Afterlife With Archie #4

Writer: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa Artist: Francesco Francavilla Publisher: Archie Comics Release Date: March 5, 2014 Cover Price: $2.99 Critic Reviews: 19 User Reviews: 16
9.6Critic Rating
9.4User Rating

"Escape from Riverdale," Part 4 [of 5]. With two more members of our beloved gang infected by the dreadful zombie-virus, Riverdale's one sanctuary - Lodge Mansion - has been compromised. The kids are left to make a significant decision - do they stay and fight or flee the only town they've ever known? Meanwhile, Archie makes a horrific discovery in his own home, one that may cost him his life! It's red-headed teen versus gruesomely undead canine in the latest chapter of this ground-breaking Teen+ series! Definitely not for all ages! Covers by Francesco Francavilla and Tim Seeley.

  • 10
    Crave Online - Iann Robinson Mar 5, 2014

    Afterlife With Archie is not just the most exciting comic on the shelves right now; it’s also one of the most important. Sacasa and Francavilla have redefined how we look at the world of Archie. I cannot stress enough how special this book is. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Rhymes With Geek - Josh Reifler Mar 5, 2014

    I had a brief moment of thinking "can I give this a ten, even though it's a re-mix and not technically an 'original'". I plead temporary insanity. Re-hashing is the worst and re-mixing is way better, but Afterlife With Archie transcends both of those denominations. AwA #4 specifically solidifies this comic as a comprehensive work where the ingredients are as important as the recipe, but the chefs should still get all the credit for making a simultaneously delicious and emotionally nutritious meal that you can't find anywhere else. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Book Therapy - Cody "The Thorverine" Ferrell Mar 5, 2014

    Afterlife with Archie is the series your friends have been telling you about, and if you're not onboard already you need to be. Aguirre-Sacasa and Francavilla have combined to present an incredible story that does something fresh and incredibly exciting with the world of Archie. Read Full Review

  • 10
    All-Comic - Tyler Goulet Mar 4, 2014

    Francavilla and RAS have not only done something new and amazing with long established characters that, frankly, nobody thought would be in this sort of situation, but they've done it on a level that makes most books look silly in comparison. This series, and this issue especially, really turns up the tension and emotion and leaves an interesting cliff hanger for people to agonize another month over. Everybody knows Archie and the main supporting cast, or at least they understand the main points of them, so there's no excuse to not pick this series up. It's everything, and more, you could want in not only a zombie apocalypse book but also in a comic. This is a new measuring stick for comic book quality, so go pick it up. Right now. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Newsarama - David Pepose Mar 4, 2014

    As somebody who reads an enormous amount of comics every week, you can sometimes get jaded by the endless deaths and cheap shocks needed to make an "event" worthwhile. But that makes comics like Afterlife with Archie #4 all the sweeter. Under the horror and shambling corpses, there's a moving character piece lurking beneath the surface. And perhaps that's the most surprising lesson that Archie Andrews has to teach us: that it's the heart, not the hordes, that'll really kill you. But when it comes to Afterlife with Archie #4, it's a testament that even the greatest heartbreak still feels oh-so-sweet. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Horror DNA - James Ferguson Mar 8, 2014

    While this series marks the first Archie comics I've read, I'm very impressed by them.  Putting zombies into this world could have been a complete joke, but it's being taken very seriously.  Aguirre-Sacasa has drafted a true horror story with this comic.  Francavilla's artwork certainly doesn't hurt.  It's gory, bloody, and there are true life-and-death stakes amongst some classic characters. Plus, this comic almost made me cry...twice.  That might go on my tombstone.  "Almost cried during an Archie comic."  I'm kind of OK with that. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Rhymes With Geek - Matt Fisher Mar 5, 2014

    I had a brief moment of thinking can I give this a ten, even though its a re-mix and not technically an original. I plead temporary insanity. Re-hashing is the worst and re-mixing is way better, but Afterlife With Archie transcends both of those denominations. AwA #4 specifically solidifies this comic as a comprehensive work where the ingredients are as important as the recipe, but the chefs should still get all the credit for making a simultaneously delicious and emotionally nutritious meal that you cant find anywhere else. Overall Rating: 10 of 10 Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comicosity - Matt Santori Mar 5, 2014

