Archie Gets a New Look as Oni Press and Archie Comics Redesign Riverdale for a New Era
Riverdale is getting a full visual refresh.
Oni Press and Archie Comics have revealed the first look at new character designs for Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, Jughead Jones, and Sabrina Spellman ahead of a major publishing relaunch beginning this fall.
The redesigns come from acclaimed artists Kano and Fábio Moon, who are helping shape the visual identity of a new line of monthly comics, original graphic novels, and prestige collections launching as part of the wide-ranging Oni Press and Archie Comics partnership.
This new era begins in September with Archie #1, continues in October with Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1, and heads into darker territory in November with Archie in Hell #1.
For readers following the larger Archie Comics 2026 relaunch with Oni Press, this first look makes one thing clear: Riverdale is being rebuilt with respect for the past and a sharper visual language for today.
Riverdale Enters Its Next Era
The new publishing initiative arrives during a major anniversary moment for Archie. The relaunch is timed around the 85th anniversary of Archie Andrews’ first appearance in Pep Comics #22 in 1941, giving Oni Press and Archie Comics a perfect opportunity to honor the past while reshaping the future.
That balance is the key.
These are not redesigns meant to erase what fans know. They are updates designed to keep the characters recognizable while giving them a more modern sense of fashion, posture, and personality.
The early designs show that approach clearly. Archie keeps his preppy, friendly, all-American charm, but with a casual modern look. Betty leans into a clean Y2K-inspired style. Veronica’s designs add high-fashion polish with quiet luxury and a darker edge. Jughead gets a grungier, anti-fashion look. Sabrina keeps her bold, witchy attitude with a style that feels instantly ready for a new generation.
Kano and Fábio Moon Rebuild the Visual Language
Kano described the redesign process as a challenge because characters like Archie and Sabrina are already beloved and instantly recognizable. His goal was not to change who they are, but to create modern aesthetics that still honor their classic personalities.
That is exactly what a strong relaunch needs.
A character like Archie cannot suddenly feel unrecognizable. Betty still has to feel like Betty. Veronica still needs that confident, fashion-forward presence. Jughead still has to carry his outsider energy. Sabrina still needs that perfect mix of teenage rebellion and magical weirdness.
Fábio Moon’s approach focuses less on surface appearance and more on behavior, movement, body language, and how fashion choices communicate personality. That matters because a relaunch is not just about new outfits. It is about giving artists a foundation for how these characters move through the world.
The result looks like a Riverdale designed for comics in 2026: familiar, stylish, expressive, and flexible enough to support multiple genres.
Archie #1 Launches the New Line in September
The new era begins with Archie #1, arriving on September 2, 2026.
Written by Ben H. Winters with art by Fábio Moon and Nick Cagnetti, the issue follows 17-year-old Archie Andrews as readers experience Riverdale through his eyes. Archie has friends, football glory, natural charm, and the kind of magnetic personality that always places him at the center of attention.
But this new series is not simply a slice-of-life reboot.
The story is built around Riverdale’s past, present, and future, beginning with a local film festival that turns everything upside down. At the center of the mystery is a paradox that only Jughead Jones may be able to unravel.
The book also promises puzzles, pin-ups, bonus stories, and surprises that connect to a larger mystery. That gives Archie #1 the feel of a bright, ambitious relaunch designed to welcome classic readers while giving new fans something bigger to follow.
Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 Brings Magic Back in October
After Archie returns in September, Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 arrives in October.
Written by Corinna Bechko with art by Kano, the new series follows Sabrina Spellman as she deals with the shock of her secret magical birthright. With Halloween approaching, Sabrina is trying to master her craft while also surviving the everyday pressure of being 16.
That balance is what makes Sabrina work so well.
She is dealing with magic, fate, destiny, Salem, and supernatural danger, but she is also still a teenager with homework, emotions, and a life that refuses to stay organized.
