The Mighty Crusaders: The Shield #1 Review

THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS: THE SHIELD #1
Writer: David Gallaher
Artist: Rob Liefeld
Publisher: Archie Comics
Release Date: June 30, 2021
Cover Price: $3.99

What it’s about…

THE SHIELD IS BACK! America’s first patriotic superhero, The Shield, has persevered through countless challenges and always manages to come out on top! But what happens when forces beyond anyone’s control threaten The Shield’s legacy of fighting for truth and justice? Follow Joe Higgins as The Shield (and get ready for some surprises!) in this new one-shot comic featuring art by Rob Liefeld and a story by David Gallaher.

What I thought about it…

The one-shot Mighty Crusaders: The Shield #1 is Archie Comics’ latest attempt at making the Mighty Crusaders characters relevant in the 21st century. To launch this new era, the company brought in Rob Liefeld to write and draw the issue. However, creative differences popped up and David Gallagher came on board to finish the story. Unfortunately, because of the creative change, this comic book feels like an unfinished product.

After reading the issue, it’s a real shame Archie and Liefeld couldn’t co-exist because there are some interesting ideas introduced in this comic. Seeing the updated Crusaders was cool, and I wouldn’t mind seeing more of them. The mission they discuss is also intriguing and somewhat surprising. But all of that happens in the first couple of pages and on the final page. Whether this was Liefeld’s work or something David Gallagher came up with, I don’t know. Beyond that, there isn’t a lot to talk about. We see an older version of the Shield. Then, we go through some exposition and a flashback to the Shield’s past. Then we get one fight scene and then the book just ends.

Everything in this book feels so rushed and edited that it serves more like a prologue for a story that will likely never happen now. Rob Liefeld’s art also seems off for some reason. Make all the jokes you want, but the guy can usually draw a coherent story. But in Mighty Crusaders: The Shield #1 there are parts where I wondered if that splash page or panel was meant to be in that place. And I know Liefeld is known for his lack of background, but that stands out in this comic. I think the Shield sits in a chair, but that’s about it.

Overall, I have to say this Mighty Crusaders: The Shield #1 was a disappointing book. It would have been nice to see what Rob Liefeld had in mind, instead of this mixed bag we got. Whatever he had planned may have been good or bad, we’ll never know. But at least it would have been a complete product.

I haven’t read any of the Mighty Crusaders characters since DC published them 30 years ago as part of the Impact Comics line. The versions we see in this comic are very different, but I would like to see more of them. But at this point, who knows if Archie will move forward with their plans, or perhaps Mighty Crusaders: The Shield #1 will be a stand-alone chapter in the Crusader’s history.

The Mighty Crusaders: The Shield #1 grade: C

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Part 4 Review

Possible spoilers ahead!

Netflix’s “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” wrapped up its run with the recently released season four (or part 4). Since it’s debut in late 2018, Chilling Adventures has been one of my favorite shows on television thanks to its mix of magic, insane storylines, humor, and teenage shenanigans. Unfortunately, the finals season doesn’t stick the landing the way I was hoping it would.

Based heavily on the work of H.P. Lovecraft, season 4 sees Sabrina and her allies trying to fight eight eldritch terrors, which conveniently appear at a rate of one per episode. But the show’s final season is messy from the start and at times, borders on chaotic with all the other plotlines they tried to jam into eight episodes. The same premise of a Half-mortal/half-witch Sabrina Spellman (Kiernan Shipka) who decided on her 6th birthday she would divide her time between being a normal teenager at Baxter High, and studying magic at the Academy of the Unseen Arts is forgotten or simply ignored.

One of the things I’ve always liked about “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” is the way Sabrina and her friends come together to battle the latest evil invading Greendale. And there is plenty of that this season as the gang faces off a series of strange and terrible threats: The Weird, a primal aquatic parasite that wants to strip humanity of free will, which I have to admit reminded me of DC Comics villain Starro. Then there’s the Uninvited, the manifestation of every folktale that results in people being punished for failing to show kindness to a stranger.

But what’s missing this season is the story arc for Sabrina’s friends. In the first three seasons Sabrina’s best friends Rosalind Walker (Jaz Sinclair)Harvey Kinkle (Ross Lynch) and Theo Putnam (Lachlan Watson), all had their separate arcs and even got an episode each to further develop their characters. Sadly that doesn’t happen in the final season. There are moments like when Sabrina and Roz run for co-president of Baxter High, and Sabrina’s aunt Zelda (Miranda Otto) points out that Sabrina should be focusing on defeating the eldritch terrors instead. So the running for president plot is only mentioned again once.

