Why did I buy this?

I wasn’t familiar with the character of Wendy Weatherbee, and wanted to see her after reading ZachT’s fanfic.


What’s good?  

Fernando Ruiz, definitely.  He has the house-style nailed.  His characters are animated and expressive.  He’s also solid on story.  “Double W Date” is a good read.  I can see why Archie and Reggie are fighting over Wendy.  She’s a very appealing character.  Even Jughead (gasp!) is somewhat smitten with her.  I’d love to see more of Wendy, though the Weatherbee connection may limit her usage.  I’d hate for her to be a one-joke character, totally defined by her Uncle fending off potential suitors.  More Fernando Ruiz, in any case.

This issue also featured a few Mad House Tales.  My only familiarity with the old Mad House is that that’s where Sabrina was introduced.  Off-kilter and maybe a little corny, but these stories were cute.  At the end of the section, Archie Comics gives an e-mail address requesting feedback, Comics@archiecomics.com.  I’ll vote here, “Yes,” I’d like to see more.  I suppose the possibility of a title relaunch is remote, but fun one-shots, Sabrina, and funky alternate takes on Archie and maybe some mysteries, sounds like a good comic.


The rest?

Also pretty good.  Most of the other stories in this volume feature trademark Archie.  That is, making a bad situation worse.  I’d pick “Starry-Eyed” as the best of the rest, as it actually got me laughing out loud.  I’d really only crab over “Wave Rave.”  I’m not a Little Archie fan, so Bob Bolling’s teenage version isn’t to my taste.  The story premise, though, worked pretty well.


Overall?

Good stuff.  Archie’s the man.  

If you’ve read the issue, please post your opinions on it.  (And anyone else with an opinion or comment.)

What’s good? 

Fernando Ruiz, definitely.  He has the house-style nailed.

I disagree. I can always tell when Ruiz draws something. It's got this weird, "cartoony" feel to it, if you know what I mean.

though the Weatherbee connection may of limit her usage.

May of limit? I don't undertand that.

Archie’s the man. 

But, with some fashions tips and a pair of pruning sheers, Veronica can make him a lady.

It was a typo.  Sometimes you think you've proof-read something, and you have really only just skimmed it.  In any case, I hope Archie Comics uses Wendy some more and in more situations than just the ultimate forbidden fruit... err date.

I guess we all have our favorite and least favorite artists.  It's all to taste.  The Reviews section is here to tell people what you like and what you don't.

If there was a female Archie, she would probably be named Josie.   

Somebody seriously needs to do that story.