Today, Archie Comics announced that beginning with the ninth issue Jughead, the series will undergo a creative change. Chip Zdarsky and Erica Henderson will be leaving the comic in favor of Ryan North and Derek Charm. I suppose this makes sense, as Chip Zdarsky has a lot on his plate, but it still comes as a blow to me. However, I trust that Ryan will do a good job with writing solo stories about Jughead, seeing as he’s been so competent with the main Archie title.
You might recognize Ryan North from, obviously, the main Archie reboot, but also Unbeatable Squirrel Girl and certain Adventure Time comics. As for Derek Charm, he has worked on Powerpuff Girls, Regular Show, Uncle Scrooge, and a host of other nostalgic and contemporary properties. I am still learning about what I find to be good and bad in comic book art but, judging from some preview art on his Tumblr, I have no worries about his artistic prowess.
In terms of the actual storyline, classic character Sabrina Spellman, formerly of the ‘Sabrina The Teenage Witch’ comic, will be guest-starring in the issue. As far as I know, it will be unrelated to The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina, a different reboot in the line of “Archie Horror” comics. I am pretty excited for this new change, with only one worry. In a statement last February, Chip Zdarsky officially put in the comic that Jughead identifies as being ‘asexual.’ I have a nagging worry in the back of my head that there will be a romantic plot involving Jughead and Sabrina. I would not enjoy that if it comes to pass. Firstly, it would feel disrespectful to both the character and the asexual fans of the character who are happy to have representation in an outright manner. Secondly, and this is more personal, I have always felt that the best Jughead stories are the ones that deal with his personality quirks and hobbies. Having Sabrina, a magic user, interact with him has a wealth of potential for comical situations.
According to a Twitter post, he has no plans to ‘retcon’ the character, instead opting to tell ‘magical burger stories.’ Most likely, I have nothing to worry about, but I still feel anxious. This can be attributed to the change. When I see a preview of the official story, my worries will be assuaged. For now, I’ll enjoy the remaining issues of Chip’s run.
Zachary Krishef is an evil genius. Do not question his knowledge of Saturday Night Live trivia or the Harry Potter books.
