Archie Comics (since 1939): A Comprehensive History

Archie Comic Publications, Inc., a pillar of American comic book history, finds its home in the charming town of Pelham, New York. This publishing powerhouse has graced readers for over eight decades with a multitude of titles, boasting a roster of iconic characters, including Archie Andrews, Jughead Jones, Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, Reggie Mantle, Sabrina Spellman, Josie and the Pussycats, and Katy Keene. Archie Comics hosted the beloved Sonic the Hedgehog comic series from 1992 until 2016.

The Humble Beginnings: M.L.J. Magazines, Inc.

The roots of Archie Comics trace back to 1939 when M.L.J. Magazines, Inc. debuted in the comic book scene. The company’s name was derived from the initials of its founders, Maurice Coyne, Louis Silberkleit, and John L. Goldwater. These visionaries came together with a common goal, and their combined efforts led to the birth of M.L.J. Magazines.

Coyne took on the role of the company’s bookkeeper and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Silberkleit, with his pharmacy background, a law degree from New York Law School, and a degree from St. John’s University, handled the business, printing, distribution, and financial aspects. Goldwater, a notable figure in the comic world, served as the editor-in-chief. He co-founded the Comics Magazine Association of America, and for 25 years, he presided over this institution, which is best known for its creation of the Comics Code Authority. Additionally, Goldwater held the position of national commissioner of the Anti-Defamation League.

The Birth of Heroes: Early Years at M.L.J. Magazines

In September 1939, M.L.J. Magazines, Inc. took its first step into the world of comics. “Blue Ribbon Comics” was their debut, featuring Rang-a-Tang the Wonder Dog. However, the November 1939 issue of “Pep Comics” brought the world its first patriotic superhero, the Shield. Created by writer and managing editor Harry Shorten and artist Irv Novick, the Shield made his impactful entrance to the comic book world. “Top Notch Comics” joined the scene in December 1941.

Pep Comics featured the Shield on its cover until March 1944, when Archie Andrews took the spotlight, making him the face of M.L.J. Magazines. Archie was the brainchild of publisher John L. Goldwater, who envisioned a comic book about a relatable, typical teenager. Alongside Archie came Betty Cooper and Jughead Jones, debuting in “Pep Comics” #22 in December 1941. This trio of characters laid the foundation for the future of M.L.J. Magazines.

Becoming Archie Comics: The Golden Age and Beyond

The popularity of Archie and his pals prompted a pivotal change in 1946. M.L.J. Magazines transformed into Archie Comic Publications, solidifying Archie’s position as the headliner. With this transformation, the company created the “Archie Adventure Series” line, introducing new characters and refreshing old ones.

The 1962 issue of “Help!” magazine, created by Harvey Kurtzman, gave the Archie characters a satirical twist in “Goodman Beaver” with artwork by Will Elder. This parody caused legal disputes between Help! and Archie Comics, resulting in a settlement.

The mid-1960s witnessed a unique chapter in Archie Comics’ history. Known as the Silver Age of Comic Books, this era saw Archie’s superheroes transition to a new imprint called the “Mighty Comics Group.” The heroes took on a campy, humorous style reminiscent of the popular Batman TV show. However, this imprint’s lifespan ended in 1967.

The 1970s and 1980s marked significant developments. Spire Christian Comics obtained licenses to feature Archie characters in titles like “Archie’s Sonshine” and “Archie’s Parables.” These comics aimed to convey solid Christian themes and morals.

Archie Comics dabbled in the realms of fantasy and horror in the 1970s with the creation of “Red Circle Comics.” Later, in the 1980s, the company attempted to revive its superheroes under “Spectrum Comics.” While Spectrum Comics never saw the light of day, Archie Comics’ superheroes found new life when licensed to DC Comics in the 1990s for the Impact Comics universe.

Sonic the Hedgehog and the Digital Age

In 1992, Archie Comics partnered with Sega to create a Sonic the Hedgehog comic book miniseries. This collaboration continued with a whole series launch in 1993, adapting elements from the animated series. The Sonic series thrived for over two decades, becoming the longest-running comic series based on a video game by 2008.

In 2003, the play “Archie’s Weird Fantasy” by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa faced controversy when it depicted Archie coming out and moving to New York. This challenged Archie Comics’ image, leading to a cease and desist order. Ultimately, the play was renamed “Weird Comic Book Fantasy.” In 2014, Aguirre-Sacasa became Archie’s, Chief Creative Officer.

Archie Diversifies: Diversity and Bold Storytelling

Archie Comics took bold steps in the early 2010s. In September 2010, Kevin Keller, the first openly gay character in Archie Comics, debuted in “Veronica” #202. Kevin’s character was created to bring more diversity to Riverdale, and his first appearance sold out at the distributor level. A bimonthly Kevin Keller series followed, earning a GLAAD award for Outstanding Comic Book in 2013.

In 2011, a copy of “Archie Comics” #1 from 1942 sold at auction for a record $167,300, highlighting the enduring popularity of Archie and his friends.

Archie Comics made history in April 2011 by becoming the first mainstream comic book publisher to release its entire line digitally on the same day as the print version. The superhero imprint was rebranded as “Red Circle Comics” in 2012 for an all-digital line, starting with “New Crusaders.”

