FCBD18 Interview: Archie Comics Team Talks Riverdale

Critical to the teenage lifestyle is a signature hangout spot. For the adventurous, secret-harboring teens of Riverdale, it’s Pop Tate’s Chock’lit Shoppe.

Archie Comics gold sponsor title, Riverdale #6, gives us a snapshot of all the secrets Pop overhears in his diner.

Archie Comics co-president, Alex Segura, comments on how the compelling tale functions as an entry point for Riverdale fans to begin reading the comic book series. Additionally, the artist behind Riverdale #6, Joe Eisma, discusses what got him into comics, and what he’s looking forward to on Free Comic Book Day!

After you’ve read through our interview, click here to check out our PREVIEWS Prevue of the title!

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Free Comic Book Day (FCBD): How is this FCBD story a great entry point to Riverdale comics for fans of the Riverdale TV series?  

Alex Segura, co-president: The Riverdale show has been a massive, worldwide hit and expanded on our brand's already-exploding awareness, which is due, in large part, to the company's efforts—spearheaded by Publisher and CEO Jon Goldwater—to reinvigorate itself over the last decade. The Riverdale comic serves as a perfect primer for new Archie fans, or fans who've tapped into the Archie world via the show, with compelling stories that weave into the narrative of what can only be described as a pop culture phenomenon. We're excited to see it as part of Free Comic Book Day, which has served as a welcome mat for first-time, returning and core comic fans for so long.

FCBD: For those who might be new to your comic book, give us a quick rundown of the story!

Publisher: Set in the same universe as the hit CW series RIVERDALE, this issue gives us a peek into all the secrets Pop Tate overhears in his day-to-day business, told through four vignettes in four different booths!

FCBD: What genre is your title?

Publisher: Teen Drama/ Romance

FCBD: What other titles would you compare to yours? “If a comic reader likes _______ , they should pick up my title?”

Publisher: Afterlife with Archie, Archie, Betty & Veronica, the Riverdale TV show.

FCBD: What initially got you interested in comics? (or What is your favorite thing about working in comics?)

Joe Eisma: I was really taken with the art in comics from an early age--from even before I could read, I was getting my hands on all the comics I could from the grocery store and convenience stores. It didn't take very long before I knew I wanted to draw them myself.

FCBD: Many newcomers will pick up comics for the first time on FCBD—what was the first comic you remember reading?

Eisma: The first comic I can remember having was an old Star Wars coming from the early 80s. I was blown away that I could get more story from my favorite movie franchise in the comics.

FCBD: Tell us why everyone should read comic books!

Eisma: Because comics are the best! From the great art to well-crafted stories, comics offer excellent escapist entertainment.  And there are so many different titles out there to choose from, covering a myriad of genres.

FCBD: What is your favorite part about Free Comic Book Day? What do you think is the best part of Free Comic Book Day?

Eisma: As a creator, my favorite part of Free Comic Book Day is meeting fans old and new, and doing sketches for everyone. I think it's a day that shows just how welcoming the comics community can be, and I always feel more fired up about comics after the day is done.

FCBD: Where do you plan to spend Free Comic Book Day?

Eisma: I tend to travel a lot for Free Comic Book Day, but I'm really hoping I can spend the day taking my sons to my favorite shops and showing them the community I love.

 

 

Find a comic shop near you to celebrate Free Comic Book Day 2018!