Archie Comics has announced that writer Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer, X-23) will be joining Nick Spencer for a two-issue stint as co-writer of Archie. Via CBR, the publisher revealed that, beginning with Archie #706, Tamaki will help tell the tale of how Archie and Sabrina came to be dating. The issue, part 2 of the “Archie & Sabrina” storyline, will be drawn by regular series artist Sandy Jarrell, with colors by Matt Herms and letters by Jack Morelli.
Additionally, the publisher has announced that Archie #705, the first part of the “Archie & Sabrina” storyline, will be fully returnable for retailers. Archie Comics co-president Alex Segura said the move is just the beginning:

“This is the first step of a new set of incentives for retailers tied to new series launches. Beginning in August, in an effort to make sure retailers are comfortable stocking our new titles, all orders on #1 issues placed by FOC will be 100% returnable, with discount incentives on subsequent issues. The content — as with all Archie series — is strong, featuring name creators and recognizable characters, so we want to ensure there are plenty of copies on-hand for fans to pick up on release day and beyond.”

This is the second creative team shake-up for Archie in a few months. Spencer and artist Marguerite Sauvage took over as the creative team on the publisher’s flagship title with issue #700. Only two and a half issues later, Sauvage bowed out of the title, and Sandy Jarrell (Reggie & Me) became the new full-time artist. Tamaki brings some YA cred with her to the title; This One Summer, written by Tamaki and illustrated by cousin Jillian Tamaki, won both the Michael L. Printz Award for teen literature and the Caldecott Medal in 2015.
Check out the covers, as well as the full solicitation text, to Archie #706 below. The issue is due in stores on July 24th.

ARCHIE #706: ARCHIE AND SABRINA 2 (of 5)
Script: Nick Spencer, Mariko Tamaki
Art: Sandy Jarrell, Matt Herms, Jack Morelli
Cover: Veronica Fish
Variant Covers: Rebekah Isaacs, Stephen Mooney
On Sale Date: 7/24
$3.99 U.S.
Archie and Sabrina are the hottest couple in Riverdale — but how did their whirlwind romance come to be? This issue introduces readers to the history of their magical love story, as we welcome special co-writer Mariko Tamaki to the Archie universe!



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