After decades of being accused of being out of touch (which is totally unfair, sock hops and soda fountains are just as relevant today as they were in the 50s), Archie has, lately, been trying very hard to connect with the modern reader.  Most of their effort seems to be reaching out to minority demographics. Sure, Chuck has been around for forty years now, and there’s been Asians and Latinos invading Riverdale for years.  But in the past twelve months we’ve seen Archie introduce its first gay character, and it’s first Mormon storyline (right…the future timelines was a metaphor for polygamy, right?  right?).  Now, at long last, everyone’s twelfth-favorite eternal teenager is calling attention to one of the most downtrodden minorities in Western Civilization.  Vampires.

Finally really attractive Eastern European looking guys with pale skin and lots of product in their hair have their own character in the Archieverse.  There’s even a nod to people with unfortunately pronounced canines.  And, damn it, it’s about time.

While I’m sure some of the die-hard fans, and a few misguided tea partiers will start boycotting this title for its flamboyantly pro-stakebait stance, I look forward to Archie’s inevitable crossover with Season Nine of Buffy The Vampire Slayer.  Who doesn’t want to see Joss Whedon write Betty?

In the fangwhile we will have to be content with this first ever (??? I say this never having read any Archie pre-2009) Archie Vampire story.  Personally, I can’t wait until the vamp suicide bombers show up in issue two  (I hear Jubilee turns all sparkly in daylight).