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Afterlife with Archie

Afterlife with Archie is an American horror comic book series published by , which reimagines the iconic characters from the Archie universe—such as , , , , and —in a scenario set in the fictional town of . The series was written by and illustrated by Francesco Francavilla, with its first issue released on October 9, 2013, as ' inaugural direct-market-only title aimed at mature audiences. It consists of 10 issues published between September 2013 and October 2016, divided into two story arcs: "Escape from " (issues #1–5) and "Betty: R.I.P." (issues #6–10). The narrative draws inspiration from classic horror tropes, including references to H.P. Lovecraft's , and eschews the lighthearted tone of traditional stories in favor of , , and existential dread. The plot commences on Halloween when Sabrina, seeking to revive Jughead's deceased dog Hot Dog, performs a forbidden resurrection ritual that unleashes a zombie virus, beginning with Jughead as the first victim who attacks attendees at a school dance. As the infection spreads rapidly through , survivors including , , , and others grapple with loss, betrayal, and moral dilemmas while attempting to escape the overrun town, preserving the characters' core personalities amid the chaos. The series marked a significant departure for following the end of the in 2011, allowing for mature themes that violated former restrictions on horror elements. Afterlife with Archie achieved immediate critical acclaim and commercial success, selling out its debut issue and prompting multiple reprints, such as for issue #9 in 2016. It played a pivotal role in revitalizing Archie Comics by launching the Archie Horror imprint, which expanded to include titles like The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and crossovers such as Archie vs. Predator. The series' moody artwork by Francavilla, known for its painterly style and atmospheric covers, and Aguirre-Sacasa's scripting—later adapted into the CW's Riverdale—helped attract a broader audience beyond traditional Archie fans. In October 2025, a live-action hour-long series adaptation of Afterlife with Archie was greenlit for development at Disney+, produced by Warner Bros. Television and , with serving as writer and alongside . This project represents a major commitment from Disney+ to the property, building on the comic's legacy of blending teen with .

Publication history

Development and concept

Afterlife with Archie originated as a pitch from writer to in early 2013, evolving from a casual discussion during a breakfast meeting with publisher and CEO Jon Goldwater and his son Jesse Goldwater. The concept was directly inspired by a zombie-themed Francesco Francavilla created for an issue of , which depicted Archie recoiling from zombified versions of his friends Jughead, ; Aguirre-Sacasa proposed expanding this into a full series reimagining the classic characters in a mature, apocalyptic context. The core premise centers on a outbreak in , triggered when Reggie accidentally runs over Jughead's dog Hot Dog with his car; Jughead then enlists to revive the pet through a dark reminiscent of Stephen King's , which instead unleashes the undead plague. This setup allowed Aguirre-Sacasa to blend zombie horror tropes with enduring Archie archetypes, such as the between , , while infusing black humor and exploring darker facets of the characters' relationships. Development faced initial hurdles due to ' longstanding family-friendly reputation, but proceeded under Goldwater's leadership, which emphasized diversifying the publisher's genres beyond traditional teen humor to include and elements. The series was formally announced at in October 2013 as the inaugural title of the Archie Horror imprint, marking a pivotal reinvention of the franchise.

Release schedule and hiatus

Afterlife with Archie debuted with issue #1 on October 9, 2013, published by in an oversized 48-page prestige format priced at $2.99. The series initially followed a roughly bimonthly schedule, with issue #2 released on November 6, 2013, issue #3 on January 8, 2014, issue #4 on March 5, 2014, issue #5 on May 14, 2014, and issue #6 on July 23, 2014. Delays began after issue #6, with issue #7 not arriving until December 10, 2014—a 20-week gap attributed to scheduling conflicts for writer , who was serving as Archie's and working on the television pilot, and artist Francesco Francavilla, who was committed to projects at other publishers. #8 followed on May 6, 2015, another 21-week delay, coinciding with the launch of Archie's new imprint, under which the series continued. Further postponements pushed #9 to May 25, 2016, and #10 to August 31, 2016, as Francavilla's workload and Aguirre-Sacasa's expanding responsibilities, including productions, continued to impact production. All issues maintained the 48-page oversized format, emphasizing the series' horror prestige positioning. Following issue #10, which ended on a , the series entered an indefinite hiatus in late 2016, with no official announcement from but confirmation that production had paused due to the creative team's ongoing commitments and the publisher's shift in priorities toward other horror titles, such as . In total, 10 issues were published between 2013 and 2016, establishing Afterlife with Archie as a of the Archie Horror line despite the irregular schedule.

