Archie Andrews was inspired to start a band after chatting with Riverdale’s music hero Bingo Wilkin at The Jackpot, a local music venue. Swept up in pure rock ‘n’ roll bliss, Archie assembled a band of his closest friends—Betty Cooper on tambourine, Veronica Lodge on keyboards and best pal Jughead Jones on drums. The gang was stoked to make music together, but Archie’s Brian Wilson-esque control freak ways got the better of him and they disbanded before their first show. Archie attempted to go at it solo while the others joined Reggie Mantle’s band, but in the end, they all realized that they work better together; they even let Reggie get in on the action! The Archie’s played a fantastic first show! But what’s next for the teenage rockers? Will they play another show? Will they even write another song? And when someone makes a decision that leaves the rest of the band scrambling, can the group keep it together? It’s friendship vs. fame in the new, ongoing The Archies series!they play another show? Will they even write another song? And when someone makes a decision that leaves the rest of the band scrambling, can the group keep it together? It’s friendship vs. fame in the new, ongoing The Archies series!
The Archies #1
Written by: Alex Segura and Matt Rosenberg
Art by: Joe Eisma
Colors by: Matt Herms,
Lettering by: Jack Morelli
Published by: Archie Comics
Writing
Archie comics have always been about friendship. Playing music with your friends is also more about hanging out than playing gigs. So it’s no wonder Archie and music have always had such close ties. And it’s a bond that is clearly still going strong in this debut issue of a new on-going The Archies comic by Alex Segura and Matt Rosenberg.
What the two have done here is create an Archie book that, even more so than the main recent Archie title, will appeal to a wide range of readers. It’s modern enough for the millennial, classic enough for the die-hard fan, and filled with tons of music easter eggs and love of rock & roll for ‘record collectors’ as well. It’s a comic for many, and it’s something the medium and industry needs.
The story itself will appeal to anyone who has spent time behind an instrument and on a stage. The writers capture the nervous energy that comes with even playing in front of a just handful of people. But more importantly, they capture that magic of music that bonds friends.
Having Archie directly address readers also feels makes it a bit more intimate, making the reader feel like part of the band. Archie has always been our inside man to Riverdale and the gang, and now he also feels like a friend.
The standout for me is once again Jughead Jones. Jughead has the best lines, the funniest observations and just may be the heart of the band (and as the drummer he does keep the beat…ahem).
The end is also a great set up, as the gang gets a classic junky looking band van to go on tour. Every band needs to ‘get in the van’ sometime, and here is The Archies turn.
Art
The art by Joe Eisma, combined with the coloring of Matt Herms, creates a very vibrant and energetic book that moves with the beat of a great pop song. The art has sharp, crisp edges and thick lines that give everything a great attitude and feel. They also have weight. The layouts use time playfully, having the gang talking juxtaposed with great images of them on stage.
You will also have fun finding all the great band names snuck in on posters and t-shirts. I hope these little nods continue because as a music fan, they add a lot to pouring over the images.
Conclusion
I can honestly say The Archies is my favorite main Archie Comics title being put out at the moment. Although it’s set in the same modern continuity, it feels more classic than the regular Archie book. If you have wanted to check out these new Archie books, this is without a doubt the one to start with.
