Jughead has long been known to fans of the comics and actually most people who are at least aware of the comic as the prototype for the “slacker”. AS he not just the typical teenager, but the type of kid in high school, that you would not notice unless you were paying attention to his friends. In all reality, he is more identifiable than his fellow residents of Riverdale in infinite ways, which makes him so beloved. Another thing about him is he really one of comics original
“foodies”.

Jughead obsesses over comics much in the same way Garfield obsesses over lasagna, and just like his feline counterpart, cracks jokes not only at his expense but also to those surrounding him. When I heard that Chip Zdarsky and Erica Henderson were the team on Jughead, I must admit I was more excited for this reinterpretation, than I was for the flagship title of Archie comics. This was for a couple of reasons, one of them being that my Dad was a huge fan of Jughead, growing up, so I also gravitated towards the character myself. The second reason is that it was long overdue, that the character was updated.

Within the first issue, the reader is basically reintroduced to Jughead, as one would expect his character to act, as he pays through a videogame for hours, without noticing how much time has flown. The reader is reminded just how much of a “smart alec”, Jughead really is, giving his friend, Archie, some of his classic smarminess, to pissing off Betty, just the same. His sense of humor is all over the place on the first issue, form rejoicing the graduation of a principal, to protesting over cafeteria food to having a Game of Thrones dream. By issue’s end, you are more than reminded just why Jughead is more than the best friend and why he will never be the sidekick.

Overall, an excellent reboot. Zdarsky is in top form here, showing and proving that he is a complete comic creator, as his illustrator skills have been on display on other projects but it is his writing which confirms his super talent status. Henderson’s style serves this comic’s voice spring forward in simultaneously beautiful and funny way. In conclusion, an excellent comic that proves just transcendent this character is, as Jughead will always be a slacker we all can love.

Story: Chip Zdarsky Art: Erica Henderson
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Archie Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review