Riverdale is colliding with the View Askewniverse.
Filmmaker Kevin Smith is writing a double-sized crossover comic in which the wholesome Archie Comics characters meet the edgy protagonists of his film oeuvre. This mature title takes place in the continuity of Smith’s filmography, with the book set after the events of 2022’s Clerks III, which (spoiler alert), included the death of Dante (Brian O’Halloran).
“Archie plays a role in the healing,” Smith tells The Hollywood Reporter of the story, which features Archie landing a summer job at the Clerks Quick Shop and striking up a friendship with co-worker Randal Graves.
“Not only is this my stab at a classic American franchise that existed long before me that I read as a kid … It’s a midlife crisis project about death and learning to deal,” Smith adds.
Kevin Smith Presents: Archie Meets Jay & Silent Bob arrives July 9, and is decades in the making for Smith, a lifelong fan of Archie who has included references to the comics in his work before. Early in 1997’s Chasing Amy, there’s a memorable debate about Archie and Jughead, while Clerks features a character named Veronica, one of Archie’s longtime love interest.
“Dante was torn between a Veronica and a Caitlin — More or less a Betty and Veronica situation,” notes Smith, who wrote his first draft in just one day after Archie creative exec Jesse Goldwater approached him with the idea.
“Kevin has always been one of my creative heroes, and seeing him bring his unique voice and vision to the page with all of these iconic characters truly feels like a once in a lifetime moment,” Goldwater said in a statement. “Kevin’s work has always been hilarious and irreverent in the absolute best way, but also always filled with such joy, heart, and always focused on the importance of love and friendship, just like Archie Comics.”
The comic has art from Fernando Ruiz and Rich Koskowski, colors by Matt Herms, letters by Jack Morelli and a cover by Ruiz, Koslowski and Rosario “Tito” Peña. It is a partnership between Archie and Smith’s Secret Stash Press.
This is not the only Askewniverse project Smith has on his docket. The director is also prepping a new film. While he has spoken of a third Jay and Silent Bob movie, he will only say of the new movie, “It’s definitely set in the Askewniverse.”
The comic has art from Fernando Ruiz and Rich Koskowski, colors by Matt Herms, letters by Jack Morelli and a cover by Ruiz, Koslowski and Rosario “Tito” Peña. It is a partnership between Archie and Smith’s Secret Stash Press.
This is not the only Askewniverse project Smith has on his docket. The director is also prepping a new film. While he has spoken of a third Jay and Silent Bob movie, he will only say of the new movie, “It’s definitely set in the Askewniverse.”