To be clear, all three of Sabrina’s friends appear this season, but all of them have minor plotlines that never go anywhere or are immediately resolved. Come to think of it, most of their plots involve romantic entanglements and not much else. And unlike the previous season, this time the cast felt bloated to the point that you forget where the certain character went.

This season also spends too much time on misogynistic warlock Father Faustus Blackwood (Richard Coyle). This is a character that doesn’t need to be here at all, and every time he showed up I kept wishing he’d been written off after season two. Meanwhile, one of the series best characters, Lilith/Mary Wardwell (Michelle Gomez), is completely wasted this year. She’s pregnant at the start, then seeks the Spellman’s help, and then becomes weak. It just wasn’t her best story arc either. But maybe this was due to Gomez shooting HBO max’s “The Flight Attendant” around the same time?

When it comes to the plot of the season, it’s kind of all over the place. Some of the eldritch terrors are dispatched too easily, while others are never really resolved. One of the eldritch terrors Sabrina must face is the Endless, which brings with it the strangest episode of the season. In it, Sabrina is trapped in a sitcom alongside Caroline Rhea and Beth Broderick, who played Sabrina’s aunt, Hilda, and Zelda, respectively, in the 1990s sitcom “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.”

While this sounds great on paper, the episode never lives up to its potential. Broderick and Rhea don’t act like the classic aunts, and they didn’t even recreate the sitcom’s sets. It also would have been nice to see original Sabrina Melissa Joan Hart make a cameo even if it was only a quick one in the “green room.” But I will say seeing a talking Salem again was kind of fun.

The final season of “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” is my least favorite. It’s not the worst thing I’ve ever seen, but I was pretty disappointed with the ending and the rush to wrap everything up. There is simply too much going on to fit it all into eight episodes. My guess is the showrunner was not expecting this to be the show’s last season, and by the time Netflix dropped the ax, it was too late to make any significant endings. Oh well, at least we’ll always have the first three seasons to enjoy.

“Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” season 4 grade: C-

Jughead: The Hunger Vs. Vampironica #1 Review

Jughead: The Hunger Vs. Vampironica #1
Written by: Frank Tieri
Art by: Pat Kennedy, Tim Kennedy
Colored by: Matt Herms
Lettered by: Jack Morelli
Cover Price: $3.99
Published by: Archie Comics

What it’s about…

In the world of JUGHEAD THE HUNGER, there are no vampires, having been wiped out in their great war with the werewolves. In the VAMPIRONICA universe, the opposite is the case, as it was the vampires who were the victors.

So what happens when these two eternal enemies are brought together again? Whatever it is, it can’t be good for poor ol’ Jug and Vampironica, you can count on that much…

What I thought about it…

The first thing that I can say about this comic is that it’s darker than I expected. No, I don’t mean the colors are so bad they give the book a dark look. What I’m talking about is the tone of the story. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, this is a horror book after all. But I mean, in the first few pages alone poor Pops gets eaten alive by a gang of vampires. If that’s not a shocking way to start off this mini-series, I don’t know what its.

Despite setting a darker tone for the series, writer Frank Tieri still maintains a lot of the cheery personalities of many of the Archie characters. The group still gives Jughead a hard time about how much he eats. and Betty is still a helpful friend. Even supporting characters like Veronica’s parents seem like their normal selves. They joke about raising her allowance to $100,00 per month. Then they drop a bombshell on Veronica that I didn’t see coming.

Another highlight of Jughead: The Hunger Vs. Vampironica #1 is the art by Pat and Tim Kennedy. The character design fits the story perfectly but without changing them completely. Their art also utilizes shades of red and black to give scenes that extra touch of danger. Even the normally brighter colors are dulled, which again is more than appropriate for the tone of the comic.

I should also mention that the art team switches from Pat and Tim Kennedy to Joe Eisma for the last few pages of issue #1. But their styles are so similar that I didn’t even notice the shift. It wasn’t until I re-read the comic that I noticed Elsma was credited in the art department. So kudos to Archie Comics for choosing artists that compliment each other.

One last thing: since this is the first issue in the mini-series, the comic focuses primarily on Veronica shortly following the events of the Vampironica comic. Jughead: The Hunger Vs. Vampironica #1 is more about setting up the series rather than about the conflict. In fact, the werewolf Jughead doesn’t even appear in this comic, but everything else is so good, you really won’t mind.

In the ends, Jughead: The Hunger Vs. Vampironica #1 was a rather fun comic. The story by Frank Tieri moves at a good pace, introducing many of the key players, setting up important plot points, and even adds a few twists along the way. The art team is terrific, and they set the right tone for the series, and their action scenes are a lot of fun. All in all, Jughead: The Hunger Vs. Vampironica #1 is worth checking out.

