Archie Comic Publications has selected Diamond Book Distributors as the exclusive U.S. and non-exclusive worldwide distributor of English-language editions of its graphic novels to the bookstore, library, warehouse, mass merchandise, and comics specialty markets.

Founded in November 1939, Archie was originally called MLJ Magazines, named after its three founding partners, Maurice Coyne, Louis Silberkleit and John Goldwater. After testing the waters of competition with its own super-heroes, Archie released Pep Comics #22 in 1941 and, in doing so, turned from supermen to an everyman. That issue contained a six-page story featuring the now-world-famous Archie Andrews and his friends. Not too long after that, in 1942, Archie made the leap to his own title. By May 1946, the company changed its name to Archie Comic Publications, Inc. to reflect the immense popularity of what had become its leading character and comic book.

In the 62 years since, Archie has been featured in more than 30 different titles, on radio, and in cartoons, movies and TV shows. He's appeared in model kits, fan club kits, on cereal boxes, pinbacks, magazines, calendars, and other character collectibles. The comics and animated TV shows also inspired The Archies, a pop group which scored a mega-hit with Sugar Sugar, the song which sold in excess of six million singles and Jingle Jangle which sold in excess of one million singles. These shows inspired other cartoon interpretations of the characters, as well as characters such as Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Josie & The Pussycats, both of which went on to achieve fame on TV and in the movies.

"Dependable, wholesome, and timeless, Archie and his milieu represent an unwavering commitment to family fun," said Diamond Vice President of Purchasing Bill Schanes. "For decades, the publisher has consistently delivered all-ages-appropriate material that appeals to every generation, and to both boys and girls. As a result, its titles are perfect for the broader mass market, where they can attract newcomers to the joy of comics."

"Our comics are reader breeders," said Michael Silberkleit, Chairman/Co-Publisher of Archie Comic Publications. "After many years of Steve Geppi's Diamond Comic Distributors distributing our comics and digests into the Direct Market, it makes good sense to have Diamond distribute our Graphic Novels into the bookstore, library, warehouse, mass merchandisers, and comic specialty market," said Richard Goldwater, President/Co-Publisher of Archie Comic Publications.