Resumption and future issues

In October 2025, following the announcement of a Disney+ live-action adaptation, writer revealed that production on new issues of Afterlife with Archie had resumed, with issues #11 and #12 completed in script form and issue #13 in the plotting stage. This update came during the series reveal event, where Aguirre-Sacasa expressed enthusiasm for continuing the story after its hiatus following issue #10 in 2016. The creative team is reuniting with artist Francesco Francavilla, who is already illustrating the upcoming issues, each planned as plus-sized editions with bonus content including behind-the-scenes material. As of November 2025, has not confirmed specific release dates, but the publisher has teased a potential 2026 launch to align with growing media interest in the franchise. This revival underscores Afterlife with Archie's role as a flagship title in the Archie Horror imprint, which has expanded to include mature, reimagined narratives featuring classic characters.

Story arcs

Escape from Riverdale (Issues #1–5)

The "Escape from Riverdale" arc, comprising issues #1–5 of Afterlife with Archie, initiates the series' narrative through a tragic involving Jughead's , . In , is fatally struck by a car driven by during a late-night drive, leaving Jughead devastated. Desperate to revive his pet, Jughead turns to his friend , a teenage witch, who reluctantly performs a forbidden necromantic ritual using the despite warnings from her aunts and . The spell succeeds in bringing back to life, but the returns as an creature with a voracious hunger, immediately biting Jughead and infecting him with the . This act unleashes an unspeakable , as the first signs of the outbreak manifest when the infected Jughead attacks attendees at the Halloween dance, marking the beginning of 's downfall. Pop Tate later becomes one of the zombified victims. As the infection spreads rapidly in issues #2 and #3, the core group of survivors—, , , and others—barricade themselves inside the opulent Lodge mansion for protection, transforming it into a makeshift fortress against the encroaching horde. Narrated from Veronica's perspective in issue #2, the chaos erupts during a Halloween dance at High, where zombified townsfolk, including early victims like Kevin Keller, overwhelm the festivities, forcing the teens to fight their way to safety. Jughead's condition deteriorates further; bitten earlier, he exhibits signs of partial zombification, struggling with his fading humanity while his friends attempt to him in the mansion's . Tensions rise as the group grapples with resource scarcity and moral dilemmas, exemplified by the tragic deaths of and , who are torn apart by during a failed supply run, underscoring the swift erosion of Riverdale's idyllic community. Sabrina's is revealed as the catalyst, with her spell's consequences amplifying the plague's virulence, blending with the characters' enduring bonds of friendship. In issues #4 and #5, the survivors' situation becomes untenable as breach the mansion's defenses, prompting a desperate exodus from . Archie's family dog, Vegas, plays a heroic role by attacking the zombified to protect Archie, though this leads to Vegas's own demise and highlights the personal losses rippling through the group. Jughead, now fully succumbing to , is left behind in a poignant moment of sacrifice, his transformation symbolizing the irreversible toll of the on their innocence. Amid escalating attacks, including assaults on the by infected servants like Smithers, the remaining characters—led by Archie—flee in armored vehicles toward a rumored safe zone outside town, evading waves of while confronting the emotional weight of abandoned loved ones and a shattered hometown. The arc emphasizes themes of friendship and loss, portraying the teens' loyalty as both a strength and a vulnerability in the face of unrelenting , with Sabrina's magical serving as a cautionary thread.

Betty: R.I.P. (Issues #6–10)

The second story arc of Afterlife with Archie, titled "Betty: R.I.P.", comprises issues #6–10 and shifts focus from the initial outbreak in to the survivors' perilous journey beyond the town, with emerging as the emotional core amid mounting horrors. As the group, including , , and others, flees the undead hordes, internal tensions exacerbate the external threats, testing loyalties and forcing choices between survival and humanity. The arc delves into Betty's vulnerability and resilience, using her perspective to humanize the apocalypse's toll on youthful innocence. In issue #6, Betty sustains a bite while heroically attempting to rescue fellow survivors during an on their route, marking the onset of her and sparking immediate moral conflicts within the group about , mercy killing, or seeking a cure through forbidden means. Her wound symbolizes the encroaching decay not just of the body but of the group's fragile unity, as debates rage over whether to prioritize her life at the risk of endangering everyone. Issues #7 and #8 interweave present-day perils with poignant flashbacks to the characters' pre-apocalypse lives in , contrasting carefree high school days with the grim reality of evading swarms on desolate highways and in snowbound hideouts. Betty's reconstructed entries reveal her unrequited affections and the town's lost normalcy, while the survivors confront massive assaults and interpersonal fractures, including Veronica's self-sacrificial acts to protect the group from both external attackers and emerging betrayals driven by fear and guilt. These sequences underscore the erosion of friendships, as romantic entanglements—particularly Archie's divided loyalties—threaten to splinter the convoy amid visions of past holiday joys turned nightmarish. By issues #9 and #10, Betty's condition evolves into a partial undeath, granting her heightened senses and a reluctant role as she guides the survivors through intensified ordeals, including Reggie's guilt-fueled into potential antagonism. Her state becomes a for the apocalypse's irreversible changes, enabling tactical advantages against legions but deepening the group's isolation and ethical quandaries. The arc culminates in a tense as the ragged band reaches a fortified outpost, only to discover signs of worldwide , amplifying the stakes beyond Riverdale's borders. Throughout "Betty: R.I.P.", themes of sacrifice permeate the narrative, as characters like and Reggie grapple with redemptive or destructive choices in crisis, while strained romances—exemplified by the Archie-Betty- triangle—highlight love's fragility under duress. The arc poignantly illustrates the erosion of Riverdale's idyllic innocence, transforming symbols of adolescent joy into harbingers of despair and forcing the young protagonists to confront maturity through unrelenting loss.

Upcoming arcs (Issues #11 onward)

Following the cliffhanger from issue #10, in which the survivors arrive at a military outpost amid the escalating zombie outbreak, the series is set to resume with issues #11 and #12, which have been written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, and issue #13, which is in plotting and artwork stages by Francesco Francavilla, as announced in October 2025. In October 2025, it was announced that the series would resume after a hiatus, with issues #11 and #12 completed in script form, and #13 in active development. All forthcoming issues are planned as plus-sized editions featuring bonus materials such as variant covers by Francavilla, concept sketches, and expanded lore detailing the undead denizens of Riverdale and beyond. Specific plot details and release dates are forthcoming from Archie Comics. While the storyline remains a self-contained continuation of the core series, it incorporates subtle connections to the expanding Archie Horror imprint, such as shared elements, without relying on external crossovers.

Characters

Main characters

serves as the reluctant leader of the surviving group in the , evolving from a typical teenager caught in a with into a determined survivor who corrals his friends through the chaos of Riverdale's downfall. His iconic and everyday appearance ground the narrative, as he grapples with personal dilemmas like choosing a partner for a Halloween even as threats escalate. Betty Cooper embodies the compassionate "girl next door," acting as a resilient fighter central to the group's dynamics and the second , where she confronts moral dilemmas amid the spreading infection and strained alliances. Her unwavering support for her friends highlights themes of loyalty and ethical choices in the face of irreversible horrors like potential zombification. Veronica Lodge emerges as a resourceful and fierce survivor, leveraging her family's wealth—such as using the Lodge mansion as an initial refuge—to aid the group's escape and sustain their fight against the undead. Her privileged background fuels both her adaptability and tensions within the group, particularly in her rivalry with Betty over , which intensifies under apocalyptic pressure. Jughead Jones functions as an outcast protagonist whose transformation into a drives much of the narrative, stemming from the tragic loss of his Hot Dog and providing dark through his analytical yet state. Retaining his signature beanie, he becomes the first human infected after being bitten by the reanimated Hot Dog, leading zombie hordes while haunting the survivors as a ghostly figure in visions. Sabrina Spellman, the teenage witch, inadvertently triggers the with a forbidden to revive , leaving her guilt-ridden as she allies with the group using her magical abilities to combat the undead threat. Despite warnings from her aunts, her necromantic ritual unleashes the plague, positioning her as a asset burdened by in the ongoing survival struggle.

