I Reads You: Dan Parent

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Tuesday, December 3, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: ARCHIE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR #1

ARCHIE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR #1 (2023)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Tom DeFalco; Frances Bonnet; Dan Parent; Bill Golliher

PENCILS: Holly G!; Bill Galvan; Dan Parent; Bill Golliher

INKS: Jim Amash; Bob Smith

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Steven Butler and Lily Butler with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2024; on-sale December 6, 2023)

Rating: All-Ages

“Christmas Chaos!”

Archie Comics frequently publishes holiday themed one-shot comic books featuring Archie's characters (sometimes referred to as “the Archie Gang”). The latest is the Archie Christmas Spectacular. It features one new story and four reprint stories. Entitled “Christmas Chaos,” the new story introduces Archie Comics' newest characters: Jangles, Sourplum, and Grumpus. The story is written by Tom DeFalco; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Archie and the Gang in “Christmas Chaos”:

The story opens at Riverdale High where Archie, Betty, Veronica and the rest of the gang are decorating the gym for the annual big Christmas party, “the Riverdale Holiday Happening.” They are waiting for the arrival of their friends, Jingle the Christmas Elf and Sugar Plum the Christmas Fairy.

However, the two have mistakenly teleported inside the “Eyegor Estate,” and now, they are the prisoners of Grumpus. In their stead, Grumpus sends Naughty Christmas Elf Jangles and Sour Plum to Riverdale High. Will the mischievous pair keep the Holiday Happening from happening, or can right magic make everything right again?

THE LOWDOWN: I have been reading comic books, on and off, for decades. I have sporadically read Archie Comics titles over that time. For many years now, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review. Archie Christmas Spectacular is the latest.

I like Archie Christmas Spectacular, especially because there is a bit of pop Gothic in this story, especially that one panel that features the Eyegor Estate. The story has a sweet Christmas slash Happy Holidays ending. I can like a comic book that makes me jealous because I can't attend its admittedly fictional party, but damn, the Riverdale Holiday Happening looks like a blast.

The rest of this issue features reprints of classic-style Archie Christmas and holiday stories. Dear readers, I will always recommend classic-style Archie, especially when it comes in Christmas packaging – anytime of the year.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie Christmas Spectacular.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Tuesday, November 19, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: ARCHIE HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR

ARCHIE HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR (2024)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ian Flynn; Dan Parent; Francis Bonnet

PENCILS: Steven Butler; Dan Parent; Rex Lindsey; Bill Galvan

INKS: Lily Butler; Bob Smith; Rex Lindsey; Bill Galvan

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Rex Lindsey

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Steven Butler and Lily Butler with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2024); In-store October 2, 2024

Rating: All-Ages

Archie and the Gang in “Party Hardly!”

Archie is releasing a trio of “annual spectaculars” that involve the machinations of a new character, “Mother Striga.” She made her debut in Sabrina Annual Spectacular, No. 1. Her story now continues in the Archie Halloween Spectacular. It will conclude in Josie and the Pussycats Annual Spectacular, No. 1 (November 6, 2024).

Archie Halloween Spectacular offers four reprint stories and opens with a new five-page story featuring Mother Striga, “Party Hardly!” It is written by Ian Flynn; drawn by Steven Butler (pencils) and Lily Butler (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Archie and the Gang in “Party Hardly!”:

As the story opens, Sabrina warns Jughead that something strange is going on in the Fae Folk community. Meanwhile, over at Hodge Manor, the party to end all Halloween parties is happening. How did Veronica convince her father, Hiram Lodge, to let a wild party go on in his home? Does Mother Striga have something to do with that? And why is Archie on the arms of magical bad girl, Amber Nightstone?

THE LOWDOWN: Over the last few years, Archie's marketing department has been sending me PDF copies of some of their titles for review. One of the most recent is the new one-shot comic book, Archie Halloween Spectacular (2024 edition).

This Halloween special includes three reprint stories featuring classic Archie Comics superheroes such as “The Web” and “The Crusaders.” The highlight, of course, is the new story, which is the middle part of the Mother Striga story arc. A lot happens in this story with writer Ian Flynn filling every panel with action and dialogue that informs the readers and moves the narrative forward. Flynn makes “Party Hardly's!” manic weirdness work.

As was the case with the Sabrina Annual Spectacular, the stars here are the art team of penciller Steven Butler, inker Lily Butler, and colorist Glenn Whitmore. They create a playfully macabre and pop Gothic sensibility that really sells this story's setting, plot, and characters. Whitmore's other-worldly, almost psychedelic colors are the perfect accompaniment to the Butlers' monster-mash aesthetic for this story. Also, Jack Morelli's lettering puts the finishing touch to this delightful tale. They make me wish that “Party Hardly!” was a longer story.

Dear readers, I will always recommend classic and classic-style Archie Comics stories. So, of course, I think you should read this.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will definitely want to get a copy of Archie Halloween Spectacular.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

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Wednesday, October 30, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: ARCHIE: The Decision #1

ARCHIE: THE DECISION, NO. 1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Tom King

PENCILS: Dan Parent

INKS: Bob Smith

COLORS: Rosario “Tito” Peña

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Stephen Byrne

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2024); on sale in comic book shops August 28, 2024

Rating: All-Ages

“Everyone Flips Out!”

For decades, Archie's affections have been split between two girls: nice girl, Betty Cooper, who debuted with Archie in Pep Comics #22, and spoiled rich girl, Veronica Lodge, who first appeared in Pep Comics #26 (cover dated: April 1942). Now, in a new comic book, Archie finally chooses between the two. It all happens in Archie: The Decision, No. 1. The story is written by Tom King; drawn by Dan Parent (pencils) and Bob Smith (inks); colored by Rosario “Tito” Peña; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

As Archie: The Decision, No. 1 (“Everyone Flips Out!”) opens with the declaration, “I, Archie Andrews, am finally going to decide between Betty and Veronica!!” How is Archie going to make this momentous decision? He's going to flip a coin, but when the coin flip goes awry, Archie and best pal, Jughead, go on a mad chase.

And what of Betty and Veronica? Well, each has mixed feelings, but neither is going to give up the chance of finally being “the one.” Will Archie really be able to make “the Decision?” This issue also features appearances by classic Archie Comics characters, including Reggie, Moose, Dilton, Midge, Ethel, Nancy, Chuck, Mr. Weatherbee, Miss Grundy, Josie and the Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and “Hot Dog” the dog, to name a few.

