A&A: THE ADVENTURES OF ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #1 Review

Writer:  Rafer Roberts
Penciler:  David LaFuente
Inker:  Ryan Winn
Colorist:  Brian Reber
Letterer:  Dave Lanphear
Publisher:  Valiant Comics

Archer and Armstrong may go down as one of the best comedic duos in comic book history.  If you’re not familiar with Archer and Armstrong, Archer grew up in a cult where he was trained in martial arts and weaponry.  Think The Matrix level fighting skills.  His entire training was to take down an evil entity.  That entity just so happens to be Armstrong.  Armstrong is an immortal who has spent his lifetime partying throughout history.

Archer came to his senses and decided to team-up with Armstrong.  Usually craziness follows.

That sums up the previous volume.  Now Archer and Armstrong are being penned by the team of Rafer Roberts, David LaFuente, Ryan Winn, Brian Reber and Dave Lanphear.  It may be a new team but they stay true to the heart of what makes Archer & Armstrong such a fun read.  Archer the straight-laced hero.  Armstrong the drunkard with a heart of gold.

LaFuente, Winn and Reber’s art matches the humorous tone perfectly.  Its a more stylized cartoonish vibe.  Normally I’m not a fan of the “block” pencils.  That’s where you can see sharp edges in the face and body.  Think John Romita, Jr.  But I like it when LaFuente does it.  He brings a fresh take to it.  The choices in panels are creative as well.  Images crossing into multiple panels is a good look.

The story by Roberts flows at a quick pace.  When a friend of Armstrong’s passes away, it leads him on a journey into his magic satchel.  Apparently Armstrong has a bottomless satchel bag that he stores things (and creatures) he’s come across over the centuries.  The true fun begins when Archer goes into the satchel after Armstrong.  Attacking grasshopper creatures that are TV addicts, a toad in a fedora and trenchcoat, a middle-finger waving goblin, and a forgotten arch-nemesis of Armstrong makes for a wild adventure.

Timdogg

#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE