That time of the year again: The top ten comic books of 2018!

Image by Archie Comics

1. Archie No. 27-32

2018 saw the epic relaunch of the entire franchise by writer Mark Waid come to an end after almost three entire years. To say that it reshaped the entire world of Archie Comics’ flagship title is an understatement. It forever shattered the view that this franchise was eternally stuck in the past, frozen in time. It showcased a contemporary look at characters generations have loved, in a world which actually resembled the 21st century instead of the middle of the 20th.

2018 was also the year that this title, which usually featured a new artist every 3-4 issues, finally pinned down a stalwart regular. Audrey Mok drew the final 9 issues of this series, not including the covers! He quickly became the defining artist for the series, which isn’t an easy feat for a series that Fiona Staples kicked off. Mok proved to match Waid’s tone for the series immediately, which was providing a look which could switch from slapstick comedy to drama or suspense on a dime!

The love quadrangle between Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Dilton came to a head this year. Yet, the final story line easily covered the longest gap of time. The series tilted closer to drama than comedy as it ended, considering the finale involved an armed gunman taking hostages at a high school. It also saw Reggie Mantle, the sleaziest villain in the book, end the run as a hero! Co-writer Ian Flynn aided in the last leg of what proved to be a genre-defining run. It spawned a boost in sales as well as many spin offs and, more importantly, a surge of imagination.