THE LOWDOWN: For several years, Archie's marketing department has been sending me PDF copies of some of their titles for review. One of the most recent is Archie: The Decision, No. 1.

Apparently, acclaimed comic book writer, Tom King, is a big Archie Comics fan, so he proposed writing a kind of ultimate story about Archie finally choosing between Betty and Veronica. Archie Comics obviously jumped at the chance to have a big name like King's write a comic book for them.

The resulting book, Archie: The Decision, No. 1, is not on the level of other Tom King first issues, such as The Omega Men #1 (2015), The Sheriff of Babylon #1 (2016), and Mister Miracle #1 (2018), which were all published by DC Comics. King offers a thin plot and executes it into a 21-page chase story that is filled with cameo appearances by a host of Archie Comics characters. In fact, two of my childhood faves, Josie and the Pussycats and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, each get one page to themselves. But this special one-shot comic book isn't among Tom King's best work. It's his love letter to Archie Comics, seemingly mostly written to himself.

Even artist Dan Parent doesn't really offer a “Wow!” factor. If there is such a thing as a modern superstar Archie Comics artist, it's Parent. Archie: The Decision, No. 1 isn't his best work; it isn't even his best recent work. It's pleasingly pleasant, which is probably the best thing I can say about King's script. Colorist Rosario “Tito” Peña and letterer Jack Morelli do really good work.

So Archie: The Decision, No. 1 is a big deal in one way, and not so much in many other ways. Still, it is a classic-style Archie Comics title, so I'll take it rather than leave it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie: The Decision, No. 1.

[In a bonus feature, Tom King and Dan Parent pick their favorite Archie Comics stories.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Tuesday, May 28, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: CONAN THE BARBARIAN #2

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #2 (2023)

TITAN COMICS/Heroic Signatures

STORY: Jim Zub

ART: Roberto de la Torre

COLORS: Dean White

LETTERS: Richard Starkings of Comicraft

EDITOR: Matt Murray

COVER: Alan Quah

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Roberto de la Torre; Gerardo Zaffino; E.M. Gist, Dan Parent

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2023)

Suggested for mature readers

“Bound in Black Stone” Part II: “Homeland!”

Conan the Cimmerian was born in the pulp fiction of Robert E. Howard (REH), first appearing in the magazine, Weird Tales (1932). In 1970, Marvel Comics brought Conan to the world of comic books via the title, Conan the Barbarian. With only a few pauses, Conan comic books have been published for the better part of five decades.

Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures are the new producers of Conan comic books, and they start with a new Conan the Barbarian series. It is written by Jim Zub; drawn by Roberto de la Torre; colored by José Villarrubia; and lettered by Richard Starkings. The new series finds Conan returned to his homeland of Cimmeria just when it faces a terrible new threat.

As Conan the Barbarian #2 (“Homeland!”) opens, Conan and Brissa of the Pictish Gurian Tribe watch from the shadows as what is left of “Hauler's Roam,” an outpost in Northern Aquilonia, is destroyed by the “Army of the Lost.” Also known as the “Tribe of the Lost,” this band of undead Picts has unleashed other-worldly carnage … and Conan's homeland, Cimmeria, is next.

It may be too late to save Cimmeria, but Conan will try, and what he cannot save, he will brutally avenge. However, Conan and Brissa may not be prepared to face the true darkness behind the Army of the Lost when it finally begins to reveal itself.

THE LOWDOWN: Titan Comics has been providing me with PDF copies of their publications for review for several years now. Conan the Barbarian #2 is the latest.

Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures' revival of the Conan the Barbarian comic book series is definitely edgier than Marvel Comics' 2019 revival. I did not find the latter worth the cover price, although the stories were mildly amusing. On the other hand, Titan and Heroic's revival leaves me stunned. In Conan the Barbarian #2, writer Jim Zub has composed the best-written Conan comic book that I have read in probably a decade. This Conan has ripped my bodice in a way not done since Tim Truman, Tómas Giorello, José Villarrubia, and Richard Starkings were putting it down hard on their comic book adaptation of Robert E. Howard's sole Conan novel, Hour of the Dragon, a decade ago.

Zub's script reads like a Conan novel, full of intimate details and pulpy, two-fisted action-adventure. Boots are knocked, and heads are lopped off; still, the story has depth beyond the obvious thrills.

The art and storytelling by artist Roberto de la Torre brings Zub's script to comic book life with fire and black magic. De la Torre's art here resembles of mix of the late John Buscema's Conan the Barbarian comic books and the late Joe Kubert's Tor comics. At this rate, de la Torre will soon be in the pantheon of great Conan comic book artists and storytellers right next to Buscema, Barry Windsor-Smith, and Tómas Giorello, to name a few. With the lovely colors of Dean White and the hoary lettering of Richard Starkings, this new Conan is visually and graphically savage.

I like Conan enough to have watched three Conan films: Conan the Barbarian (1982), Conan the Destroyer (1984), and Conan the Barbarian (2011), many times. So I won't lose interest in this new Conan the Barbarian comic book, and I will keep singing its praises.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Conan comic books will want to try Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures' Conan the Barbarian.

[This comic book includes the essay, “Robert E. Howard and His Ages Undreamed Of,” by Jeffrey Shanks.]

A+

10 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://titan-comics.com/

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Thursday, April 18, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: WORLD OF ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #136

WORLD OF ARCHIE (JUMBO COMICS) DOUBLE DIGEST #136

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ian Flynn; Daniel Kibblesmith; with Mike Pellowski; Bill Golliher; Frank Doyle; and various

PENCILS: Holly G!; Steven Butler; with Stan Goldberg; Bill Golliher; Dan DeCarlo, Jr.; and various

INKS: Jim Amash; Lily Butler; with Bob Smith; Rudy Lapick; James DeCarlo; and various

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; with Barry Grossman and various

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; with Bill Yoshida

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

192pp, Color, $9.99 U.S. (March 2024); on-sale January 10, 2024

Rating: All-Ages

“One Shot Worth a Million,” “The Perfect Specimen”

World of Archie (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest is part of “The Archie Digest Library” series. Debuting in late 2010, World of Archie Double Digest is a mini-trade paperback-like series that features stories reprinted from across the publishing history of Archie Comics. Sometimes, however, these digests offer original stories.

World of Archie (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #132 reintroduces three characters from the “Golden Age” of Archie Comics (when it was known as M.L.J. Magazines, Inc.). These characters return in two new stories.

The first new story is “One Shot Worth a Million.” It is written by Ian Flynn; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli. It introduces modern versions of two characters.

