Archie x Army of Darkness #3 Review: Deadites Meet Department Stores

Archie x Army of Darkness #3 (Dynamite Comics, 4/8/26): Writer Erik Burnham and artist Bill Galvan race ahead of the Riverdale massacre as Ash leads the survivors to a retail stronghold. The execution is remarkably kinetic and focused. Verdict: Worth reading.

• Writer: Erik Burnham
• Artist: Bill Galvan, Ben Galvan
• Colorist: Ellie Wright
• Letterer: Carlos M. Mangual
• Cover Artist: Francesco Francavilla (cover A)
• Publisher: Dynamite Comics
• Release Date: April 8, 2026
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 22
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of Archie x Army of Darkness #3:

First Impressions:

You dive right into the heart of a frantic retreat that feels comfortably familiar to anyone who has watched Ash Williams handle a crisis, and the momentum never wavers. There is a specific kind of world-weary charm in watching the Riverdale gang process supernatural trauma while a chainsaw-handed veteran treats it like a Tuesday afternoon. The shift from the chaotic woods to the artificial neon glow of a fortified store provides a much-needed change in atmosphere that keeps the survival horror feeling fresh. It avoids the typical crossover slump by leaning into the absurdity of the situation with a straight face, making the stakes feel surprisingly real despite the high-concept premise.

Recap:

The story picks up immediately after the bloody disaster at Reggie’s lake house in Archie x Army of Darkness #2, where the Necronomicon turned a party into a Deadite feeding ground. Archie and the survivors struggled to grasp the supernatural horror while Ash Williams arrived just in time to provide much-needed combat experience. Together, the group fought through a growing legion of demons to find a temporary escape route. Now, they must find a way to stop the plague before the Riverdale body count climbs even higher.

Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):

The issue opens with a frantic escape from the lake house ruins as Ash takes the wheel of a crowded car to outrun the pursuing Deadite swarm. While the teens grapple with the trauma of seeing their peers transformed into monsters, Ash focuses on finding a location with enough fortifications to withstand a prolonged siege. This high-speed retreat establishes the immediate stakes as the supernatural infection threatens to overtake the entire town of Riverdale before sunrise.

The survivors eventually arrive at a local department store, the local S-Mart, where Ash reveals he has a prior arrangement with the management for emergency situations. Once inside, the team begins scavenging for weapons in the sporting goods section while Archie tries to decipher the Necronomicon to reverse the spell. The tension builds as they realize the store’s walls are the only thing standing between them and an army of the undead.

How is the story in Archie x Army of Darkness #3?

Burnham captures the cynical, weary voice of Ash perfectly, which provides a great foil for the more earnest reactions of the Archie cast. The pacing masterfully accelerates during the car chase before settling into a methodical setup for the store siege, ensuring the reader never feels bogged down by the transition. Dialogue feels authentic to both properties, blending traditional teen worry with modern horror snark in a way that avoids feeling forced. The structure leans heavily on classic horror tropes, but it executes them with such precision that the familiarity feels like a strength rather than a crutch.

How is the art in Archie x Army of Darkness #3?

Bill Galvan’s pencils maintain that iconic Archie Comics aesthetic while incorporating the grit necessary for an Army of Darkness story. The character acting is particularly strong, as you can see the genuine fear in Betty and Veronica’s expressions contrasted against Ash’s battle-hardened resolve. Layouts flow logically, using traditional panel structures that keep the fast-paced action clear and easy to follow even during the more crowded sequences.

Ellie Wright’s color palette shifts effectively from the dark, muddy tones of the woods to the stark, artificial lighting of the department store. These choices create a palpable mood shift that signals a new phase in the story. Kinetic shadows in the inks by Ben Galvan add a layer of depth to the Deadite designs, making them feel like a credible threat within the bright, commercial setting.

Characters

While crossovers often sacrifice character depth for spectacle, this issue allows the Riverdale crew to show some backbone under pressure. Archie’s growing sense of responsibility for the book adds a layer of motivation beyond simple survival, giving him a focal role in the ultimate solution. Ash remains the steady veteran, but his interactions with Jughead provide some much-needed moments of levity that ground his character. The group’s shift from blind panic to organized defense feels like a natural evolution of their shared trauma.

Originality & Concept Execution

The “Ash in a store” trope is a staple of the franchise, yet placing the Riverdale cast in that environment feels fresh and entertaining. Burnham delivers on the premise by blending the wholesome “Archie’s gang” vibe with the visceral, messy reality of a demon invasion and a bit of humor. It succeeds because it does not try to reinvent the wheel, instead focusing on high-quality execution of a proven crossover formula. The concept of the department store as a fortress serves as a perfect bridge between these two distinct worlds.

Pros and Cons

What We Loved

• Masterfully authentic dialogue captures Ash’s world-weary snark and the teens’ earnest panic.
• Brilliantly kinetic shadows in the inks drive the tension during the department store arrival.
• Sharply paced transition from the lake house chaos to a methodical siege setup.

Room for Improvement

• Supporting cast members like Reggie feel slightly sidelined during the high-speed car chase sequence.
• The reliance on familiar retail horror tropes might feel predictable for seasoned genre fans.
• Background details in the car chase panels occasionally lack the crispness found in the interiors.

Art Samples:

The Scorecard:

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3.5/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1.5/2

Final Thoughts:

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Archie x Army of Darkness #3 provides a high-value return for readers who want to see a professional, well-executed crossover that respects the source material. The issue masterfully balances the comedic potential of the Riverdale crew with the high stakes of a Deadite siege. If you enjoy horror-comedy that does not compromise on character logic, this is a solid addition to your monthly list.

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