In latest comic issue, Archie and friends revel in colours of Holi

Popular comic book character Archie and his friends are learning about Holi as the celebration of the festival of colours in India is featured in the comic’s latest edition.

Co-CEO of Archie Comic Publications Nancy Silberkleit told media that Holi celebration is part of a new 10 page Archie comic story in ‘The World of Betty & Veronica digest #38’ released Thursday, coming as the festival of colours is being celebrated in India and around the world.

“The thought behind this is the beauty of India that I have experienced in India,” Silberkleit said on featuring the story of Holi in the comic book.

In the digest, the story on Holi is titled ‘Celebration Surprise’, with Archie and his beloved friends Betty and Veronica learning about Holi and the traditions of fun and food associated with it.

She said that another important ingredient to this project was her desire to celebrate Om Arora, the owner of Delhi-based Variety Book Depot credited with connecting Archie Comics to India.

“After so many decades of Om’s business ‘The Variety Book Depot’ being the distributor of Archie throughout India, Om and I unite, we are family,” she said.

“Just think a comic book company and a gentleman from India made a journey decades ago to request distribution of Archie Comics into India,” she added.

Silberkleit recalls her own experiences of celebrating Holi during her travels to India, through which she said she has also experienced art that celebrates India’s creativity.

“My travels mainly to New Delhi, Pune, Jaipur have always been business. I know there is so much more for me to learn about India, it’s people, the vibrancy and the culture. I’m excited to explore more of India, especially Goa and Ooty that I have heard so much about,” Silberkleit said.

“My heart has two homes: the US and India!”

Silberkleit shared that the bonds she has created with India and its people during her travels to the country are the “ingredients” that led to the ‘Celebration Surprise’ story on Holi.

“It’s been the experience of many generous people I have met on these travels. Inviting me into their homes has been extraordinarily touching. I have learned so much from each person’s generosity, it has stamped a lasting connection to my memory of that individual into my heart,” she said.

“Friendships, cooking, the beautiful colours of India, streets always celebrating life are the ingredients that sparked Celebration Surprise,” she said.