The first is “Fran Frazer,” who first appeared in MLJ'S Top Notch Comics #9 (cover dated: October 1940). She was one of those female “roving-reporters” characters, and she roamed the world as a photo journalist. She had a miniature camera, which she disguised as various fashion accessories, and Fran used it to collect evidence against the wicked and the corrupt. Fran was usually accompanied by the second reintroduced character, Hal Davis. The modernized Fran Frazer is a freelance photographer and journalist for “Strife Media.” The modernized Hal Davis is her romantic rival and is also now an African-American character.

Fran Frazer in “One Shot Worth a Million”:

Why is Archie Andrews skulking around the docks in the dead of night? Veronica Lodge wants to know. Well, Archie is assisting freelance photographer and journalist, Fran Frazer, in her investigation of criminal syndicate activity at the docks. And it involves Lodge Industry, which Veronica's father, Hiram Lodge, owns.

By the way, why is Veronica skulking around the docks? Well, she is assisting Hal Davis, Fran's (romantic) rival. Can Archie and Veronica stop bickering in time to help Fran and Hal unmask corruption at the docks?

The second new story is “The Perfect Specimen.” It is written by Daniel Kibblesmith; drawn by Steven Butler (pencils) and Lily Butler (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

The story reintroduces “Young Dr. Masters,” a physician who engages in dangerous adventures and misadventures to help patients. The character had his own comic book, The Adventures of Young Dr. Masters, which ran for two issues (cover dated: August and November 1964). The series was apparently an adaptation of the 1962 novel, Young Doctor Masters (Belmont Books), written by Frank Haskell. That Frank Haskell is not to be confused with Frank A. Haskell (1828-1864), the author and Union Army officer who served during the American Civil War. The modernized Dr. Masters is a television doctor and author.

Young Dr. Masters in “The Perfect Specimen”:

During his television show, Dr. Masters announces that he is about to embark on a six-city book tour for his upcoming book, “The Perfect Specimen! Health, Beauty, and You!” The tour will kick off in Riverdale, where Masters hopes to find the one “local teen” who “truly embodies the spirit of health and beauty.” That person would be the “perfect specimen” to appear on the book cover and to accompany Dr. Masters on his book tour.

Betty and Veronica each believes that she is the “perfect specimen.” Thus, begins their latest battle of the beauties, but can these two friends and rivals survive a health and beauty war of attrition?

THE LOWDOWN: For many years now, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review. World of Archie (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #132 is the latest.

“One Shot Worth a Million” and the “The Perfect Specimen” exemplify how Archie Comics has perfected the six-page humor story over the last several years. Archie Comics has always been good at humor short stories and stand-alone tales, as they've been doing it for decades. However, these new, tight, six-page tales that pepper Archie digests and single-issue anniversary specials are concise in their delivery of a beginning, middle, and end with a substantial plot. But there is a problem...

Often, I come across six-page stories that would be better served by being at least twice their length. That is the case with both these stories, but especially with “One Shot Worth a Million.” Writer Ian Flynn mixes espionage, teen humor, and comic romance with flair in this story, a hybrid with potential that demands to expanded into a longer story. The art team of Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks) certainly have the storytelling chops to keep the humor and comic action humming along for longer than six pages. Alas, it was not to be.

The rest of World of Archie Double Digest #132 is a mixture of winter-themed tales and high school hijinks, which Archie fans will always welcome. I should warn you, dear readers. I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want World of Archie Double Digest.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

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Thursday, February 1, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: ARCHIE Valentine's Spectacular #1 2023

ARCHIE VALENTINE'S SPECTACULAR #1 (In-stories and on digital Wed., Feb. 1st)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Jamie Lee Rotante; Greg Crosby; Craig Boldman; Dan Parent

PENCILS: Holly G!; Pat Kennedy; Rex Lindsey; Dan Parent

INKS: Jim Amash; Jon D'Agostino; Rich Koslowski; Rudy Lapick

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Barry Grossman

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (March 2023)

Rating: All-Ages

“More Than Meets the Eye: Rise of the Sports King!”

Archie Comics frequently publishes themed one-shot comic books featuring Archie's characters (sometimes referred to as “the Archie Gang”). One of them is the Archie Valentine's Spectacular No.1. It features one new story and four reprint stories. Entitled “More Than Meets the Eye: Rise of the Sports King!,” the new story stars Archie Comics' newest character, “Cassie Cloud.” The story is written by Jamie Lee Rotante; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Introducing Cassie Cloud in “More Than Meets the Eye: Rise of the Sports King!”:

The story opens at the "Valentine's Spectacular Dance." The newest student at Riverdale High is Cassie Cloud, who recently transferred from Centerville. Cassie is tall, confident, funny, and catching all the guys’ attention – much to the chagrin of the girls. Betty and Veronica notice, however, that Cassie doesn't seem interested in the attention of the most popular boys in school, including Archie and Reggie. So Ethel and Midge join them for some research into Cassie.

Why is the hot new girl hanging out with the likes of Dilton, Toño, Raj, Randolph, and even Simon a.k.a. “Prankenstein” – all known as nerds? And do the girls have something to learn from her about learning to love the “short kings?”

THE LOWDOWN: I have been reading comic books, on and off, for the better part of five decades. I have sporadically read Archie Comics titles over that time, so I usually miss the publisher's introduction of new characters. Thus, Cassie Cloud isn't the only character that is new to me in Archie Valentine's Spectacular No. 1.

I think she has a lot of potential, as set up in this nice five-page story that is “More Than Meets the Eye: Rise of the Sports King!” Cassie is similar to classic Archie female characters like Betty and Veronica, but she is different enough, especially in terms of her interests, to create hopefully exciting new story scenarios across all Archie titles. Writer Jamie Lee Rotante and artist Holly G! have created a winning story for this character, and hopefully, they will do more.

The rest of Archie Valentine's Spectacular No. 1 is comprised of reprints: three “Veronica” solo stories and one “Jughead” solo. One Veronica story, “Valentine's Day Dilemma,” finds Archie struggling to figure out what kind of Valentine's Day gift he could give to the rich girl (Veronica) who already has had a better version of anything he can afford. In “Sweets to the Sweet,” Jughead is sure that he has the perfect way to scam the girls of Riverdale out of their Valentine's candy.

If you are like me and love classic-style Archie Comics, you will love these stories. And Archie Valentine's Spectacular is for you.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie Valentine's Spectacular No. 1.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

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Tuesday, January 23, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: JOSIE ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR #1

JOSIE ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR #1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Holly G!; Frank Doyle; Tom DeFalco

PENCILS: Holly G!: Dan DeCarlo; Kennedy Bros.

INKS: Jim Amash; Rudy Lapick

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Vincent DeCarlo; Bill Yoshida

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2024); on-sale November 8, 2023

Rating: All-Ages

Josie and the Pussycats in “Rock Cats”

In December 1962, Archie Comics published a comic book entitled She's Josie. She's Josie #1 (cover date: February 1963) gave a starring role to a level-headed redhead named “Josie Jones” and focused on her fanciful life and times as a teenager. Created by Dan DeCarlo, Josie first appeared in Archie's Pals 'n' Gals #23 (cover dated: Winter 1962-1963).

Josie Jones would become "Josie James," and later, she would take the name by which most readers and fans know her, “Josie McCoy.” She's Josie was renamed Josie with issue #17 (cover dated: December 1965). The series became Josie and the Pussycats with issue #45 (cover date: December 1969), in which Josie and her friend, Melody, formed a band called the Pussycats. The two friends added bassist, Valerie Smith, the new girl in school and one of the first major African-American comic book characters. The trio donned leopard print band uniforms that came with long tails and cat-ear headbands. Hanna-Barbera adapted this new-look Josie into the Saturday morning animated television series, “Josie and the Pussy Cats” (1970-71), and the follow-up, “Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space” (1972-73).

2023 is the year Archie Comics is celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of Josie's debut. Archie has just published the one-shot comic book, Josie Anniversary Spectacular, No. 1. The comic book features one new story, “Rock Cats.” It is written by Holly G!; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Josie and the Pussycats in “Rock Cats”:

The story opens with Josie and the Pussycats: Josie McCoy, Valerie Brown, and Melody Valentine being launched into space aboard the first Lodge/Cabot rocket for an extraordinary concert event. It's a first – Pussycats in orbit! There is trouble in space, however, and soon the girls have lost contact with their fans back on Earth. Can a passing space fan save the day and the concert?

The story features a host of characters from the world of Archie Comics. From Josie and the Pussycats, there is Alan M. Mayberry, Alexander Cabot III, Alexandra Cabot, and Pepper Smith. The “Archie Gang” includes, Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, and Veronica Lodge, to name a few. Plus, there is a special appearance by Cosmo the Merry Martian.

THE LOWDOWN: I have been a fan of the Josie and the Pussycats franchise since I was a small child. I am crazy about classic Josie comic books from the 1960s to the early 1980s and of the 1970s animated series.

Josie Anniversary Spectacular No. 1 offers a new story in “Rock Cats” that manages to hit upon a number of familiar Josie elements, although it is only five pages long. I must admit that I like writer-artist Holly G!'s visual nod to the rocket ship that the legendary comic book artist and illustrator, Alex Toth, designed for the “Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space” animated series.

Josie Anniversary Spectacular, No. 1 also reprints two vintage Josie stories drawn by Dan DeCarlo, Josie's creator. They are “A Gym Dandy” from She's Josie #1, and “The Ghostly Guardian” from Josie and the Pussycats #61 (cover dated: April 1972). This comic book also includes a story starring one of the original She's Josie's supporting characters, Pepper Smith, who has made something of a comeback. It is a modern story entitled “Only the Strong Survive” from World of Betty and Veronica Jumbo Comics Digest #18 (cover dated: August 2022).

I must warn you, dear readers. I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles. Thus, I am happy to recommend Josie Anniversary Spectacular, No. 1, and I am pleased that Archie Comics has published it. Here's to a brighter future for Josie and the Pussycats.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics and of Josie and the Pussycats will definitely want to get a copy of Josie Anniversary Spectacular No. 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

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Thursday, November 9, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: BETTY & VERONICA FRIENDS FOREVER: Beach Party #1

BETTY & VERONICA FRIENDS FOREVER: BEACH PARTY #1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Jamie L. Rotante; Dan Parent; Francis Bonnet; Craig Boldman; Tania Del Rio; George Gladir

PENCILS: Holly G!; Dan Parent; Jeff Shultz; Rex Lindsey; Bill Gollhier; Dan DeCarlo

INKS: Jim Amash; Bob Smith; Rex Lindsey; Rudy Lapick

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Rex Lindsey; Vincent DeCarlo

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante, Vincent Lavallo, and Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Holly G! with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2023)

Rating: All-Ages

Betty and Veronica in “Babbi's Riverdale Beach Party”

Eternal high school student and teenage boy, Archie Andrews, and his friends made their debut in M.L.J. Magazines' Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941), and before long, Archie was the publisher's headliner character. In 1946, the company changed its named to Archie Comic Publications, also known as “Archie Comics.” Two of Archie Comics' main characters are Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge, best friends and also rivals in their love for Archie.

Archie Comics frequently publishes themed one-shot comic books featuring Betty and Veronica. The latest, apparently the twenty-first in this series, is Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Beach Party #1 (#21). It features one new story and five reprint stories. Entitled “Babbi's Riverdale Beach Party,” the new story is written by Jamie L. Rotante; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Betty and Veronica in “Babbi's Riverdale Beach Party”:

The story opens at Veronica's beach house, which she has decorated so that it looks like Babbi's beach house. Who is “Babbi?” She is this story's stand-in for the beloved fashion doll, “Barbie.” Many of the young women at the party are hugely influenced by Babbi, but not everyone attending is crazy about the iconic Babbi. That includes Cassie Cloud, so when her brother, Casey Cloud, gets caught up in Babbi fever, she has something to say.

Archie, Reggie, Jughead, Trevor, Kevin, and Eliza are among the Archie gang appearing in this story. Plus, a special guest star is just around the corner.

THE LOWDOWN: Archie Comics often sends me PDF copies of their titles for review. While I don't get to review all of them, I enjoy these single issue titles like Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Beach Party #1.

First, I enjoyed “Babbi's Riverdale Beach Party” because Holly G!'s art is so pretty. Next, there is a delightful scene of Kevin Keller openly lusting after new character Casey Cloud. Third, the whole Barbie/Babbi angle is quite nice, and in the end, the story left me wanting more. Because of the appearance of a special guest, the story ends in the middle of Veronica's “Babbi” party, so, at least to me, it feels like we missed out on potentially the best parts of the story.

