Exclusive Archie Comics Preview: Your Pal, Archie #1

Archie Comics has provided ComicBook.com with an exclusive preview of Your Pal, Archie #1, the new series from Dan Parent, the veteran writer/artist best known for creating Kevin Keller.

While Archie Comics have managed to penetrate the direct market more successfully than they have in years by introducing the teen-focused New Riverdale line, beginning with a 2015 relaunch of Archie by Mark Waid and Fiona Staples, veteran Archie artist Dan Parent has never gone away -- and now he's bringing back an all-ages, classic-look Archie in this new series.

Parent, who created the popular character of Kevin Keller, will be joined by Eisner winner Ty Templeton in launching Your Pal, Archie, a new, kid-friendly take on the character that will run alongside the "New Riverdale" line and the classic Archie Digest books where Parent has been working. Templeton will write and ink the series, which Parent will draw.

The title marks Parent's thirtieth year at Archie Comics, and a return to the comics mainstream in a way for both "classic" Archie and Parent, both of whom have been appearing mostly in Digests, reprints, and digital-only books for a while now.

That said, this isn't quite the classic Archie fans might remember; while it's closer to the traditional model than New Riverdale, it's essentially a Dan Parent reinvention of the look.

The New Riverdale reboot has been credited with informing the Riverdale TV series, and now that comes full circle as Classic Archie's return comes with just a hint of Riverdale influence, as well -- albeit not in the sex-and-murder part.

Your Pal, Archie launches on July 26 in comic book stores and digital platforms The final order cutoff for #1 is Monday, July 3.

Issues #1-5 will feature a special connecting variant cover by artist Les McClaine that forms a giant image of Pop's Chock'lit Shop featuring Archie Comics' most beloved characters.

You can check out the official solicitation below, and both covers to #1 in the attached image gallery.

ALL-NEW CLASSIC ARCHIE: YOUR PAL, ARCHIE! #1

Classic-style Archie makes his return in this ALL-NEW, ALL-AGES comic from Ty Templeton and Dan Parent! Issue 1 features one of five connecting variant covers by Les McClaine. Collect them all to create one giant image of Pop's Chock'lit Shop!

Script: Ty Templeton
Art: Dan Parent, Ty Templeton, Jack Morelli
Cover: Dan Parent
Connecting Variant Cover: Les McClaine
On Sale Date: 7/26
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.