How is it that Archie was introduced in December 1941, nearly 85 years ago, and I have never opened a main storyline Archie comic. That all changed with the launch of the new Archie line at Oni Press. Acclaimed writer Ben H. Winters and Eisner-winning artist Fábio Moon introduce a fast-paced and humorous new series which felt like a great place to start!
For his entire life, 17-year-old Archie Andrews has had it all: adoring friends, football glory, and a natural charm that always seems to make him the center of attention. Now, through his eyes, experience the warmth and wonder of Riverdale and its near-infinite roster of residents — the popular kids, the endearing oddballs, and everyone in between — as Archie embarks on a whirlwind, all-star adventure through his town’s past, present, and future… beginning with a local film festival that’s about to turn everything upside down!
And, at the center of it all, lies an enigmatic paradox that only Archie’s pal Jughead Jones can possibly unravel…
While I feel I could’ve jumped into Riverdale anytime over the years, it feels fitting to make my first foray into the universe with a fresh start at Oni Press. Even without reading a main story over the years, I know enough about Riverdale and the characters who inhabit the town and a few of the amazing crossovers to get a sense of the universe as a whole. Now with this new series, then Sabrina the Teenage Witch (coming October 7), and also, Archie in Hell (out November 4) I get a closer look into the universe.
Winters crafts a new series that has the feel of the long-running comic, but also one that feels fresh and can invite newer readers like myself in, without feeling lost. Each tale within this first issue is quick, easy to follow, and a truly fun time. There is humor, but yet a ton of heart. As someone who reads a lot of horror, this new main series is one that was lighthearted and fun to read, while getting a sense of the direction this new line at Oni Press is going to take.
Bringing the cast of characters into the modern age with relatable and attractive new stories for the next generation of Riverdale fans around the 85th anniversary is truly fitting. While the comic series has always been one that works well in any era, freshening up the branding, the artwork and characters to fit today’s day in comics will draw in new readers and hopefully allow us to stick around for a long time. This premier issue is a testament to how there is still tales to be told in Riverdale.
Moon illustrates Archie and his friends in such great way. You feel the vibe from over 85 years of comics, while Moon also puts a unique spin on it at the same time. I feel it can be tough to bring 85 years of visual storytelling and put your own spin on it, but Archie, Veronica, Jughead, and others feel like they haven’t changed a bit and have changed just as much.
Archie feels like a celebration of the 85 years of Riverdale while also the start of something refreshingly new. Ben H. Winters and Fábio Moon deliver a premiere issue that captures a lot of what made Archie and his friends endure for generations while also putting their own modern spin on it to make newcomers feel welcome. Archie is a charming and funny new beginning that will kick-off a new line of Archie Comics.
Archie #1 hits local comic shops on September 2, 2026 from Oni Press.
Archie #1 Preview