When Salem drops a mythical trickster on Sabrina’s doorstep, her magical world and normal life threaten to collide in a very messy way. Readers who already checked out the Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 cover reveal know this new launch is aiming for a stylish, sharp, and playful take on one of Archie’s most iconic characters.
Archie in Hell Turns Riverdale Toward Horror
The relaunch expands again in November with Archie in Hell #1, a horror-driven title from Patrick Horvath and Tyler Crook.
In another Riverdale, Archie Andrews’ bright life turns pitch black. Separated from his friends and bound by a terrible curse, there is only one way to save him: damnation.
That premise pushes the line into a very different space from the sunny mystery energy of Archie #1 and the magical coming-of-age chaos of Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1. It also continues Archie Comics’ successful horror tradition, giving the relaunch a darker branch right out of the gate.
With Horvath and Crook attached, Archie in Hell #1 looks positioned as one of the most intriguing pieces of the new slate.
Why These Redesigns Matter
Character designs are more than promotional art. They tell readers what kind of world they are entering.
The new Riverdale designs suggest a relaunch that wants each character to feel rooted in personality. Archie’s varsity jacket, guitar pick pendant, and casual charm say something about his role as the friendly center of the town. Betty’s clean Y2K look gives her a modern “girl next door” energy. Veronica’s darker luxury style speaks to confidence, wealth, and control. Jughead’s oversized clothes, pins, beanie, and cassette pendant give him a grunge-influenced outsider identity.
Sabrina’s design is especially strong because it immediately separates her from the rest of Riverdale while still keeping her connected to youth culture. She feels rebellious, magical, and self-aware without losing the core of the character.
That kind of visual thinking matters for a relaunch built across multiple titles.
It gives the new Archie era a shared foundation while allowing each book to have its own personality.
Archie #1 Details
Title: Archie #1
Writer: Ben H. Winters
Artists: Fábio Moon, Nick Cagnetti
Cover A: Stuart Immonen
Cover B: Fábio Moon
Cover C: Karl Kerschl
Cover D: Khary Randolph
Cover E: Blank Sketch
Foil Variant: Stuart Immonen — $8.99
Foil Variant: Fábio Moon — $8.99
Teaser Variant: Kano — 1:10
Legacy Variant: Dan Parent — 1:20
Variant Cover: Elsa Charretier — 1:50
Variant Cover: Mahmud Asrar — 1:100
B&W Variant: Stuart Immonen — 1:250
On Sale: September 2, 2026
Price: $4.99
Pages: 32
Format: Full Color
Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 Details
Title: Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1
Writer: Corinna Bechko
Artist: Kano
Cover A: Kano
Cover B: Marguerite Sauvage
Cover C: Naomi Franq
Cover D: Caroline Cash
Foil Variant: Kano — $8.99
Foil Variant: Caroline Cash — $8.99
Teaser Variant: Kano — 1:10
Legacy Variant: Dan Parent — 1:20
Variant Cover: Erica Henderson — 1:50
Variant Cover: Mahmud Asrar — 1:100
B&W Variant: Kano — 1:250
On Sale: October 2026
Price: $4.99
Pages: 32
Format: Full Color
Archie in Hell #1 Details
Title: Archie in Hell #1
Writer: Patrick Horvath
Artist: Tyler Crook
Covers: To Be Revealed
On Sale: November 2026
Price: $4.99
Pages: 32
Format: Full Color
Final Thoughts
The first character designs for the new Archie era show a relaunch with real visual purpose.
Oni Press and Archie Comics are not simply putting new logos on familiar characters. They are giving Riverdale a modern design system that can support comedy, mystery, magic, romance, drama, and horror. That is exactly what this kind of publishing partnership needs if it wants to bring longtime fans back while giving new readers a clear starting point.
Archie #1 brings Riverdale back in September.
Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 adds magic in October.
Archie in Hell #1 drags the line into horror in November.
Together, they suggest a bold, stylish, and ambitious new chapter for Archie Comics.
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