EXCLUSIVE: The Fly and Fly-Girl have a new nemesis! PLUS: January’s vintage-style solicitations…
No secret that we’re big fans of the MLJ superheroes around these parts and it’s great that they’ve been integrated into the classic-style Archie universe. Their latest appearance is in this month’s Archie Halloween Spectacular, and even Betty and Veronica dressed up as their favorite heroes (the Shield and the Jaguar, respectively).
But a hero is only as good as their villain, right? So get ready in January for Murder Hornet — newly minted, ripped-from-the-headlines evil archnemesis of the Fly and Fly-Girl. Not only that, our heroes are getting a makeover too.
Dig this EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK, with art by Murder Hornet creator Dan Parent, Bob Smith and Rosario “Tito” Pena:
Murder Hornet’s first appearance will be in January 8’s Archie Jumbo Comics Digest #357, with a follow-up the next week in Betty and Veronica Jumbo Comics Digest #331.
“Creating Murder Hornet was fun for me since I usually don’t get to work with villains in the Archieverse,” Parent said. “And I thought the name might be too strong, but (Archie Comics Editor-in-Chief) Mike Pellerito gave me the OK, so I ran with it.
“He’s a pretty nasty fellow, but in designing him I felt he was kind of like a retro comic book villain from yesteryear, like someone you might see in the old Batman TV show,” he added. “The design was just fun; all the yellow and black makes for a cool look. I really would like to explore his secret identity in the future!”
Nice.
Now, check out January 2025’s solicitations for Archie’s classic-style, all-ages titles:
ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #357
BRAND NEW STORY: “Now That STINGS!” There’s an indoor flower show taking place in a huge greenhouse in Riverdale. But things are about to get buzzing when a madman known as the Murder Hornet crashes the event! It’s up to Pureheart and The Fly to save the day!
Script: Dan Parent
Pencils: Dan Parent
Inks: Bob Smith
Colors: Glenn Whitmore
Letters: Jack Morelli
Cover: Dan Parent, Rosario “Tito” Peña
On Sale Date: 1/8
192-page, full color digest
$9.99 U.S.
—
ARCHIE SHOWCASE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #22: VALENTINE’S SPECIAL
Not sure what to get your valentine? Archie’s got you covered! Delight your sweetheart with this showcase of the best and most heart-wearming stories, puzzles, and fashion pages all featuring, hearts, candies, romance, dating, and love—like only Archie can!
Script: Various
Art: Various
Cover: Dan Parent, Bob Smith, Rosario “Tito” Peña
On Sale Date: 1/29
192-page, full color digest
$9.99 U.S.
—
BETTY & VERONICA JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #331
BRAND NEW STORY! Dilton has secured a pollinator device in a secret basement in the Lodge mansion. But when the mad Murder Hornet uses a clever disguise to break in and steal it, Fly Girl, SuperTeen, and a whole slew of costumed superheroes are on the scene!
Script: Dan Parent
Pencils: Dan Parent
Inks: Bob Smith
Colors: Glenn Whitmore
Letters: Jack Morelli
Cover: Bill Golliher, Dan Parent, Rosario “Tito” Peña
On Sale Date: 1/15
192-page, full color digest
$9.99 U.S.
—
WORLD OF ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #147
You’ll fall in love with this digest celebrating the most romantic time of the year — Valentine’s Day! From heartwarming hijinks to dating dilemmas and everything in between, Archie, Betty, Veronica, and all their friends in Riverdale are sure to get in on the excitement of the season!
Script: Various
Art: Various
Cover: Dan Parent, Rosario “Tito” Peña
On Sale Date: 1/22
192-page, full color digest
$9.99 U.S.
—
MORE
— 13 ARCHIE/MLJ SUPERHERO COMICS Facsimile Editions We’d Like to See. Click here.
— CRUSADERS ASSEMBLE! ARCHIE One-Shot Features Virtually Every Superhero in Company History. Click here.
