[REVIEW] ‘JUGHEAD’S TIME POLICE’ BRINGS A FRESH VOICE TO A CLASSIC CONCEPT

Writer: Sina Grace
Artist: Derek Charm
Colorist: Matt Herms
Letterer: Jack Morelli
Publisher: Archie Comics

Archie Comics continues to be one of the more interesting publishers in comics right now, throwing every new idea (or new take on an old one) at the wall and pulling the “walk away without looking back to see if it stuck” move. Their latest wild card, Jughead’s Time Police, is a modern-ish reboot of a classic title.

When Jughead’s entry in the Riverdale Pie Contest not only fails to woo the judges, but in fact gives them food poisoning, he is banned from the Pie Fair for life. Unable to cope with such a devastating outcome, Jughead comes to the conclusion that the only solution is to … build a time machine!

Writer Sina Grace brings a great sense of humor to this script. He addresses the utterly ridiculous concept with a perfectly straight face that only highlights how much fun this book is. This is an introductory issue, setting up a very weird foundation and promising that things will only get weirder from here. But it’s able to get all the pieces into place and still manage to be an enjoyable read in its own right. And there are a few background gags worth keeping an eye out for.

The art by Derek Charm, with colors by Matt Herms, is similarly on point. He maintains the classic cartoon feel of Archie while bringing a modern flair. Much like how the writing puts a matter-of-fact shine on the over-the-top time travel plot, Charm similarly brings just the right level of camp to the art to make you feel at home within the story.

There may be a few bumps within the storytelling, but nothing bumpy enough to mention here. And above all, this is a fun read. A book you can pick up and enjoy without any baggage. If you’re an Archie fan, you’ll love this. If you’re not familiar with Archie, but you like fun, silly storytelling, you’ll still probably have a good time (also now I kind of want to try making a lemon meringue pie).

Jughead's Time Police #1

8.9

Stylish Art

9.5/10

Commitment to the Concept

9.0/10

Quips that Land

7.0/10

Jughead being Jughead

10.0/10

Credits

• Clever Storytelling
• Art Sticks the Landing
• Outlandish Concept
• Hot Dog is a Good Boy

Credits (cont)

• Some Corny Dialogue
• Slightly Insubstantial Plot
• May Leave You with Pie-Cravings