Posted By Dan Greenfield on Aug 21, 2026 | 3 comments

EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK: The MLJ heroes deserve the reprint spotlight…

We’re big fans of Archie Comics’ Facsimile Editions and we’re big fans of the publisher’s vast library of MLJ superheroes. The twain, however, have yet to meet.

But maybe there’s a way to change that.

Archie on November 11 is releasing this fab Black Hood variant cover by Matt Talbot, for this year’s annual Josie and the Pussycats one-shot.

Black Hood’s in the Josie issue because he’s now their head of security! Plus, dig that reference to his radio show!

This will actually be the second MLJ/Mighty Crusaders variant in the months ahead, including September’s groovy Ben Cooper-style Fly-Girl cover.

And, see, money talks. I have it in my mind that should both of these covers sell well — both will also have foil versions — it might prompt Archie to consider releasing full-on reprints spotlighting its wide array of classic heroes, like the Shield, Black Hood, the Fox, the Fly, and on and on.

Nothing persuades a publisher more than a market that votes with its dollars.

I mean, just imagine getting your hands on 1959’s The Fly #3, with its Joe Simon cover:

…or the 1966 camp classic The Mighty Crusaders #4, with its Paul Reinman cover:

There are so many possibilities. We even once ran a list of 13 MLJ/Crusaders Facsimiles we’d like to see — but I’ve got more in mind, so watch this space.

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MORE

— TRICK OR TREAT! Dig Archie’s BEN COOPER-Style FLY-GIRL Cover Coming for Halloween. Click here.

— First-Ever SABRINA OMNIBUS Leads New Wave of Classic ARCHIE Collections in 2027. Click here.