For adults who grew up reading "Archie Comics," the popular franchise is set to have a relaunch in 2015 to suit a contemporary audience.
IGN.com reported that the new comic book series will feature a new creative team and present new concepts involving the classic characters.
Writers Mark Waid and Fiona Staples will oversee the creation of the new book, particularly the No. 1 issue. Waid told the New York Times that their objective is to bring back "Archie" to a modern audience, which will mean restoring the contemporary personalities that the Riverdale characters were best known for.
Waid said, "Over the years, some of the sharp edges have been sanded off. They are kids, and they should act as kids."
John Goldwater, "Archie Comics" Publisher and CEO, said during a press release, "The Archie characters aren't in need of a tune-up, 'shocking change,' or revision. These characters have stood the test of time and resonate to this day - we've proven that over the last six years."
He continued, "What ARCHIE #1 will do, though, is bring together two of the most talented creators in comics in Mark Waid and Fiona Staples and create a surprising and definitive take on Archie's origin - a story that has never been. The book will bring back some of the bite of Archie's original tales in a modern, forward-looking manner, while still retaining the character's all-ages appeal. What better way to celebrate 75 years of Archie Andrews?"
The upcoming "Archie" title will arrive after the company published 662 issues total, dating back to 1942, based on a report by Comic Book Resources. Waid is known for being the writer of Marvel's "Daredevil" while Staples is the writer of "The Fox" and "Saga." The two are Eisner Award-winners and are expected to create excellent storylines as well as a new visual identity apart from the classic style of the old comic books. Also, the writers aim to offer an edgier sense of humor which was present in earlier issues.
Goldwater said about the upcoming relaunch in the same report by Comic Book Resources, "This is going to hearken back to the beginnings, when it was irreverent, it was funny, it was edgy, it was something that was on the humorous cutting edge. This book is going to be funny, don't get me wrong. This is going to be a humorous comic book."
Goldwater is further planning bigger activities for "Archie" aside from the relaunch, such as a movie and apparel line.