Archie Comics is gearing up to introduce a new bi-racial, pansexual character just in time for Pride Month.
June’s one-shot Archie & Friends: Summer Lovin’ #1 will bring Eliza Han to Riverdale to spend time with Veronica’s cousin, Harper. Eliza, “a bi-racial pansexual teen with a remarkable back story as the brains behind a major corporation,” will not only bring some diversity to the town but also a little drama as her relationship with Harper will get in the way of Reggie restarting his romance with the Lodge cousin. Reggie will also be revealed as bisexual in the story from writer Tee Franklin (Bingo Love) and artist Dan Parent.
“The best Archie characters are the ones you can drop in and have them create a little fun chaos,” Archie Comics editor-in-chief Mike Pellerito said. “Eliza is another character that you can fall in love with very easily – and there’s a lot more to be revealed about the character besides her sexuality.”
Along with the news of Eliza’s arrival, Archie Comics released the Summer Lovin’ cover by Bill Golliher and Rosario “Tito” Peña as well as character development art by Parent and Peña.
Check out the art and synopsis for the comic below:
Archie & Friends: Summer Lovin’ #1 (One-Shot)
- Script: Tee Franklin
- Art: Dan Parent, Bob Smith, Matt Herms, Jack Morelli
- Cover: Bill Golliher, Rosario “Tito” Peña
- Brand new story by tee franklin & dan parent: Carnival Love! It’s time for some fun (and maybe even romance) at the Riverdale summer carnival! Looking to rekindle their relationship, Reggie is excited when he finds out Veronica’s cousin, Harper Lodge, will be visiting a traveling carnival that arrived in Riverdale! Plus, a collection of fun-in-the-sun stories perfect for a beach read!
- On sale date: 6/8
- 32-page, full colour comic
- $2.99 U.S.
“Any and all new characters are meant to become integrated into the regular cast of characters,” Archie Comics senior director of editorial Jamie Rotante said. “Riverdale is forever expanding, and we’ll be taking extra care to make sure that none of these new kids get lost in the mix!”
Archie Comics also debuted its first hearing-impaired character in April, helping to shine a spotlight on the condition NF2. And later this month, the Archie gang will meet their Riverdale counterparts in a crossover with the hit TV show.
Archie & Friends: Summer Lovin’ #1 by Tee Franklin and Dan Parent arrives 8 June from Archie Comics.
