Timed with the upcoming summer debut of Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! from the Syfy channel, Archie Comics is teaming up with them to do an event issue that clocks in at 48 pages with Archie Vs. Sharknado. This is another attempt to expand the brand a bit by the publisher with pop culture, coming on the heels of the horror line from the past year and Archie Vs. Predator miniseries. This event book is being written by the director of the live action films, Anthony C. Ferrante, and will have art by Archie legend Dan Parent. The book is coming out the same day as the film debuts on the Syfy channel. The comic will be released in comic shops and digitally on Wednesday, July 22nd.
“Having a chance to crossover the Archie comics with our Sharknado universe has been a dream come true,” Ferrante said. “Riverdale will never be the same and I know fans are going to get a thrill out of seeing Archie, Betty, Veronica and the rest of the gang unleash their inner Fin Shepards.”
“I can’t tell you the thrill of working on Sharknado. I might be the biggest Sharknado fan, watching multiple airings of the movies, going to theatrical screenings. attending the Riff Trax versions and then buying the DVDs,” Parent said. “So to be able to bring Sharknado into the world of Archie is a dream come true. And to be working on it with Sharknado director Anthony C. Ferrante is the icing on the cake! I promise to put my all into this project to make all the Sharknado – and Archie – fans proud!!!”
“Sharknado has become a worldwide merchandise and cultural phenomenon that has thrilled young and old alike,” said David Garber, who negotiated this deal on behalf of The Asylum with Archie Comics. “Archie’s comics and his adventures have always been fun and exciting. The fusion of these two properties is part of the social media and fan explosion that continues to grow. We are pleased to combine these historic IP’s in one consumer experience.”
“The Sharknado franchise has soared in popularity due partly to the variety of great celebrities, who bravely encounter this unnatural menace,” said Jeff Li, Vice President, Syfy Ventures. “Sharknado survivors come in all forms. It’s only natural that Archie and the gang will get a chance to save their town from flying sharks.”
Plot concept: This summer, just in time for Syfy’s SHARKNADO 3: OH HELL NO!, fans will see an unexpected, jaw-dropping twist to the Sharknado saga – in Riverdale USA! Just when Archie and the gang think they can kick back and enjoy a few months of beaches, naps and sun, they’re faced with a storm of sharknados – heading straight for their hometown of Riverdale. Archie and his friends have to battle the incoming pop culture storm as it creeps up the “Feast” coast to Riverdale – and then try to save what’s left of their hometown. Who lives? Who dies? Read the book!