Embracing Horror and Mature Themes

The introduction of horror elements marked a significant shift in Archie Comics’ storytelling. In October 2013, “Afterlife with Archie” debuted, portraying Archie and his gang dealing with a zombie apocalypse in Riverdale. This marked the first time Archie Comics targeted a mature audience. “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” followed in October 2014, bringing dark and supernatural elements to Greendale.

Archie’s Sacrifice and the New Riverdale

In April 2014, Archie Comics announced that Archie Andrews from the “Life with Archie” series would meet his fate in issue #36. This version of Archie met his end, saving Senator Kevin Keller from an assassination attempt. It was a poignant moment that showed the company’s willingness to tackle complex and mature themes.

The Birth of “New Riverdale”

In December 2014, Archie Comics made headlines by announcing the relaunch of its flagship series, “Archie.” The new series, launched in July 2015, offered a modern take on the characters, featuring serialized storylines by writer Mark Waid and artist Fiona Staples. The “New Riverdale” universe was born with a fresh look and approach to storytelling.

“Archie” received critical acclaim and IGN’s “Best New Comic Series of 2015” award. This success paved the way for other titles in the “New Riverdale” universe, including “Jughead,” “Betty and Veronica,” “Josie and the Pussycats,” and “Reggie and Me.”

The Expanding Archie Universe

Archie Comics continued to diversify its media presence. In October 2014, a live-action TV series, “Riverdale,” based on the characters, was developing, eventually finding its home on The CW.

In 2017, Marvel licensed Archie Comics to publish Marvel Digest collections for the newsstand market. Furthermore, in February 2019, Archie Comics expanded its film and television operations, establishing Archie Comics Studios and appointing key executives to lead the way.

Corporate Evolution and Digital Dominance

Archie Comics has seen its corporate structure evolve, with key figures like Richard Goldwater and Michael Silberkleit leading. The company’s headquarters shifted from Mamaroneck to Pelham, emphasizing the changing landscape of the comic industry with a focus on digitization.

The official Archie website has become a digital hub, attracting 40 million monthly hits.

Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving World of Archie Comics

The journey of Archie Comics is a testament to its resilience and ability to adapt to changing times. Archie Comics has remained a beloved part of American pop culture, from its humble beginnings as M.L.J. Magazines to the bold storytelling of the “New Riverdale” era.

The enduring popularity of Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, Jughead Jones, and the entire Riverdale gang speaks to their timeless appeal. Archie Comics remains a beacon of creativity and innovation as they evolve, embracing new themes and reaching new audiences. With a legacy that spans generations, Archie Comics is poised to captivate readers for generations to come.

Read also: The Impact of Stan Lee on the Comic Book Industry and Beyond

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Archie Comic Publications, Inc.

1. What is Archie Comic Publications, Inc.?

Archie Comic Publications, Inc. is an American comic book publisher in Pelham, New York. They are known for creating and publishing a wide range of comic book titles featuring famous fictional teenagers like Archie Andrews, Jughead Jones, Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, Reggie Mantle, Sabrina Spellman, Josie and the Pussycats, and Katy Keene.

2. When and how did Archie Comics start?

The company began in 1939 as M.L.J. Magazines, Inc., primarily publishing superhero comics. The initial Archie characters were created in 1941 by publisher John L. Goldwater and artist Bob Montana in collaboration with writer Vic Bloom. They first appeared in Pep Comics #22 in December 1941.

3. Who were the founders of Archie Comics?

Maurice Coyne, Louis Silberkleit, and John L. Goldwater founded Archie Comics. They formed M.L.J. Magazines, Inc., with the company name derived from their initials.

4. What was the inspiration behind creating Archie Comics?

John Goldwater, one of the founders, was inspired to create Archie Comics to appeal to fans of the Andy Hardy films starring Mickey Rooney. He wanted to make a comic book about a relatable, average person, which led to the creation of Teenaged Archibald “Chick” Andrews and the other iconic characters.

5. What other comic book titles are associated with Archie Comics?

In addition to the Archie series, the company is known for its long-running Sonic the Hedgehog comic series, which was published from 1992 until 2016. They have also published various superhero titles and launched different imprints over the years, such as Dark Circle Comics.

6. Has Archie Comics been involved in legal disputes?

Yes, Archie Comics has been involved in legal disputes, including copyright infringement cases related to parodies of their characters. For instance, they settled a dispute with Help! magazine over a parody of Archie’s characters. Additionally, they sued the music duo The Veronicas for trademark infringement over the band’s name.

7. Are there any significant developments in Archie Comics’ recent history?

Yes, Archie Comics has undergone several changes in recent years. They launched a more mature and horror-themed line of comics, including “Afterlife with Archie” and “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.” They also introduced new characters like Kevin Keller, their first openly gay character. The company has expanded into digital comics and explored various genres, including superheroes under the Dark Circle Comics imprint.

8. What is the current status of Archie Comics?

Archie Comics continues to publish comics and has expanded into other media, including television series like “Riverdale.” They have also formed partnerships and launched new imprints to cater to a diverse audience.