New York, NY (July 15, 2011): It’s been a busy and important year for Archie Comics, and there’s plenty more to unveil and discuss.

After months of unprecedented media attention, major initiatives, character debuts and stories and artwork that stand among the best in the company’s history, Archie Comics is ready to storm San Diego – and kick things into even higher gear.

In addition to major topics like Archie’s forward-looking and innovative digital presence, LIFE WITH ARCHIE MAGAZINE, the success of MEGA MAN and SONIC, the sales powerhouse that is KEVIN KELLER’s own series and the company’s first original graphic novel, ARCHIE BABIES, the company is prepared to make a number of major, game-changing announcements in the days leading up to and during the convention, which is the premiere pop culture event of the year. We hope to see you there, or following along with us via our official Facebook page or Twitter.

The San Diego Comic Con takes place Thursday, July 21st, through Sunday, July 24th, at the San Diego Center. Archie Comics will be located at Booth #2547.

Here’s a rundown of the Archie and Archie-related panels happening at the show:

Archie Comics: The Future of Riverdale and Beyond

Saturday, July 23rd, 11:00a.m. -12:00p.m.

Room 23ABC

Archie Comics has continued to be a trailblazing publisher in comics, and there’s much more in store! Join Archie Co-CEO Jon Goldwater, President Mike Pellerito, Editor in Chief Victor Gorelick, iVerse’s Michael Murphey, superstar creators Dan Parent (Kevin Keller), Michael Uslan (Batman, Life with Archie), IDW’s Greg Goldstein and Executive Director of Publicity and Marketing Alex Segura (Archie & Friends) for a look into the future of Archie stories, major announcements, special guest stars, digital and much more! Get a free copy of KEVIN KELLER #1 if in attendance!

Comic Book Fairs: Using Comics as a Literacy Tool

Join a diverse group of panelists from across the comic book, education and nonprofit industries for a frank and educational discussion celebrating and appreciating the role of Archie comics in academia. Archie Comics Co-CEO and former teacher Nancy Silberkleit leads a panel that includes Kimberly Earle (CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving), Michael Bitz (ComicBookProject.org) and David Rojas (Archie Education) to discuss how schools can adopt comics in the classroom, how to create comic book-oriented lesson plans, student-created comic book projects and what Archie Education has planned.

Archie Comics: Building a Video Game Comic Legacy with Sonic and Mega Man

Sunday, July 24th, 11:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.

Room 32AB

For years, Archie has crafted a detailed, epic and exciting comic universe around Sonic the Hedgehog and the many wonderful characters that populate the universe of the SEGA character. Now, Archie has added a Mega Man series to the fold – featuring the compelling, detailed universe of the best-selling video game series. Join writer Ian Flynn (Sonic, the Hedgehog, Sonic Universe, Mega Man), Editor Paul Kaminski (Sonic, Mega Man), Archie President Mike Pellerito and Executive Director of Publicity and Marketing Alex Segura for a discussion that promises to be full of big Sonic and Mega Man news, teasers, artwork and more!

There will also be daily signing with Archie Creators

Thursday, July 21st

2-3: Dan Parent & Rich Koslowski

3-5: Ian Flynn

Friday, July 22nd

2-3: Dan Parent & Rich Koslowski

3-5: Ian Flynn & Ben Bates

Saturday, July 23rd

11-12: Ian Flynn & Ben Bates

1-2: Dan Parent & Rich Koslowski

2-3: Michael Uslan & Batton Lash

3-5: Jon Goldwater, Mike Pellerito, Victor Gorelick & Craig Yoe

5-6: Bill Galvan & Alex Segura

Sunday, July 24th

11-12: Batton Lash & Bill Galvan

12-1: Dan Parent & Rich Koslowski

1-2: Bill Galvan & Alex Segura

2-3: Ian Flynn & Ben Bates

For the latest updates about Archie Comics’ San Diego Comic Con panels and signings, log on to ArchieComics.com!