Music has often been part of the Archie comics. Archie and his friends formed the band, The Archies. They've even rocked out with KISS. Soon they will be meeting another iconic band, the Ramones.
When the project was first announced last year, it had our immediate attention. The book will feature art by Gisele Lagace and Shouri. As the release approaches, it was time to find out more. We talked to writers Alex Segura and Matthew Rosenberg to get some answers.
Comic Vine: How did this project come about?
Alex Segura: Pretty organically. Matt had an in with the Ramones team and brought us all together. After some introductory calls, we all realized that we wanted this to happen and we got rolling. It was such a no-brainer, that the logistics side didn’t take long to iron out.
Matthew Rosenberg: Yeah, I used to work in music and so I knew people who knew people. I was a big fan of the Archie Meets Kiss book that Alex wrote and when I was talking to the Ramones team I just realized we could do something cool like that.
Why the Ramones (besides the fact they're awesome)?
Segura: I mean, do you need any other reason? It’s the freakin’ RAMONES! They overlap with Archie in some very cool and important ways, and it seems like the kind of crossover that everyone wanted but maybe didn’t know it could happen.
Rosenberg: On a personal level, Archie was one of first comics I ever fell in love with and Ramones were one of the first bands. They helped foment my love of comics and music, and I still love them as much today as I did then. Walking down the street and seeing all the people wearing Ramones shirts or walking into a comic shop and seeing everyone buying Archie, I assume I’m not alone in this. They both mean so much to people and they just make sense together.
What's the story about? Time travel is involved?
Segura: Yup – there’s a time travel element. The Archies find themselves in the past at their lowest moment. They run into the Ramones and discover the only way back home, to their time, is by learning how to be a great band. Who better to teach them than Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee and Tommy?
Did you guys watch interviews and footage to capture the 'voices' of the Ramones?
Segura: Matt, Gisele and I are pretty big Ramones fans, so there was a big base of knowledge already. Because I’m OCD about research, I did read some Ramones books and a watched a lot of live footage. Most of all, I had their discography on repeat while plotting out the story with Matt. I think at one point, while breaking down the story, we even referenced my Ramones Spotify playlist for inspiration. We tried to immerse ourselves in the music as much as we could, because that’s what the story is all about.
Rosenberg: I grew up going to punk shows in New York City. I was lucky enough to see Ramones play a few times, but I also was around them from time to time. When you’re 13 and you see Joey Ramone in the crowd at CBGB’s, you run over and try and talk to him. So I have a few minutes of hands-on experience here and there, but yeah, I watched a lot of videos and read a lot of interviews.
It would be really hard to pick one so what are some of your favorite Ramones songs?
Segura: That IS tough. I love the classics, like "Blitzkrieg Bop," "Sheena Is a Punk Rocker," and "I Wanna Be Sedated." I have a soft spot for "Do You Remember Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio" and "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend." Too many to list. Their body of work is mind-blowing.
Rosenberg: "Bonzo Goes To Bitburg." That’s my favorite.
This was announced last year. Was there an approval process to make sure the essence of the Ramones was captured perfectly?
Segura: Yes, definitely. We worked closely with the Ramones side and they got to chime in across the board. This is an official Ramones collaboration.
Do you have a favorite moment from the story you can tease?
Rosenberg: I do but I can’t really say too much about it. Let’s just say that The Archies have a mission to do and when they finish… Well that is my favorite.
Segura: You can’t top the first moment where the Ramones and Archies meet. When I was typing that out, I knew this was gonna be special. And Gisele draws it so perfectly. She’s really doing her best work here, as is Matt. It’s been a pleasure to work on.
Archie Meets Ramones #1 is on sale October 5. The final order cutoff date for retailers is Monday, September 12. Let your local comic shop know you need a copy!
ARCHIE MEETS RAMONES #1
Hey! Ho! Let's go! America's favorite teens cross paths with the original NYC punks in this extra-sized one-shot spectacular that is not to be missed!
When the Archies tank at the Riverdale High Battle of the Bands, a magical twist of fate sends them hurtling into the past—and face-to-face with none other than the Ramones! Can the legendary punks get the Archies to realize their own rock 'n' roll potential and find their way home? Probably not—but it'll be a blitzkrieg bop of a journey, as the two bands bounce from 53rd and 3rd to Rockaway Beach in this must-read crossover from the writers of the best-selling ARCHIE MEETS KISS and WE CAN NEVER GO HOME with jaw-droppingly beautiful art from Gisele Lagace ("Occupy Riverdale")!
Script: Alex Segura and Matthew Rosenberg
Art: Gisele Lagace, Shouri
Cover: Gisele Lagace (AUG161226)
Variant Covers: Veronica Fish (AUG161227), Francesco Francavilla (AUG161228), Dan Parent (AUG161229)
On Sale Date: 10/5
48-page, full color comic
$4.99 U.S.
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