As usual, I must warn you, dear readers. I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles. Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Beach Party #1 offers a new character, but the story feels old school and classically fun.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Beach Party #1.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Tuesday, August 1, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: BETTY & VERONICA FRIENDS FOREVER: Game On #1

BETTY & VERONICA FRIENDS FOREVER: GAME ON #1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ron Robbins; Bob Bolling; Rex Lindsey; George Gladir

PENCILS: Dan Parent; Howard Bender; Bob Bolling; Rex Lindsey; Pat Kennedy

INKS: Bob Smith; Henry Scarpelli; Bob Bolling; Ken Selig

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Digikore Studios

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante, Vincent Lavallo, and Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (June 2023)

Rating: All-Ages

Betty and Veronica in “Sabrina is Be Glitched”

Archie Comics frequently publishes themed one-shot comic books featuring Betty and Veronica. The latest, apparently the twentieth in the series, is Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Game On #1 (#20). It features one new story and three reprint stories. Entitled “Sabrina is Be Glitched,” the new story is written by Ron Robbins; drawn by Dan Parent (pencils) and Bob Smith (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Betty and Veronica in “Sabrina is Be Glitched”:

The story features appearances by Sabrina the Teenage Witch and by new Archie Comics characters, Amber Nightstone and Trick & Treat. “Sabrina is Be Glitched” opens at “Riverdale Arcade.” Inside, Archie is impressing his pals, Trevor and Sabrina, with his arcade game skills.

Using Trick & Treat and her own magic, Amber transports Archie and friends into a magical MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game). Now, Betty and Sabrina must launch a bid to save Archie from Amber's tricks. Veronica, Cassie, Jughead, and Kevin join the virtual reality mayhem. But is the solution to this trap really about who trusts whom?

THE LOWDOWN: Archie Comics often sends me PDF copies of their titles for review. I received Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Game On #1 about two weeks ago. [This review has been delayed because thieves have stolen my car and have ransacked my home for my comic book and periodicals collection.]

“Sabrina is Be Glitched” is the brand new story that kicks off Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Game On #1, which is a collection of tales of video games, digital drama, and virtual reality madness. “Sabrina is Be Glitched” is not a great story, but it is entertaining. The story shows that Amber Nightstone can become quite a foil for the Archie Gang. Also, even this story reveals her potential as a star. We'll see.

As usual, I must warn you, dear readers. I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles. Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Game On #1 is important because it features another early appearance of characters that can play a big role in the world of Riverdale.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Game On #1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Tuesday, November 22, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: "ARCHIE HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR" 2022

ARCHIE HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR (2022)
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ian Flynn; Francis Bonnet; Bill Golliher; Dan Parent; Rich Margopoulos
PENCILS: Ryan Jampole; Pat & Tim Kennedy; Bill Golliher; Dan Parent; Gene Colon
INKS: Ryan Jampole; Jim Amash; Bob Smith; Rudy Lapick
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore
LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida
EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald
EiC: Mike Pellerito
COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (November 2022)

Rating: All-Ages

Eternal high school student and teenage boy, Archie Andrews, and his friends made their debut in M.L.J. Magazines' Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941), and before long, Archie was the publisher's headliner character. In 1946, the company changed its named to Archie Comic Publications, also known as “Archie Comics.”

Archie Comics frequently publishes themed one-shot comic books featuring Archie's characters (sometimes referred to as “the Archie Gang”). One of them is the Archie Halloween Spectacular, which Archie has been publishing since 2017. This year's edition features four Halloween-themed reprint stories and one brand new story. Entitled “Spirits of Halloween,” the new story stars Archie Comics' newest character duo, “Trick & Treat.” The story is written by Ian Flynn; drawn by Ryan Jampole; colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Archie Halloween Spectacular opens with Trick & Treat in “Spirits of Halloween.” Meet Trick & Treat, a pair of impish magical creatures that come around every Halloween and eventually cause chaos. Trick, a pumpkin-headed fellow who also sports bat wings, loves the three “S's” of Halloween: suspense, screams, and scares. Treat, a Caspar-like ghost, loves the three “C's”: costumes, creativity, and candy.

This year, the duo arrives in Riverdale for some Halloween fun and then, fall into disagreement. Which imp's view of Halloween is the better? They decide to make a wager of it, one that involves Archie and his rival, Reggie. How much mischief will Trick & Treat cause Riverdale and Archie while everyone is out trick-or-treating?

THE LOWDOWN: Trick & Treat are impish characters like “The Great Gazoo” from the animated television series, “The Flintstones” or “Jiminy Cricket” of Walt Disney's Pinocchio. Although introduced as Halloween characters, I think Trick & Treat can cause trouble anywhere and anytime in the universe of the Archie gang.

The reprinted stories are comprised of two “Betty and Veronica” stories, and one of those guest-stars Sabrina the Teenage Witch. There are also two “Archie” stories, including “The Secret Project,” a fun story featuring Archie and his pal, Jughead Jones.

Dear readers, I always have to be honest. I have enjoyed what little of the modern Archie Comics that I have read, but I grew up on classic-style Archie Comics. Thus, I will always recommend such Archie titles, so I am giving Archie Halloween Spectacular 2022 a hearty recommendation.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of the 2022 edition of Archie Halloween Spectacular.

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Tuesday, October 18, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: SABRINA ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR #1

SABRINA ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR #1
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Dan Parent; George Gladir; Dexter Taylor; Frank Doyle
PENCILS: Dan Parent; Bob Bolling; Dexter Taylor; Stan Goldberg
INKS: Bob Smith; Rudy Lapick; Jon D'Agostino
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Barry Grossman
LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida
EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald
EiC: Mike Pellerito
COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (October 2022)

Rating: All-Ages

Sabrina in “Celebration Vexation”

Sabrina the Teenage Witch is an Archie Comics character that was created by writer George Gladir and artist Dan DeCarlo. Sabrina Spellman first appeared in Archie's Madhouse #22 (cover-dated: October 1962). 2022 is the sixtieth anniversary of Sabrina's debut, and Archie Comics is honoring the character with the “60 Years of Magic” celebration.

The celebration includes a newly-released one-shot comic book entitled Sabrina Anniversary Spectacular #1. The comic book reprints four Sabrina stories. It also includes the new story “Celebration Vexation,” which introduces a brand new character, Amber Nightstone. The new tale is written by Dan Parent; drawn by Parent (pencils) and Bob Smith (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Sabrina Anniversary Spectacular #1 opens with “Celebration Vexation,” and it is Sabrina's 17th birthday. Aunt Zelda and Aunt Hilda and Cousin Ambrose are throwing a party for their birthday girl, and of course, her cat, Salem, is present. However, there is a party crasher, Amber Nightstone, who is also celebrating a seventeenth birthday.

