Advanced Review: The Archies #1

The Archies #1 
Writers: Alex Segure & Matt Rosenberg
Artists: Joe Eisma, Matt Herms, Jack Morelli
Publisher: Archie Comics 

A Review by Greg Brothers 

This October Matthew Rosenberg and Alex Segure kick off a new series featuring Riverdale’s hometown band, The Archies, who head out on tour for the first time with big dreams on their mind. If that’s not enough to get you interested, maybe the official solicit from Archie Comics will:

What’s next for the teenage rockers The Archies? When someone makes a decision that leaves the rest of the band scrambling, can the group keep it together? It’s friendship vs. fame in this must-read #1 issue to the new, ongoing THE ARCHIES series!

The truth is that I cannot remember the last time that I read an Archie comic. However, once I saw the creative team, I knew I had to at least check it out.

The Archies #1 is an easy jumping on point for anyone new to the Archie universe. While you might not know right away what each of the characters’ personalities are, that does not take away from the reading experience. Segure and Rosenberg are able to make those personalities stand out without alienating new readers. At the same time, longtime fans of the series should find enough easter eggs hidden within the art and the dialogue to satisfy them. Segure and Rosenberg also made the choice to use plenty of fourth wall breaking throughout the book. It is a choice that fits well. It gives the readers the feeling of being part of the group.

There are a few points in the script where it feels like there are gaps. Without going into spoilers, there are two characters that are absent for part of the book. When they return, it feels like the reason for their absence took too long for what they accomplished. In another scene, Archie and Jughead head out and Archie seems way too surprised about the plans for another local band. With a town like Riverdale, everyone would have heard the rumors about the fate of a local band.

The Archies #1 has art that is clean and crisp with strong line work. The character designs fit the traditional ideas of the characters with modern twists. At no point do any of the characters feel as if they are just eating up the scenes. The coloring is bright and engaging. The panel layout is traditional, with a few full-page spreads. One of those spreads is particularly beautiful as it shows Archie enjoying the concert of another local band.

Verdict:

Buy it! If you have been looking for a reason to jump into the Archie universe, then The Archies #1 is for you. The story is easily accessible for everyone, longtime fan or newbie. The writing team does a wonderful job making the reader feel like they are part of the action, and the art team creates attractive panels that complement the writing well.

The Archies #1 is on Sale October 4^th, and preorders are due today 9/11.