A&A’s quest takes them to the snow-covered mountains of Norway, but whether or not they find the secret to restoring Armstrong’s immortality, they’ll definitely meet Frig — the sensational character find of 2022! But is she friend or foe, and what’s her connection with the Faraway…? There’s Maw that meets the eye in Archer and Armstrong Forever #3, a jam-packed issue!

Archer & Armstrong Forever is the kind of series that you can pick up and read without entirely remembering the previous issue (whether because of the fog of Covid brain, general forgetfulness, or just generally age is ultimately irrelevant). The third issue, much like the second, contains a story that takes all you know from the recap (or even the preview text copied above) and then builds a quirky, fun title that still celebrates the core relationship of Archer and Armstrong. Steve Foxe has such a brilliant way of writing this book that you can’t help but just have fun; his dialogue is brilliant, and the jokes brought to life by letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou hit every single time. It’s long been a hallmark of the character that whenever Archer uses a technique learned because of his powers that a little box pops up to inform the reader as to the nature of said technique. This issue has a pop up that had me laughing out loud.

Marcio Fiorito and Alex Guimaraes (artist and colourist respectively) again hit all the right notes; the comic is bold, bright and the visual gags add another level of enjoyment for this curmudgeonly old bastard.

Archer & Armstrong Forever #3 is essentially the story of a classic comic team up; fight, friendship, fight, and it works so well because of how the creative team pull together to tell the story. There isn’t a weak link on this comic, and despite the fairly straightforward and fairly simple nature of the story on paper, there’s a lot to unpack hidden within the panels and gags that will reward multiple readings.

You really can’t go wrong with any book featuring Archer and Armstrong together, but when they’re written well, holy shit, is that a comic that you should be reading. Archer & Armstrong Forever is a book where the characters are written really well – don’t miss this.

Story: Steve Foxe Artist: Marcio Fiorito
Colorist Alex Guimaraes Letters Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.1 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Valiant provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

The triumphant return of Valiant’s best besties!

With Armstrong more mortal than ever, it’s up to Archer to find the secrets of immortality. One of history’s myths has to be true…right? Their quest will take them across the globe, from the Fountain of Youth to mythical creatures, with the deadly Maw in hot pursuit.

Archer & Armstrong Forever is quickly becoming one of my most anticipated comics each month. For two issues running, I’ve closed the PDF with a genuine smile on my face because this book is just doing everything right. Valiant’s editorial have kept the same sense of familiarity to the characters, keeping the sense of who they are consistent across the three volumes we’ve had since the relaunch a decade ago. There’s a genuine enjoyment to be taken from this series, and the comic’s humour works because of the story and how it’s implemented; rather than forcing a joke in, writer Steve Foxe allows the jokes to flow into the story in the most natural of ways.

Foxe is joined on the book by artist Marcio Fiorito, colourist Alex Guimaraes and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou – a creative team that hit all the right notes.

Archer & Armstrong Forever #2 follows, in a rather time-skippy way, the duo’s journey to try and restore Armstrong’s immortality (not quite against Armstrong’s will, but he’s certainly accepted his newfound mortality better than his best friend). You’ll get several little laughs thrown into the pages, both visual and verbal, as the duo check the boxes on their to-do list, giving the comic a not-quite-montage, not-quite-road-trip, but yet a blend of the two kind of feeling. It’s a story that excels in comic form, and I don’t think would work in any other format.

I’ve enjoyed the first two issues of this series immensely, and in more ways than one it’s like coming home to visit an old friend.

Story: Steve Foxe Artist: Marcio Fiorito
Colourist Alex Guimaraes Letters Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 8.9 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.9 Recommendation: Buy

Valiant provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW