Archie Comics is home to some of the best-known pop culture creations in the world, including:
- Archie
- Betty & Veronica
- Josie & The Pussycats
- Sabrina the Teenage Witch
With so many popular titles tucked neatly under the publisher’s belt, one can’t help but wonder, “How does the iconic redhead meet his final fate?”
Today, it is revealed that US comic book character Archie Andrews will die this week taking a bullet intended for a gay friend, a fitting turning point for the iconic brand. In the new issue tomorrow of “Life with Archie”, the famous redhead saves the life of newly-elected Senator Kevin Keller, introduced as the first openly gay character in the comic in 2010.
Archie Comics publisher/co-CEO Jon Goldwater made the announcement via a press release with read:
The Death of Archie is the biggest story in Archie Comics history – and a major milestone for comics, period. It’s the one thing everyone wants to talk about – with good reason. LIFE WITH ARCHIE presents a possible future for the character, and this issue is a fitting end to that story. Archie dies as he lived – a hero, representing the best in all of us. The fact that he’s saving Kevin, the most important new character in Archie lore since Archie, Betty & Veronica, Jughead and Reggie – is a metaphor for the rebirth this company has experienced over the last five years. This is truly a new Archie Comics: unafraid, daring, progressive and on the cusp of greatness.
The announcement, in a press release published on Comicosity, comes ahead of the Comic-Con International conference in San Diego, the top US annual gathering of all things comic-related.
Archie, for what it’s worth, you lived a good, long, and rich life. Thank you for all the precious childhood memories e.g. being able to save up enough pocket money to buy the latest edition of the Archie comic and taking extremely good care of it after because it was expensive, sneaking Archie comics into school to exchange with classmates while hoping not to get “spot checked” on the very same day and the thrill of being able to get away with it after. Good times!
Meanwhile, here are some other things to expect from San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2014:
- Confirmation on DC Comics + Warner Bros’ future superhero films lineup.
- These extremely desirable exclusive Funko POP! vinyl figures.
(Source)
