Archie and his pals are diving into Indian culture with a story about Holi in their latest comic edition. The new 10-page story, ‘Celebration Surprise,’ is part of ‘The World of Betty & Veronica Digest #38,’ released on Thursday.
Co-CEO of Archie Comics, Nancy Silberkleit, says the inspiration came from her own experiences in India. She wanted to showcase the country’s beauty and vibrant culture through the comic.
In the story, Archie, Betty, and Veronica learn about Holi, the festival of colors, and experience its joyous traditions of food and fun. The artwork aims to capture the festive spirit and bring readers closer to India’s cultural essence.
Silberkleit also dedicated this project to Om Arora, the Delhi-based distributor responsible for bringing Archie Comics to India. She recognizes his decades-long contribution in connecting Archie with Indian readers.
Having traveled extensively in India, Silberkleit cherishes her bond with the country. She fondly recalls learning to make roti and being welcomed into Indian homes, which deepened her love for the nation’s traditions.
The creative team, including penciler Fernando Ruiz and colorist Dheeraj Kumar Mishra, ensured that Indian patterns and elements were embedded in the artwork. Silberkleit hopes this story helps more people appreciate the richness of Indian culture.