Archie Andrews, the comic book character that has delighted readers since 1941, will die this July.

"Well, it was hard decision, there's no doubt about it," Jon Goldwater, Archie Comics CEO, told MTV. "It's not something we took lightly."

On July 16, Life With Archie #36 will be released. The epic book will feature Archie sacrificing his life.

"Issue #36 is going to be...different," Goldwater said. "It's probably the most different comic book we've ever published. It's a very important step in the history of our company."

On July 23, the Life With Archie series will end with the #37 issue. The Life With Archie series takes viewers into the Archie's post-high school life, depicting his adulthood. Often, the storylines are broken up into two different scenarios: one where Archie is married to Veronica, and another with Archie married to Betty.

"The final issue, however, will show readers Archie's final fate in both timelines -- and they're the same," Goldwater told CNN. "...I think it's the natural conclusion to the Life With Archie series."

Goldwater, who is the son of John Goldwater, the creator of Archie, thinks Archie's death will bring an acceptable end to a well-lived life.

"Archie dies as he lived -- heroically," he explained. " He dies saving the life of a friend, and does it in his usual selfless way. Archie has always been a representation of us -- the best of us. Our strengths and our faults."

Goldwater defines the ending, written by Paul Kupperberg along with Goldwater's "input" as "emotional, impactful and classic."

"This isn't a random one-off or 'what-if' story that we're doing as a gag," Goldwater explained. "This is the story that we mapped out carefully and with much thought. This is the death of Archie as we see it, and we're treating it with that same level of gravitas and import. It's a once-in-a-lifetime event, and we are being very considerate about it."

Life With Archie #37 will take place a year after Archie's death, showing how his friends are coping.

"Issue #37 is going to be very uplifting, and it is going to feel very good about what Archie is, who he is, and what it's all been about," Goldwater said.

Goldwater assures skeptical readers that this is really the end of Archie's life.

"This isn't a story we're going to retcon a few weeks from now," the CEO said. "...We expect some level of shock, outrage and surprise -- followed by understanding ... I hope fans will be intrigued by this news, pick up the issues in July and realize they've been given one of the best comics on the stands. They'll be handed a piece of comic book history, featuring some of the most well-known characters in the world saying goodbye to an icon. We want fans to talk about this for years to come."

This isn't the last opportunity to hear about Archie's antics, however. The regular storyline about Archie in high school will still be made, as well as the Afterlife With Archie series and other future spin-offs.

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Follow Scharon Harding on Twitter: @SH____4.

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