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Archie (2015) (Collected Editions) #1-2
Archie: Varsity Edition Vol. 1
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.
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.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2019
15 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Mark Waid
3,182 books1,272 followersMark Waid (born March 21, 1962 in Hueytown, Alabama) is an American comic book writer. He is best known for his eight-year run as writer of the DC Comics' title The Flash, as well as his scripting of the limited series Kingdom Come and Superman: Birthright, and his work on Marvel Comics' Captain America.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 16, 2020
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.
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.
October 25, 2019
A fun reintroduction to a great set of classic characters.
August 17, 2020
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.
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.
March 22, 2021
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!
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!
June 3, 2020
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.
Fiona Staples artwork in the first 3 issues is absolutely sublime. Easily one of the best comic book runs I've ever read.
October 29, 2019
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!
February 25, 2025
4.5 rounded up because I really enjoyed this!
Unlike what seems like the majority of people here, the only thing I knew about Archie was the name and a vague idea of a love triangle. 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've become really invested in superhero comics, mainly staying within DC, so this, a character with a *very* long continuous history, and just casual stories about teenagers was 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 off slowly, then I found myself really getting into it, and liking the characters. It was funny and well written without delving into the absurd, while still being more than just a comedy. Very beginner friendly, and 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. After trying it out in a free moment, 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.
Unlike what seems like the majority of people here, the only thing I knew about Archie was the name and a vague idea of a love triangle. 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've become really invested in superhero comics, mainly staying within DC, so this, a character with a *very* long continuous history, and just casual stories about teenagers was 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 off slowly, then I found myself really getting into it, and liking the characters. It was funny and well written without delving into the absurd, while still being more than just a comedy. Very beginner friendly, and 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. After trying it out in a free moment, 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.
March 16, 2025
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.
January 9, 2020
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.
March 18, 2020
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.
February 1, 2025
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.
January 7, 2021
Overall a great read. A few moments that were funny and several that grabbed my attention
April 1, 2022
ADUNSIALKDJEORFILUERNYIUKIUHFJNERUWOIGLURJNWUN9IOLGJREOG HGLR3HJEFRHIEJ,.STGNITKENK its good. pls read it hana.
August 25, 2022
fun!!!
November 6, 2022
Great modernization of a GOAT comics property.
January 9, 2023
Probably my favourite Archie comics series! Gripping storyline, the art is gorgeous, and I love how the Core 4 are portrayed.
June 18, 2020
Nothing spectacular but a fun re-imagining of the Archie characters, with a little poking fun of the original every once in a while.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews