TRASH IN MY EYE Reviews: Archie Comics

Showing posts with label Archie Comics. Show all posts

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Comics Review: "JOSIE Annual Spectacular #1" is Rockin' the Monster Suburbs

JOSIE ANNUAL SPECTACULAR, NO. 1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ian Flynn, Holly G!

PENCILS: Steven Butler; Dan DeCarlo; Holly G!

INKS: Lily Butler; Jim DeCarlo; John Costanza

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Bill Yoshida

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Steven Butler and Lily Butler with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2024); on-sale November 6, 2024

Rating: All-Ages

Josie and the Pussycats in “Encore No More!”

In December 1962, Archie Comics introduced the character, Josie Jones, in Archie's Pals 'n' Gals #23 (cover dated: Winter 1962-1963). Created by Dan DeCarlo, Josie Jones would become “Josie McCoy,” and she would join her friends, Melody and Valerie, in the band, “Josie and the Pussycats.”

Archie is releasing a trio of “annual spectaculars” that involve the machinations of a new character, “Mother Striga.” She made her debut in Sabrina Annual Spectacular, No. 1. Her story continued in the Archie Halloween Spectacular. Striga's debut arc concludes in Josie Annual Spectacular, No. 1 (November 6, 2024).

Josie Annual Spectacular, No. 1 includes one new story and two reprint stories with the second reprint being a two-part tale. The new story, the Mother Striga tale, is entitled “Encore No More!” It is written by Ian Flynn; drawn by Steven Butler (pencils) and Lily Butler (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Josie and the Pussycats in “Encore No More!”:

Alexandra Cabot makes an emergency call to her friend, Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Apparently, Mother Striga has bewitched Josie and the Pussycats, and their concert at Eyegore Estates has turned into a real monsters ball. Their music is brainwashing the monster-people. Luckily, Sabrina believes that this state of affairs can play in her favor in ending the threat of Mother Striga. But she'll need Alexandra's help to do it.

Meanwhile, Sabrina's cat, Salem Saberhagen, and Alexandra's cat, Sebastian, are reunited. Now, it is up to them to do their part to free Josie and the Pussycats.

THE LOWDOWN: I have been a fan of the Josie and the Pussycats franchise since I was a small child. I am crazy about classic Josie comic books that were published from the 1960s to the early 1980s, and I still love the two 1970s animated television series based on the comics.

Josie Annual Spectacular No. 1 brings an end to the Mother Striga introductory story arc. I imagine that the character will make a return, likely in an “Archie Horror” one-shot. Writer Ian Flynn does good work getting a lot out of what amounts to a 15-page story that is serialized over three issues. Honestly, he offers enough subplots and ideas for three full issues, but he ends this arc on a nice and unusual note. I must mention that while “Encore No More!” is ostensibly a Josie and the Pussycats tale, Josie supporting character, Alexandra Cabot, and Sabrina are the leads.

I am really impressed with the art throughout this arc. The team of Steven Butler (pencils) and Lily Butler (inks) deliver some really good-looking art. Their compositions are like an homage to Josie and the Pussycats legend Dan DeCarlo, but with a stylish modern sensibility. It really is eye candy. The colors by Glenn Whitmore add a surreal touch to the art and to the story, while also giving the narrative a kind of low wattage occult edginess. The lettering by the great Jack Morelli gives voice to the spicy dialogue which closes this story on a winning note... and a note of warning.

In these reviews, I always warn readers that I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles. Josie Annual Spectacular No. 1 is kinda new because it is classic-style Archie Comics with an eye towards reinvigorating it. I recommend this entire “Mother Striga” line.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics and of Josie and the Pussycats will definitely want to get a copy of Josie Annual Spectacular No. 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

https://twitter.com/archiecomics

https://www.instagram.com/archiecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ArchieComicsOfficial?ref=tn_tnmn

https://www.youtube.com/user/ArchieComicsOfficial

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Comics Review: "ARCHIE Halloween Spectacular #1" Wants to Party on the Dark Side

ARCHIE HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR (2024)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ian Flynn; Dan Parent; Francis Bonnet

PENCILS: Steven Butler; Dan Parent; Rex Lindsey; Bill Galvan

INKS: Lily Butler; Bob Smith; Rex Lindsey; Bill Galvan

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Rex Lindsey

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Steven Butler and Lily Butler with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2024); In-store October 2, 2024

Rating: All-Ages

Archie and the Gang in “Party Hardly!”

Eternal high school student and teenage boy, Archie Andrews, and his friends made their debut in M.L.J. Magazines' Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941), and before long, Archie was the publisher's headliner character. In 1946, the company changed its named to Archie Comic Publications, also known as “Archie Comics.”

Archie is releasing a trio of “annual spectaculars” that involve the machinations of a new character, “Mother Striga.” She made her debut in Sabrina Annual Spectacular, No. 1. Her story now continues in the Archie Halloween Spectacular. It will conclude in Josie and the Pussycats Annual Spectacular, No. 1 (November 6, 2024).

Archie Halloween Spectacular offers four reprint stories and opens with a new five-page story featuring Mother Striga, “Party Hardly!” It is written by Ian Flynn; drawn by Steven Butler (pencils) and Lily Butler (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Archie and the Gang in “Party Hardly!”:

As the story opens, Sabrina warns Jughead that something strange is going on in the Fae Folk community. Meanwhile, over at Hodge Manor, the party to end all Halloween parties is happening. How did Veronica convince her father, Hiram Lodge, to let a wild party go on in his home? Does Mother Striga have something to do with that? And why is Archie on the arms of magical bad girl, Amber Nightstone?

THE LOWDOWN: Over the last few years, Archie's marketing department has been sending me PDF copies of some of their titles for review. One of the most recent is the new one-shot comic book, Archie Halloween Spectacular (2024 edition).

This Halloween special includes three reprint stories featuring classic Archie Comics superheroes such as “The Web” and “The Crusaders.” The highlight, of course, is the new story, which is the middle part of the Mother Striga story arc. A lot happens in this story with writer Ian Flynn filling every panel with action and dialogue that informs the readers and moves the narrative forward. Flynn makes “Party Hardly's!” manic weirdness work.

As was the case with the Sabrina Annual Spectacular, the stars here are the art team of penciller Steven Butler, inker Lily Butler, and colorist Glenn Whitmore. They create a playfully macabre and pop Gothic sensibility that really sells this story's setting, plot, and characters. Whitmore's other-worldly, almost psychedelic colors are the perfect accompaniment to the Butlers' monster-mash aesthetic for this story. Also, Jack Morelli's lettering puts the finishing touch to this delightful tale. They make me wish that “Party Hardly!” was a longer story.

Dear readers, I will always recommend classic and classic-style Archie Comics stories. So, of course, I think you should read this.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will definitely want to get a copy of Archie Halloween Spectacular.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

https://twitter.com/archiecomics

https://www.instagram.com/archiecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ArchieComicsOfficial?ref=tn_tnmn

https://www.youtube.com/user/ArchieComicsOfficial

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Comics Review: "SABRINA Annual Spectacular #1" Brings on the New Baddie

SABRINA ANNUAL SPECTACULAR, NO. 1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ian Flynn; Dick Malmgren; George Gladir; Frank Doyle

PENCILS: Steven Butler; Dick Malmgren; Bob Bolling; Dan DeCarlo

INKS: Lily Butler; Jon D'Agostino; Rudy Lapick;

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Steven Butler and Lily Butler with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2024)

Rating: All-Ages

Sabrina in “Awakening!”

Sabrina the Teenage Witch is an Archie Comics character that was created by writer George Gladir and artist Dan DeCarlo. Sabrina Spellman first appeared in Archie's Madhouse #22 (cover-dated: October 1962).

Archie is releasing a trio of “annual spectaculars” that involve the machinations of a new character, “Mother Striga.” She makes her debut in Sabrina's Annual Spectacular, No. 1. Her debut story will continue in the forthcoming Archie Halloween Spectacular, No. 1 (October 2, 2024) and Josie and the Pussycats Annual Spectacular, No. 1 (November 6, 2024).

Sabrina Annual Spectacular offers four reprint stories and opens with the new five-page story that introduces Mother Striga, “Awakening!” It is written by Ian Flynn; drawn by Steven Butler (pencils) and Lily Butler (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

“Awakening!” opens in the neighborhood of “Eyegore Estates,” the place that hosts all the things that go “bump in the night.” Sabrina the Teenage Witch and her cat, Salem, are shocked to discover that everyone is acting like zombies... even the zombies.

Soon, Sabrina learns that her nemesis, Amber Nightstone, has unleashed an evil more powerful than she expected. It's Mother Striga, the first witch and the mother of all witches!

THE LOWDOWN: Over the last few years, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review. One of the most recent is the new one-shot comic book, Sabrina Annual Spectacular, No. 1.

In the the opening story, “Awakening!,” writer Ian Flynn teases big things to come, but this first chapter can really only tease. The stars here are the art team of penciller Steven Butler, inker Lily Butler, and colorist Glenn Whitmore. They create a playfully macabre and pop Gothic sensibility that really sells this story's setting, plot, and characters. Whitmore's other-worldly, almost psychedelic colors are the perfect accompaniment to the Butlers' Charles Addams' like aesthetic in this story. Also, Jack Morelli's lettering puts the finishing touch to this delightful tale. Although “Awakening!” is only five pages long, it is really a classically cool comics story.

Two of the reprint stories are from Sabrina's creators, George Gladir and Dan DeCarlo. The classic Sabrina story, “Haunt Taunt,” is written by Gladir and drawn by Bob Bolling and Rudy Lapick and originally published in Sabrina, the Teenage Witch #60 (cover dated: June 1980). DeCarlo pencils “Strange Love,” written by Frank Doyle and published in Sabrina, the Teenage Witch #1 (cover dated: April 1971).

Dear readers, I will always recommend classic and classic-style Archie Comics stories.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics and of Sabrina the Teenage Witch will definitely want to get a copy of Sabrina Annual Spectacular, No. 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

https://twitter.com/archiecomics

https://www.instagram.com/archiecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ArchieComicsOfficial?ref=tn_tnmn

https://www.youtube.com/user/ArchieComicsOfficial

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Thursday, August 29, 2024

Comics Review: ARCHIE: THE DECISION #1 - Archie Flips for Betty & Veronica

ARCHIE: THE DECISION, NO. 1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Tom King

PENCILS: Dan Parent

INKS: Bob Smith

COLORS: Rosario “Tito” Peña

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Stephen Byrne

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2024); on sale in comic book shops August 28, 2024

Rating: All-Ages

“Everyone Flips Out!”

For decades, Archie's affections have been split between two girls: nice girl, Betty Cooper, who debuted with Archie in Pep Comics #22, and spoiled rich girl, Veronica Lodge, who first appeared in Pep Comics #26 (cover dated: April 1942). Now, in a new comic book, Archie finally chooses between the two. It all happens in Archie: The Decision, No. 1. The story is written by Tom King; drawn by Dan Parent (pencils) and Bob Smith (inks); colored by Rosario “Tito” Peña; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

As Archie: The Decision, No. 1 (“Everyone Flips Out!”) opens with the declaration, “I, Archie Andrews, am finally going to decide between Betty and Veronica!!” How is Archie going to make this momentous decision? He's going to flip a coin, but when the coin flip goes awry, Archie and best pal, Jughead, go on a mad chase.

And what of Betty and Veronica? Well, each has mixed feelings, but neither is going to give up the chance of finally being “the one.” Will Archie really be able to make “the Decision?” This issue also features appearances by classic Archie Comics characters, including Reggie, Moose, Dilton, Midge, Ethel, Nancy, Chuck, Mr. Weatherbee, Miss Grundy, Josie and the Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and “Hot Dog” the dog, to name a few.

THE LOWDOWN: For several years, Archie's marketing department has been sending me PDF copies of some of their titles for review. One of the most recent is Archie: The Decision, No. 1.

Apparently, acclaimed comic book writer, Tom King, is a big Archie Comics fan, so he proposed writing a kind of ultimate story about Archie finally choosing between Betty and Veronica. Archie Comics obviously jumped at the chance to have a big name like King's write a comic book for them.

