Jughead: The Hunger, Vol. 2

Jughead: The Hunger

by Frank Tieri, Joe Eisma (Illustrator)

Archie's Madhouse brings the second collection of the terrifying horror series that tears through Riverdale's cast of characters.

Jughead Jones has always had an insatiable appetite... but what if his hunger came from a sinister place? When a murderous menace is on the prowl, taking the lives of some of the most well-known and esteemed inhabitants of Riverdale, Jughead and his family's dark legacy comes to light.

Genres: Comics, Horror, Graphic Novels, Graphic Novels Comics, Fantasy, Fiction, Werewolves

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 2019

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Reggie Mantle and his pack closing in, can Jughead evade the Cooper clan?

Since the 50% off sale at the Archie store was too good to pass up, I snapped this one up like a werewolf on a rabbit after finishing the previous volume.

Jughead The Hunger - Volume 2 collects issues 4-8 of Jughead the Hunger and picks up where the last volume left off. Reggie is building his pack, the Coopers are closing in, and Archie is conflicted.

The art by the Kennedys, Joe Eisma, Bob Smith, Jim Amash, and Ryan Jampole does a good job sticking with the Francavilla look of Afterlife with Archie while still having character of its own. These gents draw some toothsome werewolves. The limited color palate does a great job setting the mood. Hell, all the Archie books make the most of their coloring without going too deep into the computer effects. The writing continues to feel like Buffy with werewolves but it's very well done and a lot of bloody good fun.

The plot continues to move forward but the individual issues are satisfying morsels. That's about all I want to say without giving too much away. I am curious how they're going to do Jughead The Hunger vs. Vampironica since Veronica is a werewolf in this continuum. I guess I'll find out when I get to that point.

Jughead The Hunger - Volume two is a bloody fun read! Four out of five mangled carcasses.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

While not nearly as good as the other supernatural Archie books, the series did pick up with this volume. Reggie goes after Jughead's family setting up a confrontation between the two. This has turned onto an ongoing which may be a mistake. I'm already seeing a tendency to rehash the same plot threads, but that's not surprising given Tieri's writing skills.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars ...

Lovin' this series SO much!
👍😁👍
These definitely ain't your
"Sugar, Sugar" Archies!
🤣😂🤣

[Ken W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun volume! These horror versions of “Archie” are super fun! Can’t wait to get to volume 3! Five stars!

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a decent first volume, the second installment of Jughead: The Hunger is a marked improvement. With Jughead returning to Riverdale and a bevy of familiar faces arrayed both against him and alongside him, the stakes suddenly feel a lot more real. While I'm not familiar enough with the extended Riverdale cast to really feel invested in them, the renewed focus on Jug, Archie, and Betty makes things a lot more compelling than before.

The artwork in each issue is split evenly between Pat and Tim Kennedy, and Joe Eisma. They're similar enough to meld well, but different enough for you to notice each time the art shifts, and there's no real rhyme or reason to the shift - they just each do 10 pages, and then tag out. It's...an odd approach.

Also odd is issue 8, which is basically a recap of the entire series up to this point. This would serve better at the beginning of a trade, rather than the end, and doesn't move the plot forward very far at all, instead just re-establishing the status quo that we've spent the last four issues getting to.

Still, even with some strange choices, J:TH is moving in the right direction. While it doesn't recapture the spookiness or horror that Sabrina and Afterlife With Archie have, it's not a bad attempt.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I loved this experience. Reading an Archie comic with mild curse words, blood, and gore in it is so strange yet so satisfying. The story continues well from Volume One and builds nicely with a clear arc but also much room for further development. I can't wait to read Volume Three and find out the repercussions of the deaths in this issue, the fight between Jughead and Reggie, Reggie and Veronica being pinned as the Riverdale Rippers, Hiram Lodge trying to find the truth, and Jelly Bean's huge revelation that she's already turned.

Overall, I highly recommend this series to Archie and horror fans. Who ever thought those two classics would be great together? But they go together beautifully.

[Quentin Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

The werewolf saga continues. This series didn't grab me quite like Afterlife With Archie, but it's still entertaining. We basically end up with two werewolf clans at war with another, and the werewolf hunting Coopers after both clans with Archie stuck in the middle. The art does fit the story well and this is a very well done horror comic.

[Hilary "Fox" · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second volume of The Hunger built significantly upon the first.

Jughead Jones comes from a long line of werewolves, the likes of which have been hunted down by the Cooper family over the centuries. Betty Cooper is no different, following in the footsteps of her ancestors. Yet, when Jughead fails to kill one of his victims, instead merely infecting them, things begin to spiral out of control. Maybe Jughead and the rest of the Joneses are the least worrisome pack of werewolves around, after all. Maybe, just maybe, Jughead and Betty need each other to rise against the growing threat.

