Hey, man, you like burgers?
By Jeff Lake
Archie Comics has had quite the banner year, thanks in no small part to the revitalized flagship title currently flying off the racks. Not content to let Riverdale’s resident redhead have all the fun, the publisher delivers the first of the brand’s character specific offshoots, starting with none other than Archie’s main pal, Jughead. Creators Chip Zdarsky and Erica Henderson bring their trademark hilarity to the lovable slacker with the big heart and bottomless stomach, delivering an amusing debut that’ll keep you coming back for seconds.
The most surprising thing about Jughead #1 is how little it’s beholden to the main Archie title. The cast and setting are the same, but beyond that Zdarsky and Henderson are left very much to their own devices. Considering that Zdarsky is essentially left with the keys to the jalopy, it’s no surprise then that he takes it out for a spin, his story traversing all manner of narrative paths real and imagined. His tongue in cheek (burger in mouth?) sense of tone is apparent throughout, from Jughead’s opening video game intro to his Game of Thrones inspired dreamscape. That’s not to say it’s all aimless buffoonery, as the introduction of a no-nonsense new principal incites a culinary revolution (and a forward arc) from the gruel-adverse glutton.
Given the book’s aforementioned freedom, certain differences from the brand’s primary title are as obvious as they are expected. For one, Zdarsky’s Juggy is slightly more cynical and not quite as outwardly sharp as the one currently maneuvering through Archie proper, more focused on the contents of his stomach than the interests of his friends. That’s not entirely a knock, as Zdarsky puts said contrast to great and often hilarious use, managing to use the one to aid the other by issues end. He similarly finds new ways to utilize the rest of Archie’s supporting cast, his Veronica already a solid fixture despite her only recent introduction. Even better, his Jughead never feels like anything but the lead of the story, Archie working just fine as a background player.
Much of the book’s focused characterization falls on Henderson to enhance, and it’s a task she proves more than equipped to deliver. She brings the same giddy exuberance to her pages that she did with The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, each familiar character updated but still distinct. At times the Squirrel Girl influence is a bit heavy – Betty looks almost exactly like SG in a blonde wig – but overall her unique character models provide a welcome variety. Similarly enjoyable is her inventive paneling. No page looks remotely the same, the artist utilizing a number of different panel breakups and lens zooms to heighten both the escalating drama and hilarity. Movement is also essential to her pages – her characters don’t just tell jokes as much as they throw themselves into them, her physical nuance every bit as biting as Zdarsky’s clever script.
Archie may get the buzz (and the ladies), but Zdarsky and Henderson ably prove that Jughead is no second banana. Their debut issue is inventive and witty in the best way possible, with each creator using their own artistic gifts in a way that only enhances the work of the other. In a landscape littered with comic meals that leave you wanting, this one hits the spot.
As the first of the non-Archie specific offshoots, Jughead #1 delivers. It’s clever, funny, and brimming with energy, Zdarsky’s sly humor a perfect complement to Henderson’s quirky stylings. While some of the character choices and design work feels just off, the book’s premise and creative team allow for a debut just as entertaining as the Archie title it spun from.