Supporting characters

Reggie Mantle serves as an opportunistic survivor whose selfishness generates significant tension among the group. In the series, he inadvertently initiates the zombie outbreak by striking and killing Jughead's dog with his car during a drive, an act he conceals to avoid blame. This secret weighs on him as the unfolds, amplifying his self-serving decisions that relationships with other survivors, though he manages to endure through the initial story arcs. Kevin Keller, a close friend, confronts Reggie physically over his actions. Pop Tate, the longtime owner of the Chock'lit Shoppe, embodies the erosion of Riverdale's everyday normalcy when he succumbs early to the zombie plague. His transformation into one of the undead shortly after the outbreak's onset marks a poignant loss of the town's communal heart, with his diner ultimately burning down as a stark symbol of innocence destroyed. Hermione Lodge and Fred Andrews function as parental anchors, injecting emotional layers into the horror through their protective instincts and family bonds amid the chaos. Hermione, Veronica's mother, offers initial sanctuary at the Lodge mansion, highlighting themes of privilege and vulnerability as she navigates survival with the teens. Fred, Archie's father, provides grounding support but meets a tragic end when he turns into a zombie, forcing Archie to kill him in a devastating confrontation using a baseball bat. The undead antagonists drive the narrative's terror, beginning with Hot Dog as the inaugural after his resurrection via Sabrina's forbidden spell goes awry, leading him to infect Jughead and spark the wider contagion. Beyond this catalyst, the hordes consist of Riverdale's reanimated residents, including former friends and townsfolk, who swarm relentlessly without individualized backstories, underscoring the indiscriminate horror of the . Characters like and appear in minor capacities as early casualties, their sudden demises at a illustrating the outbreak's arbitrary and swift devastation on the periphery of the core group. Additionally, are revealed to be vampires in the second arc, adding a layer of horror to the .

Production

Creative team

The creative team behind Afterlife with Archie was led by writer , an award-winning playwright, screenwriter, and comic book writer known for his work on HBO's and Fox's , as well as serving as for . scripted all ten published issues of the series and is set to continue writing upcoming installments, with issues #11 and #12 completed and #13 in production as of October 2025, drawing on his experience in to reimagine the Archie universe in a mature, narrative. Artist Francesco Francavilla, an Eisner Award nominee recognized for his work on creator-owned titles like The Black Beetle and Marvel's , provided the painted interiors, covers, and colors throughout the series, establishing its distinctive horror tone through shadowy, atmospheric visuals. His contributions were pivotal from the project's inception, as the series originated from a zombie-themed he created for #23. Letterer Jack Morelli handled the dialogue and sound effects, enhancing the dread-filled pacing with dynamic that complemented the elements. Editors Victor Gorelick and Jamie L. Rotante oversaw production at , guiding the adaptation of the traditionally lighthearted characters into a mature-readers imprint while ensuring fidelity to the genre. Variant covers featured contributions from guest artists such as Andrew Pepoy, adding diverse stylistic interpretations to special editions and promotions.

Art and style

The artwork in Afterlife with Archie is characterized by 's atmospheric illustrations, which employ a muted color palette to evoke a grim, oppressive tone throughout Riverdale's . Shadows and dramatic lighting dominate the pages, transforming the traditionally bright, cartoonish characters into more realistic, emotionally resonant figures while maintaining their iconic features. This approach creates a satisfyingly creepy atmosphere, with colors shifting from soft yellows in flashback sequences to muted blues and hellish reds during intense moments, heightening the sense of dread without relying on overt . Francavilla's style draws heavily from classic horror comics, particularly the EC Comics and Warren Publications magazines of the mid-20th century, which inspired his desire to craft mature horror tales within the Archie universe. The series also incorporates influences from zombie media, including George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead for its grounded apocalypse depiction, Sam Raimi's Evil Dead for supernatural elements with a tongue-in-cheek edge, and Dan O'Bannon's Return of the Living Dead for its punk-infused undead chaos. These inspirations allow the comic to mature Archie's lighthearted roots into a sophisticated blend of teen drama and horror, reimagining familiar characters in undead scenarios while preserving their relational dynamics. Cover designs for Afterlife with Archie are iconic and variant-heavy, often reimagining Riverdale residents as zombies in striking, collectible compositions that originated from Francavilla's zombie-themed variant for Life with Archie #23. These covers, praised for their visual impact, emphasize horror tropes like decayed figures and apocalyptic settings, contributing to the series' appeal among horror enthusiasts and collectors. In terms of pacing and paneling, Francavilla utilizes dynamic layouts to build tension, such as tight 9-panel grids that fragment violent sequences into bursts and expansive 15-panel spreads for emotional . Minimal dialogue and sound effects prioritize the visuals, allowing and emotional beats— like tragic pet confrontations or character deaths—to unfold with restraint, focusing on rather than excessive bloodshed. This technique ensures a rhythmic flow that balances high-stakes action with character-driven pauses, enhancing the narrative's immersive quality.

