Reviews

Archie, by Mark Waid

dkmode's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

A really fun reboot that stays true to the general tone of the original comics while infusing it with enough (light) drama and extra character depth to make it fresh. The perfect creative team for this.

stiricide's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I am... oddly enthusiastic about a reboot of, of all things, Archie Andrews. I also think Jughead might be the nihilist the world needs right now.

ellen's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

lit

booksonstereo_o's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

1. This first volume was very much a foundation book, which made it kind of slow and lacking in the plot department.
2. I loved the characters and their interactions
3. The art style was beautiful and well executed

Check out my full review:https://youtu.be/qKxIctDzOpg

ammcdonald1993's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

orangerful's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Read the FCBD 2016 edition. I am a big fan of Fiona Staples art style though, I love looking at her interpretation of these classic characters. Even though it is Mark Waid, this is still squeaky clean good times Archie.

UPDATE: Finally read the first trade paperback and LOVED IT! Staples artwork is fantastic and Waid manages to create a Riverdale crew that feels modern but still fits the Archie "brand", so to speak.

I'm actually looking forward to the next volume! What a pleasant surprise.

jaclynmaria's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

*3.5*
As someone who LOVES the show, I picked this up wanting to be around these characters more and it is SO DIFFERENT!!! But I did really like it, the artwork was pretty and I flew through the first 6 issues of Archie easily, I’m excited to read more but just know, it’s very different from the tv show! Since I’m so invested in the show, I definitely feel like that hindered my enjoyment of these issues. I did really like it, but I don’t think I “loved” it like every one else does!

tschmitty's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Archie is back and this modern take is a blast. Unlike "Riverdale" Jughead eats the proper amount of burgers, and Veronica is a complete bitch. The artwork, especially the beginning of the series is fab!

the_coriolis_effect's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I'd never read Archie before, but I knew who he was because I don't live under a rock. I know the famous red hair, and what I call the original love triangle with Betty and Veronica. I'd never had much desire to read it.

lilmatt050's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

To check out my reviews: https://dancinginth3dark.wordpress.com/2018/05/30/archie-vol-1-the-new-riverdale/

To say that this brand-new updated version of Archie is phenomenal is an understatement. IT IS [email protected]#KING AMAZING!! (Matthew calm the hell down). Mark Waid as the writer for this serious was brilliant at maintaining the core values of what makes Archie comic while bringing it into the 21st century. Archie as always is the main character and if you are familiar with the classic television show Saved by the Bell then prepare for ultimate nostalgia. Throughout the graphic novel, Archie is constantly breaking the 4th wall with the readers like Zack Morris does and it fits perfectly because we are learning about Archie's world through his point of view.

Immediately we are thrown into high school drama at Riverdale High when news is widely circulated that Betty Cooper and Archie Andrews have broken up. Later on you discover what is exactly the lipstick incident that triggered them parting ways but in the end they try to remain calm and pleasant about the experience. Everyone is utterly shocked because Betty and Archie have glued to each other since they were kids and in high school that type of romance is viewed as practically soul mates. Archie is clearly not over Betty and is a bit confused about all this drama and Betty is still in love with Archie but there is something that is holding her back from resolving this crisis.

Jughead and the entire gang try to find ways at helping solve this dilemma and I gotta admit Jughead is the wise one out of the entire group. While Archie is trying to find ways at moving on with his life it doesn't take much when the new girl, Veronica Lodge comes into the picture and its love at first sight. Archie is head over heels with Veronica and especially the early stages of their encounter she take major advantage of that which causes a riff in Jughead and Betty. Veronica does not deserve Archie in the sense that he is the perfect boyfriend to introduce your parents to unless he so happened to have destroy the wood foundation of the brand new Lodge Mansion.

Archie feels the guilt of destroying the Mansion and is partly why he acts like a dog on a leash around Veronica. When the gang plans of ending Veronica's relationship with Archie fails badly the question of friendship and loyalty comes into play? Will they be able to patch things up and move on or is it the end for Archie and the gang?

The illustrations overall is mind-blowing and it helps that Fiona Staples put her signature thumbprint on this epic new series. If you do not know who she is or rather don't recognize her then you will definitely recognize her illustrations as she has done the artwork for another beautiful graphic novel series Saga. Mark Waid gave a new burst of life into these iconic characters that I am obsessed now to continue the series. I did not have to go to the library today to pick up anything and yet I desperately went because they have the 2nd volume available on the shelf and I look forward for these characters to keep stirring the pot that is high school drama and see how they will grow in the upcoming issues.

I believe this new take on the whole Betty vs Veronica fiasco is interesting and I look forward to see whether Archie is able to decide which one he prefers to be with. I have a feeling it will be Betty in the long run but it is cute to see how Archie is warming up to Veronica. Overall I will admit that Veronica gets on my nerves as this spoiled brat and at times it drives me up the walls to wonder what does Archie see in her that makes me want to spend time with her? I could not fall in love with someone like Veronica based on the sole actions of her character for this first volume.

Betty is not the victim either and you can definitely see where she royally screwed up with Archie. She allowed other girls to voice their opinion on how she should look and behave around him when in fact nothing was wrong to begin. I understand that she is less of a barbie girl but trying to conform for someone is only go lead to room of disappointment for both parties in this relationship. It seems very childish the whole lipstick incident and then I forget this is High School! Of course everything may seem like it is a big deal when it fact it is not at the end of the day. Overall this was a brilliant first volume to kick off the series and I cannot wait to devour all the upcoming volumes!