We return to Riverdale in this volume, and go head to head with a formidable pack in order to save Jellybean. This volume promises a slew of new plots to come. Although the issues are slimmer than I'd like, I continue to like the stylized nature of the artwork and the monster design are fantastic. The script is tighter than it was before, and the world is bit by bit becoming more realized.

I never quite thought I'd be looking forward to hardcore horror Archie comics, yet here I am. I don't regret a thing.

[J.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a pack of bloodthirsty werewolves in Riverdale plot their revenge on Jughead, the Coopers are making plans of their own.

Archie is caught in the middle between his best friends when Jughead returns and Betty has a tough choice to make.

I did enjoy this one more than the first (issues #1 - #3). The storyline was much better and things got pretty gory.
Also the backstories were an interesting addition I really liked.

My one major complaint was Jughead's sister Jellybean, well how she was drawn to be more exact. Throughout the story her appearance switches between looking childlike, to looking like a teenager and back again.

Aside from that the artwork and overall darker tone worked well.

[K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jughead the Hunger Vol 2

This series is not captivating to me. Why it had so many installments is baffling to me.


Ch 4.
I hate it already, we got a lame back story about Elena Cooper ripping her were-boyfriend’s heart out. Slashed her face in the process. Don’t care. Next.


Ch 5.
Weatherbee kidnaps Jug’s sister Jellybean! And they (Veronica) killed Hotdog (his dog)!! That's a step too far!


Ch 6.
Jug is hiding out at Archie’s place. More fighting


Ch 7.
Damn this series just can NOT keep an artist. They rescue Jellybean, she is a werewolf too.


Ch 8.
More backstory but I’m tired. DNF

[Kayla (onthefritz) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veronica: Us fighting over Archie is hardly new. Why should this time be any different?

Archie: Well… in the old days, you never had actual claws at my throat and Betty wasn’t packing heat. So… there’s that.

Love the plot and all of the gore! Would be even better if all the artwork was done by Michael Walsh. I didn't love this as much as the first volume, that one contained more reveals.

[Daniel Kovacs Rezsuk · Rating 2 out of 5]

*sigh* I wasn't a fan of the first volume, and the second one hasn't brought anything new to the table either. Underwhelming art, cliché-ridden story and dialogue, infuriating plot-tangents in every chapter/issue. The only saving grace is the coloring and the occasional action-scenes which are handled pretty well compared to the other parts.

[Terry Mcginnis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another volume of Archie Horror comics that is tons of fun for fans. Volume 2 of Jughead: The Hunger continues Jughead's zany story with lots of gore, fun, and a fitting art style. Highly recommended.

[Ashleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Joe Bliven · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series really finds its groove in this installation. The story continues to be full of page turning action and adventure. The world has really developed well and every element previously set up is in full force. Unfortunately even less of this story takes place in Riverdale and most of the charades still just play as shadows of themselves. There are a few cute in character moments in this volume, but it was almost worse because it made me realize how much I was craving those moments in this series and that we really aren't getting much in their way. The beautifully done artwork by Tim and Pat Kennedy is back in full force. The story ends with a lot being tied up with just enough open to allow for this story to go in any direction. My favorite thing to see is that Betty seems to get a bit more into character by the end of this book, partly (I think) because of a self aware moment of writing where Archie basically calls out Betty for not being in character. I am really enjoying this series for its dark exciting story and really craving for it to get just a little more Archie. Oh and one more thing; this book had the second and third "come at me bro" in the series, I realize it was written in jest but I still cringed hard, and for the writers not the characters. Eesh, just don't next time.

[Troy Tradup · Rating 2 out of 5]

When everyone's a werewolf, are werewolves even interesting? So many writers go down the path of packs of werewolves, but I'll always be a solitary werewolf kind of guy.

Similarly, so many writers run out of things to say about werewolves pretty quickly, and turn their werewolf story into a gun story instead. Gun stories (like gun movies) are inherently boring.

Finally, there's a logical (if repetitive) story arc in the first four issues in this collection, and then a fifth segment that I guess spins the story into the next arc, but not in a compelling way. I have the third collection, and I'll read it, but Jughead's time as a lycanthrope seems to be losing steam fast.

The artwork in this collection might be even better than that in Volume 1, although the visuals in that fifth transition issue feel as tired as the story.

Best line this volume? "You broke my heart ... and now I'm taking yours." Gnarly.

[Cristina Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The sudden change in artists is pretty jarring. Particularly because the changes happen mid-scene in each issue. It’s one thing to change in one issue, but a scene isn’t even finished when the other artist jumps in. Also, Jellybean, Jughead’s sister looks waaay too much like Betty, which is another problem because one artist draws her significantly younger, but the other just makes her look much closer in age with the main characters.
I realize I’m just complaining about the art, but in comics that’s half (sometimes more) of the story. It’s not that the art is bad, I particularly like Eisma’s work, but it switches artists too much and I let it go in volume one, and apparently that’s all I could let pass.
I enjoyed volume 1 more. Overall in volume 2, the story is going places. I don’t know if it’s places I want it to go, but I only have one more volume, so I might as well finish.

