King Features Syndicate is expanding its portfolio of animated icons with Archie Comics’ Betty and Veronica.

Archie Comics has tapped King Features to lead the licensing strategy for the Riverdale pair and hopes it will usher in a new era for the characters at retail. 

The property will make its debut under the KFS banner at Licensing Expo next week in Las Vegas, Nev.

Archie Comics is in the midst of a renaissance, having made a recent live-action film announcement with Warner Bros. and a series of new storylines in the comic book series.

Following this momentum, King Features will look to support the franchise with product in categories including apparel, fashion accessories, electronic accessories, stationery and gifts.

“Betty and Veronica are two names that have an automatic resonance in pop culture. They’re also characters that convey two very distinct personalities–a yin and yang of sensibilities–that will play nicely as we expand the brand at retail,” says Ita Golzman, vice president, North American licensing, King Features. “We’re thrilled to be working with Archie Comics on this program and think that our history within this space is going to prove very successful.”