Next week, Archie Comics will release The Archies in India #1. The new one-shot, set to coincide with this year’s release of Indian director Zoya Akhtar‘s live-action The Archies movie on Netflix, includes a collection of previously-published stories in which Archie and the gang travel to India, as well as a brand-new story that introduces a new cast member, Bollywood star Prasad Arora, to the crew. Today, ahead of the issue’s release, The Beat is pleased to present an exclusive early preview of the one-shot.
Here’s how Archie Comics describes The Archies in India #1:
Archie and his friends from Riverdale have been globetrotting for decades… but their favorite place to visit by far is India! This special collection includes every story where Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, and yes, even Reggie, have travelled to the great country. And what would any great trip be without plenty of romance, special cameo appearances, and TONS of musical moments? Plus, a BRAND-NEW STORY! In “Stars in Their Eyes,” Bollywood star Amisha Mehta has a film lined up to shoot in India and manages to get Betty and Veronica a gig as extras. The girls arrive on the set and Amisha discovers one of the biggest teen heartthrobs, Prasad Arora, is now scheduled to be in the film as well. When she hears this, she’s hopeful she will be in a scene with her crush. Betty and Veronica decide to play matchmaker to get Prasad and Amisha introduced… but will they cause more harm than good?
The one-shot’s new story, “Stars in Their Eyes,” is written by Bill Golliher, pencilled by Dan Parent, inked by Rich Koslowski, colored by Glenn Whitmore, and lettered by Jack Morelli. “I had an awesome time visiting the New Delhi Comic Con in 2019, making friends and meeting fans,” Golliher told The Beat. “When I wrote this new Indian adventure with Prasad, Betty, and Veronica I kept in mind the great time I had visiting. I even made sure to include a tuk-tuk in the story, since I enjoyed all the tuk-tuk rides I had there. I hope everyone there has as much fun reading it as I had writing it. By the way, I’m always up for another visit…hint…hint.”
“I’ve always loved Archie stories set in India,” added Parent, “Having had the good fortune to visit India several times myself. Creating new Indian characters to expand our group of friends is so much fun. In co-creating the character of Prasad with my pal Bill, we wanted a new heartthrob for the girls, and that opens the door for so many stories.”
Check out the exclusive preview for The Archies in India #1, including two pages from “Stars in Their Eyes” as well as the complete reprinted story “From India With Love!” by writer and penciller Parent, inker Bob Smith, colorist Whitmore, and letterer Morelli, below. The one-shot is due out in stores and digitally next Wednesday, January 25th.
