I just picked up Archie #1, from Mark Waid and Fiona Staples... and it was pretty terrific, I thought. I don't want to spoil it now, but most of what we recognize as Archie (storywise, not stylewise) is there, or right around the corner. Archie & Betty are a long-time couple suddenly on the outs, Jughead's his best friend, Reggie is a jerk, etc. There's a more diverse cast here at the ground floor than previously, which is a good thing. I'll be very happy to read more of this... it's a lot of fun.
Anyone else pick it up?
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Awesome -- glad to hear it!
I did, and read it right away. Loved it. I loved the subtle way they kind of toyed with the storytelling.
I'll pick up an Archie comic every once in a while, but only as a novelty (Archie vs. the Punisher, etc.). The only Archies I ever read as a kid were in the dentist's office or at someone else's house or something like that. I have several collections of the older material, but other than that I have never truly liked Archie comics.
Having said that, I bought and read the new Archie #1 yesterday and absolutely loved it!
I'll likely continue to read it, for a few more issues at least.
It's in the first "reply" of the July 8 Guide. (Start at the first page, not with the last reply.) With all the new titles and variant covers from Marvel and DC, the guides have been running long lately. I'm experimenting with a new style to try and keep the Guides to a single take, which I'll introduce this week or next. Should make scrolling easier, and maybe funner too.
Wandering Sensei: Moderator Man said:
This is an excellent analysis. I've got an upcoming column on Archie #1 -- mind if I quote you?
Alexandra Kitty said:
Apologies, Cap! I kept looking for "Archie Comics" at the beginning of the first post.
Agreed on Kevin Keller--I can see people getting offended, but I think this is still a very realistic take on the character.
Well done analysis, Kitty! I wish I had taken enough care while reading the issue (the first time) to write about it so well.
I read this while working at my LCS on Saturday after all of the positivity about it, AND I just don't get it, man. I won't say I hated it, but I also wouldn't say I liked it. Like the original gang I found Jughead the only interesting character. I just can't give a rip about these kids. To be honest I didn't give a rip about them when I was younger either. Just not a series for me. Glad everyone else is enjoying it though.