Like Sabrina, Amber is also half-mortal and half-witch, and under the witch's “Code of Sorcery,” only one witch/mortal can achieve ultimate power. And Amber wants to be the teen witch who gets to live in the mortal world. So which of these female teen witches is going to have the best birthday?

THE LOWDOWN: Sabrina Anniversary Spectacular #1 is an absolutely wonderful anniversary comic book special. “Celebration Vexation” is one of writer-artist Dan Parent's best stories ever, and maybe he is the best modern Archie Comics storyteller. Amber Nightstone, in this first look, seems to be a keeper as a character in the world of Sabrina, and I'm sure she can raise quite a bit of heck and hell in other Archie titles.

The four reprint stories include a one-page comic (“Sun Fun”), which finds Sabrina engaging a genie for some help, with painful results. There is a “Little Sabrina” story (“Bats All, Folks”), which features Little Archie and Riverdale High regulars, Mr. Weatherbee and Miss Grundy. Because of the new story, new character debut, and the quality of the reprinted stories, I highly recommend Sabrina Anniversary Spectacular #1.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics and of Sabrina the Teenage Witch will definitely want to get a copy of Sabrina Anniversary Spectacular #1.

★★★★ out of 4 stars

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Thursday, September 15, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: ARCHIE & FRIENDS: Thrills and Chills #1

ARCHIE & FRIENDS: THRILLS & CHILLS #1
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: J. Torres; Tom DeFalco; Frank Doyle; Mike Pellowski
PENCILS: Rex Lindsey; Pat & Tim Kennedy; Dan DeCarlo
INKS: Rex Lindsey; Bob Smith; Rudy Lapick; Jon D'Agostino
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Digikore Studios; Barry Grossman
LETTERS: Rex Lindsey; Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida
EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald
EiC: Mike Pellerito
COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (October 2022)

Rating: All-Ages

Eternal high school student and teenage boy, Archie Andrews, and his friends made their debut in M.L.J. Magazines' Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941), and before long, Archie was the publisher's headliner character. In 1946, the company changed its named to Archie Comic Publications, also known as “Archie Comics.”

In 1992, Archie Comics began publishing the title Archie & Friends, and it would run for 159 issues, ceasing publication in 2012. Since 2019, Archie has published a number of single-issue Archie & Friends titles built around a theme, such as Archie & Friends: Beach Party, Archie & Friends: Fall Festival, and Archie & Friends: Superheroes.

Archie & Friends: Thrills & Chills #1 is the newest Archie & Friends themed release and is issue #14 in the series. Described by Archie Comics as a “collection of thrill rides, exciting adventures, and odd occurrences,” Thrills & Chills #1 contains four stories – one new story and three reprints.

“Return to Mirrordale” is the opening story. It is written by J. Torres; drawn and lettered by Rex Lindsey; colored by Glenn Whitmore. Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Reggie are visiting a local carnival when Archie starts acting strangely. It seems that he is very frightened of the “House of Mirrors,” but the others insist on going inside even if Archie won't. Soon, Betty, Veronica, and Reggie will discover the absolute weirdness of the mirrors inside.

THE LOWDOWN: The current Archie & Friends series presents art and stories in the classic Archie Comics style. Archie & Friends: Thrills & Chills #1 even includes a “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” story (“Carnival Capers”) that is drawn by the progenitor of the classic Archie Comics house style, the late Dan DeCarlo (1919-2001).

In fact, the theme of the four stories in Archie & Friends: Thrills & Chills #1 is wacky fun at the carnival. The lead and new story for this issue, “Return to Mirrordale” is a delight and could have been longer than its five pages in length, which does leave it with untapped potential. This story is also a sequel of sorts to “Welcome to Mirrordale,” a story about an alternate dimension that appeared in Archie #647. I hope that the creative team of Return to Mirrordale,” J. Torres and Rex Lindsey (or another team), return to “Mirrordale” at some point in the future.

Dear readers, I have to be honest. I have enjoyed what little of the modern Archie Comics that I have read, but I grew up on classic-style Archie Comics. Thus, I will always recommend such Archie titles, so I am giving Archie & Friends: Thrills & Chills #1 a hearty recommendation.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie & Friends: Thrills & Chills #1 and copies of other Archie & Friends comic books.

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

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Wednesday, August 31, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: ARCHIE MILESTONES DIGEST #16

ARCHIE MILESTONES (JUMBO COMICS) DIGEST #16
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Dan Parent; Angelo DeCesare; Kathleen Webb; Craig Boldman; Greg Cosby; Mike Pellowski; and others
PENCILS: Dan Parent; Dan DeCarlo, Stan Goldberg; Rex Lindsey; and others
INKS: Bob Smith; Henry Scarpelli; Rudy Lapick; Rich Koslowski; Jeff Shultz; Al Milgrom; and others
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Barry Grossman
LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida; and others
COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña
EIC: Mike Pellerito
ISSN: 2641-5402; (October 2022)
192pp, Color, $8.99 U.S. (August 24, 2022 – direct market)

Rating: All-Ages

New story: “Movie Melée!”

Archie Milestones (Jumbo Comics) Digest is part of “The Archie Digest Library” series. Archie Milestones Digest celebrates over 80 years of Archie Comics' history, one decade at a time. Each issue of Archie Milestones Digest features Archie Comics stories published in a particular decade and also features a brand new “throwback story” written, drawn, and set in the featured decade.

Archie Milestones (Jumbo Comics) Digest #16, the latest edition, focuses on the 2000s. This issue's new throwback story is “Movie Melée!” It is written by Dan Parent; drawn by Parent (pencils) and Bob Smith (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Archie in “Movie Melée!”:
Archie Andrews is sharing his uncle's cabin in the woods with old pals Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, and Jughead Jones and with newer pals, Chuck Clayton and Nancy Woods (two African-American characters). After some hiking, the friends decide to relax in the cabin and watch movies. Luckily, Archie gets DVDs in the mail via “Netfilms” (obviously a stand-in for “Netflix”), and Archie picks are the first seven installments of the “Blood Camp” horror film series. But as Archie is want to do, he doesn't pay attention to the details, and soon, he is being haunted by DVDs.

