We can’t get enough of LITTLE ARCHIE! The kid version of Riverdale’s most iconic character and his pint-sized pals have been beloved by comic fans for decades thanks to their adventures that capture the whimsy and sadness of childhood. Our Senior Director of Editorial Jamie Lee Rotante is a longtime fan of all things LITTLE ARCHIE, and just wrote a glowing tribute to the character for our friends at 13th Dimension:
LITTLE ARCHIE stories were usually longer than the typical Archie story, and his versatility in style meant that he was always willing to try something new. Often the characters came face-to-face with mythical creatures and scary monsters; sometimes the kids became pirates or astronauts, with stories ranging from action-adventure, to comedy, to science fiction. An element of sentimentality was nearly always prominent — such is the case when looking back fondly on the days of youth through a lens of nostalgia.
Rotante goes on to sum up the essence of why LITTLE ARCHIE (and the work of the book’s original writer and artist, Bob Bolling) endures:
But the Little Archie stories weren’t just sentimental morality tales; they tapped into the childlike experience—wonder, fear, adrenaline; every moment felt larger than life because, to kids, every moment is larger than life.
You can read the entire piece at 13th Dimension here! Today is the final order cut-off for the facsimile edition of LITTLE ARCHIE #1, so be sure to contact your local comic shop and ask them to reserve your copy of this milestone moment in comics history!
Source: Archie Comics
