If you've been privy to any of my previous reviews of ‘AwA', then you probably know what I'm going to say: I want you to go and read this book. It's truly inspiring how well the creators have been able to adapt the existing characters and personalities of the Archie ouvre into a story of terror and suspense, and there may not be a more creatively synced writer/artist team working in monthly comics today. Afterlife With Archie #5 takes an unexpected turn, but still holds together and deepens the already intriguing elements at play, and looked phenomenal doing it, earning 5 out of 5 stars overall. I don't know where the series goes from here, but I'm frankly dying to find out. (*THAT* one was a pun.) Read Full Review

Every issue manages to top the one before it, and even when you think that is nigh impossible, the next issue does just that. Issue #5 has done it again, and I am sure, as unbelievable as it may sound, issue six will again top this one. Granted, this may already be nothing more than a mush letter disguising itself as a comic book review, but I do want to leave you with one truly bold statement. There are many great comic books out there on the shelves these days, from personal favorites Sex Criminals to Black Science to Hawkeye, but I have got to say that Afterlife with Archie, in my not-so-humble opinion, is the best damn one of 'em all. So there. Read Full Review

Sidebar narratives like this are the spine of AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE, and as I've said before, a cinematic version"or better yet, an animated series"would welcomed by this fan with wide open arms. Read Full Review

Of course, this being an issue of Afterlife with Archie, there is so much more happening as well --along with some more character deaths and a few dollops of the book's now-trademark creepy subtext. (Wait, does Smithers like like Veronica?) But to tell you more would be to spoil the undead fun. So know this: As the story rolls towards its conclusion, Francavilla's art becomes more and more overwhelmed by shadows that adeptly mesh with Aguirre-Sacasa's increasingly dark storytelling. The characterizations here are brutally realistic, and there are several bold confrontations between characters that are pointedly more shocking than all the bloodletting is. These first five issues have been better than anybody can have anticipated. Here's hoping that the undead continue to terrorize Archie and company for years to come. Read Full Review

As ever, Francesco Francavilla's artwork is dark and broody and utterly riveting. His zombies are awesome and so are his characters, all of whom are drawn with a soft, careful hand that takes the time to get all the details right. While I'm really missing the cheeriness of the regular Archie comics, I'm still in love with the horror and supernatural vibe of this comic. And that is all on Francavilla. His artwork remains one of the best things about this series, make no mistake. Read Full Review

Afterlife with Archie continues to impress, quickly vaulting to being one of my favorite comics on the market right now. It's the perfect balance of horror and humanity, and everyone should do themselves a favor and check it out. Read Full Review

“Afterlife With Archie” #5 concludes on a riveting finale, making readers anxious for the next story arc. I can' wait to see what happens next in the “Afterlife With Archie” series as Sabrina The Teenage Witch returns. Read Full Review

Jack Morelli on letters even has more than a few chances to help drive the emotional rises and falls in this issue. His design and layout crafts some pretty heavy dialog into something that feels very real. It's a subtle addition to the comic, but goes a long way in elevating the work. For all of my concerns with the bogged down story, there are still a few things Aguirre-Sacasa gets right. He never forgets the roots of these characters. For even in the midst of all the horror, classic Archie love triangles and social concerns find their way into the story. It's a nice reminder of where these characters come from. Sadly, this is still the weakest entry within the Afterlife with Archie series. Still, it's an ending no fan should miss, if only for the stunning art and the many promises of what is to come. Read Full Review

Afterlife with Archie is a solid comic that manages to balance terrifying horror with pure emotion.  Although my experience with Archie comics is limited only to this series, I feel like I've known these characters forever.  I have a vested interest in seeing them survive.  They're not just cannon fodder for the zombie horde.  As such, I eagerly await what will happen next as the series heads into its second story arc. Read Full Review

Afterlife With Archie brings its first arc to an eerie, satisfying end and creates high expectations for the next chapter. For Riverdale’s survivors, the adage “You can’t go home again” couldn’t be more true. Read Full Review

The most exciting thing about this book, though, is what's being set up for the coming arc. Francavilla teased the cover for issue six a couple months back on his twitter, and the image suggests we'll be moving out of the realm of strictly dealing with zombies into a wider net of the supernatural. If anything, this only widens the sandbox for these talented creators, and I for one am excited to see what's next for Archie and the gang in the apocalypse. Read Full Review

Besides the few things with the art this comic was a great read when it comes to horror. If you have the other issues I suggest you read them all at night to get a spooky vibe. Maybe play some background music from horror films to get the mood right. I can't wait to see what other stories we can get from Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla as they mention they're going to add more stuff to it besides zombies. Let's just hope that the next few issues don't have any delays like the last few issues did. Read Full Review

Writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa fumbles a little by telling more than showing in this chapter, but Francesco Francavilla's artistic stylings are able to mitigate much of that with a noirish feel. This is going to be amazing in a collected trade edition. Read Full Review

It's the end of the first story arc and thankfully we still have some of the beloved Archie characters around. It's no surprise why so many people are talking about and enjoying this series. Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa is brilliantly laying out the groundwork for this ongoing series. Francesco Francavilla's art manages to keep the characters separate enough from the all-ages familiar Archie look but not so much that you can't tell who everyone is. His style also captures the dark and dreary mood of the story. You can see and feel the hopelessness some of the characters are feeling. This issue marks the end of the first arc but feels more like a set up for the next issue. We don't get too much closure and because this is ongoing, you wouldn't really want too much of that. If you haven't been reading this, you need to fix that right away. Read Full Review

This is a story that really and truly can be picked up and read and enjoyed by everybody (except maybe the kiddies, because who wants to give their kids nightmares of Zombie Jughead?) on every level. It's just that good. Even if issue five isn't quite as good as the last issue, and that's by no means a shot at it as the last issue was just insanely good, you need to get on this series. The trade is coming, the next arc is set to begin with issue six and you have no excuses to not be reading this series. Read Full Review

There's a lot to like about Afterlife with Archie as a concept, and after this issue, this creative team is poised to bring the Riverdale gang to some very interesting places. But as far as conclusions go, this first arc doesn't end with a bang, but a long, decomposing shuffle. Here's hoping that we don't have to wait so long for the next installment of this ingenious series, and that next time, Aguirre-Sacasa and Francavilla really go for the jugular. Read Full Review

Easily the best zombie book on the market, and clearly one of the best comic books in print. The attention to detail and design is inspiring. The art and colors are perfectly matched to the subject matter. The writing, pacing and plotting are superb. Oh, and lets not forget the fantastic bonus classic terror-tales in the back! Not for kids, but a must read for anyone who likes horror stories!