Afterlife With Archie #8

Writer: Roberto Aguirre Sacasa Artist: Francesco Francavilla, Jack Morelli Publisher: Archie Comics Release Date: May 6, 2015 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 17 User Reviews: 7
9.1Critic Rating
9.4User Rating

"Ghosts of Christmas Past." Contrary to popular belief, the current zombie outbreak is not the first time a shadow fell across Riverdale and its citizens. As the survivors hunker down in a hotel to wait out a snowstorm, Hiram Lodge and Mary Andrews relive the darkest chapter of their town's history. Ten years ago, the adults of Riverdale struck a terrible bargain with the witches of Greendale, setting the stage for the present-day apocalypse. With a regular cover by Francisco Francavilla and a "Cheerleader" variant by Andrew Pepoy.

  • 10
    Comic Vine - Tony 'G-Man' Guerrero May 6, 2015

    I say the same thing with the release of each issue, you really need to be reading this series. We've seen plenty of zombie apocalypse stories but there is so much more here. A good story of survival relies heavily on the characters. Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa brilliantly captures and sets up situations for them that makes you feel a connection to them. You have no choice but to care and be concerned for them. Francesco Francavilla's artwork is perfect for the series. He sets up the atmosphere needed and gives the characters a unique look while they still maintain a tiny resemblance to their original counterparts. This series is taking things seriously. We have some heavy themes going on. It's the perfect blend of horror and suspense with plenty of character building and moments of awe. The wait in between issues is harsh but any month we get a new issue is a great one. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Major Spoilers - Matthew Peterson May 10, 2015

    Puts a whole new face non a decades-old franchise, and does it with style (and menace.) Read Full Review

  • 10
    Den Of Geek! - Chris Cummins May 6, 2015

    At this point, it's hard to say exactly where Afterlife with Archie will go next, and that's part of the excitement. More than just a zombie story, it continues to explore all sorts of monsters -- supernatural and human alike. As such it remains an absolutely riveting read. Read Full Review

  • 10
    The Fandom Post - Josh Begley May 6, 2015

    Afterlife with Archie is one of the best written horror stories I've read in years. The honest, intelligent, and nuanced way with which it approaches the characters and their situation make this a sophisticated work that operates on several different levels. Aiding that is the comprehensive knowledge of the horror genre displayed by Aguirre-Sacasa and Francavilla. If you are a fan of horror and aren't reading this, you need to rectify the situation immediately. You'll thank me. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Geek Sushi - Peter Rodriguez May 5, 2015

    The art from Francavilla remains the same, absolute pulp brilliance! The script from Aguirre-Sacasa has never been better, as this issue which contains no zombies and essentially no action manages to keep readers hooked with serious anticipation, displaying a rare gift for dramatic storytelling. I want this series to go on forever and if that means having to wait months in between issues, then so be it. Afterlife is the perfect example of a series that is all about quality and not so much quantity! If you're going to read just one comic book this year, it has to be Afterlife With Archie! Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Comicosity - Matt Santori May 6, 2015

    Another stellar edition to the Archie Horror line, Afterlife with Archie #8 continues to deliver an intriguing, frightening, and fascinatingly beautiful take on the town we all grew up in, whether in real life or on the page. Just be careful when you start to turn over these stones. You never know whats lying beneath them. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    GWW - Guest Author May 6, 2015

    Finally, I would be remiss not to comment on the art. While I am always a big fan of Francavilla's, this issue — I say with simultaneous hesitation and certainty — was one of his best. His art suits the gothic-style flashback panels to a T, and the way he uses colors in Afterlife continues to take my breath away. It's a perfect marriage of cold shadows and warm highlights, stunning environments, and of course, beautiful, expressive faces. Aguirre-Sacasa and Francavilla as a team create a world you can seamlessly dunk your fingers into and actually feel at the back of your neck; I cannot wait for the next issue, and that's not only because Reggie is my favorite character. (Promise!) Read Full Review

  • 9.4
    IGN - Mike Logsdon May 6, 2015

    Afterlife with Archie #8 is a harrowing tale that builds upon the past, present and future of this twisted world. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    ComicWow!TV - Bhavna Bakshi May 4, 2015

    Overall, I think it was a great idea to bring back a classic comic book and reboot it as a horror genre book. This is something we don’t see too often but, when done right, can be a raging success. I think that’s what we have here, with Afterlife with Archie. Needless to say, I recommend this book for anyone who used to read Archie, or anyone that wants to get into Archie. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    AIPT - Nick Nafpliotis May 5, 2015

    Sometimes I feel like a revival preacher shouting about how great this series is, but that's because I used to be a nonbeliever. I ignored all the other great reviews with the snobbish refrain of "Yeah, but it's Archie." If you're like me and have been ignoring Afterlife with Archie for the same reason, stop what you're doing and go pick it up right now. If you don't like it, I'll owe you a soda at Pop Tate's. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Yet Another Media Site - Kevin Finnigan May 6, 2015

    Francesco Francavilla's artwork is beautiful. There are quite a few redheaded people in the group now, coupled with Francavilla's red tones, causes a few identity problems. This is the only slight problem I can see in a chilling comic that entertains on every level. Archie feels tired, emotionally and physically, as he walks through the hotel. All the characters do. They all slouch over slightly as the months of despair start to weigh on their minds and bodies. Once Archie has his big reveal at the end of the issue though, there is a shot of life into the characters that we haven't seen since the first issue. Francavilla relies heavily on blues, which further solidifies the title moving into a cold, ghostly new direction. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Book City Podcast - Jazmin Aguilera May 22, 2015

    I keep thinking that the next Afterlife issues can't possibly beat their predecessors. And yet, here were are, on Afterlife #8, and Aguirre-Sacasa continues to take every opportunity to monopolize on horror cliches and pop culture references and turning them to pure gold. He's got the Midas touch of classic horror. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Bloody Disgusting - Bree Ogden May 6, 2015

    If the comic continues to follow any of The Shinings plotline, I look forward to seeing what this hotel turns all of our innocent Riverdale residents into. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Needless Essentials Online - Stan Ford May 5, 2015

    Will I read it again? Given that Archie sends these to us, yes. If I were buying this book, I might not based on this issue alone. It's the type of comic that while I enjoyed it, I didn't enjoy it enough to cut something out of my comic-buying budget. However, it is worth checking out, and definitely worth the cover price. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Erika D. Peterman May 7, 2015

    While it's not the most thrilling entry, Afterlife With Archie #8 is a rewarding and touching read. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    All-Comic - Kayla Goulet May 4, 2015

    Let it be known: this issue will leave you hanging, and wondering… and generally just eager for the next issue, so fingers crossed we don't have to wait too long for issue #9! Read Full Review

  • 7.7
    Geekality - Nicole Glade May 6, 2015

    Overall, this issue is a real treat for horror fans. It certainly takes Archie in a director quite different from what I saw in grocery store checkout lines back in the day. I also think this is an easy issue for anyone to pick up. There's enough backstory mentioned for anyone to get the gist of it while not being repetitive to established fans. Definitely recommend! Read Full Review

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