ComicBitsOnline.com

I think that many Archie Comics fans were concerned that DC using the company’s
old action heroes signalled a future sell-off of the company under new  bosses. 
Nancy Silberkleit has been in touch to tell CBO a little about herself and how
she sees the future of Archie Comics.

Nancy Silberkleit is the wife of the late Michael Silberkleit. Michael
was the son of Archie Comics founder,Louis Silberkleit who,with his
partner John L.Goldwater founded Archie Comics in 1942.  Michael was the
second generation owner,publisher and co-chairman of Archie Comics.
After Michael’s death in 2008,Nancy Silberkleit stepped into the role of
co-CEO along with John Goldwater co-CEO,as her partner to continue the
Goldwater/ Silberkleit legacy. By assuming Michael’s position in the
organization,she is ensuring that one of the longest running comic book
publishing companies is still a family-owned business. Nancy was excited
to share her feelings with our readers as she takes on Michael’s position
at Archie.
“I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual major in Art and Education
from Boston College.  Throughout my studies,I became responsible for
creating art programs for 5 to 12 year olds;one in an orphanage in
Dayton, Ohio and the others in summer camp programs in New Jersey and
Massachusetts. For over twenty years I have taught art in the New Jersey
public schools. I was the original force behind the development of the
Hudson Valley Children’s Museum in Nyack,New York and I also worked with
the East Hampton Library in East Hampton,NY in creating an annual
fundraiser in which famous authors are introduced to their readers during
a special evening filled with enriching entertainment and intellectual
interaction. I have also developed a specially tailored drawing program
for art teachers to teach the skill of drawing animated characters. The
lessons I learned interacting with 5 to 12 year olds will bring a new
prospective to our comics and I will continue to keep us in touch with
our core audience.
“I have never been one to see a glass half empty,but instead a glass that
overflows with opportunities and solutions. I think out of the box and I
am a 24/7/365 day personality. I embrace learning and strive to be
proactive in order to follow my motto to its fullest: to make a
difference in the world. My favorite organizations that I have recently
been a participant in are Renaissance Weekend and The League,which
gather diverse individuals from many industries to share ideas and become
involved in global social issues. My steady optimism and genuine
enthusiasm enable me to continue to learn and grow. These values are
reflected in all of our comics and make Archie a strong and successful
company. I have inherited my husband’s drive to maintain the values that
Archie Comics stands for and I am determined to continue his legacy.  I
seek to foster my husband’s interest in diversity. In recent years Archie
has introduced many new characters with diverse ethnic backgrounds. This
will continue, as Riverdale High continues to represent the ideal model
to which all High Schools aspire.
“Michael lived and breathed Archie Comics every minute of every day. He
grew up with Archie and was proud of his father’s accomplishment. Michael
started with Archie in the mail room and personally preformed every job
in the company at one time or another. Archie was his world and I was
privileged to share it with him for over twenty years. Michael never
stopped working, even when he left the office. I was a part of the daily
goings on at Archie every day of our lives together. He used me as a
sounding board for his ideas and often asked for my opinions. The people
at the company who worked with Michael are like part of my extended
family. They have supported me and have become an important asset in
helping me adjust to my new position. While everything is new, it is also
familiar because I have seen it all before through Michael’s eyes. I have
a vision for the company and I believe in the values that Michael kept
dear to him.  I plan on taking them and expanding into the new generation
without changing the original qualities. I am learning to grow into the
future without deviating from the original Archie Comic values. The best
is yet to come, and Archie Comics are cooler than ever!”
And I’m sure there are plenty of Archie Comics fans out there who are glad
to hear that the tradition is set to continue.  Here’s wishing Nancy success
as new co-CEO!