Archie: Clash of the New Kids

September 3, 2012
Despite the introduction of an openly gay character, Kevin Keller, in 2010, the Archie universe is known more for its consistency of tone and style than for innovation or change. Generally, Riverdale High remains an unlikely agglomeration of happy-go-lucky teenagers who tend to avoid the social and hormonal pitfalls of adolescence. In this new collection, district budget cuts have resulted in the sudden addition of 50 new kids to the Riverdale student body. Some of them are direct counterparts to the lead characters: a new Miss Popularity threatens Veronica’s claim to that title; a school photographer squeezes Betty from that role; and a shadowy figure known as “Prankenstein” one-ups Reggie’s efforts in that department. This collection’s interlocked stories are built upon such newfound rivalries. As always, the writing is fast-paced; jokes are sprayed like buckshot, missing as many targets as they hit. Simple, easy-to-spot character models and plenty of action keep the visuals fluid and engaging. It’s predictably lightweight stuff that will entertain most preteens. All ages.

September 15, 2012
Grades 5-8 When Archie Comics aren't breaking barriers (Kevin Keller, 2012) or turning the universe upside down (Archie: The Married Life, 2011), they're zipping along the same superficial, wide-eyed, and warmhearted trail they've been carving since the 1940s. This six-issue collection injects some fresh blood into old veins when a school closing transplants 50 students into Riverdaleand that means brand-new crushes and foils. Stylish vamp Sheila threatens to steal Veronica's fashion crown; shutterbug Chloe keeps scooping Betty's front-page photos; Moose is locked into a made-up feud with behemoth fullback Vincent; and Reggie finds himself the target of the nefarious Prankenstein. From time to time, Parent's enthusiastic art gets a little sloppy joe, with eyes and breasts and sundry other body parts achieving the ridiculous. But we're in this for the story, and it's a sufficiently zany one, with Simmons risking some ambitious flashback structures and introducing multiculti and differently abled characters like it's going out of style. Yummy Archie food for hungry Archie hounds.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)