One of the best things about Archie Comics is its ability to tackle different genres—and remain true to what Archie is all about. One thing that’s been popular is their horror series and one-shots. Now, usually, Archie strives for All-Ages stories to tell. While I wouldn’t necessarily suggest a grade-schooler read these fantastic tales—they aren’t all that bad as far as something you might find in, say… The Walking Dead comic book.
Archie recently completed its latest spooky series—The Cursed Library. It began last May as a preview for Free Comic Book Day. Archie has been some over the past few years, releasing some one-shot spooky anthologies—I can’t consider them exactly horror books mainly because they didn’t give me nightmares! Like everything Archie— I’ve totally enjoyed them. However, with the Cursed Library series, Archie began to weave things together, and some of those one-shot storylines came together to create an alternate timeline—that we might call the Archie Horror Multiverse.
Starring in the series is Jinx Holliday, who actually got her start way back in Pep Comics 62 in 1947. In this reimagined universe, she’s the daughter of Satan and keeper of the Cursed Library. In the series, she is joined by her best friend, Danni Malloy, who is Archie’s first transgender character. Danni first appeared in the 1980s in Dilton’s Strange Science as the sometimes girlfriend of teen genius Gilton Doiley. You also get the always unpredictable Madam Satan as everything from the last few years gets tied together—for now.
To fully enjoy the Cursed Library Saga, I suggest you pick up Archie Horror Presents: Chilling Adventures—The Anthology Collection. The 160-page tome collects most of the connected stories where you get the introductions of the main characters. I’ve especially grown fond of Madam Satan and can’t wait to see where she might pop up next! Not part of the anthology, but one you should read is Chilling Adventures Presents… Strange Science since it is not only the first appearance of Danni, but you get all the background you need on the character.
I don’t want to give too much of the story away because I don’t want to take the fun away from possibly fans who’ve never read Archie before or haven’t in a long time. I still think too many comic fans see Archie as kid’s comics, but they truly are all-ages. There’s something for everyone, which you can’t always say with publishers.
I’m sure Archie has even more plans for this alternate universe, but you don’t have to wait long to see more of Jinx Holliday! See’s set to join the regular cast of their all-ages comics. Look for her official appearance in the upcoming World of Archie Jumbo Comics Digest #149 which comes out in April.
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