ARCHIE x THE ARMY OF DARKNESS #5 (DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT)
Archie and the gang along with Ash are ready to make their final stand against the Deadites. But you know the Deadites won’t go out without a fight. Who will come out victorious and rule Riverdale?
Archie x The Army of Darkness #5 - 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:
Archie and the gang are ready to rid Riverdale of the Deadites and with the help of the Chosen One Ash things are about to get groovy. On their way to Pop’s Diner so Archie can say the incantation, they get confronted by a new batch of Deadites. As they fight their way through, back at S-Mart the Deadite Leader has come back to and knows exactly where the gang is going. This sets up a final showdown at Pop’s, and the carnage is definitely not over. Can Archie fix all of this and save Riverdale? Or will the Deadites have themselves a new home?
WRITING:
This final issue finishes on the same fun and entertaining note as the rest of the series. Erik Burnham finishes off this crossover with the same energy he started it with. Keeping the strengths of both franchises and marrying them together seamlessly. The humor and hijinks carried the whole way through this series and it’s no different here in the finale. We get some carnage and surprises on the way to the finish line. Even our heroes from Riverdale aren’t immune to the casualties and loss. Burnham really crafts a fun ending that is a testament to this crossover.
ARTWORK:
The artwork in this final issue does a great job balancing the familiar look of Archie with the darker horror edge of Evil Dead. Bill Galvan and Ben Galvan keep the characters expressive and fun while still giving the Deadites moments of creepy energy they need. Ellie Wright’s colors bring a warm, throwback feel that fits Riverdale perfectly, and Carlos M. Mangual’s lettering keeps the pacing sharp. Altogether, the visuals help sell the crossover’s mix of comedy, chaos, and horror.
CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF ARCHIE X THE ARMY OF DARKNESS #3
Final Thoughts:
Archie x The Army of Darkness #5 finishes this crossover event strongly and with a lot of fun. The marriage between these two franchises felt natural and not forced throughout this run. It is said that this is coming to an end as it was a lot of fun and a bright spot in my rotation personally. If you haven’t read this series issue to issue, make sure you get a copy of the trade when it drops.
FINAL GRADE: 9/10
Let me know your thoughts on Archie x The Army of Darkness #5 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
