Review: AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE, VOLUME 1

AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE, VOLUME 1: ESCAPE FROM RIVERDALE  (Archie Comics, June 2014)  Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, writer.  Francesco Francavilla, artist.  Trade paperback, 160 pages.  Reprints Afterlife With Archie #1-5.  Nominated for Harvey Awards Best New Series 2014, Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards Nominee for Best Lettering (for Jack Morelli) and Best Cover Artist (for Francesco Francavilla) 2015.

ISBN # 1619889080/978161988088.

 

Summary from the Goodreads website . . . . .

 

   This is how the end of the world begins... Archie and the gang go where they've never been before -- to the grave and back! 

 

     A horrific accident sets off a series of grim events and Sabrina the Teenage Witch must try to repair the unspeakable evil her spell has unleashed. 

 

     Gasp in horror as Riverdale faces an impending zombie Arch-pocalypse in this spine-tingling ongoing series -- but be warned, kiddies, this one's not for the faint of heart! For TEEN+ readers.

 

My review on the Goodreads website . . . . . . 

 

 
I waited until all the hype was over before picking this up. I wanted to approach it with no expectations. It was so much better than I anticipated.

 

      I would rank this as a great example of zombie comics on a par with The Walking Dead. The commonality is the human side of the story - how the events affect, change, and reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the main characters. We keep reading because we care about the characters - we empathize because they have touched us and tapped our feelings. 

 

     I haven't read many Archie books, but I'm usually impressed when I do. The most common reaction is my appreciation of the themes of the story and the amusing entertainment value. But I don't ever remember caring for the characters and worrying about the outcome before reading Afterlife With Archie.

 

     Aguirre-Sacasa builds the suspense and keeps things moving along at a rapid clip, all the way detailing some interesting character reveals. Who steps up? Who cowers and hides? I love how he handles these familiar primary and secondary characters. Reggie has guilt, Archie takes responsibility for the welfare of so many, Betty is supportive, Veronica becomes charitable, Moose shows heart and loyalty, Mr. Lodge becomes caring and a great planner/anticipator. My only regret is that we don't see what Aguirre-Sacasa might have done with Jughead's character, since he's transformed early in the story. 

 

     Francavilla's art style is perfect for a book like this. He details the horrifying elements, emotional expressions, and physical action with a simplicity that suits the Archie brand yet brings a new chilling atmosphere to the proceedings. Unlike typical Archie comics, which are usually an explosion of rainbow colors, the shading and choice of muted, darker colors (sometimes just two hues per page) really help establish the horrific nature of the story. 

 

     I recommend this one. But be prepared for more as the story doesn't end in this volume.