In a thrilling development for collectors and fans of both Archie Comics and horror legends, the creative team for Archie x The Army of Darkness has been announced, promising a unique crossover experience slated for February 2026 from Dynamite Entertainment.
With an engaging mix of humor and horror, this crossover brings Ash Williams from the world of The Army of Darkness into the beloved town of Riverdale. The narrative begins as a Necronomicon-fueled portal opens above Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe, allowing Ash to plummet into Riverdale where he encounters Deadites dressed in letterman jackets and undead cheerleaders that are far too committed to their pyramid routines. In this quirky scenario, fans might find themselves cheering for Jughead as he faces off against a Deadite with designs on reclaiming his crown, while the iconic Archie Andrews may be seen wielding a chainsaw atop the hood ornament of his ’77 Delta 88.
Dynamite and Archie Comics’ collaboration was initially hinted at during New York Comic Con, heightening anticipation for this maniacal mashup. Writer Erik Burnham returns to the driver’s seat of Ash’s mythos, introducing the endearing Riverdale characters to a fray unlike any other. Known for his work on Army of Darkness vs. Reanimator: Necronomicon Rising and various franchises from Ghostbusters to Godzilla, Burnham’s experience positions him to blend the quirky energy of Archie with the horror elements of Ash’s universe. To authenticate the iconic Archie aesthetic that has captivated audiences for 85 years, Burnham is joined by artist Bill Galvan, a veteran who is well-versed in capturing the essence of these beloved characters.
This storyline will bring Ash, a character accustomed to battling evil forces across various realms, to the unexpectedly serene community of Riverdale. However, that tranquility shatters when Archie Andrews unwittingly summons the Deadites by discovering a copy of the Necronomicon Ex Mortis. As Ash allies with Riverdale’s residents, the battle against the undead begins, embodying a classic horror theme with an innovative twist.
“I’m thrilled to inconvenience Ash once more by thrusting him against evil forces while getting to pen iconic American characters like Archie and friends,” commented writer Erik Burnham.
Archie Comics’ Senior Director of Editorial, Jamie L. Rotante, emphasized the excitement surrounding the first issue, noting, “Having read the script, I assure you that Erik Burnham’s story will take readers on a thrilling ride, aptly honoring both franchises.