Archie Comics is throwing a curveball at us again, this time with a deliciously dry twist. Closing out 2024 is the plucky arrival of our favorite teenager turned superhero in the saga, ‘Archie Is Mr. Justice’. Laden with power and swept up in the midstream of responsibilities, we’re in for an edge-of-your-seat (or page-turning?) miniseries featuring red-headed, freckled boy-next-door Archie.

Shaping an Alternate Riverdale

Our beloved comic hotspot, Riverdale, is sprawling with fresh storylines out of the print press this November. Local teenager Archie Andrews takes the mantle as Mr. Justice, swooping in to shield Riverdale from doom. Prepare to relish each saga from the perspective of different Riverdale residents – a narrative device that’s as fresh as Jughead’s oddball humor. And speaking of Jughead Jones, he steals the limelight in the inaugural issue, helping Archie tap into his latent powers and fashioning a superhero costume that’s sure to be remembered.

Dishing out the wordy goodness is Tim Seeley of Dark Horse Comics fame, while Mike Norton – the creative pencil behind Battlepug – etches the comic panels to life. This dynamic duo exemplifies the diverse talents that join hands to convey the saga of Archie’s heroic ascent.

A Tip of the Hat to Archie and Mr. Justice

Keen-eyed comic fans out there might sense some familiarity here. The superhero moniker of Mr. Justice isn’t entirely new, having been sported formerly by one of the Mighty Crusaders from the Golden Age superhero team, published by Archie Comics’ predecessor, MLJ Comics. This subtle nod to the past has Archie taking up the mantle of Mr. Justice, nudged by newfound powers.

Good Guy Archie Meets Stark Reality

Sit tight as we embark on a more contemporary outlook on good ol’ Archie being more than just a face in the high school crowd. Archie is taking a leap into a darker side – all while maintaining his hard-to-resist charm as the eternal ‘good guy’. Mike Norton admitted, “It’s an exploration of an unspoiled soul in a morally crumbling environment. Reading it is entertaining, but drawing it? That’s a whole different ball game!”

In this jaded world, Archie is forging ahead as a beacon of hope, according to Jamie L. Rotante, Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial. Tim Seeley adds a feather to that cap, musing that the storyline weaves the characteristic sincerity of the Archie squad against the backdrop of a more cynical superhero domain. If you needed a palate cleanser from the anticipated corruption in superhero sagas, Archie as Mr. Justice is it!

Remember to pick up a copy of ‘Archie is Mr. Justice #1’ when it hits the comic racks on November 20th, 2024. Brace yourself for a comic-sans version of a superhero tale that mixes a cocktail of optimism, camaraderie, and a sprinkle of humor for good measure.