The circumstances of the break-up are pitch perfect; I only wish we could have seen a little more into Betty's brain(yes, yes, I know the book is called Archie). She's clearly not into a "high femme" sort of look for herself based on her regular fashion choices, but that doesn't mean she's opposed to experimenting with it, or wearing a dress now and then " but is her current look based on her own preferences alone, or has Archie dissuaded her from dressier indulgences before as well? Hard to say, but maybe these questions will be answered in future issues; I look forward to seeing Betty's perspective, past and present, though it's also clear we'll be seeing more development into the Archie/Veronica relationship (!) next, as well Betty, Jughead, and Reggie (!!) scheming to derail it. I could not be more sold. Read Full Review

This issue finally delves into the infamous "Lipstick Incident" and just what drove former power couple Archie Andrews and Betty Cooper apart. Waid deftly blends humor and bittersweet tragedy as he sheds light on the incident. Read Full Review

The series continues to defy my original skepticism - it's a solid new take on the classic tale of boys likes girls! Read Full Review

Now that Archie #4 has answered one of the most burning questions in the series, things can only move forward. Despite the break up, it's clear both parties still have feelings for one another but they also are open to moving on or at least trying to do so. Another classic Archie story is also included in this issue, this one tackling Archie going on a "date" with Betty, who likes him but he doesn't notice. Mirroring the story just told, Archie puts his foot in his mouth and bungles things with Betty. I find the parallels between these new and old stories to be one of the highlights of this series for sure. Read Full Review

Needless to say, this issue is a really good one. We get to see the history of present day Riverdale, and boy does it tell us a lot. I'm really curious to see what Betty, Jughead, and Reggie have planned for Archie and Veronica. There's no turning back now! If you even moderately like(d) Archie, you can't miss this awesome new, revamped series. Read Full Review

In updating the formula, Archie is no longer just about the hijinks surrounding teen romance, but about the complex landscape that youth have to navigate in learning to become adults. The plots are not so much soap-operatic as reflections of the heighten sense of drama and immediacy that surrounds every moment of emotion as a teenager, and Waid has tapped into the psyche of the youth without having to pander. Read Full Review

I really had no idea what to expect from the #lipstickincident. While it kind of felt cliche and done before, I think it's actually really powerful. I don't want to give spoilers, but it basically comes down to who we are. Are we what we wear? Are we what we do? Think about it. There are even some great Jughead moments. I am very happy with Archie #4 and recommend it to everyone who has been following the series. Read Full Review

I like the book very much but find it a bit of a letdown as it spends so much time explaining the past the current subplots get very little progression. I believe firmly based on the first four issues that Mark Waid is playing the long game with this story, and that we're going to get characters that grow and change slowly, instead of the perpetual characters that were a staple of the old Archie Comics. Read Full Review

The upcoming issues promise more of Veronica and it looks like Waid'll be having fun exploiting the teen love triangle plot for a bit. But he's shown that he's more than capable of balancing the funny, sad, and exciting elements of “Archie.” It's too bad Wu does only this issue, because her style settles well for Riverdale. Read Full Review

The backup story “The Great Lover” is from Archie Comics # 36, 1949. Very cute art in this story. Betty is drawn so lovely in her formal dress. Betty is wearing her war paint and on the hunt but her prey is oblivious to her intentions. Poor Betty and poor Archie. Read Full Review

Wu captures a more understated sense of Archie's clumsy obliviousness later on that helps lift the story from the rather somber direction it takes, utilizing a series of classic gags in a cleverly structured page that's both a nod to old school laughs as well as a play on the new look of the franchise. "Archie" #4 continues the success of the title's new look, and its departure from this template shows just how effectively the reimagining lends itself to more modern and varied storytelling techniques. Read Full Review

Though this is Archie's show, Betty is a character who's quickly becoming a favorite and issue four has solidified mine and hopefully many other readers' attitudes on who is the more dynamic teenager. Read Full Review

Archie #4 gives us the answers we wanted though the execution could have used a bit more work. The moment itself was great, though most before that didn't carry the build up of anticipation needed. Read Full Review

It's inevitable that not each issue is going to be a homerun. Waid hit it big during the first three issues and stumbles with a lazy dribbler down the line with issue four. Wu seamlessly takes over the pencils with plenty of energy and style even lifting Waid's clumsy script along the way at times. We may know what drove Archie and Betty apart, but it wasn't the big deal we were led to believe. Read Full Review

Archie #4 is an excellent showcase for Annie Wu's energetic depictions of friendship, romance, and heartbreak with subtly powerful colors from Andre Szymanowicz and Jen Vaughn. Sadly, Mark Waid's script gets bogged down in a cycle of dated and cliched teen melodrama instead of exploring the relationship and falling out between Betty and Archie in more depth. However, Jughead is funny as ever, and Veronica lights up the few pages she appears in. Read Full Review

I miss Staples her art was concise, crisp and melded well with Waid's story. But alas, we have Annie Wu and she does a good job. But Waid's story, man it cuts deep. I feel for both Archie and Betty and what truly happened with the lipstick incident. Plus Veronica, gosh, the original bad girl.

I was rather disappointed with this issue. I preferred the 1940's reprint to the modern story, and hope Archie continue to print them within their current line of comics.