ARCHIE #664 was an obvious homage to "Game of Thrones." They took the familiar Archie Comics characters, placed them in a medieval worlds, and made everyone preoccupied with cell phones and apps and texting and that's how they came up with "Game of Phones."
Here's the deal. I know nothing about "Game of Thrones." I've only watched the gory scene from the show's "Red Wedding" episode -- and that's only because I heard so much hype about that episode. Husband Mark assured me that the indication that "winter is coming" (as seen above) is pretty significant to the upcoming new season, but I know nothing about that. So I assume that the imagery and the funny variations of the main characters' names mean something to fans of the HBO program.
But it's clear that it's a show about usurping powers and building alliances. And here is how power begins to shift in the Seven Kingdoms of Riveros. Check out King Bee:
So there will be an election for the new Prom King, who will choose his own Prom Queen. And they will rule the kingdoms. Here are the power-couples...
Archie Starch and Betty Cooperian:
And Veronsei Lodgister and Reggey Braggian:
The latter couple seeks to sit upon the Great Throne through deceit and manipulation. The former couple seeks to assume power through populism. Which strategy wins the day? I'll leave that up to you to decide, but the outcome is decidedly less bloody than what went down during that "Red Wedding," I can tell you that!
I would love it if someone could tell me if the name "Archie Starch" is somehow connected to the "Game of Thrones" program. Otherwise, I can't help thinking of MAD MAGAZINE's subversive "Starchie" character!
Lastly, It was good to finally see Clay Walker interacting with Archie Comics characters outside of LIFE WITH ARCHIE! Gone but not forgotten!
"Game of Phones" was written by Angelo DeCesare, penciled by Fernando Ruiz, inked by Rich Koslowski, and colored by Glenn Whitmore.