Comic Review: Archie: 1941 #1

Archie: 1941 #1

Archie Comics

Writers: Brian Augustyn & Mark Waid

Artist: Peter Krause

The fun-loving and upbeat Archie and company we know today started in a very tumultuous time for America and the world. The Second World War was revving up in Europe and American’s were sidelined, watching and wondering what would happen to them. How would America get involved? All of this was happening while Pep Comics #22 introduced the world to Archie Andrews. Now, in 2018, Archie Comics is going back to its roots with Archie: 1941.

Issue #1 opens on graduation day at Riverdale High, the gang is forced to grow up and move into adulthood with reluctance. Everywhere they turn, news of the European war is infiltrating their lives. This issue is called “The Last Summer”, and paints the picture all too well. Archie is struggling with what he will do with his life. In fact, he seems to be the only member of the gang that is concerned with the future. The issue ends with Archie learning of the Atlantic Charter, the document that was created out of the Roosevelt-Churchill meetings in August of 1941. Since this comic is based on our history, we all know what is coming in December of the same year. The interesting part will be seeing how these new adults will handle the life-changing event that they are headed for. My only drawback here is that Archie seems to be the only character with an arc. I will see how this team handles the series, but I was hoping to see Archie and all of his friends deal with this event and not just Archie himself.

Brian Augustyn and Mark Waid keep us all grounded with the slightly over the top and slightly realistic feel of 1941 Riverdale. Augustyn is a newcomer to Archie, but Waid is a newfound hero of Riverdale having relaunched Archie in 2014 and bringing new fans from all around to join the Archie world. Some research seems to have gone into this series, which is nice. Most of our comic books these days are not based in reality, but it seems fitting to have Archie and his friends tackle such a heavy part of history. I do not know where this series is heading, but I’m most curious about how far Waid and Augustyn will take us in this five-issue miniseries.

Peter Krause is handling the artwork here and he does a suitable job drawing these beloved characters in an early 40s setting. His art is not too flashy here. He didn’t overthink the models or ruin the Archie designs we all know and love. He took a restrained approach that is right in line with what Augustyn and Waid are going for in their writing. I have no qualms with what is on display here.

The result of Archie: 1941 is right where it should have been. Instead of the comedy and antics we usually get, we are given a summer in the life of a real teenager with real problems and decisions on the horizon. Archie Andrews is no different here than many were in the summer ’41. He is just turning eighteen and staring down the barrel of war. These were not times for jokes and follies. This was The Last Summer for many. I love where this book is headed and I can’t wait to see what this creative team will deliver in the next four issues.