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Posted May 2, 2016 by Drew Bagay in Comics
 
 

RIAN GONZALES covers the New BETTY & VERONICA #1

Betty & Veronica #1 CVR K Variant by Rian Gonzales

Betty & Veronica #1 CVR K Variant by Rian Gonzales

Local artist Rian Gonzales recently got picked up by Archie Comics to do a variant cover for the launch of BETTY & VERONICA #1. We had a chance to have a brief conversation with her on how this opportunity came about.

Admitting she is an avid Archie fan since she was little, Gonzales decided to do an Archie fan art after buying a copy the relaunched Archie #1 by Mark Waid and Fiona Staples

[CHECK OUT… COMIC BOOK REVIEW: Archie #1]

“Without a moment to spare, I posted it on my social media sites and I flailed on the floor when Fiona Staples noticed it and even commented on my work!” Gonzales said. “A few days after, I received an email from Archie Comics Book Sales & Operations director, Jonathan Betancourt, asking if I was interested in making a cover for their reboot of Betty & Veronica and that was it!”

After being commissioned for the cover, Gonzales initially did three thumbnail sketches as samples and the third one ultimately ended up getting approved by Archie Comics President Mike Pellerito.

Betty & Veronica #1‘s synopsis: IT’S BETTY VS. VERONICA! The most highly-anticipated debut in comics history is here! Betty and Veronica are America’s sweethearts… until they turn on each other! “Pops’ Chocklit Shoppe is being taken over by a huge coffee company. When Betty and Veronica go head-to-head over the issue, all bets are off! Friendships will shatter. Cities will burn. Nails will be broken. Betty and Veronica are back in this ALL-NEW #1 from comics legend Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman, Catwoman)!

“I was actually surprised that the third one got picked,” she admitted, “but as I was working on it, I realized why Mr. Pellerito picked it. It’s more dynamic and there are plenty of space to put in easter eggs such as Betty’s pet cat Caramel, a few stickers on her scooter, a pun on a brand name ARCCI (Gucci) and Hotdog (Jughead’s dog).”

Cover sketches by Rian Gonzales.

Cover sketches by Rian Gonzales.

[CHECKOUT… LET’S TALK COMICS: Of Rainbow Colors And Pencils – One on One with Rian Gonzales!]

As for more Archie related projects in the future, she said there are no plans for now but it’d be an honor to work with them again. Currently, Gonzales is focused on her art portfolio during her free time.

Betty & Veronica #1 will be available on July 20th.

 


Drew Bagay

 
Drew is a lover of comic books, movies, and all things pop culture. He enjoys crime/thriller/noir fiction, playing the guitar, and taking long walks. He also doesn't like talking in third person.