The modern update of Archie is taking a break as war comes to Riverdale.
Debuting in September, the five-issue Archie 1941 is set at the start of the World War II. Mark Waid, who in 2015 launched the acclaimed modern update of Archie with artist Fiona Staples, is co-writing the miniseries with his former Flash collaborator Brian Augustyn and Irredeemable and Insufferable artist Peter Krause. They are joined by colorist Kelly Fitzpatrick and letter Jack Morelli from the current Archie series.
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“Deep-diving into the characters and their parents from a whole new perspective, Brian Augustyn and I have been able to find a new, rich vein of stories to be told as America edges into World War II and what it’ll mean to the kids,” Waid said in a statement. “It’s been an exciting project made only more thrilling by the chance to be able to work alongside my longtime co-conspirator on Irredeemable and Insufferable, Peter Krause!”
The regular series will go on a hiatus following the release of July’s Archie #32.
“How would Archie and the gang look in 1941? That is my responsibility, and my honor,” Krause said in regard to his artistic approach. “I’ve had great fun going through reprints of Sears catalogs and diving into online photo troves.”
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While the miniseries will explore the consequences of war in small town America, its impact will be presented through the comforting familiar faces and environments of Archie‘s classic characters.
“Seeing these always lovable characters through the lens of time in a historical era of turmoil and tragedy places the Riverdale folk in different costume, but essentially the same people we’ve always known,” Augustyn said.
Archie 1941 #1 arrives Sept. 12 from writers Mark Waid and Brian Augustyn, artist Peter Krause, colorist Kelly Fitzpatrick, and letterer Jack Morelli.