Singapore is turning 60 this year, which means all sorts of celebrations are kicking into high gear. It’s no different for the realm of pop culture, with Singapore-based art studio Chiral Comics joining forces with renowned American comic book publisher Archie Comics to create a special cover art for the occasion (referred to as SG60), featuring local elements for the first time in its history.
In the illustration for Betty & Veronica, Summer in the Sun #1, the main quintet of Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, and Reggie are seen snapping a group photograph against the backdrop of Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay. Alongside Archie’s “I Love SG” t-shirt, the durian fruit, which Jughead is eating, also adds to the local flavour.
The limited-edition design is the brainchild of Singaporean artist Kang Jing (KJ), whose credits include Marvel, Star Wars, Power Rangers, and Green Hornet. It isn’t the first time the Chiral Comics founder has brought Singapore into the world of Western comics, either, as Marina Bay Sands was thrust into the spotlight for a previous issue of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers that he worked on.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of franchises being localised because it creates a much deeper connection, like they are part of your world. Last year, I had the opportunity to create a Singapore-exclusive cover for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, which featured the iconic Marina Bay Sands skyline,” he shared with Geek Culture. “This year, with SG60 as the theme, I wanted to continue that spirit by creating something that highlights a familiar and iconic part of Singapore — something that locals can instantly recognise and that fans overseas can also connect with.”
Not everyone will be able to grab hold of the cover, however. The officially licensed release is limited to 300 copies worldwide, making it a special and meaningful SG60 collectible for fans. Pre-orders are now open on the publisher’s social media platforms, starting from US$19.90, and fulfilment is expected in August.
Describing his experience as “surreal” and “nothing short of amazing”, KJ expressed his thoughts on the significance of the SG60 Archie Comics collaboration for the local art scene and himself:
“As a self-taught local artist, this opportunity means a lot to me. I hope it encourages more young artists in Singapore to be brave in chasing their passions and to believe their work can reach an international audience. It’s my dream to see Singapore recognised not just as an economic powerhouse, but also as a vibrant creative arts hub.”
The first issue of Betty & Veronica, Summer in the Sun tells a new story from writer and artist Holly G across 30 pages, featuring contributions from Tania Del Rio, Dan Parent, Goldie Chan, Bill Golliher, Frank Doyle, Dan Decarlo, Jim Amash, Bob Smith, Rudy Lapick, Glenn Whitmore, Jack Morelli, and Vincent Decarlo.
“Archie’s won free tickets to a brand-new waterpark in Riverdale, and he wants the whole gang to join him!” reads its synopsis. “But someone like Veronica doesn’t just go to a water park — she’s there to make a SPLASH!”.
It’s always heartening to see local talents rise on the international stage, much less on a project as iconic as Archie Comics. The series has had a storied legacy, with its origins tracing back to the winter of 1942.
Pre-orders are up now on Chiral Comics’ online store with prices starting at US$19.90, up till CGC Graded + Signed & Remarked versions at US$132.90. Shipping is expected to be in August 2025.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Kevin Low
