Archie and his gang may soon land up in India

Its really good news to here about Archie comics. Read this full story to get full insight.

All of us have vivid memories of going to small lending libraries to grab his colourful comics and get an insight into Americana.

Now, Archie Andrews is set to launch in India, the New York Times reported. The publishers, Archie Comic Publications, have plans to open their first international office in New Delhi. They also want to publish in five different languages and have some exclusive content for the Indian market, including Indian characters.

Plans of an Indian launch have been afoot for the last couple of years. But what really seems to have spurred them on is the enthusiastic response in India to Archie's decision to marry the super-rich and spoilt Veronica Lodge.

The news made headlines across the world in May, and gave the dying comic book teen hero a much-needed lease of life. Archie's popularity has steadily been dipping in his homeland with the advent of graphic novels. His decision to abandon sweet girl-next-door Betty in favour of Veronica revived interest in the world's oldest teen hero. But, it was in India that Archie's decision found maximum response, with fans expressing outrage through blogs.

India is Archie's biggest overseas market. Archie Comics are the biggest selling comics in the country. According to The Variety Book Depot, its distributors in India, each issue sells 10,000 copies here. The sales have been flat for the last few years.

In an effort to net more Indian readers, the company introduced an Indian character in 2007. Raj Patel, a movie-buff, with shiny black hair and dark skin became a part of the Riverdale gang. In Archie Double Digest Vol. 183, Raj brings Archie and his friends to his uncle's video game parlour in India. Archie's legendary clumsiness gives Indian gamers an idea for a new game.

Now, the publishers are seeking to up the ante.

Raj Patel is likely to be joined by a host of other Indian characters as the company readies to open its first offshore office.

In an earlier interview, company president Steven R. Herman had mentioned how the plan is to make Archie characters available in India across various media like publishing, TV, mobile phones, merchandising and using local brand names and Indian festivals in the storylines.

Publishing locally would also help bring down the cost of the comics, which is currently Rs 80 per issue.

Are we ready for Veronica in a sari? That remains to be seen.

But for fans here, there is another piece of good news. It turns out that in the November edition of the comic, Archie proposes to the lady- in- waiting, Betty Cooper.

Who will he finally marry? Watch this space.