Oni; $4.99 

New Archie comics have begun via a partnership between Oni Press and Archie Comic Publications.   

The first issue of Archie starts with everyone's favorite Riverdale teenager running late for school. The main story follows Archie around town as he reluctantly stars in an array of student films directed by his friends. Then Jughead contemplates life and the future while enjoying a couple of burgers at Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe.  

In this debut, writer Ben H. Winters does a fine job of reintroducing the Archie gang without making it obvious that he's reintroducing the Archie gang. The opening story establishes Archie as the lovable kid who unintentionally screws up while also giving a tour of Riverdale. The second tale shows Archie interacting with fellow stars of Archie comics in a way that highlights some of their defining characteristics.  

Winters is joined on the book by artist Fábio Moon and colorist Jason Wordie. The art team create lots of energy by filling the pages with multiple panels that keep the action moving. They produce lots of details in the backgrounds that set the scenes and evoke the charm of Riverdale.  

The book features backmatter including a fun word scramble, pinup, Oni Press Senior Editor/Archie Group Editor Bess Pallares pens a letter on the significance of Archie comics, and previews of upcoming titles.  

–Amanda Sheriff