Over the weekend, New York Comic Con celebrated comic books and entertainment. It was jam-packed with events, panels, and screenings. This GalleyCat correspondent brought back some news from the show.

1. At the Legendary Comics panel, Frank Miller confirmed that he will publish new Sin City comics with Dark Horse Comics.

2. Archaia Entertainment editor-in-chief Stephen Christy described the graphic novel adaptation of Jim Henson and Jerry Juhl‘s screenplay A Tale of Sand as “Alice in Wonderland meets 127 Hours if directed by Jim Henson.” The graphic novel will be released this December.

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Archie Comics will be celebrate its 70th anniversary with Archie #625. The thirty-two page comic book hit stores on September 28th. For a first look at the issue, follow this link.

Here’s more from the release: “The special issue, written by noted educator Alex Simmons and veteran Archie artist Dan Parent, reveals that a friend of Archie and the gang has a family member with cancer, and because of treatment, may have to move. The Archies then band together to provide help for their friend and get them a spot at the Ronald McDonald House, so they won’t have to leave Riverdale.”

Proceeds from the issue will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House. This charity provides temporary housing to pediatric cancer patients.

Archie Comics and IDW Publishing will collaborate with the rock band KISS on two projects. Reportedly, this will be the first time two major comic publishers have shared a license simultaneously.

Frontman Gene Simmons had this statement in the release: “KISS has a comic book history that spans almost four decades … Archie and IDW will tell two unique and in-your-face tales of KISS, and we’re thrilled to be working with them on these projects.”

Archie Comics will launch the KISS storyline series in November with Archie #627. The four-part mini-series features writing by director of publicity & marketing Alex Segura and illustrations by veteran artist Dan Parent. IDW plans to release their comic in 2012, but has not revealed any further details.

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If you ever wondered what Archie and Jughead were like as toddlers, a new graphic novel will answer all your questions. Archie Comics will publish the early adventures of the red-headed hero.

The Archie Babies graphic novel will carry $9.95 price tag. Mike Kunkel wrote the story and artist Art Mawhinney illustrated. The book goes on sale June 22.

Here’s more from the announcement: “See it all happen from the sandbox to the jungle gym as Baby Archie meets Baby Betty and Baby Veronica. Watch the friendship grow between Baby Archie and Baby Jughead. It’s every bit of the Archie fun you’ve come to expect in a cuter and smaller package.”

Archie Comics has acquired the rights from Capcom to turn the Mega Man video game into a monthly comic book series.

Here’s more from the press release: “Be there from the beginning as Rock is transformed by Dr. Thomas Light into Mega Man! Join him as he battles Dr. Albert W. Wily and his ever-growing army of cyborgs. These exciting new stories are told by Rock himself.”

Mega Man’s first issue will contain 32 pages of full-color illustrations. The $2.99 comic will hit the stands on May 4th.

Dan Parent (pictured) has worked at Archie Comics for over 20 years as an illustrator, writer, and editor. His first big project was Veronica‘s first solo comic.

This year he created Kevin Keller, the series’ first openly gay character. We caught up with Parent to learn more about creating this character. Here are some highlights from the interview.

Q: What inspired you to create Kevin Keller?
A: A combination of a couple of things. First, I had an idea where Veronica falls for the unattainable gay guy, and we really liked the story idea at Archie. Secondly, we were adding a variety of new characters, and wanted to show that Riverdale is a diverse and accepting community.

Q: How would you describe Kevin Keller’s personality?
A: Loyal, smart, fun-loving; really, the all-American boy next door…who just happens to be gay.

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