Welcome to the darker side of Archie comics. “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” trade paperback, which includes issues 1-5, offers up a way for comic fans to catch up of they have not been following along already. I must admit, I was a bit skeptical and hesitant to try the series at first, but was urged by fellow Horror News Network staff to do so. When I think of Archie comics I think of their classic cartoonish style, Jughead, and Veronica. This horror comics fan was not sure it would appeal to me, however given their foray into the horror genre with “Afterlife with Archie“ in 2014, I was prompted to give this book a try.
With writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa at the helm, “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” is not your grandparents Archie comic. The man behind “Afterlife with Archie” and the “Carrie” remake proves that a teenage witch can be devilshly delightful in the most terrifying of ways. Like many teenagers, Sabrina is complicated, but given her past and DNA, she has bigger issues to deal with than making the school play. Aguirre-Sacasa does an excellent job at making the story intriguing, action-packed and gory enough to keep the fan sucked in for all issues.
Another aspect of “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” that is also impressive is the artwork. Keeping up with the story line, artist Robert Hack paints a very grim and sometimes bloody picture that is absolutely appropriate for the storyline. Given the dark tone of the storyline, the artwork complements it perfectly.
From deceptions to demons, “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” satisfies the horror comic fan’s appetite and is definitely worth checking out. The series rates a 9 out of 10.