The resulting book, Archie: The Decision, No. 1, is not on the level of other Tom King first issues, such as The Omega Men #1 (2015), The Sheriff of Babylon #1 (2016), and Mister Miracle #1 (2018), which were all published by DC Comics. King offers a thin plot and executes it into a 21-page chase story that is filled with cameo appearances by a host of Archie Comics characters. In fact, two of my childhood faves, Josie and the Pussycats and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, each get one page to themselves. But this special one-shot comic book isn't among Tom King's best work. It's his love letter to Archie Comics, seemingly mostly written to himself.

Even artist Dan Parent doesn't really offer a “Wow!” factor. If there is such a thing as a modern superstar Archie Comics artist, it's Parent. Archie: The Decision, No. 1 isn't his best work; it isn't even his best recent work. It's pleasingly pleasant, which is probably the best thing I can say about King's script. Colorist Rosario “Tito” Peña and letterer Jack Morelli do really good work.

So Archie: The Decision, No. 1 is a big deal in one way, and not so much in many other ways. Still, it is a classic-style Archie Comics title, so I'll take it rather than leave it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie: The Decision, No. 1.

[In a bonus feature, Tom King and Dan Parent pick their favorite Archie Comics stories.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

https://twitter.com/archiecomics

https://www.instagram.com/archiecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ArchieComicsOfficial?ref=tn_tnmn

https://www.youtube.com/user/ArchieComicsOfficial

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Comics Review: "ARCHIE COMICS: JUDGMENT DAY #3" Offers a Helluva Ending

ARCHIE COMICS: JUDGMENT DAY #3 (OF 3)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Aubrey Sitterson

ART: Megan Hutchinson

COLORS: Matt Herms

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Megan Hutchinson with Matt Herms

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Francesco Francavilla; Reiko Murakami; Luana Vecchio

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (September 2024); on sale in comic book shops July 31, 2024

Rating: Teen+

Archie Comics also has a dark side, as seen via a number of horror and dark fantasy titles sometimes published under the “Archie Horror” imprint. Archie's latest horror offering is Archie Comics: Judgment Day. It is the first in Archie Comics' new line, “Archie Premium Event.” It is written by Aubrey Sitterson; drawn by Megan Hutchinson; colored by Matt Herms; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli. The series finds Archie on a mission to rid his hometown of Riverdale of all “wicked-kind.”

Archie Comics: Judgment Day opens in a Riverdale beset by all manner of shape-shifting demons. Archie is on a quest to cleanse his hometown, and thanks to Madam Satan, he has the power to do so. She possesses the power to summon, imprison, and enslave demons for her own purposes. Archie now has the “infernal power” in the form of Alistair, a demon that Madam Satan has bound to him.

Archie Comics: Judgment Day #3 opens as Archie is forced to confront the final battle. Can Jughead continue to be Archie's conscience... and be successful at it? What is going on with Reggie, and what has he done to Betty and Veronica? Will Archie give in to his lookalike, Alistair’s sweet words.

It’s finally time for Archie to decide—will he give himself over fully to Alistair, or retain the parts of himself that make him Archie? It's the last temptation of Archie.

THE LOWDOWN: For a long time, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review. Archie Comics: Judgment Day #3 is one of them.

I was right all along. Judgment Day writer Aubrey Sitterson did concoct a delicious dark brew that quenched the dark thirsts of his readers' imaginations, and it was good to the last drop. The ending is unexpected – to an extent. The more this final issue goes, the more obvious what Archie's choices will be and what the consequences will be. To the end, Sitterson keeps the readers engaged.

Artist Megan Hutchinson has drawn some stellar art in Judgment Day. From beginning to end, her graphical storytelling is a flow of magical weaving with page after page of tapestries that recall the art of Heironymus Bosch. Hutchinson's storytelling is dazzling, and her cover art is purely a thing of illustrative beauty, making evil look sexy. Under the colors by Matt Herms, her art is eye-popping and gorgeous. The great Jack Morelli tops it off with his classic comics lettering.

Archie Comics: Judgment Day is really good. It is a delightful surprise, and I hope more readers get to experience it via a trade collection.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Archie Comics' “Archie Horror” imprint will want Archie Comics: Judgment Day.

[This issue contains a look at how this series came to be and also an interview with colorist Matt Herms and letterer Jack Morelli.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

https://twitter.com/archiecomics

https://www.instagram.com/archiecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ArchieComicsOfficial?ref=tn_tnmn

https://www.youtube.com/user/ArchieComicsOfficial

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Comics Review: "KARDAK THE MYSTIC #1" is Mystically Charming

KARDAK THE MYSTIC #1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Joe Corallo

ART: Butch Mapa

COLORS: Ellie Wright

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITOR: Jamie Lee Rotante

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Butch Mapa

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Skylar Patridge

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2024); on sale in comic book shops August 14, 2024

Rating: Teen+

Eternal high school student and teenage boy, Archie Andrews, and his friends made their debut in M.L.J. Magazines' Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941), and before long, Archie was the publisher's headliner character. In 1946, the company changed its named to Archie Comic Publications, also known as “Archie Comics.”

Archie Comics has also published superhero comic books featuring offbeat characters. One of the stranger ones was initially known as “The Mystic” and he first appeared in Top Notch Comics #1 (cover dated: December 1939). In Top Notch Comics #4 (cover dated: April 1940), The Mystic became “Kardak.”

Kardak debuted in a story by writer Harry Shorten and artist C. A. “Chuck” Winter. Kardak was John Cardy, an American adventurer and professional magician known as “Kardak the Mystic.” He was a superhero magician, employing tricks and mystical powers to fight organized crime and super-villains. He was assisted by his fiancée, Lorna Dorne, and his faithful servant, Balthar. Kardak made his final Golden Age appearance in Top Notch Laugh Comics #29 (cover dated: September 1942).

A modern version of Kardak the Mystic arrives in the new one-shot comic book, Kardak the Mystic No. 1. It is written by Joe Corallo; drawn by Butch Mapa; colored by Ellie Wright; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Kardak the Mystic No. 1 introduces John Cardy. He is the stage magician, “Kardak the Mystic,” and all he ever wanted was to be recognized for his talents at magic tricks and sleight of hand. However, the audiences for his shows are shrinking, and his loyal assistant, Lorna, believes that they should retire the act and move on with their lives.

