Archie Comics will take a step toward authentic superhero storytelling next month with the publication of Archie is Mr. Justice #1, the first in a four-issue limited series that sees America's eternal neighbor reimagined as a costumed hero, in what the editor calls a “more elegiac and reflective” story than his previous flirtations with the genre.
The new series is written by Tim Seeley and drawn by artist Mike Norton, with colors by Glenn Whitmore and letters by Jack Morelli. In the new book, which is inspired by the Superman classic Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?, Archie's best friend Jughead Jones reflects on how the two friends “discovered Archie's hidden talents, designed his costume, and “They set out to save Riverdale… and the world.”
“This story had everything I like to draw,” artist Mike Norton said in an exclusive statement to Newsarama. “Fun action, some superhero madness, and my favorite: little character moments. Archie and Jughead's basement scene really reminded me of an '80s movie that I would have loved.”
We've got an exclusive first look at some of Norton's interior artwork for the new issue here in the gallery below.
“Mike skillfully balanced a modern comic book style alongside the quintessential superhero comic persona,” said Archie Comics art director Vincent Lovallo. “This resulted in a slick, sharp, and eye-catching presentation. Through his artwork, Mike captures the essence of what superhero comics are today while also evoking feelings of familiarity, diving into aspects that comic book readers have enjoyed for generations.”
“Young Archie Andrews possesses super strength, super speed, invincibility, and an undying drive to do right by the world,” reads the official synopsis for the first issue. “His only 'weakness' is his need to see the good in others, no matter how terrible they may be. His beloved hometown, Riverdale, is no longer the welcoming town it once was. Mr. Lodge tried to turn it into a most modern city. , a luxury city that expelled many families and left many buildings uninhabited. Many of the “old timers” stayed, but without the progress and financial stability to maintain something viable, it looks more and more like a city. “Archie's goal is not only to restore Riverdale to its former glory, but also to bring it into the future.”
There's a trio of covers here, including Reiko Murakami's main cover for Archie is Mr. Justice #1 and variants by Francesco Francavilla and Matt Talbot.
Jamie L. Rotante, Senior Editorial Director of Archie Comics, said: “I'm honored to work with this incredibly talented team of creators to create something totally unique for Archie Comics: one long story presented from multiple points of view from different creative teams. And I am doubly honored to have the incredible team of Tim Seeley and Mike Norton to launch this initiative.”
Archie is Mr. Justice #1 is part of the publisher's Premium Event line: a deluxe limited series that comes with additional features like higher-quality covers and paper, and special print finishes. The first issue is published on November 20.
Archie has been involved with two of the The most unlikely comic book crossovers ever.