Oh! This is one of my favorite panels in the comics. Archie’s line here cuts deep, as any aromantic person who’s had close friends and family invalidate their experiences like that could tell you. But what really shines here in my opinion is actually Jughead’s reaction–that expression, the obvious hurt, anger, and betrayal (shoutout to artist Derek Charm). A lot of stories, even without an aro character, would drop lines like Archie’s; very few would so deliberately and clearly place him in the wrong. It’s not shown here, but Archie apologizes immediately after this, and Jughead brushes it off. That apology really matters to me. The writers (someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure this is one of Ryan North’s chapters!) clearly put some thought into this.
This entire chapter is actually one of my favorites. The plot, to be brief for those who don’t know, is Jughead and Archie getting lost in the woods–it’s supposed to be a chance for the two of them to hang out, but Archie’s using it as a chance to pick up girls at camp, which is what leads to their argument. What I like about this chapter is that Jughead’s disappointment and frustration with Archie, his best friend who barely spends any time with him that isn’t somehow related to his crushes, is treated seriously–it’s Archie who’s in the wrong here, and I think so many aros relate to this situation.
Sorry for jumping on your post! I just think that if Jughead is one of the only aro characters we’ve got, we should talk about him whenever we get the chance!
please please please i am begging for more books and tv and movies featuring adult aros PLEASE koisenu futari got me addicted to the euphoria of seeing my experiences reflected through the lens of being an adult w adult problems and not the lens of being a teenager AAAAAAA
