Archie Comics 2017
Written & Inked by Ty Templeton
Penciled by Dan Parent
Coloured by Andre Szymanowicz
Lettered by Jack Morelli
So we get two stories here and while it’s very much like the original Archie books Dan really makes this feel like it’s current, like the updated version where the characters have a more realistic look. Not surprisingly he manages to make te updated looks more appealing than what we’ve been seeing in the ongoing series. Love Archie’s new do and that it has that perfect blend between comics and the show.
In the first story Jughead tests the bonds of friendship when he wants to learn to drive. This is too funny I love what Ty does with this. While Jughead isn’t as lazy as we think he is, not after his own series anyway, he does tend to take the easy way out. So naturally when it comes to something like driving well it’s going to be a tad more difficult than he expects.
The second story is the start of a multi-issue arc. It’s also one that i’m totally in love with as Veronica ditched Archie to take someone else to the Opera. This of course sets Archie off and he’s got an idea on how to win her attention back. It’s cute, funny and all kinds of perfectly suited in any Archie Universe.
This is abso-freakin-lutely delightful! From the originality of the stories through the story development and encompassing the characterisation Ty just found a way to make this feel like the Archie we’ve known and loved for years while keeping it fresh and now. While this may feature Archie, it’s his world we all just live in it, that doesn’t mean we don’t see everyone else as they do appear and will throughout the run.
I’ve already said how much I love Dan’s pencils but it’s not just that. His eye for storytelling is among the best in the business and the way he uses page layouts, angles, perspective and even backgrounds help tell the story so much more fully. Also that the kids have their readily classic identifiable yet updated looks really is amazing.
Archie is taking their time putting out their books and from what i’m seeing since the relaunch is that they really have this passion for what we get to see. Granted the horror line needs to come out more frequently but on the whole we’re still getting some of the best examples of friendship, learning to understand our friends, their needs and how they make us better people whether we know it or not. Ty found a way to fully embody everything that is the classic Archie and bring it to us here.
One half hour comedy formula the other more of an ongoing soap opera type story and either way you’re going to fall in love with this Archie all over again too! Classic misunderstandings, overreaching and definitely overreacting are all on display and it’s never been more fun!