Archie is going to publish its first OGN — and it’s in the foolproof “Archie Babies” format. Mike Kunkel (Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam) writes and Art Mawhinney does the art. The project was previously announced as a regular comics series but the new format allows them take advantage of Archie’s new distribution deal with Random House, says co-CEO Jon Goldwater:
“We are going to put a lot of emphasis on our graphic novels,” he said. “It is a very, very important part of our business here at Archie Comics.”
“When we began our partnership with Random House, one of the things that came to mind was ‘what upcoming projects or series work better as OGNs?,'” Goldwater said. “Archie Babies was the first one that popped out for us, since it was a new interpretation of our characters and a great jumping-on point for new readers. So, we made the switch. We’re excited to see it presented in this format and looking forward to the fans’ response.”
Heidi MacDonald is the founder and editor in chief of The Beat. In the past, she worked for Disney, DC Comics, Fox and Publishers Weekly. She can be heard regularly on the More To Come Podcast. She likes coffee, cats and noble struggle.
Look — there’s black kids in the background, but Archie and his friends aren’t allowed to play with them.
Damn, can they make their heads ANY bigger?!?
When all other ideas are null and void they always go with a baby version of the characters…
First there was teen Archie.
Then Li’l Archie.
Then adult Archie.
Now toddler Archie.
The first three have been successful. So why not a toddler version?
Besides, if this is successful, maybe DC will start a “Li’l Leaguers” series!
Actually, they’re not even babies, they’re toddlers.Babies are bald and don’t walk. Doy.