Publisher: Archie Comics
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Fiona Staples, Andre Szymanowicz with Jen Vaughan, Jack Morell
Release date: OUT NOW!!!
Price: $3.99

Comic book superstar Mark Waid has re-booted a legend in the shape of carrot-topped eternal teen Archie Andrews. For those who have just said: ‘Archie who?’ believe me, you have led a sheltered childhood if you missed out on the high jinks of Archie at Riverdale High. And for those who said: ‘Didn’t Archie used to be on the radio?’ maybe you should ask the grandkids to explain it to you. (Note to editor: Even you may not be venerable enough to understand that last reference so feel free to wield the blue pencil judiciously!)

In this opening gambit, Archie is broken hearted over the breakup with his childhood sweetheart Betty. And the question on everyone’s lips is: How could this happen? They were the perfect couple and if they’re not together the very foundation of the cosmos is threatened. Such is the drama of teen life in this idealised American universe. Obviously such a tragedy cannot be allowed to stand and all stops are pulled out to get those two crazy kids back together again. And if you love it when a plan comes together, maybe you’d be better off not asking Jughead to give you a helping hand!

Archie #1is a masterclass in economic storytelling that introduces an entire cast of characters that will bring back fond memories for older readers yet is simultaneously fresh and exciting for newcomers to the brand. Gone are the more slapstick, cartoony elements of early incarnations of Archie, replaced by slick, funny dialogue and pitch perfect artwork. Gone too are the one issue, one story concept in favour of a continuing plotline that looks set to bring in some more realistic elements to balance the humour.

Variant covers by first class artists is always a sign that a series is being touted as the next big thing and Archie has them in spades including J. Scott Campbell, Jerry Ordway and Dean Haspiel. You’ll find all the old gang here, Archie, Betty, Jughead and Reggie plus some new faces that fit in just fine. And did someone say Veronica? Well, you have to have something to look forward to in #2 don’t you?

And why did Archie and Betty break up? Concerned readers need to know Mr Waid! As a bonus, there is a reprint of the first Archie story from Pep Comics #22, from 1941! And if you thought you knew Archie before, just take a look at this and you’ll realise just how much Archie has evolved. Archie may be the oldest teenager in town, but Archie Andrews is going to be the teen of contemporary choice.

Reviewer: Gary Orchard
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker