Talking ‘Sabrina The Teenage Witch: Magic Unleashed’ With Craig Boldman And Steve Butler, Plus *Exclusive* Preview

The title of this one-shot is Magic Unleashed, but will it be Sabrina with the power or the new villain squad of Mother Striga, Mad Doc Doom and Medusa holding all the cards? It sounds like Sabrina will have her hands full either way in this new story by writer Craig Boldman and artist Steve Butler. With inks by Lily Butler, colors by Glenn Whitmore, and letters by Jack Morelli, here’s what Craig and Steve were able to spill about their lead tale, as well as some exclusive art:

Rachel Bellwoar: The cover for this one-shot doesn’t give much away about the plot. What can you tell us about Sabrina the Teenage Witch: Magic Unleashed?

Craig Boldman: Magic and science. When you put the classic mad scientist together with the archetypical wicked witch, each eager to outdo and impress the other, it’s liable to create some collateral damage. Not just in their workshop, but in the universe!

Steve Butler: I can tell you that it has all the Sabrina magical action that I enjoy drawing in it, with some unexpected guest appearances … how’s that for a tease?

Bellwoar: Will most of this story be taking place in Greendale and were there any other locations that excited you?

Boldman: The action takes place in and around Eyegore Estates — I love this addition to the Riverdale landscape — but the ramifications potentially spread far beyond.

Butler: Eyegore Estates is home to all the monsters and magical beings inhabiting Sabrina’s corner of the Archie Universe. Personally, I’ve always been a “monster kid” at heart, and these Sabrina stories allow me to indulge in that obsession — there’s lots of maniacal mayhem going on in this issue for sure!

Bellwoar: On the best of days, Mad Doc Doom and his daughter, Medusa, don’t always get along. Should we be putting much stock in their new alliance with Mother Striga?

Boldman: Medusa and Doc display some of the parent-teen turbulence typical of many families. Theirs just happens to be powered by forbidden science and madness. As for Doc’s and Striga’s “alliance,” rumor is that it’s more personal than professional, but we’ll see how that develops.

Butler: I think Mad Doc Doom might be a little bit infatuated with the malevolent magical power at Mother Striga’s command, but that may just be a means to combine it with his own vile genius to further his own ends. As for Medusa, I’m not sure she really wants to have anything to do with these two maniacal miscreants being an item because maybe it disrupts her own agenda?

Bellwoar: Mother Striga is a character you and Lily designed, Steve, but I believe this is your first time drawing Mad Doc and Medusa. How has it been getting to come up with your own takes on them?

Butler: I enjoyed drawing both of them in this story and getting to explore their family dynamic a bit — I’d love to draw them again sometime, planning some new scheme together!

Boldman: Steve and Lily design characters that feel iconic right out of the gate. I joined with them to introduce Daisy Thunder, Riverdale’s racing enthusiast, who made her debut in Archie and Friends Hot Rod Racing #1. And now Mother Striga, who first popped up in the 2024 Sabrina Annual Spectacular, is the nightmare fuel that feels like your earliest bad dreams.

Bellwoar: Sabrina has been accumulating quite the roster of antagonists lately. Is it about time she met some new allies?

Boldman: It is, and she does. But in the end, you have to depend on yourself. And that’s never been more true for Sabrina as demonstrated in this story. But with a twist.

Butler: All I can say is to keep your eyes peeled!

Bellwoar: If you had the choice, would you rather be able to wield magic (like Sabrina and Mother Striga) or create inventions (like Mad Doc and Medusa)?

Boldman: Why not both? When Medusa and the Dooms get together, it’s the worst of both worlds. What could be more fun than that?

Butler: I think I enjoy where I’m at, getting to draw both!

Bellwoar: Thanks for agreeing to this interview, Craig and Steve!

Sabrina the Teenage Witch: Magic Unleashed goes on sale September 3rd from Archie Comics. The FOC date is August 11th.