Life with Archie #22

Life with Archie #22, released in 2012, stands as a notable entry in the 'Life with Archie' series, an alternate-universe publication from Archie Comics. The series explored two divergent timelines where Archie Andrews marries either Betty Cooper or Veronica Lodge, offering a mature, soap-opera-style narrative that deviated from the traditional high school antics associated with the franchise. This specific issue is part of the pivotal storyline involving the death of Archie Andrews, a narrative arc designed by writer Paul Kupperberg and artists Fernando Ruiz and Pat and Tim Kennedy to generate significant mainstream media attention and emotional resonance with long-term readers.

The creative direction for this series reflected a concerted effort by Archie Comics to revitalize its brand by placing its iconic characters in adult situations such as marriage, financial struggle, and political activism. This narrative shift was widely discussed in the comics industry for its willingness to finalize the long-standing love triangle that had defined the characters for decades. Critical reception was generally positive, with reviewers noting that the series successfully bridged the gap between the classic nostalgic appeal of Riverdale and contemporary storytelling techniques.