Archie #2

Writer: Mark Waid Artist: Fiona Staples Publisher: Archie Comics Release Date: August 19, 2015 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 31 User Reviews: 23
9.0Critic Rating
8.6User Rating

Comic superstars Mark Waid and Fiona Staples continue their reimagining of an icon! The new school year continues to bring with it daunting new challenges and interesting changes for the teens of Riverdale High. But there's one thing that remains constant: Archie's car is still a piece of garbage! With car problems comes money problems, which means that Archie's on the hunt for a new job. Fortunately, a mysterious new building in Riverdale is offering some career opportunities for Archie and his friends. Who's behind this new conglomerate and what are their intentions for Riverdale? Find out in the second issue of this all-new Archie s more

  • 10
    AIPT - David Brooke Aug 18, 2015

    This is as exciting as comics can get. The art, pace and story are all so dynamic you'd be silly to miss this great series. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Outright Geekery - Ashley Gibbs Mar 23, 2017

    This series so far has some amazing writing and artwork to go with it, it's high quality Archie. Unlike a lot of older books where you could just pick up one and start off at any point this is a continuing story, I highly recommend the first issue and then grabbing Archie #2 and enjoying it. The characters retain their charm that has made readers fall in love with them for so many decades. As a bonus, there is a 1940's short story featuring Archie, Jughead and Reggie. Different era, different writers but it's clear that the wholesome nature that permeated these stories shines through in this modern retelling. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Booked - Jesse Peterson Aug 23, 2015

    If issue #2 is a sign of what's to come, I'm stoked. The story is fun, light, and refreshing. Watching the love triangle form from the beginning is something I've always wanted to see, and it's playing out wonderfully. Read Full Review

  • 10
    GWW - Gabbie G. Aug 18, 2015

    While issue #2 holds different stakes than #1 did — it lacks the urgency of a homecoming dance, although the issue's climax is Betty's birthday — at the same time, it gives us much, much more. We see more intricate examination of these characters and their newly defined relationships, of their lives and personalities, of where we can expect the story to take them; we can understand these characters without confusion, but there are still plenty of questions to carry with us forward as well, so make sure you check in again next month. But first, absolutely read Archie #2, because if you loved the first issue, imagine: it only gets better from here on out. Read Full Review

  • 10
    All-Comic - Kayla Goulet Aug 18, 2015

    So yes, Archie really is one of the best books out there right now. Definitely worth the read, for those who've never read an Archie book in their lives, or for those who grew up on them. Two issues in and it's already lived up to everyone's high expectations. It's rare that a book wows you right out of the gate, but this one has done that and continues to do that. Bring on issue three! Read Full Review

  • 10
    Infinite Comix - Jeremy Farber Aug 21, 2015

    This issue shows that Archie #1's success was not just a fluke. This is a strong story that is sustainable for issues to come. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Spartantown - Enrique Rea Aug 20, 2015

    'Archie' #2 reinforces the magic that began in issue #1. It reminds you why you got into comics to begin with. Whether you're rediscovering old friends or finding them for the first time on this new run, Archie and the gang have never been more accessible and enchanting than right now. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck Aug 22, 2015

    Will the series last, or is it a flash in the pan? As long as the quality continues, I hope this series lasts a long, long time! Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Graphic Policy - Edward Wendt Aug 19, 2015

    Indeed, part of the problem of the series has always been that of Betty and Veronica, best friends that fight over the single boy. It is an anachronistic idea which while it is true to the character's backgrounds, is also a bit demeaning to them. This issue gives a fresh take on the characters and updates them not only to modern day, but actually makes the female characters into real people in a way that is revitalizing other series and female characters across the medium. With just the hint of a look at Veronica it is promising that this new Archie is not only something old, or something recycled, but also something new for the medium, and not only something new, but even something progressive, with a message stronger than teenagers need to have fun, but that they can also be presented as humans with their own intricate problems. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    The Fandom Post - Josh Begley Aug 27, 2015

    Archie #2 is another win for this creative team. Waid, Staples, Szymanowicz and Vaughn have reinvigorated this classic comic and struck just the right balance between updating the look and maintaining the elements that have made it endure for so long. Dr. Josh gives this an" Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Flip Geeks - Norby Ela Aug 26, 2015

    Archie #2 continues the great writing and artistic pageantry of the reinterpretation of the beloved Archie comic series to the millennial generation. Though Fiona's leaving (hopefully temporarily) after the third one, Waid's consistent excellent writing is the main draw to further explore other characters in Riverdale. What makes me intriguing here is Waid's radical transformation of Archie's best friend, which just happens that Jughead will be the main focus in the next chapter. This is something worth waiting (and reading). Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comicsverse - Danny Rivera Aug 23, 2015

    Whether you're a long-time fan of Riverdale High or just like being entertained, ARCHIE has what you need. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Black Nerd Problems - Oz Longworth Aug 20, 2015

    This book proved that Issue #1 was definitely no fluke. Waid and Staples have something special, a magic that is difficult to replicate and makes Archie (I can't believe I'm saying this again) one of the best, most accessible comics happening in the industry right now. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    ComicWow!TV - Bhavna Bakshi Aug 20, 2015

    It’s a difficult task, taking such an old and cherished character, and turning him (and his friends) into something completely different. Be that as it may, Waid and Staples are definitely the right duo to take on the challenge. So far, I’d say the all new Archie series is doing pretty well, and is giving us a brand new character, with the same old goofy-but-cute characteristics. If you’re an Archie fan, or ever were, you can’t pass this one up. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    We The Nerdy - Justin Micallef Aug 20, 2015

