MIKE PELLERITO, was recently named the new Managing Editor of Archie Comics. In addition to looking over the Archie universe he also editÃs some of Archie Comics most popular titles,
This column came about after having very few avenues to promote and find out about All Ages and Younger Reader Comics and Graphic Novels. Most knowledge seems to be passed along by word of mouth, so this is in the sprit the column is written. Now, sit back and join in the conversation!
To learn more about any of the above-mentioned projects please visit Archie Comics.com
How Many Does It Take?
HOW MANY DOES IT TAKE?
How many does it take?
Not too long ago we at Archie Comics sat down with one purpose. There were meetings and we went back and forth. Every idea had its pros and cons. Nothing is ever truly "fool proof”. However, when all was said and done we felt we had come up with a plan for success. And, we did have success and of course several set backs. Now that things are humming along, a couple of co-workers at Archie figured out how mathematically this could do yours truly in. So, what is it exactly?
Trade Paperbacks, Graphic Novel Collections, Comic Books with lots of pages - whatever you want to call them. Once in hand they really are great. All lined up in order on a shelf. Pouring through the pages of collected stories. This is a little slice of comic book heaven. We sat down and discussed over a hundred graphic novel collection possibilities. As you may have noticed the amount of Archie material on the bookshelf is quickly growing. From the Americana series, Josie and the Pussycats, the MLJ Heroes, Little Archie, Sabrina, Sonic Archives and the list goes on.
Just putting them together is a whole lotta’ work. From a distance they magically appear and are just a blast to read. The behind the scenes is a whole different thing. Some of the collection that Archie has put out are just monsters to put together. The Archie Americana series, which is the best of a particular decade, cover the full decade, must speak to the decade, be a good representation of the Archie crew at the time and of course be funny. Having to wait for some files to download it was nice to thumb through Best of the 40’s volume 1. The Archie gang is very different back in the 40’s but still so much the same in the 00’s. The one story, with the now classic theme of a jealous Moose having to get tough with the fool who messes with his girl, is a great gag. Even better when that fool is Jughead.
Putting together monthly comics Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic X, plus Sabrina the Teenage Witch, a Sabrina graphic Novel Collection, a Katy Keene feature in Archie & Friends and several other projects is quite a bit of work. When Archie gave the "OK” to the new Sonic The Hedgehog Archives, reprinting the early adventures of Sonic, we had hoped to do maybe a couple a year. In under a year volumes 5 & 6 just went to the printer, volumes 7 & 8 are in the works. And we are getting started on a second series of Sonic reprints. The first Archive volume was reviewed here:
With Sonic Archives we are going in order, 4 issues at a time and where permitting we add in some neat extra stuff. Some Who’s Who, some never before seen behind the scenes material, info on how the covers are made and even a lost story showing up for the first time ever. Trying to keep the extra material unique is quite a task on it’s own. 
Usually tons of production work has to be done to fix previous mistakes, fix any pagination problem (like having a two page spread show up as a two page spread) and everything is being beautifully re-colored. Not to mention new covers by the brilliant artist Spaz, and having to work up some layout designs for the interiors. Despite calling on different co-workers to help (THANKS GUYS!) on all these projects, a huge chunk of this falls on my shoulders. For some reason with these Archives if it can go wrong it does. Many of these wonderful co-workers who get to see the chaos up close, usually just point and laugh. Which has prompted two co-workers to place odds on just how many Archives a year could do me in. If you have ever seen the movie The Princess Bride, and you should, there is this device that sucks one year of life from the victim. While the Archives are nowhere near that tough, they are draining to put out.
However, the jolt of excitement and accomplishment once the printed volume is in hand is like adding a two years. It is just a great feeling. So, at one every other month I’m powered up.
Of course two of these "helpful” co-workers have worked out a plan and a schedule of thirteen releases a year. In effect the Sonic readers would be in heaven, I might start mumbling Sonic over and over again and hide under the desk. Luckily threats of bodily harm, Moose taught this boy well, convinced the co-workers to keep their plans to themselves. So, rest assured a continued steady steam of Sonic collections in the future with this editor at the helm, and all the help one can get.
Now when Archie was interested in putting together a best of Archie Camp stories, and having "guess who” to help edit it, you could say stunned silence was all they needed to hear. Turned out to be a good move. Managing Editor Victor Gorelick and Digest Editor Nelson Ribeirio really did a great job. Just finally having some time over this past weekend to read the newest collection of Archie was a blast. Knowing the amount of work that went into this, dealing with so many different time periods and great camping stories, it seemed a good time to let you know. So. here we go…
ARCHIE CAMP TALES
The first thing to stand out about this book is the look. A bright cover by Stan Goldberg and Bob Smith with colors by Tito Pena, it really pops off the shelf. Jo Pep the art director at Archie cut loose. From the back cover’s camp map to the interior covers faux camp memorabilia it gives the reader that "camp’ feel.
Made up of the short stories and even a few single page gags this collection adequately depicts camp life and how crazy camp with Archie would be. Lots of stories revolve around Riverdale High School’s principal, and summer time camp Director Mr. Weatherbee. Unfortunately for "the bee”, Archie makes his summer to hot to handle. If you know any young ones in camp, have ever been in campo wish they were in camp this is well worth their time.
ARCHIE CAMP TALES
Price: $7.49
Format: 112 pages Color
ISBN-10: 1894937805
ISBN-13: 978-1894937801
Diamond Item Code: AUG063270
Age Level: All Ages
CONCERNS: None
One more tidbit about Archie. Archie Comics is looking to give aspiring writers there first break in the comic book biz. Here is the info below:
Do You Want to be A Comic Book Writer?
Have you ever wanted to be a comic book writer? Have you ever dreamed of braking in to comics? Here is your chance to become a published comic book writer. Many legendary creators like Mark Waid, Neal Adams and Tom DeFalco got their start at Archie Comics. You could get your first brake at Archie too...
Submit your story in the weekly story contest and if you are the Quarterly winner, your story will be featured in an Archie Digest Comic!!
See rules at the link below
CLICK HERE
Thanks for your time and the opportunity to talk about comics! See you next Tuesday!
If you have a great All Ages project, let us know!
Get in touch: mikep(at)silverbulletcomicbooks(dot)com
Check out some new All Ages comic reads on sale this week:
JUN073258 SABRINA VOL 2 #87 $2.25
JUN073253 BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #177 $2.49
JUN073257 JUGHEADS DOUBLE DIGEST #133 $3.69
JUN070224 BATMAN STRIKES #36 $2.25
JUN070228 CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #16 $2.25
JUN072133 AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL #11 $2.99
MAY073479 UNCLE SCROOGE #368 $7.99
MAY073480 WALT DISNEYS COMICS & STORIES #683 $7.99
MAY070180 SHOWCASE PRESENTS ADAM STRANGE VOL 1 TP $16.99
JUN073334 SIMPSONS COMICS VOL 12 BELLY BUSTER TP (DEC032228) $14.95
JUN073333 SIMPSONS VOL 2 BIG BAD BOOK OF BART SIMPSON TP (STAR18818) $12.95
JUN072218 MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR VOL 6 DIGEST TP $6.99
Also, check out some great All Ages comic reviews here at Silver Bullet Comic Books. Thanks especially to Penny Kenny, Qais Fulton and Ray Tate!
Justice League Unlimited #36
CLICK HERE
Looney Tunes #153
CLICK HERE
Peter the Pirate Squid
CLICK HERE
Veronica #181
CLICK HERE
Entertainment for Every Age is © Mike Pellerito 2006-
Logo Designed by Joe Pep