Interview: Jamie L. Rotante on Gearing Up for BETTY AND VERONICA: VIXENS

Even before the end of Adam Hughes’ Betty & Veronica series, fans were already revved up to find out what was next for Riverdale’s premier ladies. And now, with the huge success of the CW TV series Riverdale, Betty and Veronica are ready to spin out into a brand new series — with a twist.

Welcome to the flip side of 1950s chic Riverdale as Betty and Veronica become the Vixens! Leading the creative team is writer and longtime Archie Comics employee Jamie L. Rotante, who shares with Comicosity some of her thoughts on launching the series, who Betty and Veronica are to each other, and what we can look forward to with the all-woman creative team as well!

Cover art by Eva Cabrera

Matt Santori: Congrats on the new title, Jamie! How does it feel to be working on a fresh take for one of the oldest duos in comic book history — Betty and Veronica?

Jamie L. Rotante: Thank you!

To call it an honor would be an understatement — I grew up loving and looking up to these characters so to get to play in their world and introduce them into new and interesting scenarios is amazing.

These are characters that have been around for 75 years so the fact that there’s anything new for them to experience is kind of crazy, and to get to be someone creating that world for Betty and Veronica is incredibly exciting — and a little intimidating, too!

Interior art by Eva Cabrera

MS: You’ve come up from within the ranks of Archie Comics itself! What’s that experience been like, and how has it been working intimately with the Riverdale gang over time?

JLR: I started out seven years ago as an intern, which then became full-time as a proofreader — which I still do today as part of my editorial duties — so I’ve been able to spend a lot of time getting to know these characters. I read every book we publish so I’ve grown accustomed to the different styles of writing and storytelling and how the characters speak and interact, which has helped me a lot when it comes to developing each character’s personality.

I’ve been given a lot of opportunities in my time at Archie — thanks to Co-CEO Jon Goldwater, Co-Presidents Mike Pellerito and Alex Segura, Victor Gorelick and the whole staff at Archie—and that’s something I’d never take for granted.

Interior art by Eva Cabrera

MS: A new generation of fans are getting introduced to B&V weekly through the Riverdale TV series, which has a bit of an edge that it seems like Vixens might have as well? How are you approaching the tone of the series and B&V’s relationship?

JLR: Riverdale has definitely allowed us to take more chances with characters and storylines. Vixens features a few characters you’ll see in Riverdale, but it’s not the same world, so their roles are different. But the edgy factor is definitely there, I really wanted to embrace slightly more adult humor, which I think works tonally for the story.

Interior art by Eva Cabrera

MS: Is money still a big difference between where Betty and Veronica are coming from in this world, or have their backgrounds shifted?

JLR: That’s such a quintessential part of their characters it would be remiss to leave it out — but instead of it being a divisive factor it allows the girls to rely on their unique personal assets.

Veronica can use her status and wealth to buy proper equipment for the girls and use her worldly knowledge to lead the pack, while Betty’s lower-middle class upbringing keeps her down to earth which helps her relate to the other girls, plus her mechanic skills go a long way, too!

MS: Big question: is Archie even a factor here? In most ways, Betty and Veronica really seem to have grown beyond him over the years.

JLR: You’ll see him in the first issue and he’ll pop up here and there throughout — but this book is squarely focused on Betty, Veronica and the ladies of Archie Comics.

Jon Goldwater told me to not be afraid of letting Archie fade into the background a bit to allow the girls the chance to really shine — and that’s something I’ve definitely been doing.

Exclusive interior art by Eva Cabrera

MS: Right away, the cinephile in me flashes back to things like Rebel Without a Cause, for this kind of flipside to the more square version of the 1950s Riverdale has always represented. How much of that dynamic is at play for you as a writer?

JLR: I’m absolutely relying on that — my biggest inspiration for this book was Russ Meyers’ Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! along with other ‘60s and ‘70s cult/exploitation flicks like The Wild Ones and Switchblade Sisters.

But I also wanted to make sure that it’s not just violence and shock — there’s a real story about empowerment and female friendship in here that really is the core of the entire series. I’m just also a big B-movie fan so it helps to have that lend its hand in my writing!

Exclusive interior art by Eva Cabrera

MS: You’re working with something exceptional for the industry today, and Archie Comics too — an all-woman creative team. How is the series developing with Eva Cabrera, Elaina Unger, and Rachel Deering on art, color, and lettering?

JLR: I couldn’t be more excited to be working with this team — these ladies are all incredibly talented, thoughtful and just all-around excellent freelancers. Every one of them brings something different to the table and I love it.

Since I have a hand in editorial as well, I really get to see all aspects of this book come together, and this so far has been such a smooth ride and everyone working on it — including all of the amazing variant artists — have been so supportive and excited about the project that it’s just been totally inspiring.

Cover art by Fiona Staples

MS: Any final thoughts or special teases for the arrival of B&V Vixens?

JLR: I just hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it and putting it together. We’re not afraid to take risks on this book so expect to see a lot of wild things — and keep an eye out for many classic characters to make their return!

 

The newest ongoing series from Archie Comics, B&V Vixens, arrives in comic shops this November! Pre-order through your comic shop today!

Cover art by Robert Hack

BETTY AND VERONICA: VIXENS #1

NEW ONGOING SERIES! The toughest gang in Riverdale is one you’d least expect: the Vixens, led by Riverdale High’s own Betty and Veronica!

Script: Jamie L. Rotante
Art: Eva Cabrera, Elaina Unger, Rachel Deering
Cover: Eva Cabrera
Variant Covers: Robert Hack, Fiona Staples
On Sale Date: 11/15
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.

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