Written by Alex Segura & Matthew Rosenberg
Art by Joe Eisma; Jack Morelli; & Matt Herms
Cover Art by Joe Eisma
SUMMARY:
Published by Archie Comics for November 2017, this kick-off issue reboots Archie’s garage rock band with Betty, Veronica, Jughead, and Reggie. After a wildly fun opening gig, The Archies look to their leader for their next move. Upgrading their faltering equipment is on the to-do list. Despite all their brainstorming, Jughead drags Archie along to check out their competition for some much-needed inspiration. When Archie brings the band together to discuss his game plan, could his friends have some surprises in store for him?
Note: There are three alternate covers by Matthew Dow Smith, Sandy Jarrell & Kelly Fitzpatrick, and Thomas Pitilli.
REVIEW:
Sporting ultra-glossy visuals from a reliable art squad, this low-key opener is an intriguing re-launch of The Archies. Instead of comical hijinks, co-writers Alex Segura & Matthew Rosenberg seek a realistic yet still kid-friendly approach. While Betty, Veronica, and Reggie have minimal screen time, Archie and Jughead’s scenes indicate the push to transform them into believable teens instead of perpetuating their cartoony personas for chuckles. It’s hard to predict how entertaining this series might be, but The Archies # 1 hints that a worthwhile experiment is in progress.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The inside front cover provides a paragraph-long synopsis setting up this issue’s storyline. One page depicts all four covers for The Archies #1. The single-page “Riverdale Gazette” column includes this issue’s recommended playlist from the Segura/Rosenberg writing duo. A trade paperback, “The Archies and Other Stories,” is advertised to include this series, along with Big Moose and Jughead: The Hunger. The Archies # 2 also gets a full-page reveal.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
