Archie Comics and Oni Press deliver a treat to fans this Halloween season with a new Sabrina the Teenage Witch series by Corinna Bechko and Kano.
As an added bonus, the first issue of Sabrina the Teenage Witch will officially debut at midnight on October 7, giving participating comic shops the chance to share the first issue with readers in the dead of night.
We spoke to Bechko all about the new series in our exclusive interview with the writer.
What was your first reaction when you were approached about writing a new Sabrina the Teenage Witch series?
Corinna Bechko: I think it was “wow!” shortly followed by “Yes!”
There have been many iterations of the character across a number of mediums. What approach are you taking in the new series?
Bechko: I love how elastic all of the Archie characters can be. Sabrina in particular has starred in all sorts of stories. She is at home in romance, horror, gag strips, coming-of-age stories, you name it. But of course that means that there isn’t a lot of completely new ground to cover. So, instead I thought about the tone and feel of “my” Sabrina and went from there. Expect to see this iteration be joyful and mischievous as well as spooky and a little bit wild.
What can you tell us about your collaboration with Kano and what he brings to the series?
Bechko: Kano is amazing! His art is so delightfully fresh and colorful while still being full of emotion and pathos. I simply can’t say enough good things about his work. When I first saw his designs for the characters it instantly gave me dozens of new story ideas because I could really imagine the world we are creating. It’s a privilege to work with him.
How much fun is it writing Salem, Sabrina’s feline sidekick?
Bechko: I adore Salem. He’s such a good sounding board for Sabrina, and he allows me to channel the essence of CAT. He often ends up sneaking into stories I didn’t originally plan for him to play a role in because he always makes everything more fun.
You said previously that if you had the power to cast spells as a sixteen year-old, it might have been problematic. What spell would you have to resist casting in this scenario?
Bechko: Oh gosh, where to begin? As a teen I was extremely devoted to wildlife conservation. That hasn’t changed, as demonstrated by the fact that I have a zoology degree and have spent my life in day jobs that revolve around animals. The difference is that as a full adult I have some sense of consequences. As a teen I probably would have impulsively cast a spell meant to save dolphins from tuna nets and ended up with one in my bathtub or something.
Sabrina #1 will go on sale at midnight on October 7. Will you be at a local comic shop on that day(night) and what are your thoughts on the midnight release?
Bechko: I will indeed! I’ll be at Revenge Of in Los Angeles. I love that we are doing a midnight release. It’s so appropriate for Sabrina. Plus, I’m really proud of this book so the sooner people can read it the better.
Upcoming/current projects?
Bechko: Sabrina is the big one. I also have stories in a couple of anthologies soon as well as a couple of things I can’t talk about yet. I’ve never been busier so it’s a good thing I love to write!
