Archie/Dark Horse Comics 2015
Written by Alex de Campi
Penciled by Fernando Ruiz
Inked by Rich Koslowski
Coloured by Jason Millet
Well boys & girls and kids of all ages this is the conclusion no one could have expected to see. Alex does this amazing thing writing this story and she’s done in the most unexpected and fantastic of ways. Giver her her due right now because i’m here to tell ya this is what it’s all about.
So last issue the teenaged Predator stuck Archie leaving only Betty and Veronica left alive and well. This issue again picks up immediately where the last left off and we see the Predator take Dilton’s head and well you have to see for yourself. For whatever reason the girls are posing no threat and the Predator walks away, Jaguar dagger in hand, after Betty faints.
Also i’ve never seen Veronica like this before and well you don’t want to get in her way when she’s pissed off, not the usual snotty i’m too good and offended behavior we’ve seen in the past I mean well and truly don’t eff with me I’m pissed off! I love this characterization I mean c’mon since when have these two girls ever been in the back seat letting others guide them through something, they are smart capable young women and they finally get their due now that well everyone else is out of play. Though Veronica’s actions with the dying Archie make keep this in the realm of science fiction that the Predator belongs.
I loved this story it was completely kick butt and fun and bloody and all kinds of just sheer absurdity that it works on so many levels. The Riverdale gang may never be the same again but the girls manage to save the day and keep themselves alive and the last page well that’s a doozy unto itself. Alex really went out on a limb here and took these kids on an adventure so totally outside what we think they should ever have and made it work keeping them true to who they were and the world they live in.
Archie Comics allowing this type of crossover not only demonstrates the gangs popularity in modern culture but that they have confidence that their characters will be treated with the respect and the outcome will be something amazing. It also showcases that companies can do crossovers in this day and age successfully and that more crossovers should be done and not just the usual ones like Scooby Doo and Josie and the Pussycats but putting the gang into a world where we get to see their heart, drive and desire like we see here.
The interior artwork here as well doesn’t take the kids into the Predator’s world it take him into theirs and while keeping his classic look only softening it somewhat. This has turned into one of those rare gems that starts off like a typical Archie adventure and ends up showing us more about who these kids are and are capable of then you’ve dreamt possible.