This November, Archie finds himself... in hell! Written by Patrick Horvath, featuring art and lettering by Tyler Crook, and with colors by Francesco Segala and Sabrina del Grosso, the creative team alone lets you know this is going to be something special. But what's in store for Archie, his friends, and Riverdale? Tyler Crook teases what's to come and discusses his creative process in our interview. We also have a preview of the first issue and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into Tyler Crook's process to bring the first issue's infernal cover and interior pages to life!
What initially excited you about the concept for Archie In Hell? Were you a regular reader of Archie comics and/or did you read anything specific to catch up on the characters and Riverdale to prepare for this new series?
Tyler Crook: In my house, there is a constant stream of Archie comics and digests coming through. I’ve wanted to work on an Archie book ever since I started to work in comics. The main thing that excited me about working on this series was the opportunity to work with Patrick. We share similar sensibilities when it comes to horror. We both like to add a bit of sweetness to the scary stuff, and I think that’s the perfect way to approach an Archie horror story.
How did you approach combining classic Archie with dark, colonial horror? Were there any specific references or inspirations?
Tyler Crook: The most useful resources I have found have been mid-century book and magazine illustrations. And movies like The Witch and The Crucible were very helpful. My approach has mostly focused on trying to make the world feel as rich and real as I possibly can.
What was the collaborative process like with writer Patrick Horvath to bring this Riverdale horror story to life?
Tyler Crook: It’s been great! Patrick is a wonderful guy and he’s been very open to collaboration. It’s always nice when a writer wants to talk to you about the story and work out ways to punch things up or to solve whatever little story problems could use some finessing, or whatever.
The Archie characters are so well known at this point. Was it challenging to put your own spin on these classic characters or did you find it easier that the characters were already well-established?
Tyler Crook: For me it wasn’t too hard to put my personal spin on these characters. I mean, I kind of just draw how I draw. So, all I had to do was sit down and draw them in a way that felt natural to me while still being recognizable to the reader.
Can you share your process for creating the page art? How long does it traditionally take you to complete an issue?
Tyler Crook: My process is pretty standard stuff. I take the script, and work out loose thumbnails for each page. At the same time, I’m doing the thumbnails, I’m also working out the lettering. Then I pencil the whole issue in a computer program called Clip Studio Paint. Then I print out the pencils onto my nice paper and ink them mostly using a brush but with a little bit of pen in there too. Finally, I scan it and pass it on to Francesco Segala so he can bring it all to life with color. It’s been taking me about 7 weeks to finish drawing one issue.
Can you tease the horrors that await our readers in the first issue of Archie In Hell?
Tyler Crook: It’s hard to talk about that stuff without spoilers. But, one of the most important things about Archie is that he loves his friends and family with all his heart. If we are going to send him to his own personal hell, then none of those people are safe (wink).
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From the Press Release: TO SAVE HIM, THEY HAD TO DAMN HIM! Oni Press – the multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-winning publisher of groundbreaking comics and graphic novels since 1997 – and the world-renowned Archie Comic Publications, Inc. are proud to reveal the first look inside the delightfully diabolical pages for ARCHIE IN HELL #1, an infernal new ongoing launching out of Oni Press’ monumental new line of star-studded Archie Comics series … just in time for the 85th anniversary of America’s teenage icon!
This November, join multiple Eisner Award nominee Patrick Horvath (Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees) and Russ Manning Award winner Tyler Crook (Out of Alcatraz, Harrow County) as they forge a brand-new legend of Archie horror, weaving a blood-stained trail from Riverdale’s dark colonial past to its all-too-sunny streets in the modern day!
They say that every small town has a secret. Well, in the case of Riverdale, it’s one heck of a humdinger: An ancient order of cultists has infiltrated its townspeople, bent on using human sacrifice to usher a demon lord into our mortal plane. And they’ve finally identified the final target they need to bring a century’s worth of planning to fruition: hometown football champion and all-around good guy Archie Andrews. But this secret cabal never dreamed that actual witches walk Riverdale’s streets . . . and when cult and coven clash in the final stages of Archie’s secret ritual sacrifice, the consequences will be cosmic . . . and young Archie Andrews will find himself damned to something far worse than Hell’s inner circle.
Unstuck from time and space. Bound to a terrible curse. Late for school. Things are about to go from bad to downright diabolical as Horvath and Crook unleash ARCHIE IN HELL #1, the most malevolent and merciless Archie Comics tale ever told . . . and, truly, you’ll never ever expect what happens next!
Do you dare? ARCHIE IN HELL #1 will pull no punches when sends America’s number-one teenager six feet under in November with a ghoulishly gruesome line-up of covers from series co-creators Tyler Crook and Patrick Horvath, alongside Paul Azaceta (Outcast), Jesse Lonergan (Drome), Kano (Sabrina The Teenage Witch), Dan Parent (Life with Archie), Mirka Andolfo (Sweet Paprika), and Mahmud Asrar (Conan The Barbarian)!"
For more updates on Archie Comics, visit them on Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram.
For more updates on Oni Press, visit them on Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram.
ARCHIE IN HELL #1
After more than a decade as a consultant in the entertainment industry, Jonathan James launched Daily Dead in 2010 to share his passion for horror. He takes immense pride in Daily Dead's talented team of writers, who passionately explore and celebrate horror as a respected art form capable of telling complex, character-driven stories with deep emotional and cultural impact.
Over the course of his career, Jonathan has written more than 10,000 articles and hosted panels at major conventions, including New York Comic Con and San Diego Comic-Con. He is also consulted with as an expert on horror and pop culture, offering insights on horror history and the latest trends through media outlets, film festivals, and conventions.
After more than a decade as a consultant in the entertainment industry, Jonathan James launched Daily Dead in 2010 to share his passion for horror. He takes immense pride in Daily Dead's talented team of writers, who passionately explore and celebrate horror as a respected art form capable of telling complex, character-driven stories with deep emotional and cultural impact.
Over the course of his career, Jonathan has written more than 10,000 articles and hosted panels at major conventions, including New York Comic Con and San Diego Comic-Con. He is also consulted with as an expert on horror and pop culture, offering insights on horror history and the latest trends through media outlets, film festivals, and conventions.
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