ARCHIE x THE ARMY OF DARKNESS #2 (DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT)
The Deadite’s have been unleashed on Riverdale and there is only one man that can save the day, Ash Williams. With his trusty boomstick in hand, Ash embarks on the party at the lake house to save Archie and the gang. But will he get there in time to save them, or will they already succumb to the Deadite threat?
Archie x The Army of Darkness #2 - Written By Erik Burnham – Pencils By Bill Galvan – Inks By Ben Galvan - Colors By Ellie Wright - Letters By Carlos M. Mangual – Edited By Matt Idelson - Published By Dynamite Entertainment
Credit: Dynamite Entertainment
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
STORY OVERVIEW:
Earlier on the day of the party, Archie successfully makes it through the Grand Opening of the Riverdale S-Mart. Ash is proud of Archie and gives him his first check, which Archie promptly uses to buy the stuffed dogs for Betty & Veronica. But that’s where Archie’s luck runs out as his car won’t start. Thankfully Ash offers him a ride to the lake house, so he won’t miss the party. Being in the woods makes Ash nervous, and rightfully so. But on his way home, Ash gets four flat tires, which causes him to return to the lake house. Good news for Archie and the gang because the Deadite invasion is in full swing.
WRITING:
This issue brings Ash completely into the fold of this crossover event. Erik Burnham really captures the world of Army of Darkness and by focusing on Ash entering the fray takes this crossover to the next level. Taking the lighthearted world of Archie and injecting it with the dark comedy that is Army of Darkness is a near perfect match. Burnham captures the character of Ash flawlessly, even portraying his nervousness and apprehension. But when Ash flips the switch, Burnham nails the sense of humor and bravado as well. The biggest strength of the story is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously and allows for the fun and humor to flow naturally.
ARTWORK:
The artwork throughout this book is heavily inspired by the style of Archie comics. Bill Galvan & Ben Galvan excel at blending the classic comic strip aesthetic with a horror crossover, offering readers striking horror scenes that both impress and leave them eager for what’s next. Seeing Ash depicted as if he naturally belongs in an Archie comic is especially exciting for Evil Dead enthusiasts, making this a treat for fans of both franchises.
While the illustrations are impressive, it's the colors that truly make this issue shine. Ellie Wright selects color palettes that evoke the golden era of comic strips without overwhelming the images, delivering just the right atmosphere and nostalgia. In addition, Carlos M. Mangual’s lettering perfectly conveys the intended emotions, drawing the reader deeper into each moment. All things considered, the art team matches the quality of the writing, making this a standout collaboration.
CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF ARCHIE X THE ARMY OF DARKNESS #2
Final Thoughts:
Archie x The Army of Darkness #2 is a fun thrill ride full of humor and antics. The story is simplistic, but effective and concise with delivering massive amounts of entertainment. Not every series or book needs to be serious, and this issue proves fun and entertainment are just as effective with engaging readers. If you are looking for a fun series, this is the series for you. Pick up this issue at the shop this week and add this title to your Pull List as well.
FINAL GRADE: 8.6/10
Let me know your thoughts on Archie x The Army of Darkness #2 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
