Cameron DeOrdio and Marguerite Bennett weave one hell of an action packed punch in Josie and the Pussycats #9. There’s giant robots, kidnapping, catnapping, motorcycle chases and more which could be overwhelming and convoluted but, somehow Deordio and Bennett manage to cram an actual storyline in there making this a fun and exciting read.

The characters stay true to form. The Pussycats face off through the streets against their very own version of The Misfits from Jem) and while band rivalry is an old trope, the writers keep it fresh. The characters aren’t cookie cutter or boring, the storyline makes sense and is fun to follow.

Kelsey Shannon adds a bit of new school magic to the old style drawing making the art familiar and fun. The colors are muted and the lines are simple like the old Archie comics I read as a child but, there features are updated and things look somewhat realistic. While the body types stay similar I give Shannon credit for not sexualizing the characters to a point where their bodies are the primary focus for the panels.

Between Shannon’s great art work, that allows the panels to be characters and propel the story forward all by themselves and DeOrdio and Bennett’s smart, realistic and fun writing this issue is a quick read and a refreshing action packed, page turner. The story ends on a sweet note with a hint of more to come and I can’t wait to see what’s next in store for them.

Story: Marguerite Bennett and Cameron DeOrdio
Art: Kelsey Shannon Colors: Kelly Fitzpatrick
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.3 Recommendation: Buy

Archie Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review