Written by Alex Segura
and Matthew Rosenberg
Illustrated by Joe Eisma
Published by Archie Comics
This book collects the one shot and the first three issues of this series. Honestly, I have read the issues following this and it’s the best part of the storyline.
Everything that comes after this in the series just repeats the set up here in these three issues.
The opening chapter is the one shot, which is the best of the series. Archie forms a band called “The Archies” with Jughead, Betty, and Veronica. And they’re terrible at first. They have one big success and then they try their hand at actually being a band. And they know nothing about it.
Some of it is absolutely hilarious. There’s a moment which only four people show up to a concert and Archie says “but seven people confirmed on Facebook!”
It’s touches like this that make the book stand out and relatable.
The ending of the one shot goes for the feels. Even if it’s obvious it, still works and is a delight. The writers have a great handle on each of the characters and makes their interplay work extremely well.
In the later chapters, the gang hits the road for a tour. At first, it’s very exciting. There are some good guest stars with some great musical talent from the past (Chvrches anyone?). You start to realize that the three issues here are a formula that sort of repeats itself throughout the rest of the series, which actually gets to be annoying later on.
Still, these issues collected here are good. The art by Eisma is good as well. If you are looking for a distraction that is really fun, look no further. You won’t remember it in a week, but it has enough to keep the reader smiling throughout.
RATING: B
