The “Archie” comics have had some very strange spinoffs, everywhere from Archie being hunted down by the Predator to teaming up with the Punisher. I’m not even joking. So when one spinoff has Veronica becoming a vampire, and another has Jughead becoming a werewolf, of course those spinoffs would have to cross-over. So without further ado, let’s take a look at the latest oddity to be added to the “Archie” multiverse.
Written by Frank Tieri
Illustrated by Pat & Tim Kennedy, Joe Eisma
Colored by Matt Herms
Lettered by Jack MorelliIn the world of JUGHEAD THE HUNGER, there are no vampires, having been wiped out in their great war with the werewolves. In the VAMPIRONICA universe, the opposite is the case, as it was the vampires who were the victors. So what happens when these two eternal enemies are brought together again? Whatever it is, it can’t be good for poor ol’ Jug and Vampironica, you can count on that much…
The first thing that can be said about this comic: it is dark. Not just in a thematic way, but artistically too. The art primarily utilizes shades of red (so many shades of red) and black; even the normally brighter colors are dulled. This is appropriate for the tone of the comic, of course, since it does involve monstrous versions of beloved “Archie” characters going head-to-head.
In spite of the subject matter, Frank Tieri still maintains the more cheery, joking voices of many of the characters. They still jest about Jughead’s appetite, and Veronica’s parents talk about her absurdly high allowance, between the bouts against vampires and the realization that Veronica is still afflicted. It’s a bit of a thematic contrast, but it works within the comic. This could only work in an “Archie” comic, where the characters’ voices are so well established that it would sound weirder for them to be talking any differently.
While the illustrators switch from Pat and Tim Kennedy to Joe Eisma for the last few pages, their styles are similar enough that the shift is nearly impossible to notice. Both use a style that adds a touch more detail and realistic proportions to the classic “Archie” character designs, which works very nicely for Veronica. For characters like Archie himself, it doesn’t work quite as well, giving his first appearance a somewhat distorted expression. Fortunately, he’s only a minor part of the comic, and the designs work well enough for most everyone else.
As this is the first issue, the comic focuses primarily on Veronica, following the events of “Vampironica.” In fact, while Jughead himself does play a role in the comic, the werewolf version from “Jughead: The Hunger” doesn’t even appear. Instead, it primarily focuses on continuing the story from “Vampironica” to explain why Veronica still has her vampiric powers and why vampires are still around after they supposedly killed Dracula.
Fortunately, it’s presented in a way where new readers can pick up the context and jump in easily enough. There’s a good sequence near the beginning where Veronica reflects on everything that happened, utilizing narration and flashback images to quickly catch readers up on the story.
The story moves at a good pace, introducing antagonists, plot points, and twists efficiently. If the artwork and its use of dark and faded colors wasn’t enough to set the tone, seeing Pop get attacked by vampires before he can go to bowling night certainly is. From there, we’re flung right into the plot, with new revelations and a nice bit of action.
Speaking of action, the artwork carries it well enough. The fight in the diner makes great use of the surroundings to add to the scene, from bludgeoning with barstools to condiments and napkins flying around the impact. There are a few moments where the motions aren’t entirely clear, such as when Veronica’s arm gets grabbed by an enemy vampire but her hair looks like it’s getting pulled too, but for the most part it carries the combat nicely.
Outside of the combat, the plot progresses in a way that feels very natural and logical. Veronica needs answers, she turns to friends, makes discoveries, confronts her parents, gets more revelations. The information is provided one step at a time, letting the reader feel like they’re uncovering the mystery along with her, rather than just getting told everything at once. Of course, the crossover still must happen, so we’re spared a lengthy flashback once we get the general gist.
Continued belowCould the comic have benefitted from werewolf Jughead actually appearing, even if for just a moment? Possibly, but by putting the focus on Veronica, we’re brought into the story at the same pace as the characters, rather than being given an omniscient perspective. As nice as it would be to see how Jughead is doing in his spin-off, that can wait until next issue, when the conflict begins in earnest.
While “Jughead: The Hunger vs Vampironica” doesn’t instantly begin with the promised battle, it leads up to it well enough, with a well-paced story and some good dialogue, accompanied by thematically fitting (and very, very red) artwork.
Final Verdict: 7.8 – The story is off to a solid start, building up the plot well and bringing us into the world. The artwork alone sets an appropriate tone for the gore to come, juxtaposed nicely with the beloved cast of “Archie” comics.
