Anika Patel
While Archie Comics is renowned for their heartwarming, slice-of-life humor books, they’ve also ventured into a myriad of genres throughout their history. This year, they’re wrapping up 2024 with a thrilling new superhero series, Archie Is Mr. Justice. This four-part miniseries will see America’s beloved teenager, Archie, grapple with the weight of newfound power and the ensuing responsibilities.
Set to launch in November, the comic unfolds in an alternate Riverdale where Mr. Justice emerges as the city’s guardian. Each issue will be narrated from the perspective of a different Riverdale resident, recounting the rise of the hero. The inaugural issue will focus on Jughead Jones, who aids his best friend in uncovering his powers and even designs his superhero costume.
The first issue is penned by acclaimed writer Tim Seeley, with artwork by Mike Norton. Seeley has an impressive portfolio, having worked extensively on Dark Horse Comics‘ Masters of the Universe line. Norton, known for his work on the series Battlepug, will bring his artistic prowess to the table. Each issue will showcase a unique creative team, highlighting the diverse viewpoints on Archie’s journey to heroism.
Archie and Mr. Justice: A Tale of Legacy
Die-hard comic fans might recognize the name Mr. Justice. This alias was first adopted by a member of the Mighty Crusaders, a Golden Age superhero team published by MLJ Comics, the predecessor of Archie Comics. This is a tribute to the company’s legacy and the original character who exists in this fictional universe. It’s their example that significantly inspires Archie to take up their name after discovering his powers.
“This is a fresh, contemporary spin on the ‘Archie as a superhero’ concept,” Norton shared. “It’s a study of an unblemished soul in a tainted world. Archie is the ideal character for this setting as he’s the quintessential ‘good guy.’ It’s been a joy to read and an absolute blast to illustrate!”
“This isn’t just another superhero narrative,” emphasizes Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante. “This is a tale about hope in a world that seems increasingly devoid of it. And in this timeline, Archie is our beacon of hope.”
“Mr. Justice explores the absolute sincerity of the Archie cast of characters, juxtaposed against a much more cynical superhero world,” Seeley adds. “I think, understandably, we’ve become skeptical of the idea that someone with power would be good. But that’s exactly who Archie Andrews is.”
Archie is Mister Justice #1 hits comic shops everywhere on November 20, 2024.