    A great book, through and through. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Newsarama - Erika D. Peterman Aug 20, 2015

    The new Archie continues to delight in a second issue that plays out like an episode of an especially good teen TV drama. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Book Bin - Herv St-Louis Aug 20, 2015

    Fiona Staples is becoming the classic Archie artist for me, the same way Dan DeCarlo and Dan Parent were for their generation. Of all the alternate covers for this issue and the first, only Stapless interpretation of Archie feels right to me. She adds a lot of comedy and slapstick humour to the pages, which again, are classic Archie tropes. While the art looks fresh and contemporary, its still an Archie story. My only complaint is that Stapless inking is too rough and hard. She should soften her touch a bit. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Project Fandom - Rexlor Graymond Aug 28, 2015

    The best moments within the second issue focused on Betty's endeavor to change her view of things, including her self. Chapter two " titled "One of the Guys" " is only three pages, but filled with as much expression, energy, and presence few artists like Fiona Staples could expertly construct. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Doom Rocket - Jarrod Jones Aug 19, 2015

    I keep fighting the impulse to use words like "depth" and "nuance" in this review. This struggle comes from the decades I've dismissed Archie Comics as vapid entertainment, but now I'm met with a curious thing: a book that takes this world I've tossed aside for so long and makes it something I can actually care about. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Gary Moloney Aug 18, 2015

    I never expected to be this engrossed by an Archie comic, but it's a testament to the creative team and the strong characters that this skeptic has been converted. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Needless Essentials Online - Stan Ford Aug 19, 2015

    I'm keeping up with this series, which brings the number of Archie comics that I'm following to three, and if you'd told me two years ago that I'd be waiting for the next issues of three Archie titles, I'd have laughed. Archie Comics is changing. Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    IGN - Jeff Lake Aug 20, 2015

    Issue #2 proves that initial magic was no fluke, the creators turning in another delightfully offbeat, remarkably layered installment. Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    Good Kind Of Geek - Nikki Yuan Aug 20, 2015

    No, Archie #2 is not as groundbreaking as the debut issue, but it's still great. The characters are likeable, the scenario is funny, and the entire series is full of heart. Not much to complain, but I do feel the series is going a little slow. Hopefully things will pick up starting next issue. Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    Multiversity Comics - Keith Dooley Aug 21, 2015

    "Archie" #2 proves that the first issue was not a fluke. That opening chapter felt like we were entering a world that was familiar and fleshed out. This new one continues to exude those feelings in us and, yes, charm us enough to continue following these characters that we only thought we knew. Read Full Review

  • 8.3
    Geeked Out Nation - Jideobi Odunze Aug 20, 2015

    Overall a great transition into the second issue for Archie and proves this creative team knows their approach and direction to satisfy those who have given this series a shot. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Outright Geekery - Julestrue Aug 22, 2015

    I have never really been an Archie fan. But they have made a believer out of me. Through the first two issues I have begun to dive in to the luscious history, and I am fan now. Archie Comics are a great way to pass the time. As I've gotten older I find myself reading more slice of life comics, and have no idea why I never got into Archie. SO read Archie, its all the feels and a good time. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Justin Partridge, III Aug 18, 2015

    Archie #2 may not be groundbreaking, but that doesn't make it any less entertaining. Waid, Staples, and the rest of Team Archie don't seem at all concerned about the minutiae of the rebooted title, and instead seem only concerned with making us care about Riverdale and its teen inhabitants. Archie #2 takes the energy and look of the debut issue and expands it ever so slightly to include new characters and to further the romantic tension between Riverdale's one-time power couple, as well as ever so slightly hinting at the dark-haired new girl that will surely throw a wrench in everything. This new Archie isn't a fluke, and this second issue shows that it still has more laughs and heart to deliver. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comix I Read - Boris Roberto Aguilar Aug 18, 2015

    ARCHIE #2 was a fun read. Mark Waid's story has been captivating. The characters still feel like their original counterparts but with an updated look and feel. Archie is a screw up, we get some back story on Jughead and we see what Betty meant to Archie during their relationship. This story still feels like CW show, which works since they are creating a show on CW. Fiona Staples, Andre Szymanowicz, Jen Vaughn and Jack Morelli's art really compliments the fun story. The pacing of this story is great and I am really excited to meet some new characters next month. So far, this re-launch and re-telling of ARCHIE has been great and it's really made me a fan of the Archie universe again. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicBook.com - Chase Magnett Aug 19, 2015

    Archie #2 continues to deliver on all of the best elements of the first issue. It's accessible, fun, and an absolute visual delight. While the series is not delivering anything new, that's never its intent. It plays it safe and executes each page of high school tomfoolery and melodrama with grace, producing a comic that is enjoyable for all ages. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Resources - Marykate Jasper Aug 21, 2015

    Altogether, "Archie" #2 has so much going for it. Given the subject matter and pace, I don't know if it will ever become a "must read" series, but I can already imagine how pleasant it would be to sit down with a big trade of this laid-back, lovely series. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comic Bastards - Andr Habet Aug 19, 2015

    I'm wary of the hype machine when it comes to reading comics, and it's been a while since I've read anything regarding teenagers that I've enjoyed without cringing at the memories it evokes. Yet Waid and Staples craft a Riverdale that's fun to visit even as it lacks the sort of deep philosophical or moral questions expected of important comic book titles. For both the jaded and newcomers, this new take on Archie offers an enjoyable respite that doesn't feel the least bit cheesy. And you know once Veronica makes her proper appearance, shit is gonna go down. Read Full Review

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