Archie is Mr. Justice #1
Writer: Tim Seeley
Artist: Mike Norton, Glenn Whitmore
Letters: Jack Morelli
Publisher: Archie Comics
Release Date: November 20, 2024
Cover Price: $4.99
BRAND NEW 4-PART ARCHIE PREMIUM EVENT LIMITED SERIES!
Young Archie Andrews possesses super strength, super speed, invincibility, and an undying urge to do what's right for the world. His only "weakness" is his need to see the good in others, no matter how terrible they may be.
His beloved hometown of Riverdale isn't the welcoming town it once was, Mr. Lodge tried to turn it into a more modern, luxury city instead, which pushed a lot of families out and left a lot of buildings uninhabited. A lot of the "old timers" stuck around, but without progress and the financial stability to keep anything viable, it's looking more and more like a ghost town. Archie's goal isn't just to restore Riverdale to its former glory-it's to bring it into the future, too.
And in this first issue, we learn of how Archie became MR. JUSTICE, all from the perspective of his best friend, Jughead Jones. This is truly a love letter to THE BEST of Archie, for fans of series like Whatever Happened to the Man or Tomorrow? and Invincible.
Score:
★★★★☆ (4/5)
This new miniseries introduces a fresh and inventive approach, with each issue led by a different creative team. The first issue, brought to life by Tim Seeley, Mike Norton, and Glenn Whitmore, reimagines the iconic duo of Archie and Jughead in a bold new light.
Seeley’s storytelling strikes a delicate balance, infusing the familiar characters with a darker, more mature tone while preserving their signature voices. This is not the Riverdale we know; it’s a daring reimagining that hooks readers from the start. The bond between Archie and Jughead is established with clever nuance, hinting at a deeper, more complex relationship yet to unfold. The world-building establishes good versus evil in the context of Riverdale denizens and the characterizations fit like a glove.
Seeley skillfully lays the foundation for Archie's evolution into the hero Mr. Justice, teasing an exciting future without giving too much away. The focus remains on crafting an immersive world, and Seeley accomplishes this effortlessly, keeping readers engaged with every page. Archie Comics' superhero history is referenced by naming members of the Mighty Crusaders, who were the publisher's answer to the Justice League during comics' Silver Age. The criminally underused hero-verse might see a comeback and this miniseries could be the catalyst.
The artistic collaboration between Norton and Whitmore is equally impressive. Norton's timeless style, paired with Whitmore’s vivid coloring, creates a visually stunning and dynamic world. While the characters remain familiar, Norton’s artistry offers a fresh perspective that breathes new life into them. Whitmore’s color choices add depth, with a playful vibrancy that contrasts beautifully with the darker tones of the story.
This first issue sets a high bar for what promises to be an exhilarating miniseries. Seeley, Norton, and Whitmore have successfully laid the groundwork for a superhero-infused Riverdale, drawing in both long-time fans and newcomers alike. Although the first issue seems rushed to set up this alternative world, the stakes are clear and the sides are defined ready for the next creative to take the baton. This is the perfect place to start for anyone looking for a fresh twist on the Archie universe.
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