Jughead: The Hunger Vs. Vampironica #1 score: B+

Sabrina The Teenage Witch #1 Review

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #1
Written by: Kelly Thompson
Art by: Veronica Fish and Andy Fish
Cover art by Veronica Fish
Variant covers by Stephanie Buscema, Adam Hughes, Victor Ibanez, Sandra Lanz
Letters by: Jack Morelli
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 27, 2019
Published by: Archie Comic Publications, Inc.

What it’s about…

BRAND NEW SERIES! Sabrina is a teen witch who’s struggling with balancing the double life of high school and her burgeoning powers. Newly relocated to Greendale with her aunts Hilda and Zelda (also witches), Sabrina is trying to make the best of being the new girl in town which so far includes two intriguing love interests, an instant rivalry, a couple of misfits that could turn into BFFs, and trying to save the high school (and maybe the world) from crazy supernatural events.

What I thought about it…

Over the past few years, the world of Archie Comics world has had something of a renaissance. Not just in comics either, but with high-profile television adaptations like Riverdale and the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina on Netflix too. I wasn’t a fan of the changes at the beginning, but the more and more I read and see, the more I like what Archie Comics is doing today. Now the company launches the new  Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 by Kelly Thompson and Veronica Fish.

Sabrina #1 sees Sabrina Spellman starting a new chapter in her life as she begins her very first day at Greendale High. It doesn’t take long before she meets new friends, finds a new adversary, and encounters two potential love interests. It’s a full day for Sabrina, though at first, she tries to conceal her witch powers from others, only for a sequence of events to plunge her and a new friend into a supernatural mystery that may test all of her powers.

This issue is essentially a soft reboot for Sabrina and friends, but perfect for this new era of Archie Comics. Kelly Thompson crafts a story that strikes the right balance of horror, humor and adorable. But regardless of whether you like the classic comics, 1990s tv show, or the Netflix, these characters will feel familiar to every fan. In fact, there are hints in this issue of all the previous interpretations of Sabrina.

It seemed to me like Kelly Thompson wanted to honor everything came before but at the same time craft an entirely new story with a few familiar faces and a new supporting cast. The writer succeeded, which isn’t surprising as her work always manages to keep me entertained. And if you’re a fan of Salem the cat, I have no doubt you will be very happy after reading this comic.

Meanwhile, Veronica and Andy Fish prove to be the ideal art team for this series. Their style has a 1950s look to it, and it perfectly captures Thompson’s narrative. Every panel pops with something special whether its Salem, the fashion, or just a facial expression, the artist did a remarkable job in world building. I should mention even the color work in this issue is amazing. The various color tones give scene and characters that extra touch of magic.

If I have one complaint about Sabrina #1 it would be that we didn’t get enough time with her aunts Hilda and Zelda. We only really see them on one page as they’re having breakfast in the kitchen. I enjoyed the scene, especially when they give Sabrina her juice, but I would like to have spent more time with them.

Sabrina The Teenage Witch #1 was a superb start to this series. The issue featured a full story that accessible to all fans, and with some stunning art to boot. My only regret is that this reboot is set to be a five-issue miniseries and not an ongoing. That’s sad, because the way that this creative team brings Sabrina world to life is out of this world.

Sabrina The Teenage Witch #1 score: A

State of my Comic Book Pull List 2019

With the holidays now firmly behind us, the beginning of a brand spanking new year is the perfect time for everyone to look back at the things in our lives which may have changed over the past twelve months.

Each person probably has his or her own things they like to revisit every January, for me, one of those things I look back to is my weekly comic book pull list. And boy has my pull list changed since January 2018.

Since the last State of My Comic Book Pull List blog in January 2018, I’ve added a ton of titles to the list, some regular series and some mini-series. Since last January, I’ve subtracted a number of other titles, while other books ended or were canceled.

Also, one publisher, I was barely reading this time last year, had now overtaken all other published in stack pile. But let’s start with what I’m currently reading. As of this moment, these are the comic books I’m buying on a regular basis:

• Amazing Spider-Man
• Archie 1941
• Archie
• Asgardians of the Galaxy
• Betty & Veronica
• Captain Marvel
• Detective Comics
• Doctor Strange
• Doctor Who (13th Doctor)
• Domino
• Doomsday Clock
• Fantastic Four
• The Green Lantern
• Hawkman
• Justice League Odyssey
• Mage: The Hero Denied
• Mr. and Mrs. X
• Shazam!
• Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider
• Supergirl
• Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Urban Legends
• Tony Stark: Iron Man
• Uncanny X-Men
• X-23

 

 

At this time last year, I was reading just four Marvel books. Today I’m reading eleven Marvel titles, by far the most of any publisher. It would have been more than eleven Marvel books, but recently Astonishing X-Men, Infinity Wars, and X-Men Red all came to an end recent;y..

