5 out of 5

Hot dang, guys, a second ending for the IDW Animated books.  I like the concept of reliving the Archie vibe glory dayz, but the first series erred toward too childish most of the time, and this second series, though apparently granted more access to the cartoon canon, was much better (better writing, outstanding art from Chad Thomas), but still never really capitalized on any story elements that would keep me more than amused.  And the back-ups – pledged to go to indie creators – more often went to regulars from the first series, making the progress of the book from volume to volume hard to discern.

But they go out on a high note.  Not perfect, but I’m giving extra credit because: Close enough.

Matthew K. Manning and Chad Thomas gives us the lively, funny ‘Drip’ on the main stage, featuring a Donnie invention gone wrong.  Chad’s comic timing is impeccable, and I felt like there was a slight extra oomph to the action (maybe a farewell oomph).  Manning also does what many somehow fail to do and writes a funny Mikey without falling back on just making him the pratfall guy.

Issue 13’s backup is, like, the first indie creator backup since a billion issues ago (again, going out in style) and it’s awesome.  Writer Caleb Goellner has the boys form a band based off of some 90s relic they see on TV, and artist Buster Moody makes it look just as wonderfully silly as it sounds, mohawks and all.  Of course they get attacked by The Foot in the midst of practice.  Great quirky Ryan Browne-esque colors from Ludwig Laguna Olimba.

The second backup has a super predictable script from Manning – the is the one meh aspect of these two issues – but cover artist Jon Sommariva brings his lively, manga-influenced style to the interiors with the same verve, so its fun to look at.  And, hey, Renet’s in it.  Respect.

The future of the book – as in another animated attempt – is uncertain.  This doesn’t exactly make me sad, but there were some sincerely enjoyable issues along the way, and these final two are a great example of that.