SDCC 2026: Archie #4 Celebrates 85 Years of Riverdale with Giant-Sized Anniversary Special
Archie Andrews is getting the kind of birthday celebration only Riverdale could deliver.
At San Diego Comic-Con 2026, Oni Press and Archie Comic Publications revealed Archie #4, a giant-sized 85th anniversary special arriving this December. The oversized issue celebrates Archie’s first appearance in Pep Comics #22 in December 1941 and brings together a huge lineup of comics talent for a 48-page salute to one of the most recognizable teenagers in comic book history.
The anniversary issue will feature the ongoing Archie creative team of writer Ben H. Winters and artist Fábio Moon, along with special stories and bonus material from Kelly Sue DeConnick, Leonardo Romero, Ryan North, Derek Charm, Caroline Cash, Dan Parent, Jay Stephens, and more creators still to be announced.
Archie Turns 85 in a Big Way
Archie #4 is being positioned as both a celebration and a fresh jumping-on point for readers following Oni Press and Archie Comics’ new Riverdale era.
The issue arrives after the launch of the new Archie ongoing series, which begins with Archie #1 on September 2, 2026. That series is written by Ben H. Winters with art by Fábio Moon, bringing a new creative direction to Archie Andrews, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, Reggie, and the rest of Riverdale.
For Archie #4, Winters and Moon return with a self-contained anniversary story designed to capture the classic spirit of Archie while also pointing toward the future of the line. According to Winters, the story is meant to feel “quintessentially Archie” with a mix of playfulness, action, heart, and humor.
That sounds exactly like the right tone for an anniversary issue. Archie has survived because the character can be silly, romantic, chaotic, heartfelt, and timeless all at once.
A Major Creator Lineup Comes to Riverdale
The guest list for Archie #4 is stacked.
The anniversary special will include contributions from:
Ben H. Winters & Fábio Moon
Kelly Sue DeConnick & Leonardo Romero
Ryan North & Derek Charm
Caroline Cash
Dan Parent
Jay Stephens
More creators to be revealed
That lineup gives the issue a strong mix of modern comics voices, returning Archie favorites, and creators who know how to balance humor, style, and emotional storytelling.
Ryan North and Derek Charm reuniting is especially exciting for fans of their acclaimed Jughead run. Dan Parent’s involvement also gives the anniversary special a direct connection to Archie Comics history, while Kelly Sue DeConnick and Leonardo Romero making their Archie debut adds even more weight to the celebration.
More Than Just One Story
Archie #4 will be a 48-page full-color anniversary spectacular priced at $6.99.
The issue will include:
A new self-contained Archie story
Special guest stories
Pin-ups
Puzzles
Bonus features
A deluxe re-presentation of Archie Andrews’ first appearance from Pep Comics #22
A lineup of anniversary covers, with Joe Quinones leading the cover slate
That mix gives the book the feel of a true celebration rather than just another numbered issue. It is part comic, part tribute package, and part historical spotlight.
For longtime fans, the inclusion of Archie’s first appearance is a major bonus. For newer readers, it offers a direct look at where the character began before stepping into the new Oni Press era.
Oni Press and Archie Comics Look Ahead
Oni Press Publisher Hunter Gorinson described the anniversary issue as a milestone moment for both companies, calling it a perfect introduction to the new ongoing Archie series while also serving as a launchpad for what comes next in 2027 and beyond.
That is the bigger story here. Archie #4 is not arriving in isolation. It is part of a much larger relaunch and expansion of Archie publishing under the Oni Press collaboration.
Before the anniversary special lands in December, readers will see the launch of several major titles.
Archie #1 arrives on September 2, 2026, from Ben H. Winters and Fábio Moon.
Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 arrives on October 7, 2026, from writer Corinna Bechko and artist Kano.
Archie in Hell #1 arrives on November 4, 2026, from Patrick Horvath and Tyler Crook.
That gives Archie fans a full fall lineup leading directly into the 85th anniversary celebration.
SDCC 2026 Panel Details
Fans attending San Diego Comic-Con 2026 can learn more during the “Archie Comics: 85th Anniversary Celebration” panel.
The panel takes place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11 AM PT in Room 7AB.
The panel will feature creators and publishing voices discussing the past, present, and future of Riverdale, including upcoming projects like Archie, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Archie in Hell.
Expected panel participants include Corinna Bechko, Tyler Crook, Patrick Horvath, Dan Parent, Ben H. Winters, Archie’s Jesse Goldwater, and Oni Press’ Hunter Gorinson, Sierra Hahn, and Bess Pallares.
Why Archie #4 Matters
Archie has been around for 85 years because the core idea still works.
Riverdale is not just a place. It is a flexible storytelling engine. It can support comedy, romance, teen drama, horror, mystery, supernatural stories, and heartfelt slice-of-life tales. Archie Andrews has been reinvented again and again without losing the simple charm that made him work in the first place.
That is why Archie #4 feels like a meaningful anniversary release. It honors the past with the re-presentation of Pep Comics #22, celebrates the present with a huge creator lineup, and points toward the future with Oni Press and Archie Comics building a new publishing era together.
Final Thoughts
Archie #4 looks like a must-watch milestone issue for Archie fans, collectors, and readers curious about the new Oni Press era of Riverdale comics.
With Ben H. Winters, Fábio Moon, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Leonardo Romero, Ryan North, Derek Charm, Caroline Cash, Dan Parent, Jay Stephens, and more creators involved, this 48-page anniversary special has the potential to be one of the biggest Archie releases of 2026.
Eighty-five years after Archie Andrews first stepped onto the comics page, Riverdale is still finding new ways to surprise readers.
Archie #4 arrives December 30, 2026.
Comic Details
Title: Archie #4
Publisher: Oni Press / Archie Comic Publications
Main Creative Team: Ben H. Winters, Fábio Moon
Guest Creators: Kelly Sue DeConnick, Leonardo Romero, Ryan North, Derek Charm, Caroline Cash, Dan Parent, Jay Stephens, and more
Format: Full Color
Pages: 48
Price: $6.99
On Sale Date: December 30, 2026
Special Features: Pin-ups, puzzles, bonus features, Pep Comics #22 re-presentation
Occasion: Archie Andrews’ 85th Anniversary
Related Upcoming Archie Releases
Archie #1
Written by Ben H. Winters
Art by Fábio Moon
On Sale September 2, 2026
Price: $4.99
Pages: 40
FOC: July 29, 2026
Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1
Written by Corinna Bechko
Art by Kano
On Sale October 7, 2026
Price: $4.99
Pages: 32
Archie in Hell #1
Written by Patrick Horvath
Art by Tyler Crook
On Sale November 4, 2026
Price: $4.99
Pages: 32
Join the Discussion
Which creator are you most excited to see tackle Riverdale in Archie #4, and what is your favorite Archie era?
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