jmbz38's review
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
jonh's review
4.0
The short of it: Same fun as volume one, maybe a little bit less.
Not much to review beyond what I said in my review for Archie, Vol. 2. Loving faithfulness to the source material, with more emotional depth and character complexity.
The Battle of the Bands storyline felt a little long, but beyond that I enjoyed the read.
Seriously, though: watch Riverdale. I recommend this comic series for sure, but Riverdale is where it's at.
Not much to review beyond what I said in my review for Archie, Vol. 2. Loving faithfulness to the source material, with more emotional depth and character complexity.
The Battle of the Bands storyline felt a little long, but beyond that I enjoyed the read.
Seriously, though: watch Riverdale. I recommend this comic series for sure, but Riverdale is where it's at.
strikingthirteen's review
4.0
Things continue to not go in Archie's favour when it comes to him and Veronica. Despite her father's hatred of him, and Archie's comparably shabby life style in comparison to Veronica's family, they seemed determined to make something work. It's a good and bad characteristic to see in Veronica and I like how well rounded that is when you're used to seeing her a certain way.
My favourite, still, is I think what they've done with Betty and how Betty and Archie's past both informs and uninforms their current relationships. This volume packed a lot of punch without it getting too much and, dang it, I'm hoping the best for this idiot Archie if only for the sake of the people around him!
I miss Fiona Staples and Annie Wu as artists here but Veronica Fish does well in keeping the style going here too. Modern Archie is still working!
My favourite, still, is I think what they've done with Betty and how Betty and Archie's past both informs and uninforms their current relationships. This volume packed a lot of punch without it getting too much and, dang it, I'm hoping the best for this idiot Archie if only for the sake of the people around him!
I miss Fiona Staples and Annie Wu as artists here but Veronica Fish does well in keeping the style going here too. Modern Archie is still working!
dylancampbell's review
4.0
This second volume delivers more of the same wonderful storytelling and wit that made the first so enjoyable.
You might think you've outgrown Archie but these volumes will prove you wrong. You will love these characters again and you will root for them and be frustrated to no end by the constant teenage drama that seems so simple and obvious from a distance. Great writing and great art.
You might think you've outgrown Archie but these volumes will prove you wrong. You will love these characters again and you will root for them and be frustrated to no end by the constant teenage drama that seems so simple and obvious from a distance. Great writing and great art.
djl's review
3.0
This one was good though not as good as volume 1 for me. I think it's because (as expected) the drama was amped up. And I can only take so much drama, especially in a franchise where it's usually far and few between in the stories.
Also... Veronica's dad is even more of a jerk than I thought possible. I understand Mr. Lodge is one of those "old-school rich, white males" that could come off in this manner. However, in the original Archie comics, one of the reasons he moved his family to Riverdale was so Veronica would have a more grounded childhood rather than grow up a spoiled snob. While I know this is a different and more realistic take on the Riverdale gang, it just feels a bit wrong to see Hiram Lodge behaving this way.
On the other side, I was really happy with the portrayal of Archie's parents and Pop Tate, owner of the dining staple, the Chocklit Shoppe. All of them were very supportive of Archie throughout this volume, and Veronica surprised me with how she wanted to try and fit into Archie's world. Her efforts are over-the-top, especially with regard to Mr. and Mrs. Andrews, but I think they see the merit in her attempts. However, there is again another misunderstanding that happens, and geez, there are fires to try and put out. And that cliffhanger ending, wow.
I'm still curious about where Waid will take the story further, though it is now with trepidation, only with regard to the story. It's still fascinating seeing characters I grew up with in this updated art style, and I find Riverdale's varying cast of characters ever more charming and needed in today's society.
Also... Veronica's dad is even more of a jerk than I thought possible. I understand Mr. Lodge is one of those "old-school rich, white males" that could come off in this manner. However, in the original Archie comics, one of the reasons he moved his family to Riverdale was so Veronica would have a more grounded childhood rather than grow up a spoiled snob. While I know this is a different and more realistic take on the Riverdale gang, it just feels a bit wrong to see Hiram Lodge behaving this way.
On the other side, I was really happy with the portrayal of Archie's parents and Pop Tate, owner of the dining staple, the Chocklit Shoppe. All of them were very supportive of Archie throughout this volume, and Veronica surprised me with how she wanted to try and fit into Archie's world. Her efforts are over-the-top, especially with regard to Mr. and Mrs. Andrews, but I think they see the merit in her attempts. However, there is again another misunderstanding that happens, and geez, there are fires to try and put out. And that cliffhanger ending, wow.
I'm still curious about where Waid will take the story further, though it is now with trepidation, only with regard to the story. It's still fascinating seeing characters I grew up with in this updated art style, and I find Riverdale's varying cast of characters ever more charming and needed in today's society.
wrenhannos's review
4.0
Riverdale really could’ve been something good if they’d modelled the show after Waid’s Archie run.
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