Archie #1 Review
Writer: Ben H Winters
Artist: Fábio Moon
Colorist: Jason Wordie
Letterer: Andworld Design
Pinup Illustrator: Nick Cagnetti
Activity Design: Scott Sugiuchi
Editors: Bess Pallares & Joelena Despard
Designers & Production: Rian Hughes, Carey Soucy & Angie Knowles
Cover Artists: Stuart Immonen, Fábio Moon, Karl Kerschl, Khary Randolph, Kano, Dan Parent, Elsa Charretier, Mahmud Asrar & Travis Charest
Also Available: Blank Sketch Cover
Publisher: Oni Press
Price: $4.99 US
Release Date: September 2, 2026
Twenty-four hours isn't long enough for Archie. So, after squeezing every moment of fun into each day, he struggles to get enough sleep at night. When Archie hits the Snooze button too many times, things get dicey. Archie can't afford to be late to school again.
What will happen when Archie races to Riverdale High School? And what other adventures will Archie have in his Oni Press debut? Let’s leap into Archie #1 and see!
Story
A short first story introduces the people in Archie's life and how much he packs into each day. The second story provides a greater challenge than getting to school on time. Archie's teacher fires her students' imaginations with a classic film. Then, she urges them to compete in the 6th Annual Riverdale Film Festival. With such a short lead time, the students must think on their feet to bring their creations to life. But no one is more rushed than Archie, as he weighs his friends' needs against his own.
While Archie #1 keeps its focus on the titular hero, Jughead proves Archie's most stalwart companion. After "Rude Awakening" and "Yes, We Cannes," "Jughead's Journal Part 1" takes us inside Jughead's private life. His friends are busy with a school event. Jughead knows he should be with them. And yet, everyone needs alone time doing what makes them happy.
Ben H Winters’ three stories introduce readers to the vast tapestry of life in Riverdale. They also show how much his friends rely on Archie. Betty, Veronica, Dilton, and the others may not be geniuses. Yet they prove adaptable, innovative, and willing to try new things, even if they occasionally fear the inevitable changes that will test and alter their relationships in Archie #1.
Art
When Archie awakens, his packed room reveals his interests. Posters celebrate his entertainment faves. A pennant and varsity jackets highlight his athletic abilities. Framed vinyl albums, a guitar, and headphones emphasize his love of music. A glimpse of his family breakfasting in the kitchen reveals a happy family. Then, Archie shifts into overdrive.
Jason Wordie adorns Fábio Moon's action-packed pages with a loaded palette. People sweep Archie up in their plans. Vehicles race down streets and the Riverdale Speedway. Locations like Riverdale High School, Lodge Studios, and Pop's Chock’lit Shoppe celebrate Small-town Americana. An overview of Riverdale occupies the center of a double-page spread containing four frantic scenes. Later pages switch this arrangement, with Archie occupying the center of a page, framed by an overhead view of the town.
As Archie, Jughead, and their friends enjoy life in Riverdale, Andworld Design fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters. The words grow bold for intonation and swell for raised voices. Sound effects accompany ringing bells, wailing alarms, and screeching tires. Yet hand-printed lowercase letters on pieces of perforated paper reveal Jughead's thoughts in Archie #1. Thanks to Oni Press and Superfan Promotions for providing a review copy.
Final Thoughts
Sandwiched between two shorter tales, Archie and his friends use different methods to translate their visions into cinematic masterpieces in "Yes, We Cannes." The story reveals the strengths and pitfalls accompanying each approach. Yet it also shows how finished productions evolve from their initial screenplay.
After a trio of stories, Scott Sugiuchi challenges readers to a Jughead-themed brainteaser. Pinup artist Nick Cagnetti gives readers a final glimpse of the man Riverdale cannot live without. Bess Pallares' essay blends the history of Archie's comic adventures with her own relationship with the beloved franchise. Then, previews of two more franchise titles bring Archie #1 to a satisfying finish.
Rating 9.8/10
For more cover art see Archie #1 Cover Preview.
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