{"id":77514,"date":"2026-08-18T23:15:11","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T15:15:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=77514"},"modified":"2026-08-18T23:15:11","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T15:15:11","slug":"oni-press-archie-comics-reboot-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=77514","title":{"rendered":"Oni Press&#8217; Archie Comics Reboot Review"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">It\u2019s been a while since we\u2019ve run a proper comic book review on IGN, but that\u2019s something I\u2019m hoping to change in the months ahead. And what better time to get back in the habit than with Oni Press\u2019 impending reboot of the Archie Comics line. In case you missed the news, Oni is launching a new wave of three comics that reinvent Archie and the Riverdale gang for a new generation. That includes the flagship Archie series as well as Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Archie in Hell.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">To ring in this new era of comic book reviews on IGN, we figured the Archie reboot was the perfect starting point. We\u2019ve been able to check out the first issue of all three series, and we\u2019re here to render a verdict and let you know which, if any, are worth giving a look this fall.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">We\u2019re hoping to make new comic book reviews on IGN a regular thing again, so definitely head down to the comments and let us know what books you\u2019d like to see us cover.<\/p>\n<h2 data-cy=\"title2\" class=\"title2 jsx-1903782357 jsx-3735650234\">Archie #1 Review<\/h2>\n<p><output class=\"box-wrapper jsx-2673806401\" data-cy=\"article-slideshow\"><button type=\"button\" style=\"display:none\" class=\"jsx-2228525885\"\/><span data-cy=\"slideshow-view-trigger\"><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-preview\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 slideshow-preview\">\n<h3 class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-1085005187\" data-cy=\"slideshow-preview-title\">Archie #1 Preview Gallery<\/h3>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-container\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 images-container\"><button type=\"button\" data-cy=\"hero-image\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 hero-image\"><img alt=\"Click through for an exclusive first look at the relaunched Archie series from Oni Press and Archie Comics.\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2896921488 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"\/><span class=\"button-text jsx-729543028 button button--primary jsx-3027214138 jsx-4266531355 row-pagination-button next contained centered round large\" data-cy=\"paginate next\" title=\"Open Slideshow\"><span class=\"ign-icon right-chevron jsx-2750866048 jsx-2919720488\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-cy=\"right-chevron\" style=\"mask:url(https:\/\/kraken.ignimgs.com\/_next\/static\/media\/RightChevron.272be43c.svg?cors=1) no-repeat center center \/ contain;background:currentColor\"\/><\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/output><\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><strong>Creative Team:<\/strong> Writer Ben H. Winters &amp; Artist F\u00e1bio Moon<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><strong>Release Date:<\/strong> September 2, 2026<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">This series is the obvious jumping-on point for most of the Archie-curious out there. It\u2019s the classic Archie series reimagined for a new era. Though maybe \u201creimagined\u201d is overselling things a bit. The new Archie doesn\u2019t fundamentally rework the long-running series so much as it gives it a fresh coat of paint. <\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Which, for the most part, is just fine. The prospect of Casanova and Daytripper artist F\u00e1bio Moon getting the chance to work his magic on Riverdale was always the key selling point for me anyway, and in that regard the reboot doesn\u2019t disappoint. Moon is basically the perfect artist to shoulder the burden of giving Archie Andrews a postmodern visual touch-up. His pages are free-flowing and dynamic and expertly capture the hectic nature of Archie\u2019s overly busy day. Moon\u2019s pencils and inks mesh well with Jason Wordie\u2019s colors, which lend just the right sense of depth and texture to the art.   <\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">The main story featured in this issue offers a simple but largely effective gateway into Archie\u2019s crazy little world. Riverdale High is holding a film festival, and Archie soon finds himself stretched thin as he tries to lend a helping hand to all of his friends while also pursuing his own big idea. The premise allows Winters and Moon to quickly cycle through the book\u2019s major supporting cast and establish their various relationships with Archie, and it\u2019s all done in an entertaining way.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">The problem is mostly a lack of depth. The story is fun and lighthearted, but that\u2019s about it. It doesn\u2019t really strive to do anything that we wouldn\u2019t 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\u2019m 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 \u201cNew Riverdale\u201d reboot still stands as the more compelling example of reinventing Archie for the 21st century.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">That said, Winters and Moon\u2019s 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\u2019s favorite hamburger-scarfing best friend. Hopefully it\u2019s a sign of more ambitious storytelling to come.