For Archie fans, here are some fantastic starting points to learn more about Eveything Archie. If you’re not an Archie Reader—why not? They are one of three publishers that have been putting out comics since comic books began. If you want something different than your usual superhero comic book—try Archie is Mr. Justice. Pick up some of the digests, and you’ll be treated to some classic stories that not only hold up over time but are fun for all ages.
Many newer fans may not realize Archie has a long history of superheroes dating back to the Golden Age when the company used to be known as MLJ. It even created the first patriotic-themed hero, The Shield, which came out before Captain America. In recent years, the Archie heroes have been less in the spotlight. You’ll sometimes get some stories in the digests, but there hasn’t been a real push for a comeback. There is a golden lining for fans interested in those Archie heroes. Archie has been archiving the Golden Age Pep Comics, which featured many of those Golden Age heroes—and it was the comic where Archie Andrews was first introduced. Yes, those Pep Comics are Golden Age, but they are still fun reads—when you look within the context of when those comics came out.
Want to learn more about those heroes and the early days of Archie? Then I have the perfect solution! The MLJ Companion,written by Rik Offenberger, Paul Castiglia, and Jon B. Cooke and published by TwoMorrows Publishing, is a comprehensive and meticulously crafted reference book that delves into the history of MLJ Comics, the original publisher of iconic characters like The Shield, Black Hood, and the Mighty Crusaders. Spanning 288 pages, this book offers a treasure trove of information, including interviews with creators, full-color reprints of select stories, and insights into the evolution of these characters across different eras and imprints.
What makes this companion stand out is its attention to detail, covering everything from the Golden Age origins of MLJ heroes to their modern-day iterations under various publishers. It also explores fascinating tidbits, such as merchandise and crossovers, with other Archie publications. For fans of comic book history or those curious about lesser-known superheroes, The MLJ Companion is a definitive and engaging resource. It started in the Golden Age and talks to you right up to the Bronze Age.
Here’s something to do and read! Way back in 1994, there was… a strange one-shot company crossover, Archie Meets the Punisher. It was published jointly by Archie Comics and Marvel Comics, with Batton Lash as the writer and Stan Goldberg, John Buscema, and Tom Palmer providing the artwork. This comic stands out for successfully blending the whimsical, lighthearted tone of Archie’s world with the intense and action-driven universe of The Punisher. The artistic collaboration was equally notable, with Marvel and Archie artists illustrating their own characters to preserve each franchise’s distinct visual style. It might be a little hard to find, but it is part of the Archie Crossover Collection.
If you want something different, fantastic to read—this a comic for you. But before you read it, head over to TwoMorrows and pick up a copy of Back Issue 102. It has a feature for makingsaid crossover. One of the things I like about Back Issue is that it looks beyond the actual comic book and has the creators giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how the stories came about.
Read the article first, and then find the comic to read. Both are worth your time. I think once you read about the making of the Archie/Punisher crossover, you’ll appreciate the comic itself more. And, maybe buy some more Archie. When was the time you read an Archie Comic? Don’t stick to your usual comics—try something different. I, too, might become a fan of Archie Comics.
About Author
