Archie Comics has made a very interesting announcement this morning – it’s going to Kickstarter to fund upcoming titles.
It’s not uncommon for small publishers to use the online fundraising service to launch their titles, but in Archie’s case one would think they have the capital to make it happen without fan support. Apparently, that isn’t the case, even with the success and good PR that has come to the company in the last couple of years.
“Our fans are part of our family — they’re an integral part of everything we do,” said Archie Comics Publisher/Co-CEO Jon Goldwater in a prepared statement. “We’re not flush with corporate cash like Marvel or DC. But we’re also not afraid to take calculated risks. With this Kickstarter, fans have the chance to get in on the ground floor of an exciting and forward-thinking initiative. Fans can help build a New Riverdale, brick-by-brick. We’ve put together a stellar lineup of titles — featuring the best and the brightest creators working on our top characters. With your help, we can make this New Riverdale a reality. The best part? This is only the beginning.”
The idea of a new Riverdale is interesting, especially with the pre-release success of Archie #1 by Fiona Staples and Mark Waid. After Archie #1 arrives in July, Archie Comics plans to release new titles over the next 18 months via the Kickstarter campaign.
The three new titles are:
JUGHEAD — Featuring the adventures of Archie’s hamburger-loving best friend, from acclaimed writer Chip Zdarsky (Sex Criminals, Howard the Duck) and an artist TBA. An off-the-wall series full of laughs, unexpected twists and a modern sense of humor.
BETTY AND VERONICA — Girl-next-door Betty Cooper and wealthy socialite Veronica Lodge are best friends and fiercely competitive. While they both have a history with that guy Archie, the series puts the focus squarely on them — their friendship, their high school lives and adventures beyond Riverdale. Written and drawn by comic book legend Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman, Before Watchmen: Doctor Manhattan).
LIFE WITH KEVIN — Kevin Keller, the hugely-popular and historic character that broke new ground in Riverdale by being the first gay character in the company’s publishing history returns in a new ongoing series. Writer/artist Dan Parent (Kevin Keller) and inker J. Bone (The Spirit) tell a tale of an older, more experienced Kevin as he navigates a new city, new romance and leaving home.
“This is a new Archie. A new Jughead. A new Betty and Veronica and a new Kevin. We’re holding onto the things that made them great — the humor, the love triangle, the friendship and youthful exuberance — but presenting them in a way that can appeal to everyone, from classic comic fans to new readers who might not know every nook and cranny of our history. Each part of this is a brick that will help build a New Riverdale. But we can only do it with your help.”
The Kickstarter campaign is already underway as the company hopes to raise $350,000 over the next 29 days.
“This is a new Archie. A new Jughead. A new Betty and Veronica and a new Kevin. We’re holding onto the things that made them great — the humor, the love triangle, the friendship and youthful exuberance — but presenting them in a way that can appeal to everyone, from classic comic fans to new readers who might not know every nook and cranny of our history. Each part of this is a brick that will help build a New Riverdale. But we can only do it with your help.”
There has been a lot of discussion over the last several months throughout the Major Spoilers Podcast Network about who should and should not head to Kickstarter to crowdfund their projects, and an even more vocal group concerned with everyone using the service to fund their cosplay, trips to conventions, and more. Personally, I think anyone should be able to use the service, and if there are enough fans, then they will succeed. If not, then it is a bigger signal to companies and individuals about what fans want or don’t want.
What do you think of this announcement?
3 Comments
Done. I’m very much on board with this.
I think this aspect of “crowdfunding as a gauge for overall community support” is a very useful tool for many creators. I’m happy that Archie comics is taking advantage of it.
The moment I saw “Chip Zdarsky on Jughead”, I was on board.
Nope. 75 years in the business, with Marvel and DC….you don’t need a Kickstarter. I do not care about the “fun of the campaign and the “the business landscape has changed” stuff. I don’t agree with it and I don’t like it. If Archie wants to get the comic community involved that’s fine, but don’t use crowdfunding to pay for your books when you’ve been in the game for 70+ years.