Posted By Dan Greenfield on Dec 31, 2024 | 7 comments

Get ready to experience a true window into the past…

We’re huge fans of Facsimile Editions here at 13th Dimension. We not only break news and cover the major releases, we like to champion the concept — they’re an affordable time machine that provide you with an opportunity to experience comics in their original context, complete with ads, letters, features, backups, you name it.

Marvel and DC are at the forefront of the format but other publishers have also joined in. Now, a small company called Macroverse is taking things to a new level with what it calls Authentic Editions — full-on reprints that are not only in a book’s original dimensions but also faithfully reproduce the comic’s printing and colors.

See, as much as fans love the typical Facsimile Editions, they’re usually printed in a modern comic’s smaller size and with contemporary repro techniques. And that’s perfectly fine, given their low, accessible cost. The hardcore fan, however, often wants a Golden Age comic to be the same, larger dimensions and have the feel of a 1940s comic. (It’s worth noting DC has dabbled in the larger Golden Age size.)

That’s where Macroverse comes in. They started with pre-Code horror books but have now landed a whale — Archie Comics, whose roots stretch back about as far as Marvel’s and only a few years less than DC’s.

The upstart and Archie have teamed up for an already-successful Kickstarter campaign to provide readers and collectors with a raft of the publisher’s earliest and most noteworthy issues, and not just the misadventures of the Riverdale gang, either, but the company’s cult-fave superheroes. The campaign also includes a run of Silver Age Archie’s Mad House. (It’s worth noting that this is a separate venture from Archie’s own Facsimile Editions, which will be resuming in the spring.)

Click here for all the info you need on the campaign. It has about two weeks left and you’ll want to pony up because there’s a ton being offered — all tiers are sold in batches — with the likelihood of more in the future. (The lowest tier is $100 for 10 comics, an incredible bargain when you consider what these issues offer.)

Anyway, I invited Adam Fortier, the head of publishing for Macroverse, to give you an INSIDE LOOK at what the company’s got cooked up with Archie, what’s to come, and why you should be taking notice.

I hope Marvel and DC are paying attention too. Just imagine the possibilities.

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By ADAM FORTIER

For decades, iconic comics have been entombed in plastic CGC cases, revered for their historical significance but rendered inaccessible to readers. While these cases preserve comics, they also create a barrier to experiencing them as they were originally intended. Fans miss out on the tactile connection, the vibrant colors, and the immersive joy of flipping through pages—a reminder of why these stories were so captivating in the first place. With Authentic Editions, these masterpieces are being freed, giving readers the chance to experience them as they were meant to be: to see, feel, and even smell the essence of their original printings. It’s not just about collecting; it’s about connecting.

THE MAGIC BEHIND THE PROCESS

Bringing these books to life requires a unique blend of art, technology, and a touch of “black magic,” as the team describes it. The process involves reverse-engineering the originals back to their printer plates, using old presses and period-appropriate paper stock to capture the look and feel of the era. The result is nothing short of a time machine for your senses. While many of the secrets are kept under wraps, the dedication to craftsmanship in each Authentic Edition is unparalleled.

WHY ARCHIE?

Few characters have left as indelible a mark on pop culture as Archie Andrews. From inspiring countless adaptations like the popular Riverdale TV series to being a mainstay in comic book shops for generations, Archie’s influence is immeasurable. From his debut in Pep Comics #22, Archie has grown into a global icon, representing a unique blend of timeless humor, relatable stories, and classic Americana. His journey from the Golden Age of comics to modern-day adaptations highlights his extraordinary cultural and historical significance. As a character, Archie embodies the evolution of comics themselves, making his earliest adventures essential reading for fans and collectors alike.

What makes this even more exciting is the ability to read these stories as they were originally published. Seeing Archie’s earliest misadventures—complete with Jughead, Betty, Veronica, and the gang—brings readers closer to the original intent of the creators. These stories were designed to be held, flipped through, and enjoyed as immersive experiences. Now, for the first time in decades, fans can experience them firsthand — exactly as they were intended.

A SNEAK PEEK: Archie’s “The Case of the Missing Mistletoe” from Archie Comics #1

We’re thrilled to showcase an exclusive peek at the Authentic Editions version of a five-page Christmas-themed short story from Archie Comics #1. This festive tale of mistaken identities and holiday hijinks perfectly captures Archie’s charm and the dedication behind Authentic Editions.

The difference is striking. From color fidelity to paper texture, this edition doesn’t just replicate the original; it revitalizes it. Not even Archie Comics retains the original print files for Archie Comics #1, meaning all prior reprints have been redrawn, recolored and relettered. For the first time, fans can see exactly what this landmark issue looked like when it first hit newsstands—a true window into the past, just as the creators intended.

AN INSTANT GOLDEN AGE ARCHIE COLLECTION

Macroverse’s current Archie Kickstarter campaign offers fans a unique opportunity to build an instant Golden Age Archie collection.

Highlights include:

— First appearances of beloved characters like Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

— Collectors’ boxed sets themed around “Team Betty” vs. “Team Veronica” — backers can choose — with Kickstarter-exclusive designs celebrating the iconic love triangle at the heart of Archie’s enduring charm.

— The sets combine to form one gorgeous collection designed for display. Additionally, whichever team wins— Blonde or Brunette — will unlock an additional, exclusive poster of the victorious woman for all backers of the campaign.

FROM PRE-CODE HORROR TO POP CULTURE PHENOMENON

Authentic Editions launched with the Pre-Code Horror campaign, which closed at nearly $400,000 in funding on Kickstarter. This first collection brought the chilling artistry of rare titles like Suspense Comics #3, Punch Comics #12, and Chamber of Chills #19 back to life.

This success laid the foundation for a 10-year publishing plan, with icons like Archie marking just the beginning. Across the line, Authentic Editions will honor these works, faithfully recreate their original glory, and share them with collectors, fans, and newcomers alike.

Whether you’re a lifelong comics fan, a dedicated collector, or an Archie superfan, Authentic Editions offers something truly special. It’s not just about owning a piece of history; it’s about reliving it.

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Thanks, Adam! We’ve got lots more to come on this here at 13th Dimension, but in the meantime, do check out the Kickstarter. This is a campaign to get behind. — Dan

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MORE

— 13 Historic ARCHIE COMICS Facsimile Editions We’d Like to See. Click here.

— 13 Risque ARCHIE COMICS Facsimile Editions We’d Like to See. Click here.

— 13 ARCHIE/MLJ SUPERHERO COMICS Facsimile Editions We’d Like to See. Click here.

— 13 ARCHIE SUPERHERO HUMOR Facsimile Editions We’d Like to See. Click here.