JUGHEAD (2015) #1 Review
A few months ago Archie Comics successfully rebooted their famous ARCHIE comic series with great success giving new readers a reason to drink the Archie Kool Aid while maintaining the charm and character of the original. Seems like they knew it would be good and have already invested in their first spin-off series. Enter JUGHEAD #1 written by Chip Zdarsky (SEX CRIMINALS) with art by Erica Henderson (THE UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL).
Yes, Archie’s best bud Jughead has his own series in this reboot and I’m pretty stoked. Sure I love Archie, but I just don’t connect with the dude. Jughead on the other hand. That’s a dude I can relate to. He mindlessly plays video games until the wee hours of the night, crams an unfathomable amount of snacks down his gullet, and his worldview is a bit off from the norm but kinda makes sense. I think the best way to describe this dude is to rip a quote from this #1 issue:
“The world is out of our hands, pal. You just gotta make your own weird way in it.”
Yeah, while that about sums up what Jughead is all about, he does come through from time to time proving he is a loyal friend and not the slacker everyone thinks he is. Alright, he’s a slacker and is mostly motivated by hamburgers and snacks, but I like him dammit so leave me alone. I may even go as far as saying he’s a good representation of the current generation of kids out there these days.
Zdarsky crafts a fun and event-filled premiere issue that is sure to please fans of the ARCHIE reboot (currently on issue #3) as well as fans of the man himself. The dialogue is quick and witty with numerous updated pop culture references strewn about incase you forgot this was a modern day reboot. Game of Thrones and Groupon references much!? Basically this issue serves as a great inside look at a day-in-the-life of old Jughead with other major characters shifting into supporters. We also get a new nemesis in the form of newly promoted principal Mr. Mantle to give Jug a hell of a time. Every good character needs someone to challenge them from time to time right?
Visually, the art is spot on and echoes the Archie comics from yesteryear. It’s simple yet fun and compliments Zdarsky’s words wonderfully. There are some pretty great facial expressions in here that had me laughing usually involving Jughead wanting food or being denied food. If the aim was to make this book look classic, I’d say it’s a win.
After digesting this issue (get it!?), I’d say it’s a success and compliments the main ARCHIE book wonderfully for all those slackers out there thirsting for more Jughead shenanigans. All you lazy, lovable, snack-eating oafs out there should pick up this book to either compliment the main title or get a glimpse into the wonderful world of Jughead. Or both! It’s well with your dollars.
8 fire burgers out of 10
Words by Jason Furie
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