ABOUT THE BOOK:
America’s Favorite Teenager, Archie Andrews, is reborn in the pages of this must-have graphic novel collecting the first six issues of the comic book series that everyone is talking about. Meet Riverdale High teen Archie, his oddball, food-loving best friend Jughead, girl-next-door Betty and well-to-do snob Veronica Lodge as they embark on a modern reimagining of the beloved Archie world. It’s all here: the love triangle, friendship, humor, charm and lots of fun – but with a decidedly modern twist.
Brought to you by some of the masters of the comic book genre, including writer Mark Waid and the all-star lineup of artists: Fiona Staples, Annie Wu and Veronica Fish, the first volume of ARCHIE presents readers with a new take on the beloved Archie Comics concepts while retaining the best elements from the company’s 75 years of history. ARCHIE VOL. 1 collects ARCHIE #1-6 and features bonus content including scripts, sketches, variant covers and the full first issue of the all new JUGHEAD series by acclaimed writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Erica Henderson.
Archie, Vol. 1: The New Riverdale by Mark WaidMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Archie, Vol 1- The New Riverdale by Mark Waid, Fiona Staples (Illustrator), Annie Wu (Illustrator), Veronica Fish (Illustrator) is a 2016 Archie Comics publication.
As an old timer, I grew up eagerly awaiting the Sunday paper so I could read the color comic section. Archie was one of my favorites, as were the cartoons which aired on television Saturday or Sunday. I may have even owned a few Archie Comics at one time.
When my kids were growing up, however, the comics and cartoons etc., they were interested in were vastly different. I didn’t keep up with the comic trends and didn’t understand the furor over graphic novels until recently.
Learning about graphic novels, comics and manga has been very interesting, and fun. I have discovered some subscription services – one for Marvel Comics, one for Archie Comics and of course, ComiXology. I’ve stuck with the latter for starters since it has a nice mix of everything, as I am still experimenting.
I think the Marvel Comics material pretty much speaks for itself and I would expect nothing less than the best in writers, art, and presentation. But I’ve been curious about the Archie comics, wondering what made the imprint so wildly popular.
Well, now I know.
This is an updated version, or reboot, if you will, of the classic Archie comics, but never fear, the changes aren’t THAT radical. This is still benign teenage fare- or at least it is, so far. The love triangle between Archie, Betty and Veronica, the hunger-gut, Jughead, and other favorite characters are here, along with a few new ones. The stories included in the first collection are original and the added elements of diversity and inclusivity are only fitting.
The graphics and art blew me away! Wow! Amazing, vivid colorization. The novel works better than any graphic novel I’ve tried reading on my Kindle. I can see the dialog easily, and I loved that the author had respect for the old school Archie comics, maintaining the same atmosphere, but obviously resonating with the modern reader. It still brought back fond memories.
Overall, this collection was great fun and I’m going to make an effort to continue on with the series, although it is most definitely geared towards teens and the YA audience.
I can’t lie and tell you I didn’t get into the love triangle, or that I didn’t chuckle at the angst and drama or find the story wildly entertaining. So, I’m all in!
GRAB A COPY HERE:
https://www.amazon.com/Archie-Vol-1-Mark-Waid-ebook/dp/B01BXB96QS/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/archie-vol-1-mark-waid/1122258917
ALSO AVAILBLE WITH YOUR COMIXOLOGY SUBSCRIPTION!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mark Waid (born March 21, 1962 in Hueytown, Alabama) is an American comic book writer. He is best known for his eight-year run as writer of the DC Comics' title The Flash, as well as his scripting of the limited series Kingdom Come and Superman: Birthright, and his work on Marvel Comics' Captain America.