To make room for some of the Marvel comics I’m currently reading, some other books had to get. Therefore in 2018, I said goodbye to Aquaman, Batgirl, Batman, Captain America, Flash, Moon Knight, Red Hood, and the Outlaws. and others.

I stopped reading some of those books due to low funds, but I dropped Batman after the whole wedding debacle. It wasn’t so much that Catwoman and Batman didn’t get married, but more of why the wedding didn’t happen. Sure, Catwoman dumped Bruce Wayne this time, but how many times have we seen Batman pass up happiness because it interferes with him being the Bat?

Anyways, after reading Batman #50 this past summer, I just felt like I had wasted the last two-plus years reading the book, so I stopped buying the title cold turkey. No worries though, Detective Comics is fat and away a better Batman book.

I’m always looking to add more books to my pull list. But just like last year, I’m also hoping to add more variety to the list. In 2018 I read several books from Dynamite Entertainment, but they were all limited series. Recently I’ve gotten into the more adult Archie titles, so I’m hoping to explore that line more this year.

I thought 2018 was a good year for comic books, despite the fact my favorite pastime is getting more and more expensive. Stoll.  let’s hope 2019 is an even better year for comics.

My Top 10 Comics Books of 2018

It’s difficult to believe, but we are almost at the end of 2018. This means it’s time to look back at the comics I read this year. Each new week this year brought a plethora of new comics for fans to enjoy. Dozens of new titles launched, and some favorite books ended after a decent run.

Event book still reigned supreme, but at least the emphasis seemed to be in the story rather than in the shock value, well for the most part at least. Heroes in Crisis is certainly going for shock rather than a good story.

Anywho, like any other year in comics, there were plenty of up and downs in 2018. Books shipped late at an alarming rate, and we lost too many legendary creators like Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, Norm Breyfogle and many others. But compared to last year, I thought 2018 had more good comics than bad. Therefore, I now present to you, my top 10 comics of 2018:

10.Doctor Strange #390
Written by: Donny Cates
Art by: Frazer Irving.

The truth is you can’t go wrong with any comics written by Donny Cates. The man is brilliant, and there were plenty of his comics that I could have chosen for this list. But only one of his comics had me rolling on the floor laughing, and that comic was Doctor Strange #390.

This issue sees Doctor Strange back as Master of the Mystic Arts. But in the aftermath of the battle with Loki and the Damnation saga, the Earth’s magic is still weak, and so is Stephen. He needs to get in fighting form and repair his friendship with Zelma, assuming he can get rid of that special guest Spider-Man.

By far the highlight of this issue had to be when Doctor strange gives Spider-Man the ability to talk to a real spider. Yes, it’s as twisted as it sounds, and it’s even crazier when you see Spidey and spider comparing powers and enjoying a day in the country or something. It’s bizarre but fun.

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9.Elvira Mistress of the Dark #1
Written by: David Avallone
Art by: Dave Acosta

It’s doesn’t happen very often these days, but once in a while, I find myself with a few extra bucks during my weekly visit to the comic store. That’s what happened this past Fourth of July, and the reason I picked up Elvira Mistress of the Dark #1.

In this issue, The Mistress of the Dark has become unstuck in time! It all starts on the set of Elvira’s latest movie, when one day during a break, she’s shoved into a casket that sends her through time and space.

Elvira #1 sees her crashing Mary Shelley’s monster weekend, beginning an epic journey through horror history. Sounds like a fun trip, except Elvira is being stalked by the most terrifying nightmare to ever walk the Earth!

If you’re a fan of classic horror, funny one-liners, and a lot of cleavages, then this Dynamite Entertainment series is the one for you! All kidding aside, Elvira Mistress of the Dark is highly entertaining and worth checking out.

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8.Hawkman #1
Written by: Robert Venditti
Art and Cover by Bryan Hitch

Ask any Hawkman fan and they’ll tell you how messed up his continuity is these days. It wasn’t always like that of course, but since the 1990s DC Comics has butchered one of my favorite characters. But then came along Robert Venditti and Bryan Hitch. Together they are not only making sense of the origin mess but making it a fun and entertaining quest.

