It’s been a while since we’ve run a proper comic book review on IGN, but that’s something I’m hoping to change in the months ahead. And what better time to get back in the habit than with Oni Press’ 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.
To ring in this new era of comic book reviews on IGN, we figured the Archie reboot was the perfect starting point. We’ve been able to check out the first issue of all three series, and we’re here to render a verdict and let you know which, if any, are worth giving a look this fall.
We’re 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’d like to see us cover.
Archie #1 Review
Creative Team: Writer Ben H. Winters & Artist Fábio Moon
Release Date: September 2, 2026
This series is the obvious jumping-on point for most of the Archie-curious out there. It’s the classic Archie series reimagined for a new era. Though maybe “reimagined” is overselling things a bit. The new Archie doesn’t fundamentally rework the long-running series so much as it gives it a fresh coat of paint.
Which, for the most part, is just fine. The prospect of Casanova and Daytripper artist Fábio 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’t 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’s overly busy day. Moon’s pencils and inks mesh well with Jason Wordie’s colors, which lend just the right sense of depth and texture to the art.
The main story featured in this issue offers a simple but largely effective gateway into Archie’s 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’s major supporting cast and establish their various relationships with Archie, and it’s all done in an entertaining way.
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
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