Written by Fernando Ruiz; Batton Lash; Dan Parent; &
George Gladir
Art by Fernando Ruiz; Stan Goldberg; Dan Parent; Mark McKenna; Henry Scarpelli; Bill Yoshida; Glenn Whitmore; Barry Grossman; & Digikore Studios
Cover Art by Fernando Ruiz & Tito Peña
SUMMARY:
Released by Archie Comics in 2010, this 96-page paperback reprints some spooky Archie tales from 2005-2009. Although no specific issue numbers are provided, a multi-part haunted house caper guest-starring Sabrina the Teenage Witch evidently originated from the World of Archie series. The storyline then crosses over into Archie and Betty & Veronica However, first up is “… Clothes Make the Monster,” it’s up to Riverdale’s answer to Harry Potter to save the town from an invasion of magical Halloween costumes worn by a mind-controlled Archie and his friends.
In the multi-segment “This Old House / House of Riverdale,” Archie’s pals save a decrepit and abandoned home from being condemned by Riverdale’s authorities. Only Sabrina the Teenage Witch realizes that, despite their good intentions, Archie and his gang are unknowingly egging on its resident ghost’s wrath. In a Betty & Veronica tale entitled “An Ax to Grind,” Veronica’s visiting Aunt Gladys gleefully helps the girl pull an elaborate Halloween Night prank on Archie, Reggie, & Jughead. Lastly, from Archie & Jughead, in “For Monsters Only,” the two hapless buddies find their vampire costumes get them invited to a Halloween bash for Riverdale’s real monsters.
REVIEW:
Predictably, the ultra-tame jokes come with extra cheese to make a decent one-and-done read. Of the four stories, only the prolonged “House of Riverdale” risks wearing out its welcome, as Sabrina’s crossover is under-utilized. Still, the Halloweens-theme storytelling and colorful visuals benefit from solid production values, including the artwork being nicely refreshed. Satisfying loyal fans, this trade paperback offers an unofficial companion piece to the animated Archie’s Weird Mysteries TV series.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Betty & Veronica present four pages of Riverdale spoofing scary movie posters. The girls also provide their five-page ‘Ultimate Halloween Bash’ party tips.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars
