ARCHIE VOL. 4 is the fourth collection of the historic ARCHIE series relaunch, featuring the talents of comics superstars Mark Waid, Pete Woods and more. This series is true to the spirit and characters that all Archie fans know and love while reinvigorating its spirit and humor through the talents of some of the most acclaimed creators in the comic book industry.

I already knew a little bit about what was going to happen, going in, so the big cliffhanger wasn’t a big surprise to me. I mean the cover just screams IT’S SWEEPS WEEK, THIS IS GOING TO GET REAL! But before Waid went there, he laid the groundwork as usual.

We would have thought it was going to be a happy Varchie reunion, and it is, but Waid shows the realistic outcome that after a semester apart. They’re different interests feel amplified, but Jughead unexpectedly comes to the rescue which offers another fun variation of the Jughead-Veronica truce stories. Plus we get a bit of comedy with Archie stuck in a tent ball. Yes, a tent ball. It makes sense in context.

Waid also plays homage to the original stories of the 1940s like little Archie and little Betty’s first meeting where she’s just moved next door and watches Archie attempt to successfully walk on a fence without falling. Also Archie and Reggie get into a drag race which was a popular thing in the 40s-50s. A fitting way for them to handle their rivalry, and just like in the original stories, Reggie has an oil slick on the ready.

Throughout this run, I’ve written how Waid showcases Archie’s heart that gets lost in his klutzy girl-craziness. Now he gives Betty a chance to shine with Archie, her parents, Veronica and Mr. Weatherbee reminiscing about the best of her, which is wholly deserved. We also get to see Betty and Dilton hanging out. Whereas in the mainline comics, writers stick the status quo of Dilton as the perennial nerd with an unrequited crush, Waid allows Dilton and Betty to actually bond over cars. He shows that “Hey, Dilton can be a legit option for her!”

With all this reminiscing, reminding readers how Betty is the other, more competent heart that keeps Riverdale together, he will tug at readers’ heartstrings with the final panel. Even I, who knew what was coming.

Woods’ art is well-done, consistent with the style that Staples has established. I think he did extra with the drag racing, car show, and mechanics in general but as I’m not a car person, I can’t say if his work is impressive in that regard.

4 stars.