The Perfect Marriage In Archie's Riverdale

by Vince Brusio

Few comic book properties on the market today have been around since jukeboxes played records and soda was served in bottles. Archie, though, is one of those properties. Archie’s been around as long as your grandparents. The reason? People can never get enough of a good thing. And what’s really good for Archie these days is the makeover for the gang and their town in The CW’s new TV series, Riverdale. Even better, to give loyal comic fans their due Archie Comics is rolling out the Riverdale Volume 1 TP (AUG171225) in comic book shops. Archie President Mike Pellerito explains in this PREVIEWSworld Exclusive interview that what we’re seeing unfold now is the circle of life, in which both the TV show and comic book are intertwined. It’s the perfect marriage, and it's the beginning of something BIG.

Riverdale Volume 1 TP (AUG171225) is in comic shops October 4.

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Vince Brusio: What do readers get from this trade paperback that’s essential eye candy for future fans?

Mike Pellerito: This book has something for everyone. It’s a dramatic, entertaining introduction to the world of The CW’s Riverdale for people who haven’t tapped into the show yet and it’s also an added slice of story for viewers who just can’t get enough. Heard people mention Mr. Lodge? You get to meet him in this book. Wonder how Archie’s secret love affair started? Find out here. It’s got everything - and if you dig the book, you’ll love the show and vice versa.

Vince Brusio: What can you tell us about Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa? Why was he tapped as the writer who gets inside the heads of the kids at Riverdale?

Mike Pellerito: The book - and upcoming ongoing series - will be written by Roberto and the show’s writer’s room. When we were brainstorming who to put on this book, it just made sense to have the architects behind the show stories get involved in the comic. That way fans feel like not only do these adventures “count,” but they add something to their viewing. The series will weave around the episodes and give fans bonus drama and subplots to get them through those lonely days between episodes!

Vince Brusio: How did artist Alitha Martinez get selected as having the best chops for drawing Riverdale? What was the reaction to her initial pencils?

Mike Pellerito: Alitha is just one of the great, supremely talented artists contributing to this one shot. Elliot Fernandez, Jim Towe, Thomas Pitilli and Alitha all take one story, each written by Roberto and one of the staff writers on the show. It’s a really killer lineup of talent, and we paired each artist to the story that meshed with their style best. It’s a really special way to launch this book.

Vince Brusio: How do the characters in the book compare to the characters in the upcoming TV series that’s shown on The CW? Any differences? Or are they mirror images of one another?

Mike Pellerito: The characters in the comic ARE the characters on the show, which is what makes this pretty entertaining. It’s like you’re getting an extra episode while you wait for your DVR to tell you Riverdale is back on your TV.

Vince Brusio: What has been some of the highlights working on this project for Archie Comics? What’s come across your desk that’s made you want to do a victory dance?

Mike Pellerito: It’s hard to pinpoint one thing, but I’m an art guy, so I’ll always get excited when I see new art in my inbox. Seeing each story take shape and watching these artists bring the scripts to life is always a treat. I’m also eager to see how fans react to the many Easter Eggs in the book. Plus, it’s hard to top seeing these amazing TV writers spread their wings and write comics, too. It adds a layer to the story that I wasn’t expecting. Fans are really in for a treat with this book.

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Vince Brusio writes about comics, and writes comics. He is the long-serving Editor of PREVIEWSworld.com, the creator of PUSSYCATS, and encourages everyone to keep the faith...and keep reading comics.