Archie Comic Publications has been around since 1936, and has gained much strength over the years. Let’s take a look, as I continue my series on the strengths of various comic book publishers, at the strengths of Archie Comic Publications. While the company has more strengths than these, these are the ones which make the biggest impact in the market today.
The strengths of Archie Comic Publications
Some of the Most Recognizable Characters in Comics
When you ask the average person on the street about comic book characters, most are going to mention Superman, Spider-Man, and other characters from the DC Comics Universe and Marvel Universe. Many, though, would add Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead. Archie Comic Publications can boast of the most recognizable characters outside of the Big 2.
Been There, Done That
Most comic book publishers on the market today are fairly new. Archie Comic Publications has been around since 1936 and continues to learn from mistakes. They have been thee, and they have done that.
Passing Archie Comic Publications On
Many in my generation (GenX) grew up reading the stories of Archie and Jughead, so it is something we can become nostalgic about and pass on to our children. Comics can be extremely violent and sexually graphic, but, as parents, we know our children will not be exposed to things they should not see within the printed pages from Archie Comic Publications. We know they are going to get a story which will teach them lessons and give them a laugh or two.
Generations Ahead of the Times
All of the major comic book publishers are trying to make it in children’s comics right now. Every month, we hear of another publisher trying to break into the growing market which targets the children of comic book readers. Archie Comic Publications has been doing this for decades. While other publishers might be making waves in the children’s market, Archie has owned the lake for years. While titles like Sonic and Megaman might be newer than most of their titles, they are still recognized by children along with the Archie comics recognized by their parents.
Industry Leader in Acceptance
Archie Comic Publications has made headlines in the last few years for the incorporation of GLBT characters into their stories. This should not have been a surprise for anyone since Archie Family comics have taught about acceptance for years. While they might not have had the first LGBT characters, they have the most impactful on the market as a whole.
The Most Fitting Publisher Website Out There
While many of the comic book publishing companies have great website, the Archie Comic Publications website (seen here) is the most fitting out of all of them. The bright vibrant colors, font, and pictures make a site which is instantly relatable to the types of comics they produce. It looks like a children’s site, and it should.
On the Edge of Something Huge
I have a very strong feeling that Afterlife with Archie is going to be much bigger than people are predicting. When you mix recognizable characters with zombies, you will sell comics. There will be collectors who snatch up the Afterlife with Archie issues and decide to check out to see what is currently going on in the regular comics. I would be very surprised if the new venture does not push Archie Comic Publications into the Top 10 in market share. The Big 2 are always on the brink of something big which will “change the universe.” This is Archie’s chance to shine and I have a strong feeling it will.
Archie Comic Publications has been a strong company for many generations. Their current strengths will make sure they stay strong for generations more.
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