Issue 11- Wait, What?: Archie Meets the Punisher

Welcome my unsuspecting readers to Wait, What? The series where we go over comics weirdest issues, series, crossovers, and, well, anything that might make you go, why? These will be shorter articles just focusing on the whole majesty of weird comics, comprising of the history of why it was made, as well as a small review and overview.

Backup A Bit…

First up, Archie Meets The Punisher. Or…. The Punisher Meets Archie. It seems both titles are used depending upon the cover but yes, this happened. Now, this might not be as insane as it once was, considering the new Riverdale television show has a much more adult overtone and the Archie comics themselves have seen a resurgence with more modern and sometimes dark themes, but still!

A bit of backstory. The 90’s was a time when comic crossovers between publishers were becoming a big thing, with profits being had on both sides. It was able to introduce readers to new characters across company lines and could pump new blood into struggling series. Dc and Marvel themselves crossed over multiple times during this decade, even coming out with a series of books that combines characters and Archie Comics wanted a piece of the action.

(With Two versions of the cover to choose from, I actually enjoyed this much better! I mean, the captions nail it!)

Editor in chief at Marvel during that time was Tom Defalco. He and his friend over at Archie Comics, editor Victore Gorelick had plenty of laughs at the possibilities of crossing over some of the more absurd characters in their libraries when the idea of Punisher and Archie meeting was originally introduced.

Of course, the first idea was much darker than what was eventually. Gorelick suggested that Archie arrives home to find his parents murdered and he contacts the Punisher… FOR REVENGE!

This idea was denied, most likely for being ahead of its time considering much later Archie Comics does end up having a zombie massacre, but the concept was golden. They brought in Eisner Award winning writer Batton Lash to script the book and in all honestly, it worked. It shouldn’t have. In a sane would it wouldn’t, but here the comic was so incredibly tongue in cheek and yet completely honest to the characters that they somehow pulled it off.

Interestingly tidbit before we get into the meat of this review. Considering the completely different styles of the world and characters, the comic actually featured two well known artists to draw each their respected house characters. Classic Archie artist Stan Goldberg , the creator of Millie the Model, was in charge of the world of Riverdale while Marvel's John Buscema took care of the Punisher and his friends.

(Look at these Bios! One of these things is not like the other…)

An Unlikely Team-Up

So how does the Punisher get roped into heading to Riverdale? Not to mention leaving there with a low body count? Well, it’s all actually explained in universe and honestly makes perfect sense. He was contacted by the desperate US government to take down a small time killer named Red, someone who has contacts with mobsters and criminals up and down the Eastern seaboard. They were even willing to let Frank interrogate him as long as red was brought in alive.

Of course Red looks exactly like a buck-toothed Archie, but there's no way that will come into play...right?

RCO009_1468921796 (1).jpg

(No, the different appearance of Marvel and Archie characters is never discussed in the book. But behold, Evil Archie!)

So while that's happening, a 1950’s Sock Hop is happening in Riverdale and Archie messes up his chance to go with Veronica, Luckily, her father has a dashing, young man from money that he wants to talk business with which gives Ronnie the idea to take him to the dance instead to make Archie jealous. Three guess who that attractive, familiar redhead is.

The Punisher meanwhile comes into town with his partner, Microchip, and it’s tragic how they both reminisce of what could have been, living in a perfect slice of Americana. Frank thinks about his family living there, growing up safe instead of dying from a useless hit.

It really is a short well written scene but things heat up when the two think they catch up with their prey.

Turns out the thugs hired by Red didn’t realize there was a doppelganger in town and grab Archie and Jughead as they try and escape from their hunter, Frank. Luckily when they do catch up, in a bloodless fight, the book doesn’t rely on old stereotypes and Castle realizes instantly that Archie isn’t his target.

(Still, it’s hilarious to see this seen in, and out of context.)

Still, things go wrong as the two split up, the Punisher silently walking away as Archie tries to go to the local cops, who think he’s just playing another "funny" prank on them. Apparently the red head has a habit of distracting the local cops.

At the Sock Hop, seriously, can’t believe this happened, the Punisher finally finds his target. Red was ready however, with his goons there just in case, while Frank disguised himself as the new gym teacher. Spying the anti-hero, our villain calls for backup. Frank wins, but has to use nonviolent means, before he and Archie make their way to where Red had kidnapped Veronica.

(Just like every good team-up, the heroes have to fight before they work together.)

The comic ends with Red being subdued thanks to Frank and Archie, floating off as he’s tied to a balloon, all the while finding out he’s secretly bald underneath that red hair.

Seriously, there’s a lot of smaller jokes and moments that I can’t cover and while I did reveal much of the plot, I really do suggest you take a look at this comic yourself. It’s fun, it’s witty, and it ends with Frank heading to Gotham, Apparently it’s a real feel-good town.

So yes, Archie Met the Punisher and it was fun, gloriously cheesy, and worked better than you might expect. Next time, we’re going to have a bit of fun with a overview of one of my favorite characters, Jennifer Walters, the Sensational She-Hulk! Excelsior!