Reggie Mantle

Reginald Mantle III — better known simply as Reggie — has been stirring up trouble in Riverdale since his debut in Jackpot Comics #5 back in 1942, making him one of the earliest and most enduring characters in the entire Archie Comics universe. As Archie Andrews' chief rival and resident schemer, Reggie carved out a niche as the self-proclaimed coolest kid at Riverdale High, a role he has never surrendered without a fight. His debut predates many iconic characters in comics history, making that first appearance a genuine Golden Age treasure and a serious prize for Archie completists.

Over the decades, Reggie has headlined his own solo series and served as a fan-favorite supporting player across virtually every corner of the Archie line. His alter ego Evilheart the Magnificent — the supervillain counterpart to Archie's Pureheart the Powerful — gave collectors an unexpected dimension to the character during the late 1960s superhero parody era, a fun and collectible chapter that remains beloved among Bronze Age enthusiasts. Reggie also appeared as a member of The Archies band and the Riverdale Bulldogs, cementing his status as a multi-faceted figure whose appearances span humor, romance, sports, and even superhero satire.

In modern continuity, Reggie received a bold reimagining in the critically acclaimed 2015 Archie relaunch by Mark Waid and Fiona Staples, as well as his own standalone title — Reggie and Me — written by Tom DeFalco with art by Sandy Jarrell. That 2017 limited series offered collectors a fresh, character-driven look at Reggie through the eyes of his loyal dog Vader, revealing surprising emotional depth beneath his trademark smirk. The series is a must-have for anyone building a complete modern Archie collection.

For collectors, Reggie Mantle books represent some of the best value and variety in the Archie catalog. Golden Age issues featuring his earliest appearances are legitimately scarce and command attention at auction, while his Bronze Age superhero parody appearances offer affordable, quirky gems. The modern era has only expanded his appeal, making Reggie one of those characters whose key books span nearly every decade of comics history — a remarkable run that serious Archie collectors cannot afford to overlook.