There are two types of opinions when it comics to the pop culture iconic medium named Archie Comics. Those who embrace it and those who don't. If you do, you're on the winning side of the pop culture style that has spanned decades and will continue to do so for decades to come. Thousands upon thousands of stories told. Goofy ones, great ones, scary ones, emotional ones and yes, even sad ones. If you don't know anything regarding this iconic artifact that walks among us, well you're just missing out and you should learn more about the phenomenon. Here is how to jump on the Archie Comics Riverdale train. First and foremost, release anything in your brain you may think you know about Archie Comics. It does not equate to anything what's so ever they've been doing for the past 9 years+. Yes, they still publish their all-ages Archie Comics, but they've done spectacular story-telling regarding the 'older readers'. Everything from introducing a gay character to the death of Archie. The past couple of years has introduced the Archie 'horror' genre headed by the superb writing of Frank Tieri right now. The CW Riverdale show is doing well and there is a possible chance to see an Archie film in the future. Make no mistake though, Archie's COMICS are leading the way for the company, unlike the big two. The big two almost rely (not completely. chill) and play on the success of their movies. This Wednesday, Archie 1941 #1 will place the entire gang right in the middle of WWII possibly breaking out. How do these kids deal with it? Will they be drafted? The answers to these questions and the emotional rollercoaster will be explored by writers Mark Waid and Brian Augustyn. Artists Kelly Fitzpatrick and Peter Krause. This will be an Archie Comics mini-series story for the ages.
Back in 1988 the comic book world was introduced to the black goo Symbiote named Venom. How did that turn out? This Wednesday, a new 'alien menace' is messing with Logan in Old Man Logan #47. What do we know of this new alien? Will readers get the full-on creature and what its capabilities truly are? Will we get a 'Venom' moment? Well, pick up a copy of Old Man Logan #47 and find out. If this turns out to be a new alien 'venom-like' character/species…..boy will this comic trend in a huge way.
Turing back the clock a little further. Back in 1984, G.I. Joe #21 turned the comic world on its heels without uttering a single word (balloon). Comic fans were flabbergasted at the concept and it instantly became a classic comic. Although not a 'new' concept, Larry Hama set the bar quite high for the comic book industry. It's the first notable popular mainstream comic to do such a thing. Many years later and many 'silent' comics later, this week, The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #36 does the silent thing. Writer Ryan North and artist Derek Charm.
Runaways #13 will be a first for a new creator. Actor Ryan Sands of the Runaways television series on Hulu has drawn the variant cover here.
For some reason, other then to sell a comic book to a fanboy, the Cosmic Ghost Rider will appear on three (at last count) covers that most likely do not have him appearing INSIDE the comic. Thinking maybe Marvel knows what these fanboys want right now and is spoon feeding them.
The DC Comics solicit for the Detective Comics #988 comic is quite amusing. A comic from guest writer James Robinson and "rising star" Stephen Segovia. Rising star? One of his first creative works came in 2005's graphic novel M.I.T.H. 2005 and 2006's Vampirella 2006 Halloween Special #1 comic. The man has quite the extensive body of work throughout his twelve-year career thus far. 'Rising star' is not a phrase one should equate to Stephen Segovia. Been slaying it. He's already a star in the game for a while now. Well into overtime. Yes, well aware of the different tier's creators have within their career, but a twelve year library of work does not account to be called a 'rising star'. Maybe they meant a different Stephen Segovia?
Fans of the Red Hood character are in for a surprise this week. Whether you want it or not. Red Hood is headed in a bold new direction with a new lease on life and a new costume. He's about to change in a big big way. Red Hood and The Outlaws #26.
New Image Comics title MCMLXXV #1 from writer Joe Casey and artist Ian MacEwan. You know what MCMLXXV adds up to? The answer is……Google it! Like we did. Also, from Image Comics, new series from writer Warren Ellis and artist Jason Howard; Cemetery Beach #1. The Jason Howard tribute to Todd McFarlane cover is stellar.
An addition to the ever-expanding Neil Gaiman Sandman lure. House of Whispers #1 from writer Nalo Hopkinson and artist Dominike Stanton.
Aspen Entertainment brings back their original character Dellec for a second round. Dellec #1; Vince Hernandez, Michael Santamaria and Andre Risso.
From Ahoy Comics comes The Wrong Earth #1. Writers Grant Morrison, Tom Peyer and Paul Constant. Artist Shannon Wheeler and Juan Castro. With a brilliant cover from the always amazing Jamal Igle.
Two Alterna Comics this week; Blood Realm #1 – Robert Geronimo and Exilium #1; Ben Slabak, Marc Sintes and Salo Farias.
AfterShock Comics; Moth & Whisper #1. Writer Ted Anderson and artist Jen Hickman.
Antarctic Press; Rags #1. Trent Luther, Brian Ball and Luigi Teruel.
Caliber Entertainment; Gapo The Clown – Tony Miello.
Disposable Legends #1 (T Pub); Terry Mayo and Lucas Romero.
Poser #1 (Waxworks Comics) – Clayton McCormack.
Mystery Science Theater 3000 #1 (Dark Horse Comics) – Various creators.