Archie Vol. 3

You already know I had to cop that Archie vol 3 classic. Comic was legit, straight up.

This volume collects issues #13-17 of this new revamped series, as well as “Reggie and Me” #1. This is my third volume of “Archie”, having read volumes 2 and 1 (in that order) in local libraries, as well as Jughead volume 1. I have also watched the Riverdale TV series alongside them, which can be confusing, as they are most definitely in different universes.Now, I have seen Archie comics before, and know roughly who is who, but not actually what it is that they do or why they are doing it. However, this is a relaunch/revamp of the style and content for the 21st century (though I don’t know if this was created before or because of the new Riverdale TV series).Mark Waid is a veteran comic book scripter, and has created a world that I have immediately been sucked into. He has brought ‘mainstream’ comic book continuity to the series (I assume), re-establishing the characters, their relationships and their motivation (and their humour). He has NOT created brand-new characters that have little to do with the past – this is NOT the New 52 version of Riverdale; that is the TV series.The art is also superb, and while capturing the intrinsic humour of the characters, is also able to maintain individual’s character/characteristics through a range of expressions and viewing angles. It is cartoony enough for the feel of story, while able to handle serious stuff as well.Although I have been a comic book reader since the first days of Stan Lee’s Marvel Comics, the veteran Mark Waid has brought all his skills as a superhero writer to bear here, but without anyone needing to be in a costume or to indulge in contractually-obliged fight scenes; though Veronica Lodge and Cheryl Blossom (who makes her debut here) do a passable Reed Richards/Doctor Doom impersonation as they fight for control of their school and of Archie, and Jughead and Archie swap lives in one episode; no, really – read it and enjoy yourself.