This image provided by Archie Comics shows Archie in his final moments of life in the comic book, “Life with Archie,” issue 37.LOS ANGELES – For the fans of Archie Andrews, his impending death marks a fitting end for the famous comic book do-gooder.
The 73-year-old red-headed character will die in Wednesday’s installment of “Life with Archie” when he intervenes in an assassination attempt on senator Kevin Keller, Archie Comics’ first openly gay character who is pushing for more gun control in Riverdale. Archie’s death – but not the circumstances – was first announced in April and will mark the conclusion of the series that focuses on grown-up renditions of Archie and his pals.
“Not to be too grandiose, but this demise is a fitting and tonally perfect tribute to a character who has always put his friends first,” said Chris Cummins, who writes about comic culture for DenOfGeek.us. “This is a publicity stunt for sure, but one with heart that will have permanent ramifications.”
Archie’s final moments will be detailed in “Life with Archie” No. 36, while issue No. 37 will jump forward a year and focus on Riverdale honoring the legacy of their freckle-faced pal, who first appeared in comics in 1941 and went on to become a colorful icon of Americana and wholesomeness. Other incarnations of Archie will continue to live on in other Archie Comics series.
“We wanted to not only grab people’s attention but really show the heroic nature of the character,” said Archie Comics publishers and co-CEO Jon Goldwater. “He’s willing to literally die to save his friend, Kevin. Archie would have died to save any of his friends. I think Archie would’ve even died to save a stranger.”