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Jay and Silent Bob crash the Archieverse in Kevin Smith’s Hilarious Crossover

In a move that’s sure to excite fans of both Archie Comics and Kevin Smith’s irreverent Askewniverse, the iconic stoner duo Jay and Silent Bob are set to make their Riverdale debut in a double-sized crossover comic titled Kevin Smith Presents: Archie Meets Jay & Silent Bob. Written by none other than Smith himself, the comic will hit shelves on July 9, marking a wildly unexpected mashup of two very different worlds. While Archie Comics has a history of bizarre and novelty-driven crossovers—like 1994’s Archie Meets The Punisher and 2015’s Archie vs. Predator—Smith insists this collaboration is more than just a gimmick. For him, it’s a deeply personal project that ties together his lifelong love of Archie Comics with his signature Askewniverse characters.

The comic follows Archie, who lands a job at the infamous Quick Stop convenience store, a central location in Smith’s Clerks universe. There, he befriends Randal, the gruff but lovable clerk, and crosses paths with Jay and Silent Bob, who are up to their usual antics. The story takes place after the events of Clerks III, which saw the death of Dante Hicks (played by Brian O’Halloran), giving the crossover a somber yet humorous tone. Smith has described the project as a midlife crisis-inspired exploration of death and learning to move forward—a theme that resonates deeply with both long-time fans of his work and newcomers alike.

Kevin Smith’s lifelong love affair with Archie Comics

For Kevin Smith, bringing Jay and Silent Bob into the Archieverse is a full-circle moment. A lifelong Archie Comics fan, Smith grew up reading the classic series and has frequently referenced it in his films, including Clerks and Chasing Amy. His passion for the franchise is evident in the way he’s poured his heart into this crossover, completing the first draft of the comic in just one day. Archie Comics creative executive Jesse Goldwater approached Smith with the idea of an Askewniverse crossover, and Smith jumped at the opportunity, seeing it as a chance to pay homage to a franchise that has inspired him for decades.

The comic, which will feature art from Fernando Ruiz and Rich Koskowski, colors by Matt Herms, and letters by Jack Morelli, promises to blend the humor and charm of Archie Comics with the raunchy wit of Smith’s universe. While fans of both franchises will no doubt be excited by the crossover, Smith has emphasized that the story is more than just a playful mashup. It’s a heartfelt exploration of loss, friendship, and finding purpose—a theme that feels especially poignant after the events of Clerks III.

What’s next for the Askewniverse?

While Kevin Smith Presents: Archie Meets Jay & Silent Bob is undoubtedly a highlight of Smith’s current projects, it’s not the only Askewniverse venture on the horizon. THR has revealed that a third Jay & Silent Bob film is in the works, though Smith is currently keeping details under wraps. Given the success of Jay & Silent Bob Reboot in 2019, fans are eagerly anticipating the next installment of the duo’s misadventures.

In addition to his work on the Archie crossover, Smith is no stranger to the world of comics. Beyond his own Jay & Silent Bob comics, he has written for major franchises like Daredevil, Spider-Man, and Green Arrow for both Marvel and DC. His versatility as a writer and his ability to balance humor with heartfelt storytelling make him the perfect fit for this unique Archie Comics collaboration.

A legacy of blending humor and heart

Kevin Smith’s career has been defined by his ability to weave humor and heart into even the most irreverent of stories. From the convenience store musings of Clerks to the divine absurdity of Dogma, Smith has always found a way to make his characters relatable, even when they’re at their most outrageous. Kevin Smith Presents: Archie Meets Jay & Silent Bob feels like the next logical step in this journey, blending two iconic franchises in a way that honors their respective legacies while offering something entirely new.

As fans count down to the comic’s July 9 release, one thing is clear: this is more than just a crossover for the sake of novelty. It’s a celebration of fandom, friendship, and the power of stories to bring people together. Whether you’re a die-hard Archie enthusiast or a lifelong follower of the Askewniverse, this project promises to deliver something special—and another reminder of why Kevin Smith remains one of pop culture’s most beloved voices.