Archie Comics Turns Archie Into A Girl

Archie Comics has certainly proven of late that they know how to grab a headline or two. From Kevin Keller's gay marriage to guest appearances by KISS, Archie Comics has been in the news a lot lately. In the latest twist, the all-American boy Archie Andrews is about to become an all-American girl. No, it's not what you might think given recent Archie controversies. There's no surgery involved here, but rather Archie's transformation is the result of magic. In Archie #636, the Riverdale guys and gals are arguing over how the other half has it easier. Sabrina the Teenage Witch's mischievous cat Salem overhears the conversations and takes matters into his own paws by giving the Riverdale teens a genetic makeover. Archie Andrews becomes Archina, Veronica becomes Ronnie, and Betty becomes Billy. Hmm… wonder why they didn't reveal the female name for Jughead? A perfect name sort of comes to mind, but I guess some names are better left unsaid. As far as how long Archie will stay a girl, Archie Comics is keeping that a mystery. A teaser for the issue says, "Will Salem's spell wear off, thus giving the gang a new appreciation for who they are, or will the switch up become permanent?"

Archie #636 is entitled "The Great Switcheroo." The issue is written by Tania del Rio with art by Gisele and Rich Koslowski. Both the regular cover and variant cover are by Gisele. Archie #636 is set to arrive in comic book stores on August 22.