Dark Horse/Archie Comics 2015
Written by Alex de Campi
Penciled by Fernando Ruiz
Inked by Rich Koslowski
Coloured by Jason Millet
I’m in love with this story I mean it just showcases how incredibly universal and versatile the Archie gang really is. These iconic kids can be placed in any situation with any character and it doesn’t matter how wholesome they are it just makes sense that they find themselves in this odd story. Alex really has gone above and beyond what should expect from this. Last issue the Predator landed where the gang was doing their Spring Break vacation and Cheryl and Jason ended up being killed. Now the kids have come home to Riverdale and the Predator followed.
Betty inadvertently took this voodoo knife with her from it’s resting place and she thinks all this is happening because of her having this knife. They haven’t realized they are being hunted and are continuing on with everyday life. Of course this means chowing down at Pop’s Diner. Though thanks to the guys, Fernando, Rich and Jason, you can tell they are being watched. Oh yeah and these guys do a simply marvelous job putting this in the typical Archie artstyle too, even the Predator turned Archie character is still scary considering and fits perfectly into this world.
As the news of Cheryl and Jason’s death arrives Pop comes to the table with a welcome back cake and a very large knife to cut it. This is when the story really happens as Pop is targeted and his head blown off in front of everyone! It’s horrible because as I write this and i’m going through the issue as I do I’m laughing because it’s absurdly funny. Betty thinks it’s her fault and Jughead has the cake and they are standing around looking at the body till Kevin ushers them all into the back.
So while the boys are waiting for the police Betty takes Veronica and the two run off to see Sabrina. Okay Alex is a genius and i’m absolutely thrilled with the direction this story takes and how things unfold. The dialogue between the besties is incredible and it’s again kind of ridiculous but to Betty it all makes perfect sense. While this might not be the Sabrina we all know and love she’s is definitely one we should know!
You have to read this because damn it’s super impressive and hella creepy and downright real horror movie material. Oh and the nod at the end of page eight yeah thanks for that Alex cause it’s chuckle worthy for sure. Once the girls leave Sabrina and poor Veronica seems to be the Carrie here, see constantly covered in blood they head back to the rest of the gang. With backup in the form of Kevin’s father they all learn the truth of what they are up against. How would General Keller know well read the story and discover these all important clues because darn it this needs to be celebrated by everyone.
Alright so General Keller sets up a plan and the first big encounter of the Riverdale gang and the teenaged Predator begins in earnest. How high will the body count go and which one the boys will play decoy Veronica in drag are things you are going to have to find out on your own. Suffice it to say this is getting my vote for favorite mini-series or crossover of the year because it really is that good.