formed a coven based on their individual needs for vengeance and true freedom.

“But when there is some dissent among the ranks, their small coven is threatened to be obliterated from within.”

The Wicked Trinity features a script by Sam Maggs, art by Lisa Sterle, colors by Ellie Wright, letters by Jack Morelli, main cover by Lisa Sterle, and variant cover by Soo Lee.

Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante tells Bloody Disgusting, “When Editor-In-Chief Mike Pellerito came up with the idea of the Wicked Trinity—Amber Nightstone, Jade Kazane, and Sapphire Gill—I was immediately intrigued. I even had the good fortune to work on the script for Jade and Sapphire’s first appearance in last year’s SABRINA ANNUAL SPECTACULAR comic for younger readers. What I especially loved about these magical teens is that they could seamlessly transcend from classic-Archie stories into more mature, even horror stories. I was eager to start developing their world with a modern sensibility, taking cues from the great work of Kelly Thompson and Veronica Fish on our SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH series, and Sarah Kuhn and Carola Borelli on our recent DARKLING one-shot. Inspired by series like Charmed and films like The Craft, I knew there was so much potential to build up this coven in a story that beautifully blends magical fantasy with horror.”

Writer Sam Maggs previews, “Real witches writing real witches—that’s how we do things over at Archie Comics! I was named after a famous witch—Samantha from Bewitched—and so I grew up absolutely obsessed with everything witchcraft, devouring every book series I could about teen witches. That makes WICKED TRINITY a dream project for me. The power and energy of teen girls is absolutely unmatched (just look at the engine behind fandom culture) and being able to harness that metaphorically for a story like this is such a delight. Everything I write focuses on the power of female friendship, and this story is no exception. And what’s better than a morally grey female character? I struggle to think of anything. Cat familiars, maybe? Also, I’m totally a practicing witch now. So maybe if you read this, you’ll find yourself imbued with magical powers, too.*

Artist Lisa Sterle adds, “I can’t wait for people to be re-introduced to The Wicked Trinity! Witches, fashion, and Archie Comics; this is truly a magical trifecta and I’m so happy to have the opportunity to put my own personal stamp on this. I love to create stories in which girls find their own power, both from within themselves and through their friendships and coven. If you’re a fan of my Modern Witch tarot, you’ll find this comic just as magical.”

Exclusively check out the two covers for The Wicked Trinity one-shot comic below!

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