A glimpse at the art and history of the inimitable Archer & Armstrong
The debut issue of Archer & Armstrong was first published in August of 2012. At the time of this review, it's been exactly 5 years since the series inception, a perfect time to revisit it, or for most, explore this story for the first time.
The History
Archer & Armstrong Volume #1: The Michelangelo Code contains the first four issues of the comics series collected together with a few extras thrown in. Writing is provided by Fred Van Lente, accompanied with artwork from Clayton Henry. The characters actually have a longer history, having first appeared in a 1992 series released by a prior incarnation of the publisher, Valiant (www.valiantentertainment.com). Valiant was brought low by the perils of the comic book industry and fell into bankruptcy, it's characters acquired years later by new ownership who have since relaunched and revitalized them in recent years. While retaining the basic premise and themes of the earlier titles, all of Valiant's relaunches have started from scratch... so you're getting in at the beginning with this volume... and what a beginning it is!
The Set Up
More than 10,000 years ago ancient civilizations existed, now lost to the memories of most men. They were wiped from the face of the earth by a mysterious device of immense power known only as "The Boon."
Aram Anni-Padda was a man who survived the destruction, and due to the energies unleashed has since roamed the world as an immortal. As the tale unfolds he is found to currently be a bouncer at a dive bar, going now by the very appropriate name Armstrong.
Obadiah Archer is a teen who has been raised since infancy for a singular purpose, to kill "the one who is not to be named." He has excelled at his training due to mysterious abilities to mimic and memorize various martial arts and useful skill sets. Archer has never before left the confines of his home... The Promised Land religious theme park located in Ohio.
Archer must venture out into the strange new world for the first time, encountering all manner of sin and depravity as he tracks the nameless one to his home in the heathen New York City.
Archer certainly does not find what he expected. For one, the nameless one most certainly has a name, calling himself Armstrong... and is inclined to quote poetry while engaged in drunken brawling.
When both men find themselves captured together, they soon learn of a common enemy and become unlikely allies.
The Punchline
Archer & Armstrong delivers in every way. While the opening sequences of Archer's history skewer the fundamentalist Christian cult that raised him, we soon learn the foe is pretty much all of organized society. Every major religion, secret society and conspiracy theory are tied together as one shadowy entity known as The Sect. Their sole purpose throughout history has been to recover the pieces of The Boon and reassemble it to obtain it's power. Archer & Armstrong find themselves facing everything from Wall Street bankers, to Dark Warrior Nuns (affectionately called Nunjas by Armstrong), and Himalayan Nazi Monks, as they traverse the world to prevent the Sect from achieving it's goal.
At every step of the way the story is filled with humor and history, expertly written by Van Lente. The comic reads like a mashup of Highlander, Lethal Weapon, and Indiana Jones. The true magic is that although Archer & Armstrong are polar opposites, they are both likable and engaging characters.
Some of the deepest themes are brought forth by the differing opinions of the two men. Van Lente does a good job giving both men and their opposing philosophies and beliefs a positive and fair treatment.
The very core of Archer & Armstrong is in the heroism of being true to your own beliefs, yet working together with others in spite of them.
Clayton Henry's artwork is superb. His clean linework and impeccable details serve the story perfectly, drawing you in to the rich world and history with his gorgeous backgrounds. His figures and their facial expressions are spot on, helping drive home every bit of drama and each comedic beat of the tale.
Some collected editions even include bonus pages showing Henry's artwork at different stages of production. Getting a glimpse at his pencils and inks is a real treat for other artists and fans of comics art.
There is so much more to Archer & Armstrong than described here. This is only volume one after all! A full cast of enemies and allies (sometimes being the same person) are introduced, as well as questions abounding about the pasts and abilities of both men, all wrapped up with a perfect ending which sets up the story arc to come!
Archer & Armstrong gets a rating of a full 6 out of 6 pieces of The Boon! This comic shows the power that is unleashed when a great writer, exceptional artist, and engaging concept are all put together. Whatever your reading preference, be it single issues, trade paperbacks, or digital comics, I can't recommend this volume enough. As of this writing it is available as part of the Comixology Unlimited subscription service.
