ARCHIE & FRIENDS #118
“Archie World Tour Part 2 of 4”: Having barely escaped with their lives in the previous issue’s trip to London, Archie and his friends are looking for a more traditional vacation spot… a place filled with history and romance… and Madrid, Spain is just the place!  The key word is romance, as Veronica and Betty are wooed by their teen guide, leaving Archie feeling whoa-ed.  Even Ms. Grundy becomes the object of someone’s affection!  But mystery and danger make a handsome couple too, as the villain they’ve been evading continues to pursue them from the city to the country.  A meeting with a beautiful mystery woman provides Archie with his first clue… and a "first date" with a herd of angry bulls!  The mystery continues to deepen and Archie must figure out what is going on before things get really dangerous!  Acclaimed writer, children’s art advocate, and organizer of the world’s only “Kids Comics” convention, Alex Simmons, returns to handle the script chores, while fan-favorite Rex Lindsey is back with some of the best art of his career.  It all adds up to one world tour you won’t want to miss! 
SCRIPT: Alex Simmons.  ART: Rex Lindsey.
Shipping Date: April 9th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: April 16th, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: April 29th, 2008 
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US. 

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #116
"Teen Paparazzi": When a big-budget movie shoots
On locati
On in Riverdale, Reggie, ever seeing dollar signs, is determined to be the prince of paparazzi photographers. His big break comes when Veronica reveals her mansi
On is being used for the movie. Little does he know he has competiti
On from Archie! Who will win this battle of the shutterbugs?
SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Fernando Ruiz.
"Back
On Track": Get set for more racing acti
On as Riverdale’s #1 female racecar driver, Betty Cooper, gets behind the wheel once more!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg.
Shipping Date: February 6th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: February 13th, 2008
On Sale
On Newsstands: February 26th, 2008
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.

In the last two issues of ARCHIE & FRIENDS, Archie and his friends were taken on a journey reminiscent of the classic LIFE WITH ARCHIE and AROUND THE WORLD WITH ARCHIE tales of yore. Epic in scope, these stories often involved the gang getting involved in some sort of intrigue that needed to be solved before they could return home to good ‘ol Riverdale U.S.A. Famed writer Alex Simmons has brought the mystery back to the pages of Archie Comics, and this month, in ARCHIE & FRIENDS #119 the teens’ whirlwind adventure continues with a trip to Nairobi!

In “Archie World Tour Part 2 of 4,” Archie and his friends continue their quest to see five cities in ten days. They barely have time to reminisce about London and Madrid before arriving in Nairobi, Kenya! Everyone is excited as they visit one local landmark after another, including the state museum and zoo. Of course, no trip would be complete without some suspenseful intrigue, and this one is no different as Archie and Jughead find themselves being trailed by two mysterious men. Who are they, and what are they up to? It all adds up to one world tour you won’t want to miss!

In a career spanning over 20 years, Alex Simmons has proven himself to be a real renaissance man. With a particular love for children’s literature, Simmons has taken on several projects for the younger set. Among them are several juvenile mystery novels for a variety of well-known publishers (and in the great tradition of children’s mysteries, keeps his real name mysterious by using a pseudonym).

But he doesn’t just write mysteries for children. He’s also a playwright. His “Sherlock Holmes & the Hands of Othello” received critical praise and was published in Black Thunder: An Anthology of Contemporary African American Drama, published by Signet/Mentor Books. And that’s just one of several plays Simmons has written.

From fiction to fact, Simmons has also made major contributions by penning two educational documentaries and three biographies for Steck-Vaughn. Among these biographies is a look at the life and career of Oscar® winning movie actor Denzel Washington.

Speaking of movies and other similar forms of entertainment arena, Simmons has had a hand there as well. To date, he’s written three movie novelizations for Disney. And as a voiceover talent, Simmons can be heard on a wide range of projects from O'Henry candy bars to financial podcasts for DeLoitte and Touche.

With all of his accomplishments, educating children remains Simmons’ #1 passion. As a guest speaking and teaching artist, he travels the country conducting creative writing workshops, and is also the Educational Outreach Director for New York City’s Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art. In 2007, he launched the now-annual family-friendly Kids Comic Con, a celebration of children’s comics and their creators that is both entertaining and educational. He is also a board member on the New York State Alliance for Arts and Education, and a member of the New York Writer's Workshop.

In addition to Simmons’ crackling script, fan-favorite Rex Lindsey is back with some of the best art of his career. It all adds up to one world tour you won’t want to miss!

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #119
“Archie World Tour Part 3 of 4
SCRIPT: Alex Simmons. ART: Rex Lindsey.
Shipping Date: May 7th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: May 14th, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: May 27th, 2008
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.

Archie: How did you get involved with Archie Comics?

Alex Simmons: Good question.  Over the past year or so, I've talked with some of the editors and artists working for Archie, but I never got around to pitching anything. When I began putting the KIDS' COMIC CON together you and Mike Pellerito immediately got into the spirit of the event.  Our talks about the convention lead to conversations about story ideas and such.  So, after the convention was over, I pitched some plots to Mike and the team, and here we are.

