Are you a fan of WEBTOON and Archie Comics? Are you looking for a new series to binge? Then check out this piece and learn what WEBTOON and Archie Comics have in store for their fans.
WEBTOON, the world’s largest digital comics platform, and Archie Comics Publications, one of the most successful, longest-running comic book brands in history, announce the second season of their first hit digital comic collaboration, Archie Comics: Big Ethel Energy. Written by writer Keryl Brown Ahmed and illustrated by lead artist Siobhan Keenan, Big Ethel Energy revisits the recurring Riverdale character, Ethel Muggs, in a new spin that appeals to new generations of readers.
Big Ethel Energy follows Ethel Muggs, who was once the laughingstock of Riverdale, as a confident young journalist. When the Mayor of Riverdale offers her money to present the history of her hometown, Ethel is eager to come back and take down her former tormentors – Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica, and everyone else that made her life hell. She’s eager for revenge, but when she meets them, Ethel realizes they may have changed for the better. Will she still pursue her vengeance, or will this project present a fresh start? Read to find out.
Since I grew up being a big fan of Josie and the Pussycats (I loved the Hanna-Barbera mystery series like Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!), I was excited by this news. I had the theme songs repeating in my head while writing this article, and I was immediately drawn back to my days of watching Cartoon Network and Boomerang.
Spoiler Alert: Season 1, specifically of Big Ethel Energy, features Ethel being hired to write about the history of Riverdale, the hometown she hated. Initially, she’s excited to take down Archie and his crew but feels a change of heart once she learns how they’ve changed all seemingly changed for the better. In Season 2, Ethel is ready to let go of the past, make amends, and give her relationship with former Riverdale star athlete Moose Mason a shot. But when times get tough for the new couple, will they pull through or pull apart? Stay tuned for Season 2 to find out.
Since its launch in September 2021, Big Ethel Energy has been nominated for a Ringo Award for Best Webcomic in 2022, has stockpiled over 385,000 subscribers, and was adapted into a graphic novel. Usually, I am not a fan of anything that isn’t fantasy adventure related, but I love a good revenge story, so I will give Big Ethel Energy a whirl. Now I can enjoy the first and second seasons in one binge.
“Archie Comics is so incredibly excited to return to Ethel’s world with season 2 of Big Ethel Energy and to continue our esteemed partnership with Webtoon,” said Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante. “This has been the natural progression of long-term storytelling for Archie—focusing on heartwarming, romance-fueled stories that allow the characters the space and time to grow and change, suitable for a modern audience. Ethel is our fearless leader, and season 2 continues her journey, navigating the tricky waters of balancing a job that can be more political than she expected, a new relationship and the ups and downs that brings, and understanding the evolution of her friendships and her place in her hometown of Riverdale. Getting to read these scripts from Keryl has been a joy, and I’m constantly captivated by Siobhan’s gorgeous art.”
“It’s been incredible to introduce the iconic Ethel Muggs to a new generation of fans on WEBTOON,” said David Lee, VP of Content at WEBTOON. “Archie has been a fan-favorite for decades because its relatable characters can transform new stories and formats. With Season 1 a resounding success, we’re excited to continue our work with Archie Comics to bring these beloved characters to WEBTOON’s global audience.”
New, WEBTOON exclusive episodes of Big Ethel Energy will release every Wednesday after February 21.