Walking down the street one night, deep in his thoughts, John comes upon a magic shop, “Enchantra's Enchantments.” There, he gets an offer he can't refuse – an amulet that would change everything for him. But that kind of power is never free...

THE LOWDOWN: I have been reading comic books, on and off, for decades. I have sporadically read Archie Comics titles over that time. For many years now, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review. Kardak the Mystic No. 1 is the latest.

I really like Kardak the Mystic No. 1. Joe Corallo's story is simple and straightforward, but really engages the imagination. It is a standalone tale, but it suggests a number of possibilities going forward. As I read it, I found my imagination to be quite engaged, and I was always wondering about what came next. The ending certainly left me wanting more.

Corallo's script is transformed impressively by Butch Mapa's art into graphical storytelling with a hint of the supernatural. Mapa's art is clean and smooth, so it captures the obvious emotions, dilemmas, conflicts, and danger that play in this story of transformation. The coloring by the talented Ellie Wright heightens the tension and drama in the story. As a team, Mapa and Wright team-up results in a dark tale that sparkles with playful magic and creepy mysticism.

Wow. I'm impressed, but also disappointed. I don't think that there is much of a chance of readers getting a second issue. Or maybe Kardak can pull of another miracle.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Archie Comics' superhero titles will want to try Kardak the Mystic No. 1.

[This comic book includes a two-page section on the making of Kardak the Mystic No. 1.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

https://twitter.com/archiecomics

https://www.instagram.com/archiecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ArchieComicsOfficial?ref=tn_tnmn

https://www.youtube.com/user/ArchieComicsOfficial

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Saturday, July 20, 2024

Comics Review: "ARCHIE COMICS: JUDGMENT DAY #2" - Is Hellraisin' a Bad Thing?

ARCHIE COMICS: JUDGMENT DAY #2 (OF 3)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Aubrey Sitterson

ART: Megan Hutchinson

COLORS: Matt Herms

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Megan Hutchinson with Matt Herms

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Francesco Francavilla; Reiko Murakami; Inhyuk Lee

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (August 2024); on sale in comic book shops June 19, 2024

Rating: Teen+

Archie Comics: Judgment Day #2 opens in a Riverdale beset by all manner of shape-shifting demons. Archie is on a quest to cleanse his hometown, and thanks to Madam Satan, he has the power to do so. She possesses the power to summon, imprison, and enslave demons for her own purposes. Archie now has the “infernal power” in the form of Alistair, a demon that Madam Satan has bound to him.

Archie has been so successful that there are apparently only two demons left to kill. However, his old buddy, Jughead Jones, is concerned that in the course of killing all those demons that Archie has lost himself. He hopes that Betty and Veronica can help him reach Archie, but Alistair has other plans. Meanwhile, where is Reggie?

THE LOWDOWN: For a long time, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review. Archie Comics: Judgment Day #2 is one of them.

With this miniseries, writer Aubrey Sitterson has concocted a delicious dark brew that should quench the dark thirsts of his readers' imaginations. In a review of the first issue, I said that Madam Satan is the straw that stirs this drink. However, with this issue, Sitterson has made Archie such a radiant alpha-man hero that even Alistair pales next to him.

Megan Hutchinson is killing it with Judgment Day. Her art is a flow of magical weaving with page after page of tapestries that recall the art of Heironymus Bosch. Hutchinson's storytelling is dazzling, and her cover art is purely a thing of illustrative beauty. Under the colors by Matt Herms, her art is eye-popping and gorgeous. The great Jack Morelli tops it off with his classic comics lettering.

If Archie plans on doing more horror and dark fantasy comic books like Archie Comics: Judgment Day, then, they must do them. There is entertainment gold in Archie's horror comic books.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Archie Comics' “Archie Horror” imprint will want Archie Comics: Judgment Day.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

https://twitter.com/archiecomics

https://www.instagram.com/archiecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ArchieComicsOfficial?ref=tn_tnmn

https://www.youtube.com/user/ArchieComicsOfficial

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Thursday, June 6, 2024

Comics Review: "ARCHIE & FRIENDS Blockbuster Movies #1" Plays Pocketpool with Deadpool

ARCHIE & FRIENDS BLOCKBUSTER MOVIES #1 (#18)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ian Flynn; Dan Parent

PENCILS: Steve Butler; Dan Parent

INKS: Lily Butler; Rick Koslowski

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Steve Butler and Lily Butler with Rosario “Tito” Peňa

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2024); on sale in comic book shops June 5, 2024

Rating: All-Ages

“Blockbuster Blowout”

Archie Comics published the series, Archie & Friends, from 1992 to 2012 for 159 issues. Since 2019, Archie has been publishing a new iteration of Archie & Friends as a series of themed one-shot comic books. The latest is Archie & Friends (Blockbuster Movies) No.1, the eighteenth issue in the series. It features one new five-page story and one reprint story. Entitled “Blockbuster Blowout,” the new story introduces the character, “PoolNoodle the Backstroke,” a parody of Marvel Comics' “Deadpool” and, to a lesser extent, DC Comics' Deathstroke the Terminator. The story is written by Ian Flynn; drawn by Steve Butler (pencils) and Lily Butler (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Archie and the Gang in “Blockbuster Blowout”:

Archie’s summer movie fantasies are about to get out of control, You may have heard of Deadpool, so get ready for PoolNoodle. This new character's first appearance, however, may be his last as he takes on a big-budget, crossover, multimedia crossover film.

Luckily, Archie is back as the superhero, “Pureheart the Powerful.” Can the duo save an afternoon at the theater? This story guest-stars The Crusaders, Cosmo, Josie and the Pussycats, and many more.

THE LOWDOWN: For several years, Archie's marketing department has been sending me PDF copies of some of their titles for review. One of the most recent is Archie & Friends Blockbuster Movies, (which is titled Archie & Friends, No. 1 (#18), in the indicia).

The things about superhero movies that “Blockbuster Blowout” mocks are also the frequent targets of social media snark, and the latter is funnier. As for PoolNoodle, I think he could really be funny in his own one-shot comic book. I generally like the Archie Comics work of writer Ian Flynn, but “Blockbuster Blowout” does not have much spark. However, it is good to see the pencil art of Steven Butler, and Butler should definitely be drawing more superhero comic books.

This one-shot comic book's sole reprint story is “There's No Place Like... Riverdale,” which was originally published in Betty and Veronica Comics Digest Magazine #188 (cover dated: December 2008). The story references L. Frank Baum's classic children's novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900), but its story beats correlate with the book's most famous film adaptation, MGM's 1939 musical fantasy film, The Wizard of Oz. As adaptations of this story go, this story is rather entertaining and cute. It has the readers following Betty and her cat, Caramel, on their adventures through Oz.

I grew up on classic-style Archie Comics. So, there is something comforting about seeing Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead taking in a movie together, as they do in “Blockbuster Blowout.” I will always recommend classic-style Archie titles, so I am giving Archie & Friends Blockbuster Movies a hearty recommendation.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie & Friends Blockbuster Movies.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

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https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Thursday, May 30, 2024

Comics Review: "ARCHIE COMICS: JUDGMENT DAY #1" Makes Hell Fun

ARCHIE COMICS: JUDGMENT DAY #1 (OF 3)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Aubrey Sitterson

ART: Megan Hutchinson

COLORS: Matt Herms

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Megan Hutchinson

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Francesco Francavilla; Jae Lee; Reiko Murakami

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (July 2024); on sale in comic book shops May 22, 2024

Rating: Teen+

Archie Comics also has a dark side, as seen via a number of horror and dark fantasy titles sometimes published under the “Archie Horror” imprint. Archie's latest horror offering is Archie Comics: Judgment Day. It is the first in Archie Comics' new line, “Archie Premium Event.” It is written by Aubrey Sitterson; drawn by Megan Hutchinson; colored by Matt Herms; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli. The series finds Archie on a mission to rid his hometown of Riverdale of all “wicked-kind.”

Archie Comics: Judgment Day #1 opens in a Riverdale beset by all manner of shape-shifting demons. Archie is on a quest to cleanse his hometown, but first he needs the power to do so. Enter Madam Satan. She possesses the power to summon, imprison, and enslave demons for her own purposes. She can give Archie the “infernal power” he needs to fight the demons, but first, he has to meet the right demon... so to speak. And would Archie kill a friend to get that power? Jughead Jones will be the first to learn the answer.

THE LOWDOWN: For a long time, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review. Archie Comics: Judgment Day #1 is one of them.

Since her modern revival in Archie Horror's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina #1 (cover dated: October 2014), vintage Archie character, Madam Satan, has been on quite a tear. She brings quite a bit of dark magic and unexpected edge to this first issue of Archie Comics: Judgment Day. Writer Aubrey Sitterson concocts a delicious dark brew that should quench the dark thirsts of his readers' imaginations, and Madam Satan is the straw that stirs this drink. This first issue is fun and crazy, and whatever your expectations, dear readers, Sitterson beats them to a pulp.

Megan Hutchinson's art is a flow of magical weaving and page after page of tapestries that recalls the art of Heironymus Bosch. Hutchinson's storytelling is dazzling and under the colors by Matt Herms, it is eye-popping and gorgeous. The great Jack Morelli tops it off with his classic comics lettering.

If Archie plans on doing more horror and dark fantasy comic books like Archie Comics: Judgment Day, then, they must do them. Perhaps, Archie Comics can become the new Vertigo Comics, which would be more real than whatever tragedy DC Comics is trying to resurrect.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Archie Comics' “Archie Horror” imprint will want Archie Comics: Judgment Day.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

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Saturday, April 6, 2024

Comics Review: "ARCHIE & FRIENDS Hot Rod Racing #1" Showcases Classic Archie Comics Elements

ARCHIE & FRIENDS HOT ROD RACING #1 (#17)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Craig Boldman

PENCILS: Steve Butler

INKS: Jim Amash

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Steve Butler and Lily Butler with Rosario “Tito” Peňa

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2024); on sale in comic book shops April 3, 2024

Rating: All-Ages

“The Race to Save Face!”

Archie Comics published the series, Archie & Friends, from 1992 to 2012 for 159 issues. Since 2019, Archie has been publishing a new iteration of Archie & Friends as a series of themed one-shot comic books. The latest is Archie & Friends Hot Rod Racing No.1, the seventeenth issue in the series. It features one new five-page story and four reprint stories. Entitled “The Race to Save Face!,” the new story introduces new character, “Daisy Thunder.” It is written by Craig Boldman; drawn by Steve Butler (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

“The Race to Save Face!”:

There is a charity drag race in Riverdale, and Archie thinks his souped-up jalopy can win, even with Reggie and Jughead riding shotgun. Much to his shock and chagrin, he has a real challenger. Meet Daisy Thunder of the Southside Serpents. Now, it's a race through the streets of Riverdale, and with the rest of the field dwindling away, it's down to Archie and Daisy. Guest-starring superheroes (Shield) and infamous locales in and around Riverdale (the Igor Estates).

THE LOWDOWN: Over the last few years, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review. One of the most recent is Archie & Friends Hot Rod Racing No. 1, (which is titled Archie & Friends, No. 1 (#17), in the indicia).

Although, “The Race to Save Face!” is only five-pages long, I can't help but like it. The character and locale cameos really serve to sell the notion that this story is filled with spirit of Riverdale. I don't know if Daisy Thunder will amount to much of a new character, but the classic Archie Comics characters and settings will shine on. And that's the best part of “The Race to Save Face!”

I grew up on classic-style Archie Comics. Thus, I will always recommend such Archie titles, so I am giving Archie & Friends Hot Rod Racing a hearty recommendation.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie & Friends Hot Rod Racing No. 1.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

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https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Comics Review: "THE JAGUAR No.1" - A War of Claws and Feathers

THE JAGUAR #1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Keryl Brown Ahmed

ART: Tango

COLORS: Ellie Wright

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITOR: Jamie Lee Rotante

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Maria Laura Sanapo with Ellie Wright

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Reiko Murakami

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (April 2024); on sale in comic book shops February 21, 2024

Rating: Teen+

Archie Comics has also published superhero comic books. Adventures of the Jaguar #1 (cover dated: September 1961) introduced “The Jaguar,” who was created by writer Robert Bernstein and artist John Rosenberger. The Jaguar was Ralph Hardy, a zoologist who found a magic belt in an ancient temple that gave him flight, strength, animal control, and the enhanced abilities of many animals.

