Archie Comics 2013
Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Illustrated by Francesco Francavilla
Lettered by Jack Morelli
Before the end of the world began, a female pop trio was setting charts on fire. But in a world of TMZ and paparazzi-driven media, somehow these women kept their private lives a secret from everyone -- until now.
Jeez Louise Mary and Josephine please tell me this is the introduction to a new series in this dark universe? It has to be because this was beyond incredible. The way everyone but Alan was introduced, and let’s face it he can be the hunter always on the chase for them and Josie’s love interest like Romeo and Juliet, two houses never to be united.
I’m pretty much still in shock and awe of what I just read. This is something I think that Roberto should be insanely proud of as he completely took me by surprise by it. Now I want them to see Sabrina and see if they’ve known about each other during their most recent High School days. So many possibilities and scenarios and all around avenues that just scream out for more attention and exploration.
I love the nod to Anne Rice’s Interview with a Vampire as Josie tells her story to the reporter. That alongside the Dickensian narrative inside it was extremely fun to see come to life. This universe just got a whole lot bigger, more interesting and definitely a lot more shocking. I mean was prepared for the group to be witches granted immortality through sacrificing people. I hadn’t really expected this at all. I do like that we see the interview happen before the zombies attack and that as the girls are heading to Riverdale to do a benefit show is when the beginning of the end occurs so it can place them in Riverdale and able to track Archie’s group to eventually meet up with them. The writing, the characterisation and the plot all just continue to showcase why Roberto is one of my top writers today.
Francavilla’s interiors just go so superbly well with this series it’s uncanny. His style and the use of darkness and shadows just lend itself to this world this story and this book in ways no one else could master. Plus that the Josie that we meet to be this attractive, alluring and let’s just say scary deadly all at the same moment takes a very special kind of talent. The way the book flows, the page layouts, the use of angles and perspective not to mention backgrounds it all just gives you the heebie jeebie creeps which is exactly what this story should.
This series may not be the most regular thing on the planet but I don’t care because when we get this kind of quality and level of craftsmanship from the creators it’s totally worth it regardless of how long in-between issues I have to wait. Though it seems to be back on track for it’s every other month delivery date which is even more exciting.
Archie has done the impossible and recreated their world with the supernatural in ways that not only thrill but chill the reader to bone. Creative, interesting and decidedly wicked this series never ceases to amaze.