One of the longest running comic franchises is Archie who first appeared in Pep Comics #22 way back in 1941, quickly gaining his own title the following year which ran for 666 issues before being given a modern makeover.
Archie adapted over the years to become America's most famous teenager that along with his hetero pals and gals in Riverdale never grew up. The big question for all his fans was would he choose Betty, the girl next door or Veronica the rich girl from a better part of town.
Of course over the years Archie has had other love interests and in including Veronica and in recent times Sabrina the teenage witch and even Katy Keene.
In recent times his publishers have revamped the franchise in so many ways of which the Horror Line is probably the most memorable. There was a zombie plague in Afterlife with Archie and there was a werewolf in Jughead: The Hunger. Blossom and Jason became potential anti-Christs in Blossoms, whilst Veronica became a vampire in Vamperonica plus of course Sabrina got renewed outings as a witch.
These comics were all great fun and Archie also went on to meet the dancers of Glee, rock band Kiss and ended up in two mini-series taking on The Predator! A long way from the charming and lovable teenager readers were used to over the years.
In the UK the only famous Archie is a robot from the Lion Comic. I remember picking up a couple of the American titles but only really became a fan in later years. Archie's only hit appearance was of course with the Archie's a cartoon band that went to number one in the UK Charts for eight weeks in 1969!
Then came a real breakthrough the gang were re-imagined in a TV series Riverdale that has become a major hit and has now had no less than five seasons. Sadly they will be unable to remain teenagers forever as the actors grow older and are in the process of going to college (not seen the latest season in the UK yet).
Whilst there is no on-going Archie series at present there's plenty of of comics to keep the franchise open for future generations promoting the all-American boy and his friends!
Oh and the TV series helped me answer that !question" all fans ask themselves. It's Veronica for me!
Archie Comics: archiecomics.com
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