In Hawkman #1, Carter Hall returns to his roots as an explorer of the ancient and unknown. Here we see Hawkman embroiled in a long-standing mission to discover the true purpose of his many reincarnations as he races around the globe trying to piece together an ancient prophecy, but will he be able to face down his past lives lurking around every corner?

In just one issue, Robert Venditti and Bryan Hitch restored my love for Hawkman, and I will be forever grateful. If you haven’t checked out this monthly book, now is the time!

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7.Rogue and Gambit #3
Written by: Kelly Thompson
Art by: Pere Perez

What is this? An X-Men story with heart, continuity, and consequences? My oh my, this is rare territory indeed.

In Rogue and Gambit #3, the on again off again couple are enjoying their undercover mission in paradise more than anyone expected. The two have rekindled their romance and dealt with some heavy issues between them. This issue shows the trouble began all the way back in Antarctica in the pages of Uncanny X-Men #350 from way back in 1997. Turns out a lot more happened in the Antarctic cave than we previously thought.

In my opinion, Kelly Thompson is one of the most underrated writers in comics. She has the ability to make any character fun and endearing. Thompson also manages to cram a lot of story into a single issue, something that seems lost in many of today’s comics. With Rogue and Gambit #3 Kelly Thompson showed me a different side of the relationship and some progression. If you liked these characters in the 90s, give this series and the follow-up Mr. and Mrs. X series a shot.

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6.Charlie’s Angels #1
Written by: John Layman
Art by: Joe Eisma.

The original Angels are back! That’s right, Jill, Kelly, and Sabrina star in this series which the team is on a globe-trotting adventure written by John Layman, and with art by Joe Eisma. set in the groovy 70s, the team sets off on what should be a simple mission of helping out a local club owner.

But it isn’t long before  things take a turn for the worst when Charlie is kidnapped and the club owner goes missing. And that’s just for beginners because along the way, President Jimmy Carter gets caught up in the mayhem.

I have a lot of memories of watching the classic tv show when I was young. The Drew Barrymore movies weren’t my cup of tea, and the least said about the 2011 tv reboot the better. This comic though was pure gold. The Angels rely on their skills and detective know how to save the day, and it was classic Charlie’s Angels stuff.

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5.Amazing Spider-Man #10
Written by: Nick Spencer
Art by: Humberto Ramos.

After years of mostly avoiding the Spider-Man books, I decided to subscribe to the new Amazing Spider-Man book by Nick Spencer. My main reason for checking out the book though was because of the art of regular artist Ryan Ottley. But you know what? This book is kicking ass.

In Amazing Spider-Man #10, there’s been a major theft the likes of which we’ve never seen and for once, The Black Cat didn’t do it. But Spider-Man might need the help of his once-foe-once-friend-once-crime-boss Felicia Hardy, the Black Cat. However, the best part of this book for me were the scenes with Mary Jane Watson.

MJ and Peter have recently started dating again, and in this issue, Mary Jane joins a support group for people who have loved ones who happen to be heroes. The whole thing is run by Jarvis from the Avengers, and he uses special technology to block out people’s faces and names. That way, all of the costumed heroes’ identities are safe. Jarvis also has a very touching moment with MJ where he explains to her why she matters to Peter. Great stuff, and totally worth the price of admission.

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4. shazam! #1
Written by: Geoff Johns
Art and Cover by Dale Eaglesham

The original Captain Marvel is back and better than ever thanks to the superstar team of writer Geoff Johns and artist Dale Eaglesham. The two creators reunite to launch the all-new SHAZAM! monthly title set in the DC Universe in almost 20 years, and just in time before a certain movie comes out too. But I’m sure that’s just a coincidence.

Anyways, Billy Batson is now a teenager turned super-hero who still struggles to balance school and superheroics. But this time he’s not alone, this time he’s got his foster sibling (who are also heroes) and loving foster parents. For once, things seem to be working out for Billy, but when Shazam unlocks a shocking secret deep within the Rock of Eternity, it challenges everything he knows about the worlds of magic and his family’s future as its champions!

Like I said in my review of this book, I was a little hesitant to try it because I loved what Jerry Ordway did with this character in the 90s. But Geoff Johns has something special cooking here, and I can’t wait to see more!

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3.Fantastic Four #3
Written by: Dan Slott
Art by: Sara Pichelli and Nico Leon

It took over three long years, and three issues of the new series. But comic book fans finally got what we wanted: the Fantastic Four reunited at long last!

Fantastic Four #3 is the comic that proves once and for all that the F4 is more than a team, they are a family. And when the fate of the very Multiverse is at stake, that means it’s time for the ENTIRE family to have a reunion. That means bringing back anyone who has ever been a member of Marvel’s first family. But let’s be realistic, the reunion everyone had been waiting for finally happens in this issue, and it a beautiful thing to see.