    An exceptional issue of what has from the start been an exceptional series, Afterlife with Archie #4 is the finest moment yet for the sneak attack indie book of the year. If you havent been reading this book, I get it. But let this be a warning: you do not want that to be the case any longer. Stock up, buy your store out. Do whatever you need to do. Youll thank me later. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Den Of Geek! - Chris Cummins Mar 5, 2014

    As it stands though, Afterlife with Archie #4 is the best-written comic of the series so far. I have no idea where things will go from here, but it's a safe bet that there's no happy ending in site for the characters. As for the readers, watching the world end continues to be captivating. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Vine - Tony 'G-Man' Guerrero Mar 5, 2014

    Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla are making something unforgettable with AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE. This is far from a gimmick. It's not just another zombie story. It's not even just another Archie story either. The seemingly innocent characters we all know, whether you've ever read an Archie comic or not, are being transformed to another level. Aguirre-Sacasa is making careful effort to develop these characters in a way that will open your eyes. You can see where they're coming from and the horrible situation they now are in. Fracavilla's art is both beautiful and disturbing at the same time. There is such a sense of dread and trepidation that really puts this comic over the top. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Major Spoilers - Chris Wilson Mar 6, 2014

    If you listen to the Major Spoilers podcast (and if not, why?), you've no doubt heard Stephen sing Afterlife with Archie's praises. All that praise is deserved and this issue earns it. I would go so far as to say it's the best yet. The letter column's promise of Josie and the Pussycats appearing has me absolutely giddy. If you've yet to read Afterlife with Archie I feel sorry for you. You're missing out on a wonderful book and your life must be awful. I'm kidding of course. Zombies aren't for everyone but this book rocks! Read Full Review

  • 10
    Newsarama - Jeff Marsick Mar 6, 2014

    There is so much to love about this series and it continues with Francavilla applying his pulpy stylings to Aguirre-Sacasa's tense script, this time spotlighting Archie and his dog, Vegas. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    IGN - Benjamin Bailey Mar 5, 2014

    At this point, what else can we say about Francesco Francavilla? This is the book he was born to draw, which feels weird but it's true. The opening page, with the words "Please don't.. Don't make me do this..." is enough to send a chill down your spine. Francavilla's unique style is what sells this comic. Even the flashbacks to happier times have a sinister glow to them. Afterlife with Archie looks better than nearly every other comic on the stands. It's genuinely scary and that is no small feat. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Shadowhawk's Shade - Abhinav Jain Mar 12, 2014

    So yeah, this is yet another awesome issue from this creative team, and I enjoyed the hell out of this one, just as I did the other three issues. Read Full Review

  • 9.3
    Geeked Out Nation - Ian Yoxon Mar 7, 2014

    This is a must read. This comic works well as part of the 5 part story arc while at the same time is a great jumping on point to new readers who haven't pick up this series and are interested to reading it. It's weird how even though this is part 4 of a bigger story it's still easy to get into the series. As long as you know that it's during a zombie apocalypse you'll be fine. It's dark, creepy that makes this a well made horror story. I have heard that the schedule for this series is back on track so we'll see the next issue in April. I hope we get to see more as this series is just getting good and it's only going to get better. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Graphic Policy - Brett Schenker Mar 5, 2014

    The end of the world is here and it's beyond entertaining. Afterlife With Archie should be a part of everyone's pull list. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Bloody Disgusting - Jorge Solis Mar 6, 2014

    Horror fans are in for a special treat with “Afterlife With Archie” #4. An unforgettable installment and an artistic triumph, the “Afterlife With Archie” series manages to combine the teen drama and the zombie genre with great skill. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Resources - Doug Zawisza Mar 5, 2014

    While I took a massive dose of "Afterlife With Archie" in a relatively short time, I found myself closing the cover to #4 wanting a little bit more. Sure, more than twenty-two pages could get a little oppressive, but Aguirre-Sacasa, Francavilla and Morelli have constructed a fun story that crosses genres and transforms a cast of characters. While readers can get the whole gist from "Afterlife With Archie" #4, the run isn't so deep that it cannot be chased down and enjoyed in a short span. Those with more experience in Riverdale will have a more fulfilling read, but this is not an impenetrable issue. I have to hand it to those who recommended the series to me: they were right. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book City Podcast - Jazmin Aguilera Feb 6, 2015

    Afterlife #4 is a strong issue that exhibits a lot of personal character development for Archie. Though this issue loses a bit of strength in the lack of characters, the dog emphasis will make you weep, unless of course you don't have a soul. Then you may even find yourself rooting for the zombie horde. Read Full Review

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