From the ashes, a new generation must rise. For the first time in two decades, Red Circle Comics is dipping their toe into the superhero pool.
It's not everyday an entire comic book publisher returns from the grave, but that's exactly what is happening on May 16th. Defunct since the 80s, Archie Comics will be dusting off Red Circle Comics and yanking it into the 21st century as a digital comic line. And in August they'll also join the ranks of good old fashioned paper issues.
The flag ship launch title will be New Crusaders written by Ian Flynn and drawn by Ben Bates. The original Crusaders have a long history and even served as inspiration for Alan Moore's The Watchmen. Considered by Red Circle to be a mash-up of The Incredibles and James Robinson's The Golden Age, the Crusaders won't be a dark comic but they won't be just for kids either.
Buzzfeed was lucky enough to get the exclusive first look at this new title and score an interview with writer Ian Flynn to answer some questions.
Buzzfeed: Where do the New Crusaders fit in the Archie universe? Are they in the same time and place as the kids of Riverdale?
Ian Flynn: Well, I've heard you can find the towns of Red Circle and Riverdale on the same map, but I don't think a crossover would be in the best interest for Archie and the gang. The New Crusaders are dealing with life-or-death scenarios, walking away with scrapes and bruises, and dealing with loss. Archie's biggest concern is juggling dates.
