FROM Previews World The Scoop

Archie Comics is teaming up with Deadpool co-creator Rob Liefeld for a four-issue Mighty Crusaders comic. The series, which is set to launch in 2021, will reimagine Archie’s library of superheroes, including the Shield, the Comet, the Jaguar, Fly-Girl, and others.

Archie Comics is known primarily for teen humor and romance books, like Archie, Sabrina, and others, so this will be an opportunity to explore their superhero catalog and reintroduce those characters to new audiences.

It could also serve as a step toward bringing Archie superheroes to TV shows and streaming services. The company has already seen success in transforming some of their popular characters into shows, including Riverdale on The CW and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina on Netflix.

“When I learned that Rob – a creator of the highest caliber with a long, sterling track record – was a fan of our characters, I knew we had to act fast,” Archie CEO/Publisher Jon Goldwater said. “Along with Marvel and DC, Archie Comics is one of the few media companies with an entire catalogue of superheroes dating back to the earliest days of comics, that are beloved and bursting with potential. I knew right away that Rob Liefeld was the person to make them shine again. This series will remind people why these characters matter, and put them in the A-list, where they have always belonged.”

“I’ve been chomping at the bit to work with the folks at Archie and do something with these legendary characters,” Liefeld said. “The Shield is the first patriotic comic book icon, predating Captain America. These are the original comic book superheroes, with a glorious history behind them. I’m so psyched to tell this story and turn my fans on to these characters!”

“Rob’s work has always been dynamic, in terms of storytelling, action, character, and style. One of my earliest comic book memories was picking up a copy of X-Force #1 and being completely enamored,” Archie Co-President Alex Segura said. “To have Rob bring that same energy and fearless creativity to Archie’s stable of superhero characters is a dream come true. I’m so excited for people to read these stories, and to show everyone why heroes like the Shield, Jaguar, Comet, Fly-Girl, and others matter more today than ever before.”