Many years later, New Crusaders #1 (cover dated: October 2012) introduced a new version of The Jaguar. She is Ivette Velez, and now, she is the star of a new one-shot comic book, The Jaguar, No. 1. It is written by Keryl Brown Ahmed; drawn by Tango; colored by Ellie Wright; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

The Jaguar #1 opens on a passenger bus traveling through Northern Peru. Something is killing the Pampas cats of the region, and a group of zoologists has come together to investigate these mysterious slayings. They know the culprit is a bird of prey, but the method of killing is unlike any of the birds local to the region.

Enter Ivette Velez a.k.a. “The Jaguar.” It’s going to take someone with apex predator abilities to find out what is causing these murders…someone like Ivette! Can the predator, however, become the prey? Who or what is “The Buzzard?” Who or what is “Ai Apaec?” And what does this all have to do with Ivette's tragic past? Can she solve these mysteries and validate the faith her mentor, the original Jaguar, Ralph Hardy, had in her?

I was vaguely familiar with The Jaguar, mainly through DC Comics' early 1990s imprint, Impact Comics, which published updated versions of Archie Comics superhero characters. I have taken interest in Archie's recent one-shot revivals of its superhero characters, beginning with the recent The Darkling, No. 1 (cover dated: January 2024).

However, dear readers, you don't have to be familiar with either version of The Jaguar at all to enjoy the new one-shot comic book, The Jaguar, No. 1. Writer Keryl Brown Ahmed crafts a 21-page story that offers concise origins or back stories for the two major players in this comic book. Ahmed gives the readers everything they need to understand the Jaguar, to enjoy the story, and to be ready for any potential future stories.

The art by Tango recalls the late Darwyn Cooke, and is visually energetic. However, the storytelling is muddled; the page design in chaotic; and the composition is more style than substance. As usual, Ellie Wright's colors are dazzling, and letterer Jack Morelli's work is classic comics cool. Both are an added benefit to Tango's storytelling.

The Jaguar, No. 1 is a surprise, and I enjoyed it in spite of its graphical storytelling flaws. Fans of Archie Comics superheroes will like it, especially because it offers the appearance of another old character, The Buzzard, which first appeared in the 1983 version of The Mighty Crusaders, specifically issue #11 (cover dated: March 1985).

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Archie Comics' superhero titles will want to try The Jaguar, No. 1.

[This comic book includes a two-page section on the making of The Jaguar, No. 1.]

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

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Thursday, February 8, 2024

Comics Review: "ARCHIE Valentine's Spectacular No. 1" Conjures the Spirits of Love for 2024

ARCHIE VALENTINE'S SPECTACULAR #1 (2024)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ian Flynn; Francis Bonnet; Dan Parent; Frank Doyle

PENCILS: Holly G!; Dan Parent; Samm Schwartz

INKS: Jim Amash; Bob Smith

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Samm Schwartz

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (March 2024) – On-sale February

Rating: All-Ages

“Paths to the Heart”

Archie Comics frequently publishes themed one-shot comic books featuring Archie's characters (sometimes referred to as “the Archie Gang”). One of them is the Archie Valentine's Spectacular No. 1. The 2024 edition of this comic book has one new story and four reprint stories. Entitled “Paths to the Heart,” the new story is written by Ian Flynn; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

“Paths to the Heart”:

As the story opens, the Spirits of Valentine's Day: “Flowers, Hearts & Candy” have come to inspire love and connections. As usual, Betty and Veronica are each struggling with what to get Archie for Valentine's Day. Flowers has a suggestion for Betty; get Archie flowers. Hearts has an idea for Veronica; she should confess her true feelings of love to Archie instead of buying him something. But Candy thinks – Surprise! – that candy is the best gift. But will these three spirits make things better or make them worse?

THE LOWDOWN: Archie Comics has been sending me PDF review copies of their titles for several years. Archie Valentine's Spectacular No.1 is the latest.

“Paths to the Heart” is really not a story; rather, it is the start of a story. I imagine quite a bit of hijinks could have ensued, but they don't because “Paths to the Heart” ends before it really begins.

Sabrina Spellman in “Heartbreaker Havoc”:

Although it isn't this comic book's new story, “Heartbreaker Havoc” is the new story in Archie Jumbo Comics #347. I'm glad that it was added to this issue. It is written by Francis Bonnet; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

“Heartbreaker Havoc” opens on the grounds of Riverdale High School. Sabrina Spellman a.k.a. “Sabrina the Teenage-Witch” witnesses Jughead Jones spurn Ethel Muggs after she asks him to take her on a Valentine's dinner date. Sabrina cannot use her magic to make someone fall in love, but she can conjure up a cupid to do her dirty work. She inadvertently ends up summoning “Heartbreaker,” a devilish cupid whose specialty is ruining love. Now, Sabrina struggles to send “Heartbreaker” back to his realm, and she will need help from a surprising figure to do so.

Now, “Heartbreaker Havoc” is a successful Archie five-pager. It has a beginning, middle, and end, and it actually works. Best of all, it reads like classic Archie Comics, and I really enjoyed it. It saves this edition of Archie Valentine's Spectacular No. 1.

If you are like me and love classic-style Archie Comics, you will love these stories. And Archie Valentine's Spectacular is for you.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie Valentine's Spectacular No. 1.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

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https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Saturday, January 20, 2024

Comics Review: "WORLD OF ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #136" Revives Two Obscure Features

WORLD OF ARCHIE (JUMBO COMICS) DOUBLE DIGEST #136

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ian Flynn; Daniel Kibblesmith; with Mike Pellowski; Bill Golliher; Frank Doyle; and various

PENCILS: Holly G!; Steven Butler; with Stan Goldberg; Bill Golliher; Dan DeCarlo, Jr.; and various

INKS: Jim Amash; Lily Butler; with Bob Smith; Rudy Lapick; James DeCarlo; and various

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; with Barry Grossman and various

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; with Bill Yoshida

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

192pp, Color, $9.99 U.S. (March 2024); on-sale January 10, 2024

Rating: All-Ages

“One Shot Worth a Million,” “The Perfect Specimen”

World of Archie (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest is part of “The Archie Digest Library” series. Debuting in late 2010, World of Archie Double Digest is a mini-trade paperback-like series that features stories reprinted from across the publishing history of Archie Comics. Sometimes, however, these digests offer original stories.

