In a time when remakes and reboots are so common place, it seems as though comics have followed the horse to water on this trend, as DC and Marvel, are constantly rebooting their lines through event series and killing off and revival of characters. It was a just a matter of time, that even some of the indie comic lines, would also look to reboot their series, but I did not see this one coming… Archie. Archie has been part of my family as far back as I can remember, as my Dad introduced me to reading through reading my first Archie Digest. Although my taste in comics shifted over the years, I always ended coming back to reading Archie.

I also introduced my daughters to reading through comics, but not through Archie, but eventually one of them did end up picking it up. I also love the Afterlife with Archie series, so when I heard top talents, Mark Waid and Fiona Staples, were hopping on the series for a short run, I definitely wanted to see what they would do with it. The Archie Comics president definitely has a major plan that gives everyone a fresh look at the comics’ line. Suffice to say, these guys deliver in a major way, from the look of the book to the actual storyline, this is a nice concise book.

The story opens up with Archie breaking the third wall, as he introduces himself and Riverdale to the world. You also are introduced to Betty, who as can be seen, has broken up with Archie, who Betty is actually trying to defend to everyone. You are also introduced to Archie’s Dad, who just so happens to have taught him how to play a guitar. This sets him up, as a guitar hero at a school dance.

Waid has portrayed Archie in the most realistic view as possible, as he a teenager with normal adolescent problems and feelings. This is probably the most attractive part of this book, as I cannot remember his story being as effectual as what Waid has put in these pages. Staples definitely has done a great job here, as I am so used to her work on Saga,that I feel like I am cheating on Saga with her on this book but you can tell for her, it is a love for these characters that ring true in her illustrations. Overall, a solid reboot, and one to pick up next time you are at your local comic shop.

Story: Mark Waid Art: Fiona Staples
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Archie Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review