Archie reboot adds three more series

Archie Comics is letting its fans get involved in rebuilding Riverdale.

The comic-book publisher launched a Kickstarter campaign Monday to help crowd-fund and expand its reboot of the Archie brand — including Archie Andrews and all his pals — with three new series premiering in the next 18 months. They'll follow a new Archie series, written by Mark Waid (Daredevil) and artist Fiona Staples (Saga), that debuts July 8 and introduces a modern take on the redheaded teenager and other residents in New Riverdale.

The new titles include Jughead, with writer Chip Zdarsky (Sex Criminals) tackling the hamburger-filled adventures of Archie's best friend; writer/artist Adam Hughes' take on Archie's two major loves in Betty and Veronica; and Life With Kevin, which features writer Dan Parent revisiting the company's popular gay character Kevin Keller in a comic with artist J. Bone.

It's "a historic moment for Archie Comics — and our fans," says Jon Goldwater, Archie Comics publisher/co-CEO.

"We're not Marvel or DC. We don't have access to that kind of corporate cash. We're a small company trying to create books that will engage our readers. Together, we think we can make a bit of history — just in time for our 75th anniversary."