Chip Zdarskey was the perfect man for the job. His quirky, deadpan, and at times distracted narrative voice rambling on hamburgers and fourth wall breaks about writing the comics is the perfect segueway to getting into the one of a kind world of Jughead. He is having a ball in showing how Jughead is the unsung hero of Archie comics. Not only is he the calm, often more sensible sidekick to girl-crazy Archie, but he’s serene slackerness belies his intelligence in all the ways he subverts the rules for maximum loafing and eating.

However, Jughead’s usual routine is disrupted when Principle Weatherbee is unexpectedly booted out of the job and replaced by the rigid and demanding Principle Stranger whose implementation of a healthy cafeteria diet leads Jughead to a breakdown. Factor in multiple unreasonable detentions and a new drill-sergent-like staff, Jughead is convinced that Stranger is up to no good. In fact, he may be building up a robot army to brainwash the students.

Sounds crazy, but Zdarsky uses imagination spots from video-game inspired medieval fights in issue #1 to the reintroduction of January McAndrews and the Time Police in #2. There’s also the Man from R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E., pirates and Superteens and it all combines from a fascinating look into how Jughead views his world through these lens. Plus it provides a nice break from modern day with its action-packed panals.

Although the spy plot bleeds into present day, Zdarsky manages the delicate balance of making it plausible yet humorous. Just Zdarsky’s very distinct voice is what makes this shine.
As for Henderson’s alternative style, it fits Jughead’s uniqueness with its sharp lines emphasizing gangliness and a minimality that Jughead would approve of, I cannot stand the eyes and sometimes the blown up cheeks. It’s a personal opinion but it reminds me of fish eyes and it looks wrong with the rest of their normal bodies.

But if you can ignore that, you’ll in for a fun time as Zdarsky really gets how Jughead ticks and creates an adventure worthy of a double cheese hamburger.

Also Dilton is a fantastic dancer, it’ 1000x canon now.