Archie: Had you been an Archie fan growing up?

Alex Simmons: Absolutely -- despite the fact that like many comics of my youth, the images of African-Americans were either slight, or non-existent.  Archie was no different, but the growing up humor was entertaining.  I even remember reading some of the Little Archie stories.  Aside from the jokes, most young men like the idea of being the center of attention for two beautiful girls.

Archie: What attracts you to all ages comics?

Alex Simmons: You might be sorry you asked that questions.

There are many reasons, not the least of which is that -- I like good stories and characters no matter what the age of the intended audience.  Good art is good art.  But one reason that stands out in my mind is that kids need their childhood.  As developing, whole human, beings we need time to assess life and find our place in it.  We need to feel strong when weak.  We need to dream of impossible possibilities.  We need to laugh and embrace the absurd.  Talking ducks, flying mice, and friendly ghost makes life seem more fascinating.  The power and bravery to face great evils and save lives -- that's something that makes the overwhelming aspects of childhood endurable.  

Comics used to be escapist entertainment for kids and adults. Some of my friends were inspired to careers in science and law because of their comic books heroes. Comics were also a great first step to reading, though many adults never saw them that way.  For some kids comics were the only things they read for many of their formative years.  Did reading stories about ape men and aliens limit their literary appetite?  Maybe for some.  But for others it was the only reason they read at all. 

When comics stopped being for kids, and the marketplace put more of its attention and material towards older readers, they abandoned and lost readership and revenue.  And all the kids that might have been reading more often weren't reading at all.  Classics Illustrated, brought biographies and historical accounts into the lives of many kids.     I have worked with kids as a performer in children's theater, and as creative arts teacher of several disciplines.  I listen to them as much if not more than they listen to me. They are different than my generation in places where the influence of these times apply.  That is the truth with every generation.  But deep down inside, kids are the same, and their needs have not changed.  Only the ways in which we attempt to meet them. 

So, what attracts me to children's comics?  The children and the infinite possibilities to discover the world all over again.

Archie: When not writing for Archie you are the Educational Outreach Director for the Museum for Comic and Cartoon Art in New York City. What does that entail?

Alex Simmons: Actually, I held that position during MoCCA's early days, and for a couple of years.  I worked with a committee to develop goals for in-school, after school, and on site at MoCCA workshops with students from elementary to high school age.  Several times I brought in groups of students from all over the city. Along with artist Steve Ellis and others, we gave demonstrations in how comics are created, published, and marketed.  MoCCA's unique exhibitions were great backdrops for these workshops, after which students could view the art with a more enlightened attitude.  As I said, I did this for a few years, but now my work with MoCCA is more as a consultant...  I've gone on to become a member of the board for the New York State Alliance for Arts and Education (NYSAAE), as well as the Arts In Education Director for a nonprofit organization called, the Children's Art Carnival.  

Archie: You also created the Kids Comic Con. Aren't all comic conventions for kids?

Alex Simmons: Not in the strictest since of the word. As I mentioned earlier, over the past 25 years comics have taken a turn away from the kids marketplace and move steadily into more ... adult oriented material.  I don't mean just the elevated levels of sex and violence.  Even the storylines have become more complicated, with a great deal of deep emotional and psychological elements.  I am not saying there isn't room for these comics.  There is, but like books, TV, movies, and music, comics are trying to reflect more of the changes in present day social themes and taste. The benefits of that depends a lot on the subject matter and the presentation of same.

Still in doing this, they completely turned their backs on the children. The conventions began to reflect those changes in the way many were setup, and the type of material that was being displayed or sold.  It is only in the past two or three years that we have begun to hear a louder call for books aimed at the children, and all audience market. A convention for that audience was needed and after suggesting that others do it -- I decided to try myself.

Archie: Why take Archie out of Riverdale for your first story “Archie’s World Tour”?

Alex Simmons: Why not?  Actually, one reason was that I wanted an opportunity to play with and explore the characters more.  Not only for the audience, but also for myself.  When you take people or characters out of their comfort zone, you learn more about them.  Though I had read the books when I was young, and still checked in on them from time to time -- I wanted to see where I could go with them now.  I wanted to see what kind of spin I could put on them. The one thing an artist always brings to a job is themselves.  Another reason is that we all know comics can be fun and entertaining, but I also wanted to throw in a little pinch of learning.  I just wanted the readers to think about the places Archie and the gang were going to -- maybe pick up a fact or two.  Who knows?

Archie: Where do the kids go on their world tour?

Alex Simmons: Without it becoming a travel log, or an educational documentary, the kids visit London, Madrid, Nairobi, Rome, and Zurich.  I leave it to your young readers to figure out which city goes with which country.

Archie: Which member of the Riverdale High faculty chaperone the Archie and his friends?

