Archer & Armstrong Forever #2

With Armstrong stripped of his immortality, it falls upon Archer to uncover the secrets of eternal life. Somewhere in the annals of history, there must be a myth that holds the key… or so they hope. Their perilous quest spans the globe, from the legendary Fountain of Youth to encounters with mythical creatures, all while being pursued by the relentless Maw.

Archer & Armstrong Forever continues to be one of the comics I eagerly anticipate each month. For two consecutive issues, I’ve finished reading with a genuine smile, as this book simply gets everything right. Valiant’s editorial team has maintained a sense of familiarity with the characters, keeping true to their essence across the three volumes since the relaunch a decade ago. There’s a genuine joy to be found in this series, and the humor seamlessly integrates into the story, thanks to writer Steve Foxe’s natural and organic approach.

Foxe is joined by artist Marcio Fiorito, colorist Alex Guimaraes, and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, a creative team that harmoniously strikes all the right chords.

In Archer & Armstrong Forever #2, the narrative skips through time, following the duo’s quest to restore Armstrong’s immortality (although Armstrong has seemingly embraced his newfound mortality). The pages are peppered with delightful moments of humor, both visually and in dialogue, as the duo checks off items on their to-do list. The comic captures a unique blend of a montage and a road trip, creating an experience that truly thrives within the medium of comics and would be difficult to replicate in any other format.