Oni Press’ Archie Comics Reboot Review

The problem is mostly a lack of depth. The story is fun and lighthearted, but that’s about it. It doesn’t really strive to do anything that we wouldn’t have gotten out of a classic Archie Comics adventure. Give this same script to an artist like Dan Parent and it could just as easily be included in an Archie Double Digest in a grocery store checkout lane. Maybe I’m simply a victim of my own expectations, but I was hoping for something a little more experimental, or at least a story with more hints of a serialized narrative. For now, the previous “New Riverdale” reboot still stands as the more compelling example of reinventing Archie for the 21st century.

That said, Winters and Moon’s backup story does suggest the series is capable of a bit more. The backup focuses more on Jughead and digs a little deeper into the psychology of everyone’s favorite hamburger-scarfing best friend. Hopefully it’s a sign of more ambitious storytelling to come.

Score – 7

Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 Review

Creative Team: Writer Corinna Bechko & Artist Kano

Release Date: October 7, 2026

If Archie #1 is guilty of playing things a little too safe and traditional, that’s not a problem for this reboot of its sister series. This is easily the most satisfying debut issue of the trio, one that strikes a nice balance between honoring the franchise’s wholesome, all-ages roots and embracing the possibilities of this new future.

Similar to Archie #1, Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 enters Sabrina Spellman’s life at a particularly chaotic time. She’s just discovered her magical abilities and is trying to balance her newfound responsibilities with her desire to hang out with her friends and enjoy a good Halloween party. Bechko’s script wisely skips over the origin story for the most part, preferring to jump right in with what comes next.

While this issue also serves as an efficient debut for much of the book’s supporting cast, it’s really the dynamic between Sabrina and her cat Salem that steals the show. Salem is a lot of fun as he bickers with his befuddled owner, who’s still growing accustomed to the fact that her cat talks in the first place. In general, Sabrina comes across as very likable here, a girl torn between high school fun and the more urgent, darker world that’s just opened before her.

Kano’s art complements the lighthearted but slightly sinister vibe of the script quite well. Here, too, the series toes that line between honoring the past and establishing its own look and feel. Of particular note is Kano’s facial work, which is wonderfully expressive and helps give each character a welcome burst of personality. This is a book to keep an eye on.

Score – 9

Archie in Hell #1

Creative Team: Writer Patrick Horvath & Artist Tyler Crook

Release Date: November 4, 2026

It was clear from the beginning that anyone who wanted to see a more subversive take on the Archie franchise with this Oni reboot would be best served with Archie in Hell. The series is very much the spiritual successor to Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla’s Afterlife with Archie, a book that boasted a fantastic premise but was undone by its unpredictable shipping schedule. Hopefully, that won’t be a problem this time around.

Probably the biggest selling point of Archie in Hell, apart from the basic appeal of infusing this universe with supernatural horror, is the fact that it’s written by Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees’ Patrick Horvath. A real match made in heaven there, even if the end result isn’t quite as strong out of the gate as I would have liked. Issue #1 is a bit of a slow burn, taking its sweet time to transition from the wholesome charm of a standard Archie adventure to something darker and more grotesque. It’s fun, but there’s not quite enough meat on this particular bone just yet.

The series also finds a fitting artist in horror comics veteran Tyler Crook. Crook and colorist Francesco Segala are adept at blending the old-school Archie aesthetic with a darker, more twisted vibe. Early on, you can almost trick yourself into believing you’re reading another straightforward Archie adventure, only to be reminded otherwise when the black magic and ritualistic sacrifices start unfolding on the page.

This series holds plenty of potential, but a lot is riding on the final page twist and where things go from there. It lacks the fast-paced start and easy “Night of the Living Dead in Riverdale” elevator pitch that Afterlife with Archie benefited from.

Score – 6