TRADITION IN RIVERDALE
Archie Comics live-action Teen Drama Mystery "Riverdale" Challenges Tradition in Archie Comics and Christianity
ARCHIE COMICS
79 years of staying current and challenging the norm
An Archie comic book is one of those pieces of media in which you can pick up a copy of any issues from any date and although the fashion and popular culture is relevant to that time period in particular, the comic is still enjoyable. Riverdale has taken inspiration from what is current today and it's own history making it difficult to distinguish what the time period is. It is anachronistic in it's style and behaviors.
There is a running gag in the Archie Comics that Betty and Veronica are fighting over or even possibly sharing Archie. Riverdale has mostly discarded this gag which has given Betty and Veronica the opportunity to display a friendship worthy of the hashtag #friendshipgoals.
ICON ORIGINS
Originally Archie Comics were wholesome and light reading for all ages. Over time the company decided to incorporate more cultural references and horror stories to stay modern and relevant. Riverdale has its wholesome moments, but it is drenched with modern culture and gothic tropes; it is a part of the revamping of Archie Comics Horror.
TRADITION VS. PROGRESSION
A Fine Balance
The comics have always been progressive except during a brief period when Christian writer Al Hartley was given permission to use the Archie characters in a Christian comic to preach the Gospel. Despite the clear religious agenda, Archie Comics represents many different movements and opinions including feminism, anti-racism, and LGBTQ2+ activism.