World of Archie (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #132 reintroduces three characters from the “Golden Age” of Archie Comics (when it was known as M.L.J. Magazines, Inc.). These characters return in two new stories.

The first new story is “One Shot Worth a Million.” It is written by Ian Flynn; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli. It introduces modern versions of two characters.

The first is “Fran Frazer,” who first appeared in MLJ'S Top Notch Comics #9 (cover dated: October 1940). She was one of those female “roving-reporters” characters, and she roamed the world as a photo journalist. She had a miniature camera, which she disguised as various fashion accessories, and Fran used it to collect evidence against the wicked and the corrupt. Fran was usually accompanied by the second reintroduced character, Hal Davis. The modernized Fran Frazer is a freelance photographer and journalist for “Strife Media.” The modernized Hal Davis is her romantic rival and is also now an African-American character.

Fran Frazer in “One Shot Worth a Million”:

Why is Archie Andrews skulking around the docks in the dead of night? Veronica Lodge wants to know. Well, Archie is assisting freelance photographer and journalist, Fran Frazer, in her investigation of criminal syndicate activity at the docks. And it involves Lodge Industry, which Veronica's father, Hiram Lodge, owns.

By the way, why is Veronica skulking around the docks? Well, she is assisting Hal Davis, Fran's (romantic) rival. Can Archie and Veronica stop bickering in time to help Fran and Hal unmask corruption at the docks?

The second new story is “The Perfect Specimen.” It is written by Daniel Kibblesmith; drawn by Steven Butler (pencils) and Lily Butler (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

The story reintroduces “Young Dr. Masters,” a physician who engages in dangerous adventures and misadventures to help patients. The character had his own comic book, The Adventures of Young Dr. Masters, which ran for two issues (cover dated: August and November 1964). The series was apparently an adaptation of the 1962 novel, Young Doctor Masters (Belmont Books), written by Frank Haskell. That Frank Haskell is not to be confused with Frank A. Haskell (1828-1864), the author and Union Army officer who served during the American Civil War. The modernized Dr. Masters is a television doctor and author.

Young Dr. Masters in “The Perfect Specimen”:

During his television show, Dr. Masters announces that he is about to embark on a six-city book tour for his upcoming book, “The Perfect Specimen! Health, Beauty, and You!” The tour will kick off in Riverdale, where Masters hopes to find the one “local teen” who “truly embodies the spirit of health and beauty.” That person would be the “perfect specimen” to appear on the book cover and to accompany Dr. Masters on his book tour.

Betty and Veronica each believes that she is the “perfect specimen.” Thus, begins their latest battle of the beauties, but can these two friends and rivals survive a health and beauty war of attrition?

THE LOWDOWN: For many years now, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review. World of Archie (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #132 is the latest.

“One Shot Worth a Million” and the “The Perfect Specimen” exemplify how Archie Comics has perfected the six-page humor story over the last several years. Archie Comics has always been good at humor short stories and stand-alone tales, as they've been doing it for decades. However, these new, tight, six-page tales that pepper Archie digests and single-issue anniversary specials are concise in their delivery of a beginning, middle, and end with a substantial plot. But there is a problem...

Often, I come across six-page stories that would be better served by being at least twice their length. That is the case with both these stories, but especially with “One Shot Worth a Million.” Writer Ian Flynn mixes espionage, teen humor, and comic romance with flair in this story, a hybrid with potential that demands to expanded into a longer story. The art team of Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks) certainly have the storytelling chops to keep the humor and comic action humming along for longer than six pages. Alas, it was not to be.

The rest of World of Archie Double Digest #132 is a mixture of winter-themed tales and high school hijinks, which Archie fans will always welcome. I should warn you, dear readers. I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want World of Archie Double Digest.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

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https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Comics Review: "ARCHIE Christmas Spectacular" is Filled with Holiday Cheer

ARCHIE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR #1 (2023)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Tom DeFalco; Frances Bonnet; Dan Parent; Bill Golliher

PENCILS: Holly G!; Bill Galvan; Dan Parent; Bill Golliher

INKS: Jim Amash; Bob Smith

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Steven Butler and Lily Butler with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2024; on-sale December 6, 2023)

Rating: All-Ages

“Christmas Chaos!”

Archie Comics frequently publishes holiday themed one-shot comic books featuring Archie's characters (sometimes referred to as “the Archie Gang”). The latest is the Archie Christmas Spectacular. It features one new story and four reprint stories. Entitled “Christmas Chaos,” the new story introduces Archie Comics' newest characters: Jangles, Sourplum, and Grumpus. The story is written by Tom DeFalco; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Archie and the Gang in “Christmas Chaos”:

The story opens at Riverdale High where Archie, Betty, Veronica and the rest of the gang are decorating the gym for the annual big Christmas party, “the Riverdale Holiday Happening.” They are waiting for the arrival of their friends, Jingle the Christmas Elf and Sugar Plum the Christmas Fairy.

However, the two have mistakenly teleported inside the “Eyegor Estate,” and now, they are the prisoners of Grumpus. In their stead, Grumpus sends Naughty Christmas Elf Jangles and Sour Plum to Riverdale High. Will the mischievous pair keep the Holiday Happening from happening, or can right magic make everything right again?

I like Archie Christmas Spectacular, especially because there is a bit of pop Gothic in this story, especially that one panel that features the Eyegor Estate. The story has a sweet Christmas slash Happy Holidays ending. I can like a comic book that makes me jealous because I can't attend its admittedly fictional party, but damn, the Riverdale Holiday Happening looks like a blast.

The rest of this issue features reprints of classic-style Archie Christmas and holiday stories. Dear readers, I will always recommend classic-style Archie, especially when it comes in Christmas packaging – anytime of the year.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie Christmas Spectacular.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

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https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Friday, December 1, 2023

Comics Review: "DARKLING #1" is for the Young Adult Readers in Everyone

DARKLING #1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Sarah Kuhn

ART: Carola Borelli

COLORS: Ellie Wright

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITOR: Jamie Lee Rotante

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Maria Laura Sanapo

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: David Mack

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2024); on sale in comic book shops November 22, 2023

Rating: Teen+

Archie Comics has also published superhero comic books. Its most well-known superhero title followed the superhero team, “The Mighty Crusaders.” The Mighty Crusaders title that was launched in the 1980s (cover dated: March 1983 to September 1985) ran for thirteen issues. The Mighty Crusaders #4 (cover dated: November 1983) saw the debut of the new superhero character “Darla Lang/Darkling.” The character was killed off in The Mighty Crusaders #11 (cover dated March 1985).

