Archie #12 Review: Reconciliation And Broken Hearts

Archie #12 is fairly fast-paced in comparison to previous issues, but that’s not necessarily to its detriment; the new rhythm matches the tone of this particular story. After Archie and Betty made up with a hug in the last issue, Sayid and Veronica have been very upset. Betty and Archie must race against the clock to make up with their respective love interests. Unfortunately, Mr. Lodge’s political campaign gets in the way.

HIRAM SMASH!

Due to his campaign’s recent controversies, Mr. Lodge has not been elected Riverdale’s new mayor. Of course, this leads him to do the obvious thing: he refuses to give a concession speech, fires his campaign manager, and flees the town. Ironically, his absence will make Riverdale great again, just not in the way he intended.

Archie doesn’t make it to the airplane in time and Betty is late for her make-up date with Sayid. It isn’t a good time for romance in Riverdale. This is a fantastic issue, filled with great character moments and suspense. It’s still amazing that such a wonderful story arc can be developed from a seemingly simple love triangle between teenagers. For example, Betty and Veronica have a beautiful conversation, showing that they can still be friends even if silly rumors are being spread.

Mark Waid really knows how to put nuance and emotion into his dialogue and the art meshes with the writing in a convincing way (a few facial expressions do look rather scratchy, but the majority works). I can’t wait to see what happens next in this fascinating soap opera of a comic.

Archie #12 is written by Mark Waid and drawn by Thomas Pitilli and Ryan Jampole. You can find it at your local comic book store.

Zachary Krishef is an evil genius. Do not question his knowledge of Saturday Night Live trivia or Harry Potter books.