Archie #25 review: When Jughead saves the universe
By Alex Widen
The only thing keeping Archie and Betty apart is her father! Yet can the ever hungry Jughead save the day?
Archie #25
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Audrey Mok
Colorist: Kelly Fritzpatrick
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It seems like a consistent challenge in Archie’s life is dealing with the fathers of the ladies in his life. Last year, he had to deal with Hiram Lodge, the billionaire father of his beloved Veronica. The tycoon resorted to plenty of tactics to separate them. These included using his wealth to bully Archie via offering his father a job, to whisking Veronica to a boarding school in Europe! Yet none of these tactics worked for long, and even the wealthy tycoon had to capitulate to the klutzy redhead.
Image from Archie Comics
Yet this time around, the challenge is closer to home and more down to earth. Unfortunately, that makes it more frustrating. In the wake of Betty Cooper’s injuries due to the infamous drag racing incident, Hal Cooper has forbidden all contact with Archie. Despite the fact that the police consider Reggie Mantle the culprit and have charged him accordingly, Hal had banned the entire Andrews clan from his property. This has led to the not only breaking Archie’s heart, but Betty’s as well.
Image from Archie Comics
Hal Cooper Is a Jerk!
Things have gotten so bad that Archie can’t even enjoy an outing with Veronica. This is perhaps for the best, as a distracted Archie is dangerous enough while playing golf! Veronica does her best to steer things towards happier topics, but to no avail. Betty has been Archie’s best friend since they were kids, and he’s taking this terribly hard. It’s one problem that not even her trust fund can aid in. Much as when they first reunited, their own relationship is at risk of breaking apart.
Image from Archie Comics
One great thing Mark Waid has done is avoid having the cast revolve around Archie quite as bluntly. The latter may be the titular star, but that doesn’t mean he has to be a puppet master. To this end, it’s established that Betty and Jughead are friends for reasons beyond both being pals of Archie’s. The origins of their bond are revealed here. When Jughead’s precious pooch Hot Dog was injured, it was Betty who was the only one who successfully comforted the distraught pre-teen.
Image from Archie Comics
Hal Cooper’s attempts to keep Betty from seeing Archie in any capacity are similar to Hiram’s. Her computer access is on lock down, and Hal monitors her at all times. While his concern for her safety following her grievous injuries is understandable, he’s gone too far. Not only is Betty struggling to heal physically and mentally, she’s now seeing her father as an obstacle to her happiness. It’s tough to shake feeling like a prisoner in a wheelchair when Hal treats her as one.
Image from Archie Comics
Never Mess with Jughead’s Pets, Pals, or Burgers!
Yet if there is anyone in Riverdale able to cut to the heart of matters, it’s Jughead. He may be so obsessed with food that he carries wet-naps and utensils on him at all times. However, Jug also knows just how to push the right buttons to get people to act in ways he wants. Fortunately, Jughead uses his power wisely, and always in service to the greater good of his pals. He uses his social status as a quirky outsider to his advantage to get away with things not even Archie could.
Image from Archie Comics
Jughead enacts his plan with expert precision. It’s a way to both reunite Betty and Archie and satisfy his endless appetite to boot. Taking possession of Betty’s phone, he arranges for Toni Topaz to sneak Archie out of baseball practice. Meanwhile, he barges into the Cooper home to have a very frank and direct talk with them about the situation. Jughead does all this while raiding their fridge and making a sandwich which would make Dagwood Bumstead of Blondie envious!
Image from Archie Comics
Jughead notes that while Hal Cooper may be well intended, he’s stifling Betty and hindering her recovery. While Betty has lost many things due to her injuries, her ability to see her best friend has been taken from her directly by him. And while Jughead has little luck in convincing Hal, he does seem to strike the right chord with Mrs. Cooper. However, the speech provides the necessary distraction for Betty and Archie to reunite for the first time since she got out of the hospital!
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Just Who Did Reggie Meet in the Slammer?
Mark Waid may be hit-or-miss on Avengers, yet he’s been all aces with Archie. His modern updating of the timeless material has added newfound layers to what had been a stodgy franchise. Chief among them is his development of the cast beyond simply their connection to Archie. Betty, Veronica, and Jughead all have lives and motivations of their own. Jughead doesn’t do this just to help Archie, but to help Betty most of all. He’s weird, but he’s a true friend when it counts.
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Waid also knows how to write one-shot tales with slow burning subplots. The slow moving subplot revolving around the Blossom’s family wealth continues here. Reggie Mantle finds himself in a holding cell after being charged with vehicular assault. This leads to a completely plot convenient meeting with the birth father of Cheryl and Jason Blossom! He’s just passing through, and his identity has been hidden from both them and the public. It’s a sleaze bag tag team!
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Furthermore, the slow burning subplot of Archie’s relationship with Veronica continues. Their passion was initially hot and heavy, but being separated for months had put some damper on it. Now with Betty injured, Veronica feels left out. When she overhears Betty and Archie talking about keeping their secret from “her,” she completely misunderstands it. While they’d meant Mrs. Cooper, it’s understandable for Veronica to make her assumption. It keeps the love triangle fresh!
Image from Archie Comics
Great Art Keeps the Love Triangle Fresh!
Audrey Mok, who feels like the 100th artist this run has had, continues to do terrific work. Her lines are smooth and her designs for the cast are great, and fit with previous issues. As with all artists for this run, Mok is able to balance the genuine drama and romance with the slapstick comedy. Archie continues to be a walking disaster with a golf club or baseball bat. The colors by Kelly Fritzpatrick are also great, enhancing the pencils and inks accordingly. It’s a feast for the eyes!
Image from Archie Comics
Next: Mantle isn't so Magnificent in #24!
Besides showcasing Jughead’s strengths, this issue revitalizes the love triangle aspect without making Archie look like a cad. Previous incarnations attested it to simply indecision, which made him look manipulative. Instead, Waid has set it up to be a price of timing and miscommunication between the trio. Not only does it allow for Archie to be more sympathetic, it’s actually more realistic this way! Over two years in, and this run of Archie continues to amaze and entertain old and new fans alike!