Darkling No. 1 brings Darla Lang/Darkling to modern comics. This one-shot comic book is written by Sarah Kuhn; drawn by Carola Borelli; colored by Ellie Wright; and lettered by Jack Morelli.

Darkling #1 opens at Ivy Hollow University, which has a reputation for being haunted. It is the witching hour, and Ivy Hollow student, Darla Lang, wants to connect with the supernatural world. Darla hopes to find a way to free herself of the peculiar voluminous black cloak that has been attached to her since she was a baby.

During a stealthy, middle-of-the-night trip to Ivy Hollow Library, Darla meets fellow outcast student, Phoebe Hayashi. A podcaster, Phoebe believes that she is on the trail of a creepy conspiracy involving missing students. Will Darla find within the hallowed halls Ivy Hollow the answers to the questions about herself and her powers that she’s been seeking

After reading Darkling No. 1, I wish it were an ongoing series. Writer Sarah Kuhn (Shadow of the Batgirl; Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story) offers a delightful mystery tale set in the “dark academia” genre (or immersed in the “dark academia” aesthetic, if you choose). Kuhn offers a breezy story that is both a highly-entertaining stand alone tale and also the beginning of something beautiful in YA comic books if Archie decides to continue it. It's a world in which many readers will want their imaginations to live, at least part time.

Carola Borelli's art and storytelling are engaging, even gripping at times. Borelli captures the thrills, chills, and clique-ish ills of Kuhn's script in a way that brings the world of Ivy Hollow University to life with variety and vividness. Ellie Wright's colors and color effects are the finishing touches to the magical beats of Darkling No. 1, with the great Jack Morelli's lettering giving this story the vibe of a comic book that is perfect for all readers.

Darkling No. 1 will probably be a delightful surprise to everyone, except the creative and editorial teams of this work. Dear readers, let's make this new Darkling a regular comic book thing.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Archie Comics' superhero titles will want to try Darkling No. 1.

[This comic book includes a two-page section on the making of Darkling No. 1.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

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https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Thursday, November 9, 2023

Comics Review: "JOSIE Anniversary Spectacular #1" Takes the Pussycats to Outer Space

JOSIE ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR #1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Holly G!; Frank Doyle; Tom DeFalco

PENCILS: Holly G!: Dan DeCarlo; Kennedy Bros.

INKS: Jim Amash; Rudy Lapick

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Vincent DeCarlo; Bill Yoshida

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2024); on-sale November 8, 2023

Rating: All-Ages

Josie and the Pussycats in “Rock Cats”

In December 1962, Archie Comics published a comic book entitled She's Josie. She's Josie #1 (cover date: February 1963) gave a starring role to a level-headed redhead named “Josie Jones” and focused on her fanciful life and times as a teenager. Created by Dan DeCarlo, Josie first appeared in Archie's Pals 'n' Gals #23 (cover dated: Winter 1962-1963).

Josie Jones would become "Josie James," and later, she would take the name by which most readers and fans know her, “Josie McCoy.” She's Josie was renamed Josie with issue #17 (cover dated: December 1965). The series became Josie and the Pussycats with issue #45 (cover date: December 1969), in which Josie and her friend, Melody, formed a band called the Pussycats. The two friends added bassist, Valerie Smith, the new girl in school and one of the first major African-American comic book characters. The trio donned leopard print band uniforms that came with long tails and cat-ear headbands. Hanna-Barbera adapted this new-look Josie into the Saturday morning animated television series, “Josie and the Pussy Cats” (1970-71), and the follow-up, “Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space” (1972-73).

2023 is the year Archie Comics is celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of Josie's debut. Archie has just published the one-shot comic book, Josie Anniversary Spectacular, No. 1. The comic book features one new story, “Rock Cats.” It is written by Holly G!; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Josie and the Pussycats in “Rock Cats”:

The story opens with Josie and the Pussycats: Josie McCoy, Valerie Brown, and Melody Valentine being launched into space aboard the first Lodge/Cabot rocket for an extraordinary concert event. It's a first – Pussycats in orbit! There is trouble in space, however, and soon the girls have lost contact with their fans back on Earth. Can a passing space fan save the day and the concert?

The story features a host of characters from the world of Archie Comics. From Josie and the Pussycats, there is Alan M. Mayberry, Alexander Cabot III, Alexandra Cabot, and Pepper Smith. The “Archie Gang” includes, Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, and Veronica Lodge, to name a few. Plus, there is a special appearance by Cosmo the Merry Martian.

THE LOWDOWN: I have been a fan of the Josie and the Pussycats franchise since I was a small child. I am crazy about classic Josie comic books from the 1960s to the early 1980s and of the 1970s animated series.

Josie Anniversary Spectacular No. 1 offers a new story in “Rock Cats” that manages to hit upon a number of familiar Josie elements, although it is only five pages long. I must admit that I like writer-artist Holly G!'s visual nod to the rocket ship that the legendary comic book artist and illustrator, Alex Toth, designed for the “Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space” animated series.

Josie Anniversary Spectacular, No. 1 also reprints two vintage Josie stories drawn by Dan DeCarlo, Josie's creator. They are “A Gym Dandy” from She's Josie #1, and “The Ghostly Guardian” from Josie and the Pussycats #61 (cover dated: April 1972). This comic book also includes a story starring one of the original She's Josie's supporting characters, Pepper Smith, who has made something of a comeback. It is a modern story entitled “Only the Strong Survive” from World of Betty and Veronica Jumbo Comics Digest #18 (cover dated: August 2022).

I must warn you, dear readers. I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles. Thus, I am happy to recommend Josie Anniversary Spectacular, No. 1, and I am pleased that Archie Comics has published it. Here's to a brighter future for Josie and the Pussycats.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics and of Josie and the Pussycats will definitely want to get a copy of Josie Anniversary Spectacular No. 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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