Archie: Varsity Edition Vol. 1

Archie (2015) (Collected Editions) #1-2

by Mark Waid, Fiona Staples (Illustrator), Annie Wu (Illustrator)

ARCHIE: VARSITY EDITION VOL. 1 is the premium, hardcover collection of the best-selling ARCHIE series by Mark Waid. Featuring artists such as Fiona Staples, Veronica Fish, Annie Wu and more, this title collects the first two volumes of the series that has kept the comic book world talking for years.

ARCHIE, one of the longest-running titles in comic book history, is rebooted here in this full-color collection that brings together several of the top creators in comics. Together they create a surprising and definitive take on the origin of Archie's historic love triangle with Betty and Veronica - a story that has never been told. The book captures the bite and hilarious edge of Archie's original tales in a modern, forward-looking manner, while still retaining the character's all-ages appeal.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Young Adult

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 12, 2019

About the author

Mark Waid is an American comic book writer widely known for shaping modern superhero storytelling through influential runs on major characters at both DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Raised in Alabama, he developed an early fascination with comic books, particularly classic stories featuring the Legion of Super-Heroes, whose imaginative scope and sense of legacy would later inform his own writing. He first entered the comics industry during the mid 1980s as an editor and writer for the fan magazine Amazing Heroes, before publishing his first professional comic story in Action Comics. Soon afterward he joined DC Comics as an editor, contributing to numerous titles and helping shape projects across the company. After leaving editorial work to focus on writing, Waid gained widespread recognition with his long run on The Flash, where he expanded the mythology of the character and co-created the youthful speedster Impulse. His reputation grew further with the celebrated graphic novel Kingdom Come, created with artist Alex Ross, which imagined a future DC Universe shaped by generational conflict among superheroes. Over the years he has written many prominent series, including Captain America, Fantastic Four, Daredevil, and Superman: Birthright, bringing a balance of optimism, character depth, and respect for comic book history to each project. Waid has also collaborated with notable artists and writers on major ensemble titles such as Justice League and Avengers, while contributing ideas that helped clarify complex continuity within shared superhero universes. Beyond mainstream superhero work, he has supported creator owned projects and experimental publishing models, including the acclaimed series Irredeemable and Incorruptible, which explored moral ambiguity within the superhero genre. He later took on editorial leadership roles at Boom Studios, guiding creative direction while continuing to write extensively. In subsequent years he expanded his involvement in publishing and digital storytelling, helping launch online comics initiatives and advocating for new distribution methods for creators. His work has earned numerous industry awards, including Eisner and Harvey honors, reflecting both critical acclaim and enduring popularity among readers. Throughout his career Waid has remained a passionate student of comic book history, drawing on decades of storytelling tradition while continually encouraging innovation within the medium. His influence extends across generations of readers and creators, and his stories continue to shape the evolving language of superhero comics around the world today through enduring characters imaginative narratives and thoughtful reinventions of familiar myths within popular culture and modern graphic storytelling traditions.

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's honestly been a long time since I enjoyed a comic book this much. I grew up on traditional Archie comics - episodic and largely repetitive - and was suspicious, to say the least, of this reboot. (I'm still suspicious of the comic's current, post-Waid iteration.) But I found that Waid handled the series better than the writers whose Archie comics I grew up on - at least, from a grown-up reader's point of view. The characterization is rich and on-point. For instance, at first I was utterly unclear on why Archie was so jarred by his longtime girlfriend Betty's beginning to embrace femininity, but eventually it begins to make sense: he's afraid of change.

Speaking of Betty, my favorite character is even better than ever. She's now a cute, tomboyish girl who is, as mentioned, growing into her femininity, but still into video games and fixing cars. She's written so lovingly that the whole time between putting the book down and picking it back up, I was thinking about her and aching for her.

The art is not always my cup of tea; there are several artists throughout the 12 issues collected here, and some of them are just too stylized for me. But it's never so bad as to make it actively hard to read (*coughcough* Starfire).

With the reboot, the publishers were clearly targeting a somewhat older demographic of teens and 20-somethings - I kind of doubt I'd have enjoyed these stories as a kid. But it's by no means messy and uncomfortably sexed-up like Riverdale, which I think is what I was expecting and why I was suspicious.

I'm glad I gave it a chance. Long live Betty Cooper.

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun reintroduction to a great set of classic characters.

[Camp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that nostalgia has definitely factored into such a high rating for this graphic novel. I loved the Archie comics when I was younger, and as I lived outside the US I would read and re-read the same 10 battered copies I owned. Perhaps without this influence I’d have given this 3.5-4 stars.
This modern re-imagining is very well done. The characters are still very much true to their origins while adding a much needed refresh on their wardrobe, depth of emotions, and realistic diversity.
Out of the artists Fiona Staples was by far my favorite, but I did also like Veronica Fish’s style. I am definitely continuing the series.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this omnibus!! It is so amazing and I devoured the larger size illustrations! The bonus content in the back is fantastic! I love hearing from the creators and seeing their creative process. And a cover variation by Faith Erin Hicks!! LOOOOOVE!!
The story is wonderful, a true tribute to Archie comics. I love that Archie is still a klutz, Betty is still pure, Veronica is still a total B but with some redeeming qualities. I loved reading these for the second time and can't wait to get my hands on the next omnibus edition!

[Reyna Cervantes · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS is how you do a reboot. If you read one Archie comic, let it be from this fantastic run. Gone are the over the top antics of Riverdale and instead some genuinely light hearted teen drama featuring Archie and his pals.

Fiona Staples artwork in the first 3 issues is absolutely sublime. Easily one of the best comic book runs I've ever read.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost as good as the originals, which I always came up with a quarter to buy. Had so many of them, and reread them over and over again. Bought them with Necco wafers. All chocolate. Yum!

[Nate Reitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up because after speeding through Saga I needed some more Fiona Staples art in my life. This modernization of Archie written by Mark Waid, Fiona Staples and Veronica Fish is a great read for anyone familiar with Archie and the gang. Archie has been around 75 plus years and Mark Waid has done a fantastic job in updating and modernizing the characters and the themes while at the same time keeping theme true and recognizable to anyone whose ever picked up a digest at the supermarket. I really liked this collection and hope that Archie Comics will someday release the third Varsity Edition. I was kinda of bummed that Fiona Staples is only on this for the first arc and then she is replaced by Veronica Fish I don't know why this happened and its not to say that Veronica Fish's art is bad its just I was really looking forward to a lot of Staples's art since she doesn't do a lot outside of Saga. There is a lot of heart and laughter in this book. I am looking forward to continuing with the next volume.

[Kailey Wicked · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this. I think the characters are very likable and relatable. The stories and plot aren't too out there, but are still wacky and fun. I really laughed with this and enjoyed the content. I think it's well paced and doesn't have anything extra that shouldn't be there. Everything is mentioned or placed with purpose, which I really liked that. I liked all the characters, I could understand their motivations. They felt very real. Best of all, Archie Andrews was Archie Andrews.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not one for graphic novels. And, I used to read Archie comics you get from the grocery store but haven't touched those in years. But, I came across these and this is great. I love stepping into this story again, with different ideas and a cast of kids that seem more high school than the older comics.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute! I read the Archie comics when I was a kid. This reboot brings the characters and story into something more like the present age. I like that Betty likes to work on cars, Jughead has a backstory, and many more of the details.

[The Spooky Jedi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a great read. A few moments that were funny and several that grabbed my attention

[Ema Nono · Rating 5 out of 5]

ADUNSIALKDJEORFILUERNYIUKIUHFJNERUWOIGLURJNWUN9IOLGJREOG HGLR3HJEFRHIEJ,.STGNITKENK its good. pls read it hana.

[salma · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun!!!

[Sal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great modernization of a GOAT comics property.

[Sophie Swann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favourite Archie comics series! Gripping storyline, the art is gorgeous, and I love how the Core 4 are portrayed.

[Will Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing spectacular but a fun re-imagining of the Archie characters, with a little poking fun of the original every once in a while.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! Unlike what seems like the majority of people here I hardly knew anything about Archie. I'm not American, and comics in general were practically nonexistent in my home growing up, so I have no nostalgia attached to this.

I'm a fan of superhero stuff so these casual teen stories were something new that I didn't really think would appeal to me but everyone said was great.

To be honest the art was mainly the reason I gave it a shot, Fiona Staples killed it. The story started slowly then I found myself really getting into it and liking the characters. It was funny and well written while not too absurd, while still being more than just a comedy. Very beginner friendly, I wasn't overwhelmed with too many characters at once.

Also I just love Veronica and Archie (though I have a feeling Betty will be endgame) either way I know things won't go smoothly. I ended up finishing the whole thing in one day and eager for the next book. Absolutely would recommend, if just as a nice palate cleanser.