In September, Archie will make a fresh debut for 2026—and Archie Comics and Oni Press just revealed that it will be bigger than anyone expected. Archie #1 will kick off the brand new ongoing series with 40 pages and, for those who pre-order the issue before FOC on July 27, a new variant cover by Travis Charest.
This is your chance: Find out for yourself why being young never gets old when Archie #1 lands in stores on September 2nd!
For his entire life, 17-year-old Archie Andrews has had it all: adoring friends, football glory, and a natural charm that always seems to make him the center of attention. Now, through his eyes, experience the warmth and wonder of Riverdale and its near-infinite roster of residents—the popular kids, the endearing oddballs, and everyone in between – as Archie embarks on a whirlwind, all-star adventure through his town’s past, present, and future … beginning with a local film festival that’s about to turn everything upside down! And, at the center of it all, lies an enigmatic paradox that only Archie’s pal Jughead Jones can possibly unravel … Plus: Puzzles! Pin-ups! And a veritable sweet shop of surprises that all link to the same inextricable mystery … Finally, your antidote for postmodern malaise has arrived.
Welcome to the all-new Archie #1!
Check out a preview from the double-sized debut issue below, as well as Charest’s variant cover.
“Much like when Archie Andrews first appeared in PEP Comics #22 in 1941, there are a lot of stressful things happening in the world right now,” said Senior Editor Bess Pallares. “Retreating into the fantasy of a perfect, easy life in Riverdale sounds tempting, but now as then, Riverdale is not a utopia immune to drama, uncertainty, and people who need help—but it does have Archie, who’s ready to start each day with a smile and a desire to be the best friend, movie date, quarterback, and boy next door anyone could ask for.
“The hilarious, heartwarming launch to this new series from Ben and Fábio is not a distraction from our stressful world, but a reminder of the good things that still exist when we help each other … and remember to laugh,” Pallares continued.
San Diego Comic-Con 2026 attendees can learn more at the “Archie Comics: 85th Anniversary Celebration” panel on Saturday, July 25 at 11 a.m. PT in Room 7AB:
In 1941, Archie Andrews made his first appearance in Pep Comics #22 . . . and helped change the course of comics history. As Archie Comics marks 85 years of America’s favorite teenager, the panel previews Archie’s new line of comics published in collaboration with Oni Press and looks ahead to new series including Archie, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Archie in Hell. Creators Corinna Bechko, Tyler Crook, Patrick Horvath, and Ben H. Winters join Archie’s Jesse Goldwater and Oni Press’ Hunter Gorinson, Sierra Hahn, and Bess Pallares to discuss the past, present, and future of all things Riverdale.
See the rest of the covers for Archie #1, including main cover art by Stuart Immonen, below.
Stay tuned to The Beat for more news from SDCC ’26.
