Reviews

Archie Vol. 4 by Mark Waid

crookedtreehouse's review

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5.0

When I first started this series, I mentioned that my favorite part of it was that the serialization meant there were consequences for the characters, in ways that didn't really exist in classic Archie comics.

While I read this title in trade paperbacks, my job means that I see the covers of every issue as they come out, so I had the pivotal moment of this book spoiled for me. I asked my coworker, who is reading it in issues how he felt about this storyarc, and he said "I was legit shook." Now that I've read it, I can see why.

[a:Pete Woods|61380|Pete Woods|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_50x66-82093808bca726cb3249a493fbd3bd0f.png]'s art is probably my favorite since [a:Fiona Staples|304633|Fiona Staples|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1379339265p2/304633.jpg] left the book. The art has been strong throughout but his linework and the way he frames reaction shots raly helped lift this arc into five stars.

I recommend this for Archie fans, people who notice things like linework and how a scene is framed in comics, Jan & Dean enthusiasts, comic fans who enjoy changes in status quo, people who hoped the Blossoms' story arc would be more than just Rich Jerky Teenagers Get Their Comeuppance, and people who prefer Barbara Gordon as Oracle rather than Batgirl.

cemsreadingcorner's review against another edition

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5.0

Enjoyed this comic. I love Archie comics! Can’t wait to read the next volume!

mayarelmahdy's review

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4.0

If I hadn't have the next volume at this moment I would've been so angry. The end was very unexpected. How dare they do that?

orangerful's review

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4.0

Whoa, this one got heavy and intense and that last page...whoa. Like, not the ridiculous melodrama of 'Riverdale' but close. Can't wait for Vol. 5!

tschmitty's review

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4.0

Wow, what a cliffhanger!

sbarnes_2022's review

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I didn't like the artwork in this volume as much as the other. The story is definitely getting interesting.

willy's review

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

lemonysnicket's review

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4.0

Took a sharp left turn

The last issue surely bumped this up from 3 to 4 stars for me. I was on the edge of my seat, Reggie is usually reckless but not this reckless. And Archie what did Reginald have on him for him to agree with this? Still feels weird that Betty and Ronnie aren't best of friends.

shanameydala's review

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3.0

The first three volumes in this graphic novel series have been pop culture fun with a side of sentimentality, but this volume took a turn. I hope that it returns back to the lighter side of life, because I think it is a much better fit for the ways these characters are written and the tone of the previous volumes.

julshakespeare's review

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4.0

"I'm not unable to take care of myself."
"You're wrapped head-to-toe in a tent."
"Your point?"


4/5 stars

Writing: 4/5 - I enjoyed these issues much more than volume three, except for the second to last issue which seemed like an absolute throwaway (I enjoy the minor Archie characters but when they're focused on it feels like it's taking away from the main storylines). Loved the last issue because Betty Cooper appreciation is basically my life. And that cliff hanger ending... it actually kind of got me but also how dare you. Did I mention I need more Betty/Archie? Every volume needs more Betty/Archie, volume 1 was the only satisfying amount of those two.

Art: 4/5 - I like the art style but I still miss Fiona Staples and will continue to say so with every issue, sorry not sorry.

Enjoyment: 4/5 - I liked it fine. I can't tell if it was just comparatively better than volume 3, but I enjoyed it other than the one aforementioned issue). I liked getting some Veronica and Jughead interactions and again, the last issue was great because seeing all of the ways that Betty improves peoples lives is what I'm all about. I'm so biased.