Mark Waid and Fiona Staples took on an American cultural behemoth in this reimagining of a classic comic series, and the resulting first volume does not disappoint. Here is the sweet, innocent town of Riverdale as we know it, updated for a modern audience and replete with the most gorgeous illustrations. I love Fiona Staples' work on the Saga series by Brian Vaughan, and she brings that talent to Archie, animating familiar faces in new ways. Unfortunately, Staples does not provide the art throughout the whole volume, but the other illustrators pull it off as well.

This volume introduces the central characters (and that one never-ending love triangle) and allows them to carry the story. First we meet Archie and Betty, Riverdale High sweethearts who have been tragically broken up by an embarrassing misunderstanding. Archie won't be single for long, though; pulling up in her daddy's expensive car is the gorgeous, unparalleled Veronica Lodge. Other important castmates include perpetually-hungry Jughead, sly Reggie, and even a potential new love interest for Betty!

As this is the first volume only, the majority of the plot is predictable, especially for those familiar with the Archie canon. However, Waid imbues the characters with more complex personalities (we see Betty's strength, Veronica's vulnerability, and a hint of Jughead's painful past) that will surely lead to interesting developments as the series progresses.