[Vasil S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This was a slight improvement over the previous issue, but the thing that irritates me the most about this series is how many missed opportunities there are to make the comic more interesting. The climaxes seem decent at best, the characters can be improved and the subplots that keep being introduced are not that interesting. I'm hoping that the third volume will fix all of these issues.

[Reyna Cervantes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only a tad weaker than Vol. 1 only because I was more into the road movie vibes of the first one. But them bringing the story back to Riverdale raises the stakes I suppose. The flashback issue involving Betty's aunt in particular is an emotional standout.

Overall still really dig this series.

[Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Vol 1. wasn't bloody enough for you, The Hunger Vol 2. considerably increases the violence, horror and gratuitous entrails to an absurd level. Still, I was quite horrified.

The story becomes more complex now because where there's a wolf, there's a pack. And where there's a pack, there's always offshoots. So not only is there a giant werewolf hunting organization, but now there's two warring bands of werewolves with separate agendas.

A central character in this volume is Jughead's sister, Jelly Bean, who we don't get to see very often in Archie comics in general. There are many plot twists associated with her, making sure to keep the story interesting and with substance.

This volume ends on a curious note that makes you wonder what the next one will have in store...

[Bill Coffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collective review of all volumes 1-3 of Jughead: The Hunger.

Of the various Archie reboots, the Archie Madhouse imprint is especially interesting, recasting our iconic cast in legit horror stories where the survival rate is far, far lower than 100%. Here, we get a fun, gory spoof on exactly *why* Jughead has such a bottomless stomach - he is a werewolf who has been killing people around Riverdale! Before long, his friends are pulled into his ordeal and what follows is a story that has a suprisingly large amount of narrative energy for it, ranging far outside of Riverdale at times, and extending over multiple volumes. But despite the story's scope, it never loses its sharpness, verve, or dark humor. This is unexpectedly awesome, and I loved every page.

[The Artisan Geek · Rating 4 out of 5]

25/9/19 REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this volume! I was a bit unsure which direction this comic was going after the first volume, but I'm really enjoying the story ARC. I'm not easily spooked by comics, but there was one part in which we found out that someone is a werewolf and it I was shook at that moment. I think that particular revelation is going to have big consequences for the next volume, so I can't wait for that one to come out!

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[Madison McSweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deepening character development and laying the groundwork for more interesting subplots to come, the second volume of this violent Archie Horror series is a more satisfying read than the first, even if it lacks the gory kitsch of the early issues.

There's no image as striking as issue one's shot of a decapitated Miss Grundy, but this collection benefits from cool artwork and thrilling scenes of the Cooper clan facing off against bloodthirsty werewolves, as well as the enhanced development of supporting characters, laying the groundwork for more interesting subplots to come.

[Mindy Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

jughead continues being a werewolf, half the town have been turned and are part of reggie's evil pack, jellybean gets kidnapped, hotdog is murdered.. shit is basically continually hitting the fan. i fuckin love this series. it's a great time and the art is vibrant and beautiful and perfectly horror. hell yeah etc. 5/5.

[Ridley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story continues with Reggie and his pack, and the Cooper Hunter clan closing in.

Again the art was incredible - reminiscent of Francavillas work on Afterlife. The story was moved fast, from one point to the next. There was some nice history involved as well relating to werewolves and their history with Riverdale.

Such a fun read and perfect for October.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly, the continuation to this tale of werewolves run amok in Riverdale didn’t quite grab me as much as the first volume. I’m not sure I’ll continue. Seemed a pretty cliche storyline. But, let’s be honest, it’s not always easy to not be cliche with this sort of story.

[Gabs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jugheads not the only one who is hungry

The twist was so good!!! Werewolves are a seldom used occult character and this does it so well, but you have to wonder why elena didn't become one. And with the frame job in place what are the next steps? Is there a cure??

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars I loved Afterlife with Archie, but this series doesn't quite measure up. This one is pretty dark and gory and I liked the twists and turns of the whole werewolf thing, but something is missing. I will continue on since these are quick reads and the series has potential.

[Bjorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trashy, gory, and dumb. In other words, exactly what I want/expect from a comic like this.

Jughead: The Hunger is definitely not as good as the other comics in the Archie Horror line, but it is trashy, gory, and dumb werewolf fun.

[Nate]

Not as fun and focused as the first volume. Characters keep piling on and flashbacks disrupt the flow somewhat. It’s still entertaining in a junk food kind of way, but the charm is dimmed here. It doesn’t help that there are art changes within most issues.