Buzz
Crossovers and collaborations are a staple in the comic book world, forming the foundation of iconic teams like The Avengers. However, not all team-ups are as straightforward as heroes like Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor joining forces against extraterrestrial threats. Some of the most outrageous crossovers feature Archie Andrews and his friends. These five comics showcase the incredible versatility of Archie, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica, as they navigate wildly different settings—from the shadowy life of a vigilante to the mysteries of alternate realities.
1. ‘Archie vs. Predator’
This isn’t your average Archie comic, as evidenced by lines like, “I, Betty Cooper, summon the wrath of the jaguar upon Cheryl Blossom!” With its teenage Predator and classic Archie-style artwork by Fernando Ruiz, this series is a bizarre blend that even the most imaginative minds would struggle to conceive. If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like for Archie and his friends to be stalked by an alien hunter known for its gruesome spine-removing technique, this is the series for you. Archie Vs. Predator shares some similarities with another Archie crossover: Afterlife With Archie, which explores a zombie outbreak in Riverdale. Bonus content: Each issue includes one-page crossovers like “Sabrina Meets Hellboy” and the even stranger “Jughead Meets Mind Mgmt.” (
2. ‘Archie Meets Kiss’
Given the enduring popularity and familiarity of the Archie universe, it serves as an ideal foundation for almost any crossover narrative—even one involving the most flamboyant and over-the-top band in history: Kiss. This tale begins as a classic horror story, with the Riverdale Monster Society delving into an ancient spellbook. What could possibly go wrong? Alongside summoning actual monsters, the equally outrageous members of Kiss make an appearance. I won’t reveal which showdown is more intense: Kiss battling the monsters or Kiss’s outrageous outfits clashing with Veronica’s impeccable fashion sense.
3. ‘Archie Meets Glee’
Among all the Archie crossovers, this one seems the most plausible at first glance, as it pits the Riverdale gang against another group of teenagers. However, the story takes an unexpected sci-fi twist when Dilton, the resident science whiz, invents a “portal-porter” to the Glee universe. Alternate realities have been a comic book tradition since the Silver Age Flash encountered his Golden Age counterpart—a nod referenced in this comic. Writer Robert Aguirre-Sacasa cleverly ties the Archieverse and Gleeverse together as parallel dimensions, with Archie, Betty, and Veronica mirroring Finn Hudson, Quinn Fabray, and Rachel Berry. When a portal mishap causes characters to swap universes, the teens must navigate the chaos to preserve the space-time continuum. Who knew love triangles could get even messier?
4. ‘Archie Vs. Sharknado’
This one-shot comic, co-written by Anthony C. Ferrante, the director of the Sharknado films, is set to release on July 22, coinciding with Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No. Having already tackled zombies, alternate dimensions, vigilantes, and even Kiss, Archie and his friends now face their wildest challenge yet: a tornado filled with sharks and a hefty dose of campy humor.
5. ‘Archie Meets The Punisher’
Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher, transformed into a relentless force after his time in Vietnam, dedicating his life to eradicating criminals following the tragic loss of his family to mob violence. Known for clashing with superheroes like Daredevil and Spider-Man over their no-killing policies, The Punisher found an even more unlikely adversary in the non-superpowered, non-costumed Archie. This 1994 crossover remains the gold standard for the sheer absurdity of Archie’s crossovers. In Archie Meets The Punisher, Marvel’s lethal vigilante arrives in Riverdale targeting a redhead who bears a striking resemblance to Archie. Chaos, as expected, follows. What begins as an assassination attempt quickly turns into an unexpected partnership, blending The Punisher’s gritty, noir-style narration with the wholesome, milkshake-filled world of Riverdale—complete with Veronica’s signature term of endearment, “Archikins.”
