The Archie reboot that began last year has so far not disappointed. Archie and Jughead are two of the most consistently enjoyable titles out there. Archie #7, the latest installment of the flagship series, continues that trend with another solid, fun story.
Mark Waid is a writer in the zone on Archie. Each issue is a clinic on how to write comics, expanding on the overall narrative and world of the series while telling complete, one-and-done stories that have real stakes for the characters. Archie’s still trying to get in the good graces of Veronica’s father after accidentally destroying his mansion, and this issue sees him trying to clear a major obstacle in his way. The way he goes about it is not only both endearing and kind of hilarious, but also absolutely true to the Archie who’s been running around Riverdale for 70-odd years.
Artist Veronica Fish had some big shoes to fill after the opening issues by Fiona Staples and Annie Wu, and three issues into her tenure as series artist she has already made the title her own. There’s an energy to her work – both the linework and the layouts – that makes this issue’s several scenes of people talking to each other exciting to look at. She brings a physicality to the characters that reflects their personalities and that helps stick the landing on the book’s humor.
Waid and Fish are the perfect team for Archie, and the latest issue doesn’t indicate otherwise. It’s a smart blend of humor and heart from one of the best and most fun titles currently out there.