Talking Moose And Archie Comics With Social Media Manager Chris Cummins

From Vegas to Hot Dog, Riverdale is full of memorable pets — so much so that Moose is starting to feel left out. All that is about to change, though, in “Canine Chaos,” a new story for the World of Betty &Veronica Jumbo Comics Digest by first time Archie Comics writer Chris Cummins. With colors by Glenn Whitmore and art and letters by Rex Lindsey, Cummins (who’s also Archie’s social media manager) answered some questions about the story below:

Rachel Bellwoar: While “Canine Chaos” is about Moose, the story opens with Pow and his dog Tiny. I haven’t been able to find out much about them. Have they appeared in Archie Comics before?

Chris Cummins: So the character with his trademark sleeveless POW T-shirt and pink pants and amazing haircut only previously appeared once before, in a 1970s Gag Bag one-page story that was drawn by the legendary Dan DeCarlo. (It is reprinted in the new digest immediately after my story). I have been obsessed with this character for years, and daydreamed about bringing him back. The great folks at Archie Comics – especially Mike Pellerito, Jon Goldwater and Shannon Goldwater – gave me carte blanche to do whatever I wanted in this story, so my first order of business was bringing this character back as a nemesis for our heroes. (I gave him the name POW because I like the idea of him wearing a shirt with his name on it). Fun Fact: He does have a connection with an existing peripheral Archie character, which I hope to explore in future stories. I look at him as kind of the evil mirror universe version of Moose.

Bellwoar: Speaking of Moose, what made you gravitate towards him for your first Archie story?

Cummins: Moose has been a favorite character of mine since I was little, and I love how he has evolved from ‘dumb guy in Riverdale’ to being really nuanced over the years. I am a massive fan of how Moose was handled in The Married Life magazine, where Moose had anger management issues. I subtly reference that in my story by having him mention how he doesn’t fight anymore. Moose is great, and I am hoping to write more adventures about him in the future!

Bellwoar: While this story plays with this, how much do you think pets tend to mirror the personalities of their owners?

Cummins: Oh, I think 100%! Don’t get me wrong, I love cats too – the cats of my dear friends Mary, Sean and Derek all make cameos in this story – but I look at cats as being more mischievous and independent whereas in my experience dogs really are a reflection of the personalities of their person. I’m not sure exactly why this is, but it delights me to no end!!!

Bellwoar: I won’t giveaway the ending but were there any alternate animals that came close to being Moose’s pet?

Cummins: Nope, it was always going to have that conclusion. Archie President Mike Pellerito was a great sounding board, and artist Rex Lindsey – just an absolute comics icon – brought the reveal to life so brilliantly and hilariously!

Bellwoar: I may have been tipped off that you and your dog, Dumpling, have a cameo in this story. How does it feel to be part of the Archie-verse?

Cummins: A literal dream come true. Dumpling is the second rescue pug I’ve been fortunate to have in my life, and as you can guess from the story, I am a massive supporter of animal rescues. I’ve dreamt of being in Riverdale since I read my first Archie comic back in 1982, so this cameo – which was Mike’s only note on my script, that I should appear in the story – is just an absolute thrill that I can’t quite articulate other than raising my hands up in the air and shouting GAHHHHHHHHHHH like a real live Muppet. It is an unbelievable joy and an honor.

Bellwoar: As Archie Comics’ social media manager, are there any pieces of Archie lore that you’ve been especially excited to uncover or research?

Cummins: Before officially working for Archie Comics, I was Den of Geek’s Archie historian, and did several Nerd Nite talks about all things Archie and did everything from talking about Archie on NPR to appearing on various podcasts to share my enthusiasm for all things Archie, so this job is a perfect fit. Through conversations with my co-workers I have been able to get information about certain Archie obsessions of mine – like the Archie Restaurant chain of the 1970s – which have been so enlightening. Last year I got to visit the Archie archives, which was overwhelming in the best possible way.

Bellwoar: Thanks for agreeing to this interview, Chris!

World of Betty & Veronica Jumbo Comics Digest #34 is available now from Archie Comics.