Archie Meets The B-52s #1 Dan Parent cover

The Archies have crossed paths with bands including the Ramones, KISS, Chvrches, and more. Now they meet New Wave icons in Archie Meets The B-52s from creators Alex Segura, Matthew Rosenberg, and Dan Parent. Segura and Parent drop in from Planet Claire to share more about this special one-shot.

It’s a rock and roll adventure for the ages as Archie and his friends cross paths with a real rock lobster-the B-52s! Co-written by Alex Segura and Matthew Rosenberg (Archie Meets Ramones, The Archies), with art from the legendary Dan Parent (Archie Meets KISS), this epic crossover one-shot brings the B-52 gang into Riverdale in all their new wave glory-but can Archie get his band back together in time to jam with these legends, or will in-fighting and musical drama leave them in the dust? There’s only one way to find out!

Westfield: How did you all come together for Archie Meets The B-52s?

Alex Segura: This was Dan’s doing! We’ve been clamoring for something to work on together since we did Archie Meets KISS eons ago, and Dan mentioned that he might have The B-52s interested in doing a one-shot. He put me in touch with their management and the rest was pretty easy. I rang Matt and asked him if he wanted to join the party, and here we are.

Dan Parent: It was another one of those random ideas that seemed like fun. We reached out to them, as I’m friends with Fred Schneider on Facebook, and then the wheels started turning!

Archie Meets The B-52s #1 Michael & Laura Allred cover

Westfield: Did the B-52s have any involvement with the comic?

Parent: The B-52s have to approve the art and storyline, so they’re definitely involved. And they’re fans of our comics (especially Kate, who professed to me that she’s a huge Jughead fan) so we have to really step it up for them! They’re rock royalty as far as I’m concerned!

Segura: They’re involved in every step — they sign off on the story, art, and how they’re portrayed, for sure. They’ve been a great resource and really creatively into what we’re doing.

Westfield: What makes the B-52s a good pairing for the Archies?

Segura: They’re just iconic — one of these bands that feel quirky, unique, and timeless at the same time. We all love their music, so it’s been a fun passion project.

Parent: The B-52s represent fun and positive energy. I think Archie Comics do the same. I think they’re a perfect combination!

Archie Meets The B-52s #1 Tyler Boss cover

Westfield: When does the story take place?

Segura: The comic is set in the early ‘80s — so Dan’s drawing in that slightly retro style to reflect the period.

Parent: It’s at the height of the new wave/punk revolution in pop music!

Westfield: What can you tell us about the story?

Segura: Not too much! But it is a pseudo-sequel to a lot of the themes Matt and I were exploring in The Archies ongoing series, with the group trying to figure out the meaning of being in a band, with the B-52s swooping in at the right moment to show the Archies just how to rock.

Parent: It’s fun and a big party. A party gone out of bounds! And everyone is invited!

Archie Meets The B-52s #1 Joe Eisma cover

Westfield: Dan – since you’re drawing real people, how do you deal with likenesses?

Parent: I try to do “Archie-fied” versions of real people. You want them to blend in with the Archie universe, and you don’t want to over-render them to make them stand out too much.

Westfield: You’ve all worked together before. What makes this a good collaboration?

Parent: We all seem to have a good back-and-forth with each other. I think we’re all on the same groovy wavelength!

Segura: Dan is a legend. I love working with him. He takes notes well, he’s a pro, and we’re good friends, so it’s just a blast. Same with Matt — we’ve worked together so many times, it’s become almost second nature.

Archie Meets The B-52s #1 Francesco Francavilla cover

Westfield: Any closing comments?

Segura: We hope people give the book a shot — it’s a fun, weird, and Easter Egg-loaded romp with one of the greatest bands ever!

Parent: The B-52s were a major part of my youth and being able to work on a project like this is a dream come true. They’re a band that generation after generation loves. Sort of like Archie Comics! So I think we’re onto something really great here!