Watch Riverdale teaser: Archie makes shirtless debut in the new promo

The CW has finally dropped a new promo for Riverdale, the much awaited drama inspired by Archie comics.

The exclusive new promo introduces a handful of characters such as KL Apa as Archie, Camila Mendes as Veronica, Lily Reinhart as Betty and other characters from the comics as they enter their sophomore year of high school, while dealing with a murder-mystery. It also catches viewers' attention with a glimpse of Archie's shirtless avatar, Veronica Lodge, the new girl in the town who tries to grab Archie's attention, and then, the girl next door, Betty Cooper.

The 30-second promo teases bloody hands, a bit of murder, crime scene tape, a schoolyard brawl, cheerleaders, bag of cash, flashing sirens and police officers. So it is definitely going to be 'darker' and much steamier than we thought.

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, chief creative officer told "it's definitely Archie, but a little darker, a little more complex and a little weirder than you might remember from the digest you bought at the supermarket," at San Diego Comic Con earlier this year, Entertainment Weekly reports.

According to TVGuide.com, Archie comics will release an exclusive 48-page one-shot comic book based on Riverdale. It is written by Archie Comics' chief creative officer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

Sacasa said in a statement: "If you're an Archie Comics fan, this series will serve as a great set of standalone stories in the universe of the TV series. We -- myself and the show's writers -- are treating the comics with the same care and attention to detail fans will see on the screen as we weave one, large unforgettable narrative."

Based on the popular Archie comics, Riverdale is from Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, in association with Berlanti Productions, with executive production by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Jon Goldwater.

Riverdale also stars Cole Sprouse as Jughead, Mädchen Amick as Betty's mother Alice, Luke Perry as Archie's father Fred, and Madelaine Petsch as Cheryl Blossom.

Riverdale is set to debut on January 26 at 9pm ET on The CW.

Check out the promo below.