A Deconstruction of Archie: How Riverdale Rewrites the Classic Comic

Streamline your viewing experience of Riverdale by understanding how it has deconstructed the classic elements of Archie Comics. Dive into a detailed exploration of tropes and their dramatic interpretations.

Rewriting Tropes in Archie Comics

Riverdale, the critically acclaimed television series, offers a fresh perspective on the well-known characters and events from the iconic Archie Comics. To truly appreciate the show, one must first grasp its approach to its source material. The series takes every ridiculous element that could have or has occurred in the Archie Comics and presents them with a seriousness that reflects a deconstructionist view.

Exaggerating the Absurd

Most bizarre occurrences in Archie Comics often border on the level of supreme nonsense, reminiscent of plotlines from Scooby-Doo, where the antagonist, usually an evil real estate mogul, tries to use spooky costumes for better land deals. Or perhaps the famous character of Archie accidentally stopping a robbery by simply tripping the assailant. These scenarios, while exaggerated, still resemble the typical plot twists found in the comics.

Perfect Example: Archie vs. The Predator

A notable case in point is the comic "Archi vs The Predator." This 2015 comic features a Yautja (Predator) character, a masked antagonist complete with ultra-violent hunting weapons that rip spines. Spoiler alert: Archie is eventually killed, and Betty and Veronica use a machine from Dilton Doiley to transform the Predator into a perfect copy of Archie. YES. REALLY. This storyline exemplifies the absurdity often found in Archie Comics.

Perfecting the Dramatic

Riverdale embellishes and dramatizes situations that could plausibly occur in Archie Comics. For instance, the trope of a person going missing and being found dead is explored in a much more dramatic and complex way in the TV series. The first season’s plot might be merely "Jason Blossom is missing, and they need to find him" in the comics. In the series, it's a more nuanced and leaning towards serious and dramatic conflict.

Deconstructing **Neon Genesis Evangelion, Puella Magi Madoka Magica**, The Magicians, and Rising of the Shield Hero

Notable works such as **Neon Genesis Evangelion**, **Puella Magi Madoka Magica**, **The Magicians**, and **Rising of the Shield Hero** serve as prime examples of deconstruction. These works dissect and question the core assumptions of their respective genres:

Neon Genesis Evangelion critiques the negative mental health impact of sending teenagers to pilot giant mechas in life-or-death battles. Puella Magi Madoka Magica challenges blind trust in alien mascots fighting on their behalf without addressing critical questions. The Magicians deconstructs the idealized and overly optimistic view of magical powers and the benevolence of all-powerful beings. Rising of the Shield Hero examines the problematic outcomes of gamers being sent to another world without understanding the rules or the political landscape.

Riverdale's Deconstruction of the 'Idyllic' World

In essence, Riverdale acts as a deconstruction of Archie Comics by foregrounding the conflicts and complexities that are often sidelined for the trivial plotlines like "I LIKE BETTY BUT VERONICA IS HOT AND RICH BUT BETTY IS CUTE AND WHOLESOME." The show addresses deeper issues, such as family, hope, and the struggles of adolescence, providing a richer, more nuanced perspective on the characters and their experiences.

By embracing and exaggerating the absurdities found in Archie Comics, Riverdale transforms a seemingly simple and innocent universe into a detailed, meaningful exploration of the human condition. It's not just about the characters and their antics; it's about the underlying themes that resonate with viewers ages 14 to 50 and beyond.