Death Of Archie Andrews: How Will The Favorite Comic Book Character Die? ‘It's Done With A Sudden Impact,’ Says CEO Jon Goldwater
This year marks the end of favorite classic characters, first Doraemon creators revealed that the Japanese robot cat will leave Nubita, thus ending the franchise and now another bad news as CEO of Archie Comics announced the death of Archie Andrews in the series "Life With Archie #36."
The inevitable has to happen and in July, Betty and Veronica's better half will finally meet his end in commemoration of Archie Comics' 75th anniversary.
There is practically nothing the fans can do about it Archie Andrews need to die but, how will the Riverdale redhead meet his death? No it's not of old age. The death of Archie Andrews will be heroic.
"It's very heroic, and it's done to save somebody's life," CEO of Archie Comics Jon Goldwater revealed. "And that is what you would expect of Archie. It is extraordinarily spontaneous. It is not something that one sees coming, or at the issue begins you can feel it, because you can't. It's done with a sudden impact."
Even Archie Comics CEO Jon Goldwater admits that killing off Archie was not an easy decision, but why will they do such a thing?
"Well, it was hard decision, there's no doubt about it. It's not something we took lightly," Jon Goldwater admits.
"We made the decision that in this universe, in the 'Life With Archie' universe, the way for it end, and end in a manner that's consistent with 75 years of what Archie is all about, and what he stands for," Goldwater continued. "The way to do that was for Archie to die."
The publication has been taking chances by creating twists with the characters for the past five years, they have added Kevin Keller, a popular gay character, they have even included interracial relationships, even a zombie invasion version of the comic called "Afterlife With Archie" and many more.
The most controversial and bold move the publication made was in 2010, when they decided to marry Archie to his teenage crush Veronica. However, they also married him to the American favorite blondie Betty in a parallel universe called "Life With Archie," where Archie will finally meet his end.
"Life With Archie #36" is the issue where the death of Archie Andrews takes place and according to Goldwater this is surprisingly going to be a serious comic book issue.
"Issue #36 is going to be... Different," Goldwater explained. "It's probably the most different comic book we've ever published. It's a very important step in the history of our company."
But, wait! If you think "Life With Archie" will end with his death on issue #36, you're wrong as the series will continue with issue #37, which will be taking place a year after the death of Archie Andrews.
"Issue #37 is a much lighter tone," Goldwater revealed. "Issue #37 is going to be very uplifting, and it is going to feel very good about what Archie is, who he is, and what it's all been about. So issue #37 is going to be more in keeping with what people expect from Archie."
Archie's character and Riverdale itself will carry on in other comic book series however, Goldwater is acknowledging the importance of this event.
"This is a very important moment in the history of our company, and this is an important moment in the history of what comic books are all about," Goldwater admits. "The foundation of the business was built on Archie, and Marvel and DC, going back decades and decades. This is one of those moments in comic book history, and comic book lore that I'm sure will resonate."
"Life With Archie #36" will be out on July 16, followed by "Life With Archie #37" on July 23.
Full info available below: (credit: mtv.com)
LIFE WITH ARCHIE #36 (Comic Trim)
History is in the making in this epic finale to the acclaimed series LIFE WITH ARCHIE, as America's most beloved character makes the ultimate sacrifice to save a friend.The unthinkable happens: Archie Andrews dies! Fans will experience an epic tale of Archie's future sure to make headlines, generate discussion and stand as one of the most-talked about Archie stories of all time. Do not miss this game-changing tale of love, friendship and true heroism.
Script: Paul Kupperberg
Art: Pat & Tim Kennedy, Jim Amash, Jack Morelli, Glenn Whitmore, Adam Hughes
Variant Cover: Adam Hughes
Fiona Staples Variant Cover: Fiona Staples
Mike Allred Variant Cover: Mike Allred
Ramon Perez Variant Cover: Ramon Perez
Francesco Francavilla Variant Cover: Francesco Francavilla
Ship Date: 7/2
On Sale Date: 7/16
48-page, full color comic
$4.99 U.S.
6 5/8 x 10 3/16"
LIFE WITH ARCHIE #37 (Comic Trim)
It's been one year since the death of Archie that took place in Life With Archie #36 shook Riverdale to its very core. The residents of the most welcoming town in America, where the chocolate malts are always delicious and the neighbors are always smiling, gather together one last time for the closing ceremony of this groundbreaking series and a celebration of a Life with Archie.
Script: Paul Kupperberg
Art: Fernando Ruiz, Bob Smith, Jack Morelli, Glenn Whitmore
Alex Ross Variant Cover: Alex Ross
Walt Simonson Variant Cover: Walt Simonson
Cliff Chiang Variant Cover: Cliff Chiang
Jill Thompson Variant Cover: Jill Thompson
Tommy Lee Edwards Variant Cover: Tommy Lee Edwards
Ship Date: 7/9
On Sale Date: 7/23
48-page, full color comic
$4.99 U.S.
6 5/8 x 10 3/16"
LIFE WITH ARCHIE #36 (Magazine Trim)
History is in the making in this epic finale to the acclaimed series LIFE WITH ARCHIE, as America's most beloved character makes the ultimate sacrifice to save a friend.The unthinkable happens: Archie Andrews dies! Fans will experience an epic tale of Archie's future sure to make headlines, generate discussion and stand as one of the most-talked about Archie stories of all time. Do not miss this game-changing tale of love, friendship and true heroism. This double-sized issue combines all the material fromLife with Archie comic issues #36 & #37.
Script: Paul Kupperberg
Art: Pat & Tim Kennedy, Fernando Ruiz, Jim Amash, Bob Smith, Jack Morelli, Glenn Whitmore
Cover: Pat & Tim Kennedy
Ship Date: 7/9
On Sale Date: 7/23
96-page, full color magazine
$9.99 U.S.
8 x 10 3/4"
LIFE WITH ARCHIE (Graphic Novel)
History is in the making in this epic finale to the acclaimed series LIFE WITH ARCHIE, as America's most beloved character makes the ultimate sacrifice to save a friend.The unthinkable happens: Archie Andrews dies! Fans will experience an epic tale of Archie's future sure to make headlines, generate discussion and stand as one of the most-talked about Archie stories of all time. Do not miss this game-changing tale of love, friendship and true heroism.