Talking ‘Archie Is Mr. Justice’ With Amanda Diebert And Brent Schoonover

Archie isn’t the only person in Riverdale with a secret identity. Is Visionary a superhero or a supervillain, though? Find out what writer Amanda Diebert and artist Brent Schoonover had to say in the following interview as we talk Archie Is Mr. Justice #2 and taking Veronica’s point-of-view:

Rachel Bellwoar: When Veronica first brings up Visionary, Harper says she’s a supervillain. Would you agree with that assessment?

Amanda Diebert: I think the people of Riverdale might see it that way. I don’t think that is the way she sees herself. I believe there is a moment in this story where she makes that decision for herself.

Brent Schoonover: No, I don’t. But I could certainly see how many in Riverdale do.

Bellwoar: Veronica wouldn’t be the first hero or villain to come from a wealthy background. What was it like designing her swanky pad?

Schoonover: It was really fun. I wanted the living room to have a great view and a fireplace as I feel like those are swanky pad essentials. Also, you need a cat just laying around. I really wanted the cat to nestle onto Harper’s laptop because that’s what they always do, but it would have obviously been distracting to the scene ;). But yeah, I wanted a huge fancy open space to show how lavish it is to be a Lodge.

Diebert: I think Brent did a perfect job with this. I love that she embraces the billionaire vigilante life we all know so well.

Bellwoar: The running joke is that no one recognizes Clark Kent when he’s wearing glasses. How early did you know you wanted to include glasses as part of Veronica’s Visionary costume?

Schoonover: I think it seemed obvious we needed to do something with her eyes to go with the name “Visionary.” I don’t think Veronica is the kind of person who would wear a mask, so high tech glasses seemed like a great choice.

Diebert: Again, Brent nailed it. She’s not going to do something that isn’t fashionable, even as she tries to hide her identity.

Bellwoar: What made you decide to go with a grappling hook as one of Visionary’s main tools and did you enjoy figuring out her fighting style?

Diebert: It’s versatile and lightweight and allows her to move fluidly. Visionary is about the best gadgets money can buy … and sometimes those are tried and true gadgets.

Schoonover: We needed to figure out a way to get her to scale up buildings. I know she had the pack on her back that can help but I think the grappling hook shows off her agility and strength, which you need going up against Mr. Justice. I think her fighting style is kind of more agility based, jiu-jitsu. You see some kicks and flips. It’s probably the best form of attack she can have against a boy with superpowers.

Bellwoar: Usually the love triangle between Archie, Veronica, and Betty is pretty evenly matched. With Archie trusting Betty and not Veronica with his secret identity, how has that changed their whole dynamic?

Schoonover: Extensively. It’s still there, but it’s hard to say what the Lodges are doing to Riverdale isn’t causing a rift. But, like all classic love triangles, it’s the reaction to the issue that is the most interesting part!

Diebert: There is so much putting a strain on Archie and Veronica’s relationship. The Lodge ventures, Visionary’s ideals, and yes, a lack of trust. The important thing is for them to decide what they want to do: repair the rift or give up on their feelings for each other. They are both more alike than they realize.

Bellwoar: Speaking of trust, Veronica is very eager to take her father at his word that his plans for Riverdale are in the town’s best interests. Is she really convinced or is it all wishful thinking on her part?

Diebert: I think it is a little of both. She loves her father and she knows he loves her deeply. She can see the good in his intentions even when they aren’t noble. I think we all want to believe the best in those who we love, and Veronica is no different. But she’s also extremely intelligent and has her own values. Deep down, I think she realizes there is a huge conflict of interest inside herself.

Schoonover: I think she believes in her dad very much. They may bicker on the small stuff, but at the end of the day she really loves her dad and what he has built for them. I mean, to me, part of taking the mantle of Visionary is to help protect what her dad has built, so I think she is totally convinced. Will she stay that way? We shall see.

Bellwoar: Thanks for agreeing to this interview, Amanda and Brent!

With colors by Glenn Whitmore and letters by Jack Morelli, Archie Is Mr. Justice #2 goes on sale January 15th from Archie Comics.