Archie Comics, the acclaimed and bestselling comic book publisher that is home to some of the best-known pop culture creations in the world, including Archie, Jughead, Betty & Veronica, Josie & The Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and the hit AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE series, today unveiled plans for this year’s Comic-Con International: San Diego – timed to the launch of an all-new BETTY & VERONICA #1 from comic book legend Adam Hughes. BETTY & VERONICA #1, hitting comic book shops and digital storefronts on Wednesday, July 20 – the same day doors open on Comic-Con International: San Diego 2016 – continues the stellar ‘New Riverdale’ relaunch of the beloved Archie Comics properties that began last year with the now-historic ARCHIE #1 by writer Mark Waid and artist Fiona Staples.

"We treat every New Riverdale launch like a special, monumental event - as these amazing characters deserve," said Jon Goldwater, Archie Comics Publisher/CEO. "Adam Hughes is the perfect person to welcome a new BETTY & VERONICA #1 into the world with a story that's beautifully illustrated, witty and about the most important friendship in comics. What better place to pull back the curtain on this book than Comic-Con? It's going to be an epic show for Archie. As always, we come in strong and ready to engage with our fans and community."

This year’s Comic-Con will also feature the first public screenings of the pilot episode of the new Archie Comics-based drama ‘Riverdale’, from Warner Brothers Productions, set to debut on The CW in early 2017. A special ‘Riverdale’ panel will take place on Saturday featuring appearances by cast members including key cast members and crew. Fans will be able to get their first look at the subversive and modern take on the Archie Comics characters.

The relaunch of BETTY & VERONICA sets the stage for an amazing week of panels, giveaways, exclusives, and announcements at the biggest pop culture event in the world, Comic-Con International: San Diego 2016 – including a convention-exclusive cover to BETTY & VERONICA #1 by Adam Hughes and a special throwback cover for the fan-favorite SONIC: MEGA DRIVE one-shot.

Archie Comics Panels at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2016

Archie Comics will have three must-see panels this year including a spotlight on Archie Comics Chief Creative Officer, Archie Horror writer, and ‘Riverdale’ Executive Producer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, a 75^th anniversary panel featuring top Archie Comics talent, and a special ‘Riverdale’ panel featuring the cast of the new live-action drama series debuting on The CW in 2017.

Spotlight on Archie Comics Chief Creative Officer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

Friday, July 22, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. in Room 29AB

Join moderator Alex Segura (crime novelist and Archie writer) for an in-depth and memorable discussion with acclaimed comic book writer, playwright, and screenwriter Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, spotlighting his time at Archie Comics - including the creation of the hit Afterlife with Archie and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina comics - and writing other beloved comic book properties like the Fantastic Four, his prolific television (Glee, Supergirl), theatrical (American Psycho, Spider-Man on Broadway) and movie (Carrie and Town that Dreaded Sundown remake) work — including the upcoming RIVERDALE TV series from the CW in a frank, engaging and free-wheeling format that will keep fans buzzing.

Archie Comics Forever: 75 Years of Storytelling

Saturday, July 23, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. in Room 4

Celebrate the 75th anniversary of Archie Comics in this must-see panel with exclusive news and announcements about your favorite characters including ARCHIE, JUGHEAD, BETTY & VERONICA and more! Featuring your favorite Archie Comics talent and perhaps a special ‘Riverdale’ surprise appearance or two.

‘Riverdale’ Panel

Saturday, July 23, 6:30 p.m. – approx. 10 p.m. in Room 6BCF

Don’t miss the first ever panel for ‘Riverdale,’ the next hit television show coming to The CW in early 2017! Join the cast and crew of the Archie Comics-based drama for a special screening of the pilot episode!

Archie Comics Creator Signing Schedule (Booth #1829)

*ALL TIMES/SIGNINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE*

Thursday, July 21

1pm-2pm BETTY & VERONICA: Adam Hughes

3pm-4pm NEW RIVERDALE: Adam Hughes & Derek Charm

4pm-5pm ARCHIE ALL-STAR: Dan Parent

5pm-6pm DARK CIRCLE COMICS: Duane Swierczynski, Adam Christopher, Frank Tieri

Friday, July 22

12pm-1pm BETTY & VERONICA: Tula Lotay, Tom Bancroft, Colleen Coover, Adam Hughes

1pm-2pm NEW RIVERDALE: Adam Hughes & Derek Charm

3pm-4pm ARCHIE ALL-STAR: Dan Parent

4pm-5pm ARCHIE ACTION: Tyson Hesse

5pm-6pm ARCHIE HORROR: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

Saturday, July 23

10am-11am JUGHEAD: Derek Charm

11am-12pm ARCHIE ALL-STAR: Dan Parent

2pm-3pm BETTY & VERONICA: Adam Hughes

Sunday, July 24

SHOW HOURS: 9:30am-5:00pm

10:30am-11am RIVERDALE: Cast TBA

11:30am-12:30pm ARCHIE ALL-STAR: Dan Parent

12:30pm-1:00pm ARCHIE HORROR: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

1pm-2pm BETTY & VERONICA: Adam Hughes

Archie Comics Exclusives

BETTY & VERONICA #1 SDCC Exclusive Variant

IT’S BETTY VS. VERONICA! The most highly-anticipated debut in comics history is here with an exclusive convention cover by comics legend Adam Hughes! Betty and Veronica are America’s sweethearts… until they turn on each other! “Pops’ Chocklit Shoppe is being taken over by a huge coffee company. When Betty and Veronica go head-to-head over the issue, all bets are off! Friendships will shatter. Cities will burn. Nails will be broken. Betty and Veronica are back in this ALL-NEW #1!

Price: $10

SONIC: MEGA DRIVE SDCC Exclusive Variant

Sonic spins into a brand new, Classic-styled, SUPER SPECIAL one-shot “Mega Drive”! Join Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy Rose on a brand new adventure—set after the fall of the Death Egg! The nefarious Dr. Eggman is trying to build a new engine of destruction: the MEGADRIVE, and it’s up to Sonic and his whole crew to stop the mad doctor and save the day! Join Sonic and his friends in this special commemorative issue celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Blue Blur by Ian Flynn, Tyson Hesse and Matt Herms featuring an exclusive convention cover by SEGA!

Price: $10

For more information and to keep up to date on all things Archie Comics and SDCC, follow @ArchieComics on Twitter and Instagram for live updates from the show floor!