Even the mist of a battle, Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Benn take a moment to give each other a hug and say hello. The reactions from Ben and Johnny when they see the kids too is just awesome. When all is said and done, Fantastic Four is the Fantastic Four issue fans have been waiting for.

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2. All-New Wolverine #31

Written by: Tom Taylor
Art by: Marco Failla

Without question, my favorite comic book writer today is Tom Taylor. Every comic the man writes is a joy to read. Not only does he deliver great action, but he develops characters and stories in a way that makes me want to read more and more. And his work on All-New Wolverine is some of the best comics of the decade.

In All-New Wolverine #31, Gabby makes a shocking discovery about the past and turns to the only person she can trust to help her. If you guessed her big sister Laura (Wolverine), you’d be wrong. Instead, Gabby turns to Deadpool, yes that Deadpool! So now, Gabby and Deadpool embark on a mission of vengeance, assuming, of course, he doesn’t make things worse.

Go find a copy of All-New Wolverine #31, or download it if you prefer. Either way, I guarantee you will love this story by Tom Taylor. There’s humor, tragedy, and a shocked Laura when she learns Gabby asked Deadpool for help.

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1. Archie 1941 #1
Written by: Mark Waid and Brian Augustyn
Art by: Peter Krause and Kelly Fitzpatrick.

Did I ever think an Archie comic would top my yearly best comic list? Hell to the no, but then again, comics by Mark Waid always surprise. Archie 1941 #1 is another issue I bought when I had a couple of extra bucks, and thank goodness I did, otherwise, I would have missed out on what I consider a masterpiece.

Archie has been around for over 75 years and has been through many significant moments in time, but never before have we seen the Riverdale gang take on real-world events as they unfold. With World War II raging in Europe and in the Pacific, Archie and many young men from Riverdale are close to enlistment age. But after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the choice becomes clearer, but nor easier in some cases. Archie 1941 focuses on how a Riverdale teen would cope with a looming world-changing event and its effects of their loved ones.

This entire series has been an incredible read. But the reason I put Archie 1941 #1 as my top book of the year is for one reason: when an Archie comic brings a tear to my eye, then I know Mark Waid, Brian Augustyn, and Peter Krause did something very special here.

Archie #700 Review

 

ARCHIE #700
Written by: Nick Spencer
Art by: Marguerite Sauvage
Colors by: Marguerite Sauvage
Letters by: Jack Morelli
Edited by: Alex Segura and Jamie Lee Rotante
Published by: Archie Comics

What it’s about…

A brand new era of ARCHIE begins in this landmark 700th issue of our flagship series! Join the new creative team of writer Nick Spencer (The Amazing Spider-Man) and artist Marguerite Sauvage (DC’s Bombshells) as they take a trip to Riverdale and bring Archie, Betty & Veronica, Jughead, and the rest of the town along for a wild ride complete with new mysteries, new relationships, and much more!

What I thought about it…

Archie #700 serves as a soft reboot of the classic Archie characters. Maybe its the Riverdale effect, who knows? But this issue sets up a new era for Archie and friends with a more mature tone and central plot. However, it’s important to point out that the heart of these characters is still there. Some things are different, but many things remain the same. The issue even opens with a sarcastic Jughead monologue while he shares a couple of burgers with Archie.

Surprisingly, Archie #700 has its fair share of plot twists. The first of which cames in the opening pages when Jughead reveals he got a job over the summer break, leaving Archie speechless. Some other nice elements in this issue happen as we learn what Betty, Veronica, and Reggie were up to during the summer. It’s in these sequences where we find out none of them have heard from Archie since school got out, and Archie isn’t ready to talk about it.

Writer Nick Spencer surprised me yet again with this comic. He first surprised me with his current run on Amazing Spider-Man, and here I can tell Spencer knows how to write Archie and friends without destroying the core of the character. Too bad he didn’t do that with Captain America. Some of the best moments in Archie #700 are simple conversations like the one between Betty and Ronnie in the car or the slow dance between Betty and Archie. And the ending, it even fooled me.

The “new era” for Archie is brought to life by the art of Marguerite Sauvage. To put it mildly, her art is stunning, with a unique blend of timeless and modern aspects. The various characters of the issue each have their own little visual flairs that make them stand out. The panel layout is also worthy of praise, with every little detail in the backgrounds impeccably drawn. Even if you don’t buy a copy of Archie #700, do yourself a favor and flip through it to check out Sauvage’s amazing artwork.