Reception

Critical reception

Afterlife with Archie received widespread critical acclaim for its bold reinvention of the universe, transforming the lighthearted teen drama into a mature narrative. Reviewers praised the series for its innovative fusion of tropes with familiar characters, delivering a disturbing yet emotionally resonant story. awarded issue #4 a 9.6 out of 10, lauding it as "an amazing comic that happens to feature the Archie cast" and highlighting its violent, character-driven depth that subverts expectations of the source material. Similarly, Comic Book Roundup aggregated a 9/10 average for the debut issue, commending the spine-tingling setup and warning that it diverges sharply from traditional Archie fare. Critics appreciated how the series delved into psychological horror and character development, often comparing it to The Walking Dead for its grim tone and exploration of survival amid loss. The Los Angeles Review of Books described it as "an ode to horror, a grisly cavalcade of death and despair" with a seriousness closer to The Walking Dead than comedic takes like Shaun of the Dead, emphasizing its subversion of the Comics Code era's constraints. Multiversity Comics called it "Riverdale for the Walking Dead generation," noting its unnerving authenticity in blending teen relationships and apocalyptic dread to amplify themes of angst, regret, and human frailty. This approach earned acclaim for elevating Archie's ensemble, with IGN's review of issue #2 (9.2/10) praising the "crazy good" storytelling and Francesco Francavilla's atmospheric art that enhances emotional stakes. Despite the praise, some critics pointed to structural issues, particularly the prolonged delays between issues that disrupted narrative momentum. A analysis highlighted how the irregular schedule led to waning reader interest and lost potential, attributing it to creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa's commitments elsewhere. echoed this frustration in its review of issue #9, stating the was "not only been frustrating as a fan, but also as an advocate for great ." Additionally, the intense gore and mature themes alienated some traditional enthusiasts, with noting the series is a "sick book" full of disturbing violence that demands readers reconcile its branding with its brutality. acknowledged the lengthy gaps but affirmed the return issues still "pack an emotional punch," maintaining its horror integrity. The series garnered recognition at major awards, underscoring its impact. It received a 2014 Eisner Award nomination for Best Lettering for Jack Morelli's work, which complemented the eerie tone. At the 2015 Harvey Awards, Morelli won Best Letterer for Afterlife with Archie, while Francavilla was nominated for Best Cover Artist, celebrated for his chilling, evocative designs that captured the apocalyptic dread. Fan reception was strong at conventions, where panels and previews generated buzz for its fresh take on iconic characters, as noted in Comic Book Resources' endorsement of it as a pinnacle of mainstream comics potential.

Commercial performance

The debut issue of Afterlife with Archie, released in October , achieved significant commercial success, ranking 28th among comics ordered by retailers through with an estimated 47,800 copies sold; including multiple reprints, total sales reached approximately 54,000 copies. Subsequent issues maintained strong performance, consistently appearing in the top 100 of 's monthly sales charts through 2016; for instance, issue #9 in May 2016 ranked 98th. Multiple issues, including #2, #4, and #9, sold out at , prompting second printings and variant covers to meet demand. These sales figures marked a notable departure for , traditionally focused on lighter fare, and highlighted the series' appeal in the direct market. The commercial impact of Afterlife with Archie extended beyond individual issues, effectively launching ' horror imprint in 2015. Issue #8 introduced the official Archie Horror logo, paving the way for a dedicated line targeting mature readers and expanding the publisher's demographic beyond its core young audience. This shift influenced subsequent spin-offs, such as Vampironica (2017), which drew directly from the horror elements and themes established in Afterlife with Archie, further diversifying 's portfolio into supernatural storytelling. Collected editions amplified the series' market presence, with the trade paperback Escape from Riverdale (collecting issues #1–5) debuting at number one on The New York Times bestseller list for paperback graphic books in June 2014. The volume's success, driven by the series' buzz and bookstore distribution, underscored its crossover appeal to mainstream audiences. Following a hiatus after issue #10 in 2016, Afterlife with Archie sustained cult status through reprints, exclusive variants, and ongoing collector interest into 2025. Retailers continued offering limited-edition covers, such as the Stadium Comics exclusive for issue #1, while announcements of a live-action adaptation for Disney+ in October 2025 reignited fan engagement and preserved its legacy within the Archie Horror ecosystem.

