There is a long tradition of billionaire playboys and playgirls using their fortunes to fight crime as superheroes. Now, Veronica Lodge of Archie Comics fame will join that pantheon in Archie is Mr. Justice #2. However, her reasons for becoming a hero are somewhat surprising.
Written by Amanda Diebert, with art by Brent Schoonover, Archie is Mr. Justice is set in an alternate version of Riverdale. One where America’s Favorite Teenager acquired superpowers and started using them to fight the gentrification of Riverdale. This brought him into convention with industrialist Hiram Lodge, who cares more about getting richer than the disenfranchised locals.
The second issue will find Veronica Lodge getting involved, after uncovering proof of her father’s crimes. However, she has little desire to depend on Mr. Justice after he ruins her charitable efforts to lend a hand. This leads Veronica to take on the identity of The Visionary, using the best toys money can buy to save her city.
Three preview pages from Archie is Mr. Justice #2 may be viewed below.
Archie is Mr. Justice continues an Archie Comics tradition
While Archie Comics is most famous for slice-of-life comedies, the publisher has dabbled with superheroes comics as well. They published straight-forward super stories centering around The Crusaders. They also published more comedic tales, with Archie as Pureheart, Betty Cooper as Superteen, and Jughead Jones as Captain Hero. Depending on the timeline, Veronica might have joined in as Miss Vanity or as Powerteen.
Archie is Mr. Justice splits the difference accordingly between the two styles. It utilizes the classic Riverdale characters, but offers more social commentary in the threats the heroes must deal with. It is different, but typical of the current Archie Comics’ attitude toward experimenting with new genres and story forms.
Archie is Mr. Justice #2 arrives in comic shops everywhere on January 22, 2025.