I bought Archie #700 only because it was 20% off on Black Friday. I probably wouldn’t have picked it up otherwise, but I’m very glad I did. I’ve already added Archie to my pull list so I can see these plotlines resolved. At the end of the day, this latest soft reboot is not a completely drastic change I had feared, and so far it shows quite a lot of promise.

Archie #700 score: A

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Review

Possible spoilers ahead!

Sabrina the Teenage Witch is back on tv in the new Netflix series “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.” But Sabrina’s world is far darker than anything you’ve seen before. In other words: forget the old tv show. This time around, Sabrina Spellman is played by Kiernan Shipka (“Mad Men”). She’s a soon to be 16-year-old high school student who is half mortal and half witch.

As her birthday rapidly approaches, Sabrina struggles with her upcoming Dark Baptism, a ceremony which will see her bound to the dark lord himself. She understands signing the dark book is her calling, and by joining she’ll become a full witch and have use of all her witchy powers. But given the violent apocalyptic visions Sabrina encounters before the ceremony, she can’t decide which path to take.

Going ahead with the baptism requires Sabrina to attend a secret academy for witches, which means leaving behind the only family she’s ever known: aunts Zelda (Miranda Otto), and Hilda (Lucy Davis). Sabrina would also say goodbye to her town, school, and friends Ros (Jaz Sinclair) and Susie (Lachlan Watson), and her wholesome and devoted boyfriend Harvey (Ross Lynch).

Sabrina has a tough choice ahead of her. One that isn’t made easier when outside forces appear to be pulling her in different directions.

Forget everything you ever knew about Sabrina the teenage witch from the old Archie Comics and the ABC TGIF family-friendly sitcom starring Melissa Joan Hart. The new Netflix series, “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” is reinventing the entire formula from scratch with a unique mix of darkness, humor, drama, scares, and fun. And it worked on me!

I am rather shocked at how much I enjoyed the “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.” It’s been a couple of years since I binged a Netflix show as I did with Sabrina. Normally I’ll watch one or two episodes a day, but with Sabrina, I watched the whole thing before game four of the World Series. The show hooked me from the first episode, perhaps this is due to the show’s darker yet fun tone. But more than likely it’s due to leading lady Kiernan Shipka.

Shipka gives the role of Sabrina a ton of depth, and in a number of ways. From her first love to not wanting to disappoint her aunts, to wanting answers so she can make the best decision possible for her life. She’s sweet an innocent, and one of the most loyal friends you will ever have. Kiernan Shipka nails every dramatic element the script requires. But she does it in such a way that as the viewer, you’re almost instantly like her and are rooting for her.

Miranda Otto and Lucy Davis play Sabrina’s adoptive aunts, and they serve as a bit of comic relief. But nothing like in the ABC show. In the new series, Davis’ Hilda is good-natured and sweet, always looking out for Sabrina. Whereas Otto’s Zelda is an authority figure who wants Sabrina to join the coven whether she wants to or not. But Zelda also takes time from her work as a funeral director to sit on the front porch for a smoke break.

Then there’s Chance Perdomo as Ambrose Spellman, Sabrina’s witch cousin from England. He’s often a voice of reason and occasionally her partner in crime. But Ambrose is forbidden from leaving the Spellman home after being placed under house arrest by the Witches Council for attempting to blow up the Vatican.

Last but certainly not least is Michelle Gomez as Mary Wardwell. She’s Sabrina’s favorite teacher and mentors at Baxter High, but that was before she became possessed by the devil’s handmaiden to become Madam Satan, a cunning manipulator who seems to have her own agenda. Gomez is brilliant in the part, and she’s clearly having a lot of fun with the part.

Sabrina’s friends also deserve mention. Ros (Jaz Sinclair) and Susie (Lachlan Watson), and Harvey (Ross Lynch) are all well-developed. Each got back stories and each one has something to deal with at home. These characters weren’t cartoons like in the old show, and I loved how Sabrina would do anything for them, and they in return. Friends like these are hard to find in the real world.

In the end, the “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” is a welcome addition to the expanding, reimagined television world of Archie Comics. This is a show that packs a ton of story into each episode, making each chapter more like a mini-movie than an individual episode.

The sets and cinematography are incredible throughout, giving the show a unique and timeless look. Add in a solid cast led by the talented Kiernan Shipka, and you got a winner, and one of my new favorite Netflix shows.

“Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” score: A

 

Archie 1941 #2 Review

 

Archie 1941 #2 Review
Written by: Mark Waid and Brian Augustyn
Art by: Peter Krause
Colors by: Kelly Fitzpatrick
Letters by: Jack Morelli
Published by: Archie Comics

What it’s about…

IT’S WAR

As the United States makes its entrance into WWII, the teens and parents in Riverdale are faced with some difficult situations as they reflect on how this will dramatically change their lives as they know it.

What I thought about it…

Archie 1941 #2 is another masterpiece by Mark Waid and Brian Augustyn. The two writers perfectly capture the directionless feeling many teenagers are left with after graduating high school. This lost feeling is even more poignant as Archie Andrews deals with the pressure at home from his father, and now America’s entry into World War II.

In this issue, we see how the attack on Pearl Harbor is affecting everyone in Riverdale. But it’s not just the young people who are having a hard time dealing with this new world. The parents aren’t sure how to go on either, and sending their sons to war is easier for some than others.

There are others in Riverdale who pretend as nothing has changed, and are trying to live life as if nothing happened. But even they learn quickly that nothing will be the same again because of the war. And those who want to volunteer for duty, find they aren’t always able to.

The art in Archie 1941 #2 is perfect for this sort of story. The characters are all drawn with very strong distinct outlines, probably based on the style of the 1940s. The colors by Kelly Fitzpatrick give the entire book a sort of newsprint-style look to it, which again works incredibly well for the story being told. It’s also nice to see these characters having to deal with real-world events because they react the way many of us probably would.

All in all, Archie 1941 continues to impress. Now that the United States has entered the war, I expect things will move faster. Time will tell if that’s a good thing or not, because so far I’m really enjoying this take on Riverdale, and would love to see it last longer than five issues. But so far, Archie 1941 is one of my favorite books of the year.

Archie 1941: A

 

Archie 1941 #1 Review

 

ARCHIE 1941 #1
Written by: Mark Waid and Bryan Augustyn
Art by: Peter Krause
Published: Archie Comics

What it’s about:

THE HISTORIC, GROUND-BREAKING MINI-SERIES STARTS HERE!

Archie has been around for over 75 years and has been through many significant moments in time, but never before have we seen the characters take on real-world events as they unfold. WWII is looming and Archie and many young men from Riverdale are close to enlistment age. If you’re a Riverdale teen, how would you cope with a looming world-changing event? Join the writing team of MARK WAID and BRIAN AUGUSTYN along with artist PETER KRAUSE for the all-new mini-series that is sure to have everyone talking!

What I thought about it…

The new Archie 1941 mini-series from Archie Comics, is a return to form for the characters or Riverdale. However, this is also one of the more serious, somber, and realistic takes on Archie and the gang I have ever seen. But after twice reading Archie 1941 #1, I think that’s what I like best about this book.

Mark Waid and Brian Augustyn write a dark and grounded tale that unlike a certain tv show, feels real. The two writers once again deliver some solid character development that makes the reader sympathize with him or her. If you’ve read any of their previous work, then you know these two writers know how to develop strong characters, and Archie 1941 is no exception. Every character in this book gets a moment to shine, but being an Archie book, he’s the one with the most screen time.

In this issue we see Archie and friends graduate high school as the rest of the world is consumed by the war in Europe and the Pacific. Archie is having trouble dealing with so much change: graduation; choosing a job; home life; girl issues; and the possibility of war. His friends meanwhile, seem more concerned with how they’ll spend their last summer together. But that doesn’t mean they are not concernced about Archie.

Artist Peter Krause depicts the first issue with a solemn, intimate style, somewhat similar to his work on The Power of Shazam in the 1990’s. In Archie 1941. Krause uses excellent facial expressions, and minimalistic details. I particularly enjoyed the scenes at Pop’s. The art made me want to visit and get a burger.

Peter Krause’s subtle approach to Riverdale is perfect for the early 40’s setting of the series. From the clothes they gang wears, to the newsreel scenes at the movies, all of it looks beautiful and I want to see more. Even thought its only one issue in, Archie 1941 might be some of the best stuff Peter Krause has done.

The only thing I didn’t like about Archie 1941 #1, was a snarky comment high school principal Mr. Weatherbee makes to Archie. I get the kid was a pain to deal with for the last few years, but his “I’m rid of you” comment seemed like a low blow. Even in a more grounded and realistic version of this world, I find it hard to believe any teacher would say that to a kid.

With stong dialogue, an interesting premise, and gorgeus art, Archie 1941 turns out to be more than meets the eye. I want to see more of this world, and I hope the upcoming issues are just as intriguing as this one was. This is an awesome book, and one that’s worth checking out whether you read Archie or not.

Archie 1941 #1 score: A-