Archie #636 Introduces Gender-swapped Reversedale!

There is one thing that can be said about the current regime at Archie Comics, they are definitely not afraid to throw ideas at the wall to see what sticks. The great thing is that even the most off the wall ideas like Archie/KISS are pretty consistently great. The next big idea comes in the form of Reversedale! That is to say, thanks to the help (read: meddling) of Sabrina’s cat Salem, Archie and pals are having their genders reversed! Have a look at the solicitation, and then I’ll share my own thoughts.

ARCHIE #636

“The Great Switcheroo” – Growing up as a teenage boy can rough! But not more so than a teen girl, right? Upon overhearing the guys and gals of Riverdale grumbling over how the other half has it easier, Sabrina’s mischievous cat Salem turns the town upside down when he dishes out the ultimate genetic makeover! Chaos ensues as the teens discover it’s not as easy to walk in each other’s shoes (or heels!) as they originally thought, so it’s up to Sabrina to set things right! Will Salem’s spell wear off, thus giving the gang a new appreciation for who they are, or will the switch up become permanent? Find out in this off-the-wall issue guest-starring Sabrina the Teenage Witch!

Script: Tania del Rio

Art: Gisele, Rich Koslowski

Cover: Gisele

Variant Cover: Gisele

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: 8/22

32-page, full color comic

$2.99 US.

This isn’t the first time Archie and Pals have had their genders reversed, but it is the first time it has been none in an official capacity. I think this has the potential to launch another Life With Archie-esque spinoff book with the continuing adventures of Reversedale. The story possibilities here really are endless. The whole love triangle dynamic is drastically different when genders are reversed. Will Ronnie & Billy still be best friends like Betty & Veronica, or will their testosterone-fueled rivalry get the better of them? Will Jughead go from a woman-hater to a man-hater? There is real opportunity here to show how society treats gender roles. It also could just be a fun story. Regardless of where the story goes, I’m in. The script by Tania del Rio (who certainly knows her Sabrina) is sure to be fun. With art by Gisele (who co-writes and draws my favorite slightly NSFW webcomic Ménage à 3), it’s sure to look great as well.

My only real problem is with gender-swapped Archie’s name. Archina. Really? I understand that for brand recognition, the company wants to keep their flagship character with a recognizable, yet feminine name. Archina is completely fake sounding. Heck, Archette would be better! Honestly though, the simplest solution would be to just keep calling her Archie. It’s not unprecedented, after all. Actress Archana Panjabi goes by Archie and no one seems to mind. I’m over-thinking things. I should just sit back and enjoy the ride, and I suggest you do too when Archie #636 hits comic shops this August!