Frontlist | ‘Deadpool’ creator with Archie Comics for ‘Mighty Crusaders’

Best-selling author-writer-artist Liefeld has been behind some of the most iconic comic book characters such as the aforementioned “Merc with a Mouth” Deadpool as well as Cable, X-Force and Brigade. He also has worked on franchise characters including Captain America, the Avengers and, most recently, G.I. Joe’s Snake Eyes. Mighty Crusaders also will mark a step toward reintroducing Archie’s essential superhero IP to a modern readership and viewership. Known mainly for their teen humor, romance and YA-focused titles, this creative partnership will be put a spotlight on this part of the Archie library. With shows including Riverdale, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Katy Keene, the company’s untapped superhero library is ripe for an adaptation. “When I learned that Rob — a creator of the highest caliber with a long, sterling track record — was a fan of our characters, I knew we had to act fast,” said Archie Comics CEO/Publisher Jon Goldwater. “Along with Marvel and DC, Archie Comics is one of the few media companies with an entire catalog of superheroes dating back to the earliest days of comics that are beloved and bursting with potential. I knew right away that Rob Liefeld was the person to make them shine again. This series will remind people why these characters matter, and put them in the A-list, where they have always belonged.” Said Liefeld: “I’ve been chomping at the bit to work with the folks at Archie and do something with these legendary characters. The Shield is the first patriotic comic book icon, pre-dating Captain America. These are the original comic book super heroes, with a glorious history behind them. I’m so psyched to tell this story and turn my fans on to these characters!”