COMIC BOOK REVIEW: Archie #666

How to end a long-running comic series? If you want a proper send-off, do it with a bang! Archie Comics formally ends its storied-continuity (of sorts) with its rather infamous number — 666! How can a heartwarming and positive comic series like Archie Comics pull-off an optimistic and funny delivery with the dreaded number attached? The creative team comprised by long-time Archie comic scribe Tom Defalco and four designated artists provides a simple answer: Just Make a Fun Story! True to its promise, the only references synonymous with that insidious number are “666” and “end”. Nothing more and less indeed, while the rest is pure old-fashioned Archie story that we used to love (and taken for granted).

Who doesn’t fear expulsions? Who doesn’t fear the wrath of our beloved parents? Who doesn’t care for one’s positive attributes? Who wouldn’t miss one’s beloved friend? These are the major questions explored as the story develops from dreadful, to reflections, then solution and the classic comedic last panel act. Defalco really delivers what a true, classic Archie story should be.

Of course, in the time of cynicism and stark “reality”, the story may be considered off-putting for some naysayers and jaded/cynical types. But let’s not forget our youthfulness, our happier times then, including reading uplifting, positive and optimistic comics. Archie Comics remind us the nostalgic or good-old youthful memories. This finale virtually captures our sense of innocence, playfulness, and wackiness that define our youthfulness.

Dan Parent, Fernando Ruiz, Tim Kennedy and Pat Kennedy provide solid and almost consistent illustrations for our optimistic protagonist while Rich Koslowski inks all of the artist’s respective takes. Only eagle-eyed critics can distinguish the subtle differences, but Koslowski’s carefully lined-inks make sure of the overall consistency and the liveliness of the artists’ renditions. The overall product is bouncy, colorful, a bit reflective, lively (even some situations are a bit bleak), and most importantly, faithful to the Archie Comics spirit of optimism.

This issue also includes an afterword from the comic’s editor-in-chief, even showing the very first Archie Comics #1 (1941), and a brief note for the upcoming new Archie Comics series led by Mark Waid and Fiona Staples.

Naturally, this is more Archie-centric than any characters. Yes, Jughead, Betty and Veronica, and other “main” supporting casts have their moments. But the exclusions of the brainy Dalton and the old and wise-cracking janitor are so glaring not to be noticed. Aside from these nitpickings, Archie Comics #666 is the end of the long illustrious era, but finishing it on a very, very high sense of positivity.