Jughead: The Hunger #13 Review

Writer: Frank Tieri
Artist: Joe Eisma
Colorist: Matt Herms
Letterer: Jack Morelli
Publisher: Archie Comics

It definitely isn’t a secret at this point that I really enjoy and love Jughead: The Hunger. There hasn’t been an issue yet that I haven’t adored and this month is no different. What is interesting about my appreciation for this comic book series is that through its run so far, it has taken on a few different forms of horror sub-genres.

For example, the first arc of Jughead: The Hunger had a classic monster movie tone to it. It excelled at tapping into the old werewolf sub-genre. After a few small changes to the chosen sub-genre, we’re now at one that is more of a modern, almost Teen Wolf-esq arc. This arc’s drama makes it exciting because it is always keeping me in suspense to know what is going to happen next.

Getting to see plenty of werewolf Jellybean has helped this issue stand out to me. She is already an interesting and badass character. Her reaction in the last scene has me on the edge of my seat because I can’t wait to see the battle that comes from her decision to join the pack.

This series is not about Archie and I really like that he’s so present in the story without ever being the focus. Frank Tieri adds him and his Archie-ness in the right amounts at the right time. We see that towards the beginning of this issue with a great very small exchange between Archie and Betty. And interestingly, that's all we see of him for the rest of the issue. 

This issue sets up so many things that are definitely going to be fun to see in the future. Tieri introduces an upcoming battle over Jellybean and a sneaky murderous plan by Mr. Lodge and Elena. Both of those stories deserved a proper setup and Tieri gave it to us here in this thirteenth issue.

It goes without saying at this point, but I know that whether the story in Jughead: The Hunger will ever disappoint me or not (which I doubt will happen), Joe Eisma’s artwork never will. He makes every werewolf in this issue look like a more badass version of every classic werewolf. His artwork keeps the story flowing with violence and emotion on the faces of every character. Add to that Matt Herm’s amazing colors and this issue is another gorgeous piece of art to look at.

Jughead: The Hunger #13 keeps the series’ momentum going while also speeding us up towards more exhilarating horror and action. The storytelling and artwork are as strong as ever in this issue which keeps Jughead: The Hunger’s spot as one of the best current horror comic book series.