Archie is presumed dead. A casualty of World War II.

The fifth and final issue of “Archie 1941” has been released. Opening in the months prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the series puts Archie and the gang in the midst of World War II.

Mark Waid, who has been writing some great issues of “Captain America” lately for Marvel, is co-writer with Brian Augustyn. 

Art by Peter Krause, Kelly Fitzpatrick and Jack Morelli is appropriately dramatic. The characters look like their more famous cartoon counterparts, but like so many Archie titles nowadays in the era of “Riverdale,” they are more realistic looking. And the art captures the perceived style of the early 1940s.

Having read the full run, the mini-series is appropriately named. The majority of the drama occurs in the lead-up throughout 1941 – Archie and the gang graduating high school, Archie’s father unhappy with his son’s life choices in the months after high school, relationships changing, etc. Of course, the attack on Pearl Harbor comes near the end of the year – Dec. 7, 1941.

Issues dealing with Archie joining the military and going overseas are good, too. But the issue No. 5 conclusion feels rushed. It is suitably dramatic but not as in-depth in characterization and storytelling as the previous issues. 

The fifth issue was released in early February.

Still, Archie fans and non-regular Archie readers will find a good story and art in this mini-series. Worth seeking back issues or waiting for a possible trade paperback collection.