Kevin Smith Brings Jay and Silent Bob to Least Likely Place

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Along with leaning against a lot of walls, Kevin Smith’s Jay and Silent Bob have fought angels, clashed with Mark Hamill, and battled waste demons. Now these consistently under-the-influence heroes will be heading where no one ever expected them to go: the world of Archie Comics. Smith has written the double-sized crossover comic “Kevin Smith Presents: Archie Meets Jay & Silent Bob.” The book hits shelves July 9.

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This article contains heavy spoilers for 2022’s “Clerks III.”

Archie has had a lot of wild crossovers whose sales were no doubt helped by the novelty weirdness of the thing – e.g. 1994’s “Archie Meets The Punisher” and 2015’s “Archie vs. Predator” – but according to Smith, this isn’t just about mashing up his two signature stoners with Riverdale’s most famous resident.

“Not only is this my stab at a classic American franchise that existed long before me that I read as a kid … It’s a midlife crisis project about death and learning to deal,” Smith told The Hollywood Reporter.

Taking place after the events of “Clerks III,” which features the death of clerk Dante (Brian O’Halloran), “Kevin Smith Presents: Archie Meets Jay & Silent Bob” is set after Dante’s death. Archie gets a job at the infamous Quick Stop and makes friends with Randal.

Smith is a lifelong fan of Archie Comics, and his filmography is proof of it. He’s made numerous references to the comics, including in “Clerks” and “Chasing Amy.”

“Kevin Smith Presents: Archie Meets Jay & Silent Bob” features art from Fernando Ruiz and Rich Koskowski, colors by Matt Herms, and letters by Jack Morelli.

Archie creative executive Jesse Goldwater reportedly was the one who approached Smith about the idea of an Archie/Askewniverse crossover. Smith was so enthusiastic about the idea, he finished his first draft in a single day.

While he’s better known for his films, Smith is no newcomer to comic book writing. Along with his own “Jay & Silent Bob” comics, he’s written for both Marvel and DC, tackling such prominent series as “Daredevil,” “Spider-Man,” and “Green Arrow.”

THR mentions that “Kevin Smith Presents: Archie Meets Jay & Silent Bob” isn’t the only Askewniverse project on the way. There are plans for a third “Jay & Silent Bob” film, but so far Smith is keeping tight-lipped about it.

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