| Whispers from the Under Chamber: Views and Reviews from J. L. Foster |
| "Archie? Archie Andrews... Where Are You?" Archie Digest #236 4 Swords Diehard fans of the popular and long-running Archie Comics series were given a shock this summer when editor Nelson Ribeiro and a new writing and art staff introduced a brand new look to the popular characters of the series, released exclusively in Betty & Veronica Double Digest issues 151 through the upcoming 154, which will conclude the new “dynamic look” series that they have crafted – entitled “Bad Boy Trouble.” I was raised on Archie Comics. They were among the very first stories I ever read, and I – as well as countless others – had become content with the simple, brightly colored, traditional features of the characters. Archie Comics offered readers fair warning of this special series months in advance, but I don't think any of us were well prepared. When I purchased the first initial issue, I was stunned... shocked. I'd never seen two female characters look so... bad. Betty and Veronica had been transformed into teeny-bopper, Britney Spears type characters with really bad noses. On the other hand, I was able to overlook the redoings of Archie, Jughead, Miss Grundy, and the many other characters who have been a part of my life for so long. Even the new character – Nick St. Clair – is drawn rather handsomely. As a gay man, I would like to see the new Archie and Nick together in their own little tale sometime, but that's a fantasy for another time. My disappointment in the new Betty and Veronica was soothed with the publication of Archie Digest number 236. In this special issue celebrating the company's 65th anniversary, Managing Editor Victor Gorelick offered us a look back to the very first ever Archie Comic, where the young redheaded idol was no more than a pre-teen going by the nickname of Chic and trying his best to impress his new neighbor, little Betty Cooper. From this launched the very first issue of Archie Comics, which is also included in this special digest and shows our characters as the teens we know them as today – troublesome, loving, and utterly hilarious. Included in the issue is the story of how Veronica Lodge first came to Riverdale. Other characters I'd never heard of were in the issue, which I can see how they fizzled out, and the issue ends with a brand new story by Fernando Ruiz and Rex Lindsey, offering us a tale of modern Archie meeting his original self. Very fun and very exciting. Archie Comics restored by faith in them after a very unfunny and rather unpleasant Betty & Veronica romp. I will continue to read Archie Comics, as they continue to bring me the nice, clean, wholesome and funny entertainment that I was raised with them, and for that, it will always be true that Everything's Archie! Archie Comics can be found at www.archiecomics.com |
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