Alex Simmons: Well we have one of my tried and true favorites, Ms Grundy.  That dedicated matriarch of education, with the humorous light heart side.  But I've also added a new face, Mr. Adams.  He's the new Humanities teacher. He's cool, cares about kids, is socially conscious, a bit of a globetrotter, and he's black.  I felt that these two would make a good mix as conscientious chaperones who -- for the sake of the story -- manage to be somewhere else when the gang gets into trouble.

Archie: Many Archie stories are 4 to 6 pages long. Why do you need a longer length of your story?

Alex Simmons: I was trying to create a more panoramic view of the Archie world -- making it bigger and bringing more of the outside world inside.  This gave me more time and space to explore the characters. For instance, in book one; we learn a little something about one of the supporting characters.  It's something that even Archie didn't expect.  I felt this added another level to the character, and that gives me more to play with, in this and future stories. 

Archie: How does Archie fit into the role of an international teen of mystery?

Alex Simmons: Quite comfortably.  There are a number of ways to take him and his friends globetrotting and not take them too far away from their series current tone.  In fact, in Archie's World Tour, I have set up something that would allow me, or other writers, to do just that -- should the Archie folks like this go 'round.

What is it?  Well, that's another story. 

Adieu!

Over the past 11 years, he's written fascinating stories that have spanned the genres of high adventure, sci-fi, and mystery. Now he's taking a walk down the streets of Riverdale as he pens his first Archie story in an adventurous tale that is so big, it spans 4 issues.

"This is a real kick for me," Simmons says. "In my career I have been fortunate enough to write stories for several of the fictional characters I grew up with, including a modern play and two books involving Sherlock Holmes. Writing for Archie just raised the enjoyment bar another level."

Simmons continues, "Rex Lindsey is the man!!! His artwork on "Double-A Seven" is fantastic! I especially love the view from the London Eye observation wheel. What a shot. Rex's art will definitely pull our readers into the exotic settings of our story, and that's a big part of this wild ride."

Simmons’ “ARCHIE WORLD TOUR” will begin its globetrotting tale in ARCHIE & FRIENDS #117 on sale March 13, 2007 and continue through ARCHIE & FRIENDS #120. "ARCHIE & FRIENDS #117 will be available at the March 29th KIDS' COMIC CON, where I will be happy to sign free copies for the first 300 fans at the Archie booth," Simmons says.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #117"Archie World Tour Part 1 of 4: Double-A Seven" When Archie and friends embark on a whirlwind world tour, their first stop is London, where they soon find themselves embroiled in an international spy mystery! This is the first Archie Comics story by acclaimed writer and children’s art advocate Alex Simmons. In a distinguished career spanning 20 years, Alex has written juvenile mystery novels, stage plays, documentaries, biographies and more. In addition to writing, he travels across the country as a guest speaker and a teaching artist conducting creative writing workshops, and is also the Educational Outreach Director for New York City’s Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art. In the midst of all this, he somehow finds the time to be a voice-over artist for commercials and podcasts, AND runs a family-friendly kids comic convention each year!
SCRIPT: Alex Simmons. ART: Rex Lindsey.
Shipping Date: March 5th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: March 12th, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: March 25th, 2008
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US ]]> http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/archieandfriends/2007/12/alex_simmons_joins_archie_comi.html http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/archieandfriends/2007/12/alex_simmons_joins_archie_comi.html News Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:11:54 -0500 ARCHIE & FRIENDS #116
"Teen Paparazzi": When a big-budget movie shoots on location in Riverdale, Reggie, ever seeing dollar signs, is determined to be the prince of paparazzi photographers. His big break comes when Veronica reveals her mansion is being used for the movie. Little does he know he has competition from Archie! Who will win this battle of the shutterbugs?
SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Fernando Ruiz.
"Back on Track": Get set for more racing action as Riverdale’s #1 female racecar driver, Betty Cooper, gets behind the wheel once more!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg.
Shipping Date: February 6th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: February 13th, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: February 26th, 2008
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.]]> http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/archieandfriends/2007/11/archie_comics_shipping_februar.html http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/archieandfriends/2007/11/archie_comics_shipping_februar.html Coming Comics Thu, 29 Nov 2007 02:36:32 -0500

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #114
FEATURING THE RETURN OF MONEY-SNIFFING CRICKET O’DELL!
“Fortune Telling”: Cricket O’Dell, the girl with the nose for money, is back. A mere sniff and Cricket can tell you exactly how much cash is in your wallet. But this time, the same weakness that impacts her ability – an allergy to nuts – gives her a new power – the powers to see how much a person will have in the future! At first everyone is fascinated as Cricket reveals future prosperity for Riverdale’s most financially challenged, but fascination turns to paranoia when Cricket reveals who will end up penniless! Is credence in Cricket’s predictions “on the money,” or simply a “bad investment?” SCRIPT: Craig Boldman. ART: Stan Goldberg.
Shipping Date: November 7th, 2007
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: November 14th, 2007
On Sale on Newsstands: November 27th, 2007
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US