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><strong>Score<\/strong> &#8211; 7  <\/p>\n<h2 data-cy=\"title2\" class=\"title2 jsx-1903782357 jsx-3735650234\">Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 Review<\/h2>\n<div style=\"text-align:center\"><output class=\"box-wrapper jsx-2673806401\"><\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-313219616\"><span><img alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" decoding=\"async\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"progressive-image article-image jsx-1809694635 jsx-2338608387\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/assets-prd.ignimgs.com\/2026\/08\/17\/sabrina1-coverysatanicpyresolicitweb-1787004183339.webp?width=1280&amp;height=720&amp;fit=bounds&amp;format=jpg&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=80 1x, https:\/\/assets-prd.ignimgs.com\/2026\/08\/17\/sabrina1-coverysatanicpyresolicitweb-1787004183339.webp?width=1280&amp;height=720&amp;fit=bounds&amp;dpr=2&amp;format=jpg&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=80 2x\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"\/><\/span><\/figure>\n<p><\/output><\/div>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><strong>Creative Team:<\/strong> Writer Corinna Bechko &amp; Artist Kano<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><strong>Release Date:<\/strong> October 7, 2026<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">If Archie #1 is guilty of playing things a little too safe and traditional, that\u2019s 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\u2019s wholesome, all-ages roots and embracing the possibilities of this new future.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Similar to Archie #1, Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 enters Sabrina Spellman\u2019s life at a particularly chaotic time. She\u2019s 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\u2019s script wisely skips over the origin story for the most part, preferring to jump right in with what comes next.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">While this issue also serves as an efficient debut for much of the book\u2019s supporting cast, it\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019s just opened before her. <\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Kano\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><strong>Score<\/strong> &#8211; 9<\/p>\n<h2 data-cy=\"title2\" class=\"title2 jsx-1903782357 jsx-3735650234\">Archie in Hell #1<\/h2>\n<div style=\"text-align:center\"><output class=\"box-wrapper jsx-2673806401\"><\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-313219616\"><span><img alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" decoding=\"async\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"progressive-image article-image jsx-1809694635 jsx-2338608387\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/assets-prd.ignimgs.com\/2026\/08\/17\/archieinhell1-coveracrooksolicit-1787004183340.webp?width=1280&amp;height=720&amp;fit=bounds&amp;format=jpg&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=80 1x, https:\/\/assets-prd.ignimgs.com\/2026\/08\/17\/archieinhell1-coveracrooksolicit-1787004183340.webp?width=1280&amp;height=720&amp;fit=bounds&amp;dpr=2&amp;format=jpg&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=80 2x\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"\/><\/span><\/figure>\n<p><\/output><\/div>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><strong>Creative Team:<\/strong> Writer Patrick Horvath &amp; Artist Tyler Crook<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><strong>Release Date:<\/strong> November 4, 2026 <\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">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 <u>Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla\u2019s Afterlife with Archie<\/u>, a book that boasted a fantastic premise but was undone by its unpredictable shipping schedule. Hopefully, that won\u2019t be a problem this time around.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">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\u2019s written by <u>Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees\u2019 Patrick Horvath<\/u>. A real match made in heaven there, even if the end result isn\u2019t 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\u2019s fun, but there\u2019s not quite enough meat on this particular bone just yet. <\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">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\u2019re reading another straightforward Archie adventure, only to be reminded otherwise when the black magic and ritualistic sacrifices start unfolding on the page.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">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 \u201cNight of the Living Dead in Riverdale\u201d elevator pitch that Afterlife with Archie benefited from.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><strong>Score<\/strong> &#8211; 6 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<center><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/archie-comics-reboot-oni-press-review-sabrina\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read Full Article At Source <\/a><br \/>\n<center\/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s been a while since we\u2019ve run a proper comic book review on IGN, but that\u2019s something I\u2019m hoping to change in the months ahead&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":77515,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[28474,436,24922,3877,2504,28],"class_list":["post-77514","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tech-gadgets-reviews","tag-archie","tag-comics","tag-oni","tag-press","tag-reboot","tag-review","wpcat-32-id"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77514","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=77514"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77514\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/77515"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=77514"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=77514"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=77514"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}