Oni Press has launched a new wave of Archie Comics titles, aiming to reinvent the classic characters for a contemporary audience with three distinct series: Archie, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Archie in Hell. IGN has reviewed the first issues of each, offering a critical look at the ambitious reboot.
Archie #1
The flagship Archie series, penned by Ben H. Winters with art by Fábio Moon, offers a fresh visual update to the long-running franchise. Moon's dynamic and fluid artwork captures the hectic nature of Archie Andrews' life, complemented by Jason Wordie's textured colors. The debut issue introduces the core cast and their relationships with Archie through a film festival premise, providing an entertaining, albeit lighthearted, narrative. However, the series is noted for a lack of depth, with a story that feels more like a classic Archie adventure than a significant reinvention. The backup story focusing on Jughead hints at more ambitious storytelling to come, but the initial offering suggests that previous reboots have achieved more compelling updates.
Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1
In contrast to Archie's traditional approach, Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1, by writer Corinna Bechko and artist Kano, emerges as the most satisfying debut. The series balances the franchise's wholesome roots with the potential of its new direction. It dives into Sabrina Spellman's life as she discovers her magical abilities and attempts to reconcile them with her social life. The dynamic between Sabrina and her talking cat, Salem, is a highlight, with Kano's expressive character art lending personality to the cast. The art effectively blends a lighthearted tone with a slightly sinister undercurrent, making this series a notable entry in the reboot.
Archie in Hell #1
Archie in Hell, from writer Patrick Horvath and artist Tyler Crook, aims for a more subversive take on the Archie universe, serving as a spiritual successor to Afterlife with Archie. The series infuses the familiar characters with supernatural horror, blending the classic Archie aesthetic with darker, more twisted elements. Crook and colorist Francesco Segala skillfully juxtapose the initial impression of a straightforward Archie story with unfolding scenes of black magic and ritualistic sacrifice. Despite its potential and strong creative team, the first issue is described as a slow burn, taking its time to establish its horror elements. It may lack the immediate hook of its predecessor, but the series holds promise for future installments.