By Hunter T. Patrick
Following the fallout of the last Archie story arc, Archie #23-27 deals directly with the percussions of “Over the Edge”. Mark Waid began his run stronger, and it seemed that the last arc was the best, now (re)reading all the issues in here does this prove that his run keeps getting better and better. Being a huge Riverdale fan, and a proud fan of the current Archie comics (from New Riverdale to Archie Horror), this is a great example why everyone should be proud to collect and follow everyone’s favorite redhead (take that Ron Weasley).
Whereas the last story arc was full of action and plot, this focuses more on character and tone. Admittingly, several moments made me nearly burst into tears. This felt far heavier than the last arc as it wastes no time with emotion. Each issue focused on smaller moments, and it was all the better for it. That is not to say that when this series goes largely it fails, it says that it succeeds in a balancing act in story and tone. These characters are portrayed with real human emotions and true character strength. Both Betty and Veronica have never been shown stronger than they are in this arc, but also Jughead and Archie have some very strong moments showing some strong strength.
Despite some very emotional moments, Archie (the comic) manages to never lose sight that Archie is a comedy more so than a drama. There are still jokes throughout, but never afraid to hit emotional chords. The jokes are pure Archie and true to what Archie is. You will be reading an Archie comic. This is not an adaption like Riverdale or the wonderful Archie Horror series, this is the modern Archie and shows what Archie has always been about. Any genre mixed with comedy always seems to lose the genre as comedy almost always overshadows the other genre. This is indeed a comedy but still, its comedy does not overshadow the emotion throughout. Great Job Mark Waid.
The artwork looks wonderful to continue a modernization of the Archie characters. The wackiness and the heart of everything both work wonderfully with this art style. Characters not only look the way they should in the classic sense but also a great modern way. The mixture of all elements has great middle ground being shown. Characters are easily all identifiable and emotions are shown clearly. The best part of the artwork is the same word used to help describe characterization and tone, and that word is natural. It is a natural fit for the characters and the characters act naturally as they should in situations, along with a natural look.
The last issue included (#27) really makes it feel like a season finale in a way with a conclusion of a story from the start (#1), but also a prologue right after for things to come. Mark Waid began co-writing with Ian Flynn for issue 27 and tease some great things to come. Get the previous trades before this if you can, but there is a recap which sums things up. You do not need to know who Archie is before this, but after you will know what Archie has to offer. Strongly recommended for fellow high school genre and Archie fans.
Score: 5/5
Archie vol. 5
Archie Comics