THE TIES THAT BIND

A suspenseful stand-alone graphic novel tie-in to the popular CW franchise.

Set in the dark, contemporary world of television’s Riverdale, Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead all face separate horrors on one fateful night as a sinister secret society stalks them. As Jughead and Archie both find themselves locked in at their respective schools, Betty and her sister, Polly, are terrorized at a run-down motel, and Veronica (along with pal Cheryl) is pursued through an eerie, seemingly deserted mall. Readers realize that a creepy conglomerate is responsible. Using a symbol of two interlocking infinity signs as their secret mark, a nefarious group calling themselves Ivanovniki targets and toys with the Riverdale citizens, but their motives are tenuous at best (and true-to-brand, answers are uncovered while the foursome is packed into a booth at Pop’s Chock Lit Shoppe). While the trademark thrills and chills from the show are present here, too many questions are left unanswered. The lack of exposition and overreliance on plot-driven action may be alienating for those new to or unfamiliar with the series. Despite this, the full-color, cinematically styled illustrations resonate; those who know the characters will find them instantly recognizable. Riverdale aficionados will certainly relish more time with the beloved cast and will forgive the narrative gaffes. Archie, Betty, and Jughead read as White; Veronica has brown skin.

Best for diehard fans.