Archie: Varsity Edition Vol. 2

Archie (2015) (Collected Editions) #3-4

by Mark Waid, Joe Eisma (Illustrator), Pete Woods (Illustrator)

ARCHIE: VARSITY EDITION VOL. 2 is the premium, hardcover collection of the best-selling ARCHIE series by Mark Waid. Featuring artists such as Joe Eisma, Pete Woods and more, this title collects the issues #13-22 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, Graphic Novels Comics, Ebooks

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 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

[Nate Reitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up shortly after the las volume but I wasn't as interested in reading it as I was the previous one the bloom is off the rose so to speak. The opening stories weren't really holding my interest as much as they did previously. Mark Waid is a phenomenal writer and he has done an amazing job with this reboot slash modernization. However I just wasn't feeling it I would pick it up read a story and then easily set it down again for awhile. This volume continues to flesh out the cast bringing in the Blossoms shining a light on many of the side characters. Overall this is more of the same and the characters great but its just a nice pallet cleanser. I think its best to treat these collections like a collection of short stories. However the last story in this Mark Waid takes it up a notch and for a moment I thought he was going to kill off someone. I hope Archie comics prints the final varsity edition of Waid's run someday.

[Tegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riverdale really could’ve been something good if they’d modelled the show after Waid’s Archie run.

[Reyna Cervantes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this! The introduction to Cheryl Blosson is easily one of my favorite things about this reboot.

My only complaint is the way Vol. 4 ends because I have to wait until JULY to see how this wraps up! Definitely recommend this.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun read! Waid really captures the feel of Archie comics with some realism built in. I love most of the illustrations, very well done in showing these beloved characters in action. Cliffhanger ending though!

[Ashley Haziel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leer los cómics es una experiencia rápida y entretenida, problemas diarios para chicos escolares con los que fácilmente te puedes identificar. Si no han leído nada de Archie, definitivamente estos reboots son lo mejor para empezar

[Will Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably 3 and 1/2 stars. More interesting high school stories.

[The Spooky Jedi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid read but vol1 was better

[Ema Nono · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Somu · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

*4.5. Wow such a great volume. I loved how the separation between Archie and Veronica was portrayed. It was very realistic. I also liked how aspects of growing apart were shown between them. Overall a very solid collection, the story is still as beautiful and entertaining as the last volume. The ending though wow, I just can’t believe it. Cant wait for the third volume to come out so I can see how this ends. Would definitely recommend this.

[Josue Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as single issues through the year.
Mark Waid's Archie changed the game and launched an entire new era for Archie comics (though that started really Afterlife with Archie).