How (and why) did it break up Archie and Betty?
WhenArchie #4hits comic stores Nov. 25, readers will finally learn the truth about the power couples split.
Read on for more, including exclusive pages and variant covers.
Credit: Archie Comic Publications, Inc.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: So Annie Wu, Mark Waid, andArchie.
Thats a pretty awesome collaboration.
How did that come about?
Archie Comic Publications, Inc.
Had you wanted to work on the book since its relaunch?
ANNIE WU:They asked me!
I certainly wasnt expecting to work on the book at all, but Im glad that it happened.
Archie Comic Publications, Inc.
Can you talk a little about working with Mark?
Reading the script was how I found out I was even drawing the #LipstickIncident.
Did you feel pressure going into this knowing that you were following Fionas work?
Archie Comic Publications, Inc.
I mean, its Fiona Staples.
But the fact that I knew these characters super-well already bolstered me a great deal.
I certainly wasnt going in blind.
Archie Comic Publications, Inc. / Variant cover by Paul Renaud
Archies reboot has really given the characters so much of a modern, fun, hip look.
What inspirations did you draw on when figuring out how to illustrate the characters?
Did you draw anything from your own life or style?
Archie Comic Publications, Inc. / Variant cover by Francesco Francavilla
Im just old enough that teen fashion is a new mystery.
I guess Im most aligned with Jughead, who slouches around in ripped black jeans a lot.
Betty is a gearhead tomboy.
Archie Comic Publications, Inc. / Variant cover by Jaime Hernandez with Rosario “Tito” Peña
Lets talk about the #LipstickIncident.
(Without giving away too many spoilers, obviously!)
Why do you think Archies story still resonates today with new and old readers?
Archie Comic Publications, Inc. / Variant cover by Mahmud Asrar
I think the relaunch has maintained that, all while elaborating on these classic characters.
You managed to find time for this between doingBlack Canary, which is a hit in its own right.
Would you draw more Archie in the future, if the timing worked out?
Archie Comic Publications, Inc. / Variant cover by Joe Quinones
I really wanted to draw more or maybe even do both books at the same time.
Hey, Im pumped to have any part of this at all.
Annie Wu: Excited to even be here.