Adaptations

Television series

In October 2025, Disney+ announced the development of a live-action series of Afterlife with Archie, an hour-long horror-drama reimagining the characters in a setting with mature themes. The project received a script-to-series order from the streamer, indicating strong initial commitment and bypassing the traditional pilot stage. The series is being written and showrun by , the creator of the comic series and former showrunner of , in collaboration with producer and Warner Bros. Television. Executive producers include , , and Sarah Schechter of , with the adaptation drawing inspiration from the comic's unresolved story arcs while potentially incorporating elements and cast ties from the universe. As of November 2025, the project remains in early development stages, with no casting announcements, production start date, or release window disclosed.

Other media

Official merchandise for Afterlife with Archie was produced following the comic's 2013 debut, including apparel and artwork targeted at enthusiasts. The Archie Comics official store released graphic t-shirts featuring versions of characters like Jughead, available in heavy cotton styles. Additionally, Mondo published a limited-edition screen-printed illustrated by series artist Francesco Francavilla, measuring 24x36 inches and emphasizing the theme. The series has influenced other entries in the Archie Horror imprint through thematic references rather than direct crossovers. In , Sabrina's witch heritage and actions tie back to her pivotal role in resurrecting and sparking the Riverdale zombie outbreak, creating subtle narrative links across the shared universe. No official sequels or full crossover events have been published, maintaining Afterlife with Archie as a standalone arc within the broader Archieverse. Fan engagement with Afterlife with Archie extends to conventions, where dedicated panels highlighted its innovative blend of teen drama and zombies. At 2014, a session explored the series alongside other Archie milestones like the "Death of Archie" storyline, drawing crowds interested in the publisher's horror evolution. Similarly, 2015 featured a panel with creators including writer , discussing Afterlife with Archie and to enthusiastic audiences. As of 2025, no official audio dramas, video games, or additional non-comic adaptations beyond merchandise and fan activities have materialized.

Collected editions

Trade paperbacks

The trade paperbacks for Afterlife with Archie compile the limited run of the series into accessible physical collections, focusing on its horror-themed story arcs. The first volume, titled Afterlife with Archie: Escape from Riverdale, collects issues #1–5, covering the initial outbreak in . Published by on June 5, 2014, it contains 160 pages and carries the 978-1-61988-908-8. The second and final volume, Afterlife with Archie: Betty R.I.P., collects issues #6–10, continuing the survivors' journey amid escalating undead threats. Released by on September 24, 2019, it contains 160 pages and has the ISBN 978-1-61988-948-4. Both trade paperbacks remain in print and are distributed through and major retailers like , with cover prices typically ranging from $15 to $20.

Digital and other formats

The collected edition of Afterlife with Archie Volume 1: Escape from , which compiles issues #1–5, is available in eBook format across multiple platforms. This edition, published by Archie Comic Publications in 2014, can be purchased and downloaded as a eBook on for approximately $9.99, featuring the full storyline of the originating from Jughead's resurrection spell on his dog . Similarly, it is offered on Rakuten Kobo in 3 format with for $12.99 (list price $17.99), allowing reading on e-readers, tablets, and apps. The maintains the original 160-page length and artwork by Francavilla, providing an accessible alternative to the trade paperback for electronic devices. Individual issues of the series, including those from the uncollected Volume 2: Betty RIP (issues #6–10), are widely available digitally but not as a single compiled volume. These can be obtained through platforms like Amazon Kindle, where the 10-issue series is priced at $1.99 per issue (with some free via Kindle Unlimited), and Google Play Books, offering issues such as #4 for download. ComiXology (integrated with Amazon) and Barnes & Noble NOOK also provide digital access to single issues, emphasizing the series' availability in app-based reading experiences optimized for comics. In addition to standard eBook retailers, a dedicated Afterlife with Archie was released in for enhanced digital consumption, available on via the , through , Windows Store, and . The included a free preview of issues #1–2, behind-the-scenes content like scripts and pencils, and options for purchasing individual issues (#3, #4, #6 noted as available) or subscribing for full access, including "+" deluxe editions with extras. However, the is no longer available following the cessation of the in 2021. This format extended to other devices like NOOK, positioning it as an interactive "other format" beyond traditional s. Occasional digital bundles have offered collected content at discounted rates; for instance, a 2024 Humble Bundle: Horror with Archie included a digital compilation of the first five issues alongside other Archie Horror titles, redeemable via platforms like ComiXology. No hardcover or deluxe physical collected editions beyond trade paperbacks were produced for the series, limiting "other formats" primarily to these digital variants and app-based distributions.

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