THE LOWDOWN: Archie Milestones Digest is not only an Archie Andrews title. It is also an Archie Comics title, so this edition includes stories focusing on Betty and Veronica (as a pair and as solo acts), Jughead, Dilton Doiley, and the pop group, The Archies. There is a story from the Archie & Friends comic book series and also some decades-old stories, including one, “The Case in Brief,” drawn by the co-creator and designer of many Archie Comics characters, Bob Montana (1920-75)

“Movie Melée!” is funny, and writer-artist Dan Parent offers a snarky tale of something the 2000s did bring about – the beginning of the rapid demise of the bricks-and-mortar video rental stores. The story manages to encapsulate the way things were early in the 2000s and what was coming late in the 2000s. “Movie Melée!” is a clever bit of fun and is what I would expect from one of the best modern Archie Comics creatives.

Aside from the fun of the throwback story, Archie Milestones Digest #16 offers a reprint of a milestone Archie Comics publication from the 2000s, the 500th issue of Archie. This digest reprints the main stories from Archie #500 (October 2000), “The Big Five-Oh-Oh!” and the three-part “Happy Anni-Worse-ary.”

As usual, I must warn you, dear readers. I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles. And Archie Milestones Digest looks like the kind of digest series that I can't help but recommend.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want Archie Milestones (Jumbo Comics) Digest #16.

A-

★★★½ out of 4 stars

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Wednesday, August 17, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: BETTY & VERONICA Double Digest #306

BETTY & VERONICA (JUMBO COMICS) DOUBLE DIGEST #306
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Tania Del Rio; Tom DeFalco; Frank Doyle; Angelo DeCesare; George Gladir and others
PENCILS: Jeff Shultz; Bill Galvan; Dan Parent; Dan DeCarlo and others
INKS: Jim Amash; Bob Smith; Rudy Lapick; Rich Koslowski and others
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore
LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Vince DeCarlo; Bill Yoshida and others
COVER: Bill Golliher with Rosario “Tito” Peña
EIC: Mike Pellerito
ISSN: 10440321; (October 2022)
192pp, Color, $8.99 U.S. (August 10, 2022 – direct market)

Rating: All-Ages

New stories: “Sunny with a Chance of Rescue!;” “Mall Madness!”

Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest is part of “The Archie Digest Library” series. Debuting in the spring of 1987, Betty & Veronica Double Digest is a mini-trade paperback-like series that features stories reprinted from across the publishing history of Archie Comics. The stories focus on two of Archie Comics' main characters, Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge, best friends and also rivals in their love for Archie Andrews. Sometimes, however, these digests open with an original story.

Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #306, the latest edition, contains two brand new five -page stories. The first is a “Betty and Veronica” tale entitled “Sunny with a Chance of Rescue!” It is written by Tania Del Rio and is drawn by Jeff Shultz (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks). The second is a “Pepper Smith” story entitled, “Mall Madness!” It is written by Tom DeFalco and drawn by Bill Galvan (pencils) and Bob Smith (inks). Both stories are colored by Glenn Whitmore and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Betty and Veronica in “Sunny with a Chance of Rescue!”:

It's summer, and Betty and Veronica are racing to Riverdale Beach. It's time for their favorite summer activity – boy watching! The summer lifeguard trials provide the perfect opportunity for the duo to check out the cute guys training to be lifeguards for the season, and their friends, Toni and Shelia, are joining in on the fun. However, Betty and Veronica's decision to get up close and personal could lead to a need for rescuing.

Pepper Smith in “Mall Madness!”:

Pepper and Josie McCoy (of Josie and the Pussycats) are at the local mall shopping for bathing suits. However, when word gets out that Josie's band mate, Melody Valentine, is also shopping for a bathing suit, things get hectic. Now, Pepper and Josie have to escape … the mall madness!

THE LOWDOWN: Betty & Veronica Double Digest #306 is a Betty & Veronica title, of course. Thus, most of the stories feature Betty and Veronica as a duo or stories that focus on either Betty or Veronica. This title also offers stories featuring other characters, as is the case in one of the two new stories included in this edition.

“Sunny with a Chance of Rescue!” is a Betty and Veronica story that offers the girls equal space as writer Tania Del Rio has them in a perfect partnership. The story only works with them playing off each other's similarities. It is one of the best new Archie Comics stories of the year, with artist Jeff Shultz perfectly capturing the classic Archie Comics vibe.

The second new story focuses on “other characters,” specifically Pepper Smith, a character from She's Josie, the precursor title to Josie and the Pussycats. Tom DeFalco pens a surprisingly spry tale that plays of the offbeat luck of Pussycat, Melody, while using Pepper and Josie to drive the action. Artist Bob Galvan expertly recalls the graphical style of Josie's creator, Dan DeCarlo, in this winning story.

The rest of this comic book offers one tale of Betty and/or Veronica after another, for your enjoyment. As a Josie fan, however, I must inform you that there are three other Josie stories in Betty & Veronica Double Digest #306. There is the two-part, “Lend Lease Part I & II,” and “Home is Where the Heart Is,” in addition to a reprint of some Josie pin-up art.

As usual, I must warn you, dear readers. I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles. However, this 306th edition of Betty & Veronica Double Digest is a standout simply because it offers two quality new stories, so I am recommending it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #306.

A-
★★★½ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Tuesday, June 21, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: BETTY & VERONICA Double Digest #304

BETTY & VERONICA (JUMBO COMICS) DOUBLE DIGEST #304
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Tania Del Rio; Angelo DeCesare; Frank Doyle; George Gladir; Dick Malmgren; Dan Parent; Mike Pellowski; Barbara Slate; Hal Smith; Dexter Taylor; Kathleen Webb
PENCILS: Bill Golliher; Dan DeCarlo; Gus Lemoine; Stan Goldberg; Tim Kennedy; Bill Kresse; Rudy Lapick; Dan Parent; Fernando Ruiz; Jeff Shultz; Chic Stone; Dexter Taylor; Bill Vigoda
INKS: Jim Amash; Jon D'Agostino; Jim DeCarlo; Vince DeCarlo; Mike Esposito; Bill Kresse; John Lowe; Al Milgrom; Henry Scarpelli; Chic Stone
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Barry Grossman
LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Vince DeCarlo; Bill Kresse; Dexter Taylor; Bill Yoshida
COVER: Dan Parent with Francis Bonnet
EIC: Mike Pellerito
ISSN: 10440321; (July 2022)
192pp, Color, $8.99 U.S. (June 1, 2022 – direct market)

Rating: All-Ages

New stories: “Smells Like Teen Spirits!”

Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest is part of “The Archie Digest Library” series. Debuting in the spring of 1987, Betty & Veronica Double Digest is a mini-trade paperback-like series that features stories reprinted from across the publishing history of Archie Comics. The stories focus on two of Archie Comics' main characters, Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge, best friends and also rivals in their love for Archie Andrews. Sometimes, however, these digests open with an original story.

Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #304, the latest edition, contains one brand new story, “Smells Like Teen Spirits!” It is written by Tania Del Rio; drawn by Bill Golliher (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by Jack Morelli. It stars Sabrina Spellman with Betty and Veronica. A teenage witch, Sabrina was created by writer George Gladir and artist Dan DeCarlo, and first appeared in Archie's Madhouse #22 (cover-dated: October 1962). 2022 is the sixtieth anniversary of the character, and Archie Comics is honoring the character with the “60 Years of Magic” celebration.

Sabrina in “Smells Like Teen Spirits!”:

The story opens at Riverdale Beach, and Sabrina is looking for a particular new pop-up shop among the beach's boardwalk shops. Sabina hopes the new shop, “Perfume Pop-Up,” also sells empty perfume bottles. She needs a thick new one to contain a troublesome potion she made that is about to break out of the flimsy old perfume bottle in which it is currently contained.

Unfortunately, all it takes is a moment for Betty and Veronica to expose themselves to the potion. Now, unfortunate and unexpected things are happening to them, and Sabrina has to fix this awful situation without Betty and Veronica noticing.

THE LOWDOWN: Although Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #304 is a Betty & Veronica title, it is also a celebration of Sabrina the Teenage Witch. In addition to the new story, “Smell Like Teen Spirits!,” which is the story that opens this issue, the next six stories feature Sabrina as the star or co-star.

The rest of the Sabrina stories include classic old-school Sabrina characters like her Aunt Hilda and Della, the Head Witch, with Archie and the gang joining the fun. Another delight, two of the stories are drawn by Sabrina's co-creator, the late Dan DeCarlo.

As usual, I must warn you, dear readers. I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles. And this 304th edition of Betty & Veronica Double Digest is doubly recommended because we get Betty & Veronica and the Archie Gang and Sabrina Spellman.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #304.

A-
★★★½ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/
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The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Wednesday, May 11, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: BETTY & VERONICA Double Digest #303

BETTY & VERONICA (JUMBO COMICS) DOUBLE DIGEST #303
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Dan Parent; Francis Bonnet with Bob Bolling; Frank Doyle; George Gladir; Bill Golliher; Mike Pellowski; Hal Smith; Dexter Taylor; Kathleen Webb
PENCILS: Dan Parent; Rex Lindsey with Bob Bolling; Doug Crane; Jon D'Agostino; Dan DeCarlo; Stan Goldberg; Tim Kennedy; Rudy Lapick; Jeff Shultz
INKS: Bob Smith; Rex Lindsey with Jim Amash; Jim DeCarlo; Vince DeCarlo; Mike Esposito; Rich Koslowski; Rudy Lapick; John Lowe; Al Milgrom; Henry Scarpelli; Ken Selig
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore with Barry Grossman
LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Rex Lindsey with Jon D'Agostino; Teresa Davidson; Vince DeCarlo; Phil Felix; Rod Ollerenshaw; Vickie Williams; Bill Yoshida
COVER: Bill Galvan and Ben Galvan with Rosario “Tito” Peña
EIC: Mike Pellerito
ISSN: 10440321; (June 2022)
192pp, Color, $8.99 U.S. (April 27, 2022 – direct market)

Rating: All-Ages

New stories: “New Trails, Trials, and Tribulations!” and “A Million Dollars Short”

Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest is part of “The Archie Digest Library” series. Debuting in the spring of 1987, Betty & Veronica Double Digest is a mini-trade paperback-like series that features stories reprinted from across the publishing history of Archie Comics. The stories focus on two of Archie Comics' main characters, Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge, best friends and also rivals in their love for Archie Andrews. Sometimes, however, these digests open with an original story.

Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #303, the latest edition, contains two brand new stories. The first is a “Betty & Veronica” story entitled “New Trails, Trials and Tribulations!” It is written by Dan Parent; drawn by Parent (pencils) and Bob Smith (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the Great Jack Morelli. The second original is a “Cricket O'Dell” story entitled “A Million Dollars Short!” It is written by Francis Bonnet; drawn and lettered by Rex Lindsey; and colored by Glenn Whitmore.

“New Trails, Trials and Tribulations!”

Betty, Veronica, Archie, and Jughead are ready to do some hiking. Then, the gang discovers that their favorite hiking trail, Pike Trail, has been washed out by a flood. They need to find a new one, but every other trail is riddled with problems. Will Betty and Veronica and friends be able to find the perfect trail and enjoy the great outdoors?

“A Million Dollars Short!”

Betty and Veronica are having lunch when Veronica realizes that she has misplaced her purse … which has a million-dollar gold coin in it! Luckily, Cricket O’Dell is also having lunch and she offers to use her sense of smell for money to track down the missing purse. With Veronica at the wheel of her car, and Betty in the backseat, Cricket shouts out directions, sending them tearing through Riverdale as Cricket follows her nose towards the scent of the missing money. Will they be able to track down the missing coin?

THE LOWDOWN: “New Trails, Trials and Tribulations!” and “A Million Dollars Short!” are both only five pages long, and the latter is really a “Betty & Veronica” story guest-starring Cricket O'Dell (a recurring character who is a friend of Betty and Veronica). Still, this is a welcomed ten new pages of classic-style Archie Comics, and I had a blast reading them.

There are also two stories featuring Josie McCoy (of Josie and the Pussycats), and both are drawn by the ultimate “Josie” comic book artist and her creator, Dan DeCarlo. The easiest way to make me like any Archie “Jumbo Comics” digest is to include Josie, and the ten-page “The Photographers” and the six-page “Forget It” make me “over the moon” about Betty & Veronica Double Digest #303.

This edition of the digest also contains multiple pin-up illustrations featuring Betty or Veronica or both of the girls. There are also several stories that seem to predate the “Silver Age” of comic books. So I heartily recommend this 303rd edition of this digest, but I must warn you, dear readers. I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want Betty & Veronica (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #303.

A-
★★★½ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/
https://twitter.com/archiecomics
https://www.instagram.com/archiecomics/
https://www.facebook.com/ArchieComicsOfficial?ref=tn_tnmn
https://www.youtube.com/user/ArchieComicsOfficial
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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I Reads You

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Tuesday, June 21, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: BETTY & VERONICA Double Digest #304

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: BETTY & VERONICA Double Digest #303

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