Archie Comics 2017
Bloodsport
Written by Will Ewing
Illustrated by Joe Eisma
Coloured by Andre Szymanowicz
Lettered by Janice Chiang
Bring It On
Written by Michael Grassi
Illustrated by Joe Eisma
Coloured by Andre Szymanowicz
Lettered by John Workman
Well with the popularity of the hit CW show Archie released a one-shot that focused on the show itself and now it’s time to tell some stories set in the shows universe that aren’t what is seen on tv. Welcome to the world of Riverdale where nothing is exactly what it seems and people have their own agenda’s and the darkness bubbles just underneath the wholesome exterior.
I think the stories in this issue is kind of what I was expecting to get from the regular series to be honest. A new modern uptake on the classic franchise but with Archie being closer to normal i’m happy that the company is expanding the lines to keep diversifying their offerings. The first story up for us is one where Archie is trying out for the school’s football team. He of course makes the team and ends up with Jason Blossom’s jersey number.
While we don’t get to see much of the hazing process that the new teammates have to do. It’s the kind of stuff we’d expect to see,streaking and silly pranks being pulled as the “freshmen” are under the guidance of their teammates. It’s a shame we didn’t get to see more but we saw enough to get the gist. The big thing though is that Archie is wearing Jason’s number and after Jason having died a mysterious death is there something for Archie to worry about wearing that number? Who knows and that is more exciting than I would have thought possible.
The second feature focuses on Cheryl Blossom. Leader of the cheerleaders who in a moment of weakness allowed Betty and Veronica onto the squad is back up to her old tricks. So the boys have a hell week and why should the girls be any different? The question is will Betty stick it out and prove she’s more than up to any challenge that Cheryl can throw at her or will she buckle under the pressure and quit the squad?
Both stories showcase some rathe normal slice of life stuff that happens when you do things in High School that put you in the spotlight. I like that we’re seeing a little more realistic and darker version of life in Riverdale and that comes from the show’s premise. Finally I’m seeing something in the Archie-verse that can’t be fixed like a half hour comedy would lead us to believe and it’s perfect.
Joe’s interiors here are great! I really like his eye for storytelling as he utilises page layouts with their angles, perspective and use of backgrounds. That the kids look like high school students and not models helps immensely. His attention to detail is great and I really love his use of facial expressions and body language to help with the characterisation.
Even if you aren’t watching the show, which I think we all should be, this is the modern take on the Archie’s that make them more like all of us than we’ve ever seen before and that’s utterly fantastic!