Is there anyone less likely to go to hell then Archie Andrews? Always trying to do the right thing, always trying to please everyone, and always willing to lend a helping hand. But you know what they say, “the road to hell is paved with good intentions” and Archie is about to find out the true meaning of this statement. As he thinks he is doing the right thing collecting food for a food drive, there is an evil plot afoot. With Sabrina being the only one that figures out something bad is happening. Will she be in time to save Archie from Hell? Or will she be too late?
Archie in Hell #1 – Written By Patrick Horvath – Art & Letters By Tyler Crook – Colors By Francesco Segla – Flats By Sabrina del Grosso – Edited By Sierra Hahn – Published By Oni Press
Credit: Oni Press
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
WRITING:
This first issue really sets up what will be unfolding in this series. Patrick Horvath takes us to his version of Riverdale, which seems normal as always. But right beneath the surface there is evil waiting to be unleashed. The fact that he uses Archie’s good deeds against them is fitting and also makes perfect sense. No one would believe that Archie would find himself in hell, but by the end of the issue you not only believe it, but it also makes perfect sense. Horvath uses all the characters of this universe to his advantage, and this not only brings an air of familiarity to the world but also sets up for a story where Archie won’t be the glue that holds the gang together. This is one of those ideas when you see it on paper you may not think will work, but Horvath not only makes it work, but he also makes it feel like it fits perfectly into the Archie mold.
ARTWORK:
The artwork in this first issue not only captures Riverdale, but it also captures the horrors that await in this series. Tyler Crook does a good job of staying true to Riverdale and giving it that old school Archie feel, well adding some modern flare to it. The character designs are true to the ones we’ve grown to love from this cartoon universe. This familiarity with the characters helps establish our relationship with them, saving some time explaining it. Crook then knocks it out of the park when the darker imagery and the horror scenes hit. Who would’ve thought we would see Archie crucified and cut open in a comic? Francesco Segala’s colors really compliment the linework. The lighter side of the story matches what we expect in Riverdale, but when the story gets dark, the colors follow suit and change the mood.
CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF ARCHIE #1
Final Thoughts:
Archie in Hell #1 takes the familiar charm of Riverdale and twists it into a chilling horror story where good intentions lead somewhere terrifying. Patrick Horvath makes this unlikely premise feel right at home in the Archie Universe, while Tyler Crook and Francesco Segala bring both its warmth and its darkness to life. This first issue delivers a strong setup and leaves me eager to see what happens next. If you enjoy seeing familiar characters thrown into unfamiliar nightmares, add Archie in Hell to your Pull List and pick up the first issue at your Local Comic Shop when you visit this week.
FINAL GRADE: 9.8/10
Let me know your thoughts on Archie in Hell #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
