Next March, Archie Comics will continue its Chilling Adventures Presents line of horror anthology comics, with a new entry centered around Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe! Chilling Adventures Presents... Pop’s Chock’Lit Shoppe of Horrors is a 32-page one-shot that treats readers to three nightmarish (but still funny) visions of life in Riverdale. The book will be written and drawn by some of today’s top talent, some of whom will be making their Archie Comics debut. Now, Screen Rant is pleased to bring readers an exclusive first look at the special, on sale March 22.
Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe, a common hang-out spot for the Riverdale gang, is the focus of the new anthology, which presents three terrifying tales: "Die or Dash," in which two hapless Riverdale kids try to rob Pop’s, only to find something far more horrifying; "Soylent Teen," about a new mystery meat taking Riverdale by storm; and "Night Shift," about some of Pop’s most unearthly customers. Writers for the special include Ryan Cady, Jordan Morris and Amy Chase, while artists include Federico Sabbatini, Chris Panda and Liana Kangas.
Over the past decade, Archie Comics has rejuvenated its line of comics with forward-thinking and out-of-the box type books, including the entire Archie Horror line, of which Chilling Adventures Presents... is one part. Titles such as Jughead: The Hunger and Afterlife with Archie have shown readers bold new visions of the beloved Riverdale icons; these books went on to influence the widely popular Riverdale television show, which introduced a new generation to these characters. The book will ship with two covers, shared below: a main cover by Adam Gorham as well as a variant by Francesco Francavilla. Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante explains that the comic will explore ideas that have been percolating for a while:
The idea of Pop’s as a sinister den of evil is not a new idea, but I’d say the first time I ever really thought about Pop being not-so-nice and the food he serves maybe not being exactly edible, actually came from a pitch writer Ryan Cady had many, many moons ago. Elements of Pop’s sinister side were even explored in the RIVERDALE tie-in comic! The idea always stuck with me and I hoped we’d get the chance to explore it in some capacity. Once the idea was given the green light, I knew Ryan needed to be a part of it. These stories crafted by the amazing team of Amy Chase, Jordan Morris, and Ryan are so creepy, campy, schlocky, and both horrific and hilarious. I can’t wait for everyone to take a bite out of this comic!
Archie Horror Continues to Reinvent Riverdale
The Chilling Adventures Presents... line of anthologies are the latest entries to the Archie Horror line, and Pop’s Chock’Lit Shoppe of Horrors looks to be another winner for the publisher. The creators assembled understand not only horror, but what makes Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica and the rest of the gang tick - such as writer Amy Chase, writer of "Die and Dash," who says:
The world of Archie Horror feels so effortlessly cool – it has a perfect blend of timelessness and innovation thanks to the way these stories aren’t afraid to turn existing archetypes on their heads. Contributing to that library is a total bucket list item for me, and I couldn’t imagine a more fun project to make my ‘big publisher’ comics debut. Good food horror is a rare medium well done. We’re cooking up something really special with this anthology, I just hope no readers lose their lunch over these scares!
This sentiment was echoed by "Soylent Teen" author Jordan Morris, who adds:
I'm a huge fan of the Archie Horror line; it's incredibly cool that the publishers are game to take characters known for being wholesome and put them into some truly dark, messed-up (but still funny!) scenarios!
Chilling Adventures Presents... Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe of Horrors will no doubt please both newcomers and die-hard Archie Horror fans. The Archie Horror line has been one of the centerpieces of Archie’s creative rebirth in the early 2010s. Archie Horror, along with other progressive moves by the publisher, has recentered it as one of the most innovative on the market. Archie Comics’ forthcoming Chilling Adventures Presents... Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe of Horrors will seemingly continue the line’s winning streak, with nightmarish visions of Riverdale's teen stars.
Chilling Adventures Presents... Pop’s Chock’Lit Shoppe of